Township Council - Regular Meeting

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Tuck tuck tick. Go ahead, mayor.

Good evening, everyone. Good evening, Madam Cler. Can we have a roll call, please? Councilwoman Peterson, here. Councilwoman Scabage here. Councilman Zali here. Deputy Mayor Missi is absent. Mayor Miga here. We all rise for the flag, please.

I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Adequate notice of this meeting was duly provided to the Verona Cedar Grove Times in the Star Ledger by email and published in the annual schedule of meetings on December 12th, 2024, filed with the township clerk and posted on the public bulletin board in the municipal lobby in accordance with the open public meetings act. Joe.

Yeah. Yeah, you can start with 2 A. Okay. Um, for under extraordinary business, we have item 2A, which is present presentation to Franchesco Frank D. Robertis on his retirement. Mr. Zelli, would you like to

Mayor, thank you. Uh, this is a really special occasion for us here as we celebrate one of Cedar Grove's hardest workers without question. uh someone who's served our town diligently and dedicated uh much of his career to bettering the residents and our township. Uh we've all had the pleasure of knowing Frank, whether it was from our swimming pool where he was our CPO for a number of years or at our recycling center where only up until a few months ago he was still working diligently. Um whether it was raining or snowing, hot or cold, Frank was there. He was a dedicated professional. It's someone that we should uh strive to be like and look up to. That his work ethic is second to none. And I think it's only appropriate that the council is recognizing him tonight. So, mayor, I know you have a proclamation if you'd like to read that and we take some pictures with uh Frank and his family.

Thank you, Mr. Frank. Come on down.

We have a beautiful proclamation for you. Thank you. You're an impressive gentleman. Thank you.

Whereas today, December 8th, 2025, the Township of Cedar Grove joins family, friends, and co-workers to congratulate and express its deepest gratitude for his exemplary service to Franchesco, am I saying this right? Frank D. Robert on the auspicious occasion of his retirement. And whereas Frank was born in oh Moffetta. Am I saying that right? Mafetta. Sorry, I'm not Italian. Italy. The oldest of four children born to Jeppi and Maria de Robertus. At an early age, Frank worked with his father as a shoemaker in Italy in Venezuela to hope to help support his family. And whereas Frank immigrated to the United States in pursuit of the American dream, that anyone in the United States can achieve success and a better life through hard work and determination. A dream that is rooted in the principles of equality, liberty, and pursuit of happiness as outlined in the Declaration of Independence. And whereas Frank began his career with the township of Cedar Grove as the pool manager for the Department of Recreation. Not long after, he began working as the recycling manager for the Department of Public Works, a position he held with distinction until his retirement October 2025. And whereas Frank is well known for his easygoing, friendly, and helpful demeanor, he embraces his chosen career with the compassion, energy, and humility that exemplifies a true professional. He has earned the respect and praise from his colleagues, residents, and the council. Whereas Frank and his beloved wife of 60 years. CONGRATULATIONS,

ANGELICA. You will enjoy his retirement by indulging in his favorite pastimes, traveling, staying physically active, and spending time with family. daughters Maria and Florence, grandchildren Michael, Francis, Julian, Adrien, and great-grandson William. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Mayor Michelle Miga, and the township of Cedar and the Township Council of Cedar Grove, do hereby congratulate Franchesco Dertus on his retirement and offer the best wishes for continued health and happiness. THANK YOU. TAKE PICTURES OF you coming up. Come on, family. Fantastic. Wait, stay here though. We want to get some pictures of you.

Come on. Pictures up in front and center. Right here with the council. Does he want to say a few words? Do you want to say a few words before we take your pictures? Uh, I'm glad that then this this thing it happened and uh I love everybody. I know. Let's take some pictures.

Yes. Thank you. countless. I can't see you. I'm very tall. You can't

congratulations. Thank you. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you. Congratulations. CONGRATULATIONS.

YES.

Thank you. You're welcome. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you everybody.

You're very welcome. Thank you. Enjoy retirement. There we go. Okay. Okay. Item 2B is the administration of oath of office to the newly hired officer, Michael Antonucci. Okay. Mayor, you want me to Yes, please. briefly. Uh,

yeah.

Uh, I'm pleased to introduce our chief Frank Pumprey who will provide brief uh remarks on the hiring of Michael Antonutio, Cedar Grove's newest police officer. Uh, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Antutoriio twice over the past 3 months and I'm glad that he has chosen the township of Cedar Grove to be the home that uh he wants for the rest of his career. I know that this will be a fruitful and benevolent career. Uh Mr. Antinutrio's hiring is the fourth hire the township has made in the past two months. This shows the continued support of this governing body and township council to m maintain adequate staffing levels of dedicated, professional, and caring officers who serve the residents of our great community each and every day. Uh, I want to personally congratulate Mr. Antonuccio and the rest of the Cedar Police Department. I know we'll continue to serve our residents well under Chief Humphrey's leadership. Chief, please take it away.

Thank you, Mr. Zelli. Uh, he said brief. I will try and keep it brief. It looks like we got a packed agenda again tonight. Uh, I'll start off by thanking uh, Mayor and Council uh, Mr. Kelly and Miss Ford who usually helps us put a lot of this together. Uh I can tell the Antonio family, uh Cedar Grove is a great place to work. Uh we will take good care of your son here. Uh you're entrusting him with us and we're going to entrust him with a lot of responsibility. Uh looking around the room, we have prior generations here. As you could see with the award that just was given out, uh also Chief Kennedy's here, Mr. Tucci, our former manager. It's a family working in Seedar Grove. I started here as a dispatcher and made it up to the chief of police. So, uh, the council has always supported us. Uh, they've always had our back, good and bad. Uh, which is a good thing for your son, uh, coming to us. And the reason I kind of start off that way is I'll give a sobering number here. Uh, Michael graduated high school in 2020. I'll let you do the math backwards. Uh I started in 2000, so that's usually a milestone in a law enforcement career. It means maybe uh you're towards the end of it at this point. Uh but we're excited to have him. Uh from college, uh high school, he graduated from Wayne Hills, went on to Rowan University, uh where he was working towards a degree. Uh he left to take a job as a dispatcher in ToAawa, and he's continuing his education through Thomas Edison trying to finish up his bachelor's degree, which we encourage him to do. uh while in Toawa just about two years there he took a job actually I'm sorry he got alternate route into p county police academy uh for those of you who aren't aware that's usually very hard to get into it is a very selective process uh with the way law enforcement has been lately it's probably the last hard process to get into this career uh it involves a lot of

interviews and physical fitness tests to get accepted into it they only take a few uh I'm a little partial of state county police academy since I went there. I think they have a much uh better program than the othermies in the state. Not only was he accepted into the program, he became a squad leader, which is an honor in the academy. Uh they entrusted him with that level of supervision at the academy level to lead his classmates. Uh graduating in April of 25, he's been in search of a home and luckily he found one with us. Uh I think we'll have a long fruitful career with Cedar Grove. We're excited to have them. uh have him. He's very moldable at this point and we will be molding him into this world way. Uh, with that, if Miss Ford wants to miss the oath, Michael, if you want to come up with your family,

who's holding the button? You want to hold the button? Okay, raise your right hand and repeat after me. How do you spellio? Okay. I I Michael Antonuccio Michael Antonuccio do sincerely profess and swear do sincerely profess and swear that I do that I do and will and will bear true faith and allegiance bear true faith and allegiance to the government established to the government established in this state in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people. I do solemnly swear

I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America of the United States of America and the Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the state of New Jersey and that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully and partially and partially and justly and justly perform all the duties of perform all the duties of police officer police officer of the Cedar Grove Police Department of the Cedar Grove Police support me according to the best of my abilities. According to the best of my abilities and understanding and understanding. So help me God. So help me God.

CONGRATULATIONS. YEAH. This one. Okay. I'd just like to take this opportunity thank the chief mayor and council for the opportunity. I look forward to working for the township of Cedar Grove and to abiding and serving the constituents of the jurisdiction. I just want to thank uh family for the support that they've shown me AND THANK YOU WHY DON'T YOU GET your account?

Where are we looking? Congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you. You want to get one? Yeah, Michael. On. We got one with the No, this is where this first.

Yes, you can.

I got extras. Not as many as you have, but Just so you know, we're going to put them Michael, I just want to say congratulations to you. Cedar Grove is a wonderful place to work. It's a wonderful place to live. I believe we have wonderful residents. I've lived here my whole life, so I'm kind of biased. Har Council Peterson's lived here whole life. Kind of biased. But we have a f mom and dad fantastic police department. your your son will be in very in very good hands.

Thank you. And and you do have the backing of the township council. So congratulations. Welcome to Cedar Grove, Chief Pumprey. Great guy. You got a great department. I I wish you all the best. And do me a favor. Stay safe. Okay. All right. CONGRATULATIONS. NOW, if nobody objects, if the council does not object, I would like to move item items 10 A and 11 A to 2C. No objection. Any objection? No objection. We'll do that in a moment.

That's if you don't object. Throwing Dale's throwing it off for Dale. Okay. They call me extraordinary. I'll keep the minister down. I'm extraordinary. That's a lot of people. You can bring your army with you. Got more people here than the whole police department.

Impressive. That was nice to Mr. Bartis. That was nice. Really, really great guy. Hard worker. Go ahead. I was just thinking you read the resol you read the title resolution.

Okay. So 2C is now to consider resolution concerning reappointment of Dale A. Ford, RMC, CMC, MMC to the position of municipal clerk and the establishment of tenure. Mr. Zakawi, do you have anything to report?

Of course, massive congratulations are in order for our council clerk Del Ford um who's set to be reappointed tonight as the municipal clerk. It's hard to believe how quickly this time has gone since you interviewed with the council three years ago. Um Dale's a constant positive force in the township. She works tirelessly on behalf of this governing body and our residents. She comes in early, she stays late. See her here on weekends. Um, from elections to voter engagement to Oprah to rental registrations, the list goes on and on. Uh, Dale continues to come to work with a mission. Her passion is obvious. And I want to say personally congratulations to you. Welld deserved and I look forward to many more years.

Thank you. Thank you. Okay, I have a motion. So move. Second. Uh, roll call, please. I'm sorry. Who second? I second. Thank you. Thank you very much. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Council, yes. Mayor Ma, yes. Thank you. I think I could read 11 minutes. And then I'll make some comments after. Thank you. I'd like the township manager to hold the Bible for me, please. Thank you. What an honor.

Thank you.

Wait, what am I doing? I'm like, don't tell us how to do this. You got to go. Just going to say swearing in the clerk is kind of a lot of pressure. Just gonna say, you know, please repeat after me. Yes, ma'am. I I Dale A. Ford Dale A. Ford do sincerely profess and swear do sincerely profess and swear that I do and will bear true faith and allegiance that I do and will bear true faith and allegiance to the government established in this state to the government established in this state under the authority of the people. under the authority of the people. I do solemnly swear I do solemnly swear

that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully impartially and partially and justly oh SORRY I'm trying to do just like you perform all the duties of the office perform all the duties of the office of township clerk of the township of Cedar Grove of township clerk of the township of Cedar Grove according to the best of my abilities and understanding. According to the best of my abilities and understanding. So help me God. So help me God. CONGRATULATIONS.

Um if you wouldn't mind signing this for our clip. Sure. Oh, sorry. I didn't sign. Was that supposed to? No. Yes.

Do you want to say a few words? Would you want to go back up there? If you don't, what would you like to sign? This is the copy. Want to sign? Yes, of course. I'll sign whatever you want. Thank you so much. You're welcome. And this is for you. And this is for you. And this is for Everything's for you. Everything is for me. Oh, wait. I need my Oh, no. I'm good. Okay.

Thank you. My remarks will be brief. Oh, cannot. Go ahead. Go. Your show, Dale. This is your show. We'll take pictures. Oh, yeah. Oh, okay. Yes, that's true.

Amy, can you take pictures? Look at that. On it. I didn't even know she We're gonna take some pictures. We get a little out of whack when it's the leader here is not leading us. Come on in. Come on, Dan. All right. Come on. Yeah. Everybody gang. Hello.

Please come in. Thank you. We got a real camera. Hang on. Oh my goodness. Got the real camera coming up. The cover is on. I'm getting nervous around.

Thank you. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. You have to hear what I have to say. Okay, I have to leave. Thank you guys.

This will be real quick. Mayor Mika, thank you so much for swearing me in. Joe, thank you for holding the Bible. I sincerely thank you all for sharing this moment with me. Receiving tenure is an incredible honor and I'm truly grateful and humbled for this milestone. It represent years of hard work, mentorship, collaboration, and support. First, I must thank Almighty God for the journey it took for me to get this point.

It is said not in your time, but in his time, and I thank him for the lessons and the blessings that he has given me throughout this chapter in my life and well into the next. I'd be remissed if I didn't give a special thank you to Chairman Leroy Jones, Assemblyman Baras, who unfortunately couldn't make it, former manager Thomas Tucci was here. Thank you so much. you know, it means the world to me that you're here. Um, and former mayor Peter Tanella, thank you for check who I thank them for checking in on me and offering words of encouragement and a joke every now and then whenever our paths cross. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the council and the administration. Thank you, Mayor Migga, not only for swearing me in the nice conversations that we have throughout the day while we're discussing work. Deputy Mayor Missi, who is in the air probably right now, who is here in spirit, Councilwoman Peterson, thank you for the lovely conversations we also have, as well as Councilwoman Scavage and Council Zali and managers Kelly for your continued confidence in my work and my contributions. I am committed to upholding the standards of excellence that this institution represents and your trust and support mean a great deal to me. I want to thank the residents, colleagues and my county, state and international associations and my dear friends who had to leave as well as my little sister here Britney for their encouragement and support. To my family here at home and in spirit, none of this would have been possible without their unwavering love, support, and understanding. You supported me through the long nights, the crazy deadlines, most of which I placed on myself, and weekends at work, not just because you love me, because I love what I do. And I share this milestone with you. And to God be the glory. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Of course. Congratulations. Now, I know it's going to seem crazy, but we have a few words. We have words. Would anyone do you want me to go first? Would you like to go first?

Dale, I just want to make a few remarks about what a wonderful township clerk you are. You are. Let me let me start off. You know, I always have a documentary. Okay. So, let me start off by saying the township and of course this council is very lucky to have you and we know it. We do. Not only are you very good at your job, but you are a very professional, kind, and caring person in your in your kind, caring way. You keep this council on task. You're a leader, Dale. You're a leader behind the scenes. For me personally, the guidance, the explanations, the exceptional work that you do, it hasn't gone unnoticed by anyone up here. Believe me, I know I ask a lot of questions. I ask a lot of guidance from Dale, everybody. What does Dale think? What does Dale think? It means the world to me personally, and you guide me what I believe in the right way. Most times I think I even follow what you say, right? That doesn't happen at home. That doesn't happen at home. So I am not afraid to ask Dale for her help. She gives the most down to earth responses down to the most minor detail. This council appreciates everything probably very much more than you will ever know and we are very lucky to have you and we look forward to working with you in the future. Congratulations and it was my honor to swear you went tonight and I made it through with this voice. CONGRATULATIONS.

Who would like to go? Melissa. Oh, sure. I'll go next. So,

Sure. You can call me Melissa. That's fine. Um, I know we have a a tendency to repeat ourselves here, so I'm going to try not to reiterate what, um, Mayor Migga so eloquently said, but um, Dale, you're a super mom on top of all of the amazing things that you do for us here at work. Um, you have a beautiful daughter who I've been fortunate enough to spend some time with in your presence. And I see how she looks at you and it's it's with nothing but admiration. And that's really special. And as much as we admire you professionally, Mercy is that times a million. And and she you're raising an incredible beautiful young woman and she is incredibly fortunate to have you as a mom. Um and uh just thank you. I I've said this before. Um, whenever you call and I see your number pop up on my caller ID, no matter how rotten my day is, I'm excited to talk to you because I always leave that call in a better mood than when it started, even if you deliver bad news. Um, but on top of all of the nicities, you are also a fierce defender of what you believe is right. And I've seen that and that's ignited a fire in me at times. Um, and it's it's really inspiring to witness. So, thank you for all you do for us and for being a fantastic role model to not just your daughter, but to young women everywhere.

Thank you so much.

Sure. Uh Dale, congratulations. Thank you. Thank you for everything that you do for for the council. Um I've I've said it before and I'll say it again and I'll keep saying it. Thank you. You take care of us. you you anticipate, you know, you're you're very good at your job. You're very confident. Um, and that's that's good. That's great. But you're also a very nice person. So, thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.

Keep going last. You just, you know, everybody has said it all, but but really, Dale, just, you know, to reiterate what everybody said, you I always say, you are a gift. You are a gift to this township. You're a gift to us, to all of the residents. you do you go above and beyond again and again and again and I just I've never seen someone so thorough and so task oriented and detail oriented and you just get everything done and you know you've been a huge huge help to me time and time and time again and um you show up at everything with you know enthusiasm and you just go above and beyond and it's really hard you know to find people like that these days so you are a gift and you are so special and thank you so much and congratulations. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you so much. You're very welcome. You deserve it all. Yeah, you do. Sorry, Dale, but now it's down to business. They go back to the menu roll. Get back to work. Dale likes it. It's okay. All right. So 3A is approval of uh to consider approval of minutes for the regular public meeting November 3rd, 2025. Oh, we're present. Okay. You need to ask. So I need a motion. I'm sorry. Can I have a motion? So moved. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Council Zali? Yes.

Mayor Mika? Yes. Okay, I'm confusing myself. Moving on to floor 4 aes mayor. If I can I've already uh spoken to these items at the previous council meeting. If there's any you want me to speak to again, I'm happy to do it. Uh but otherwise uh my summaries were provided at the last council meeting and on my uh my monthly memo. So we're talking about 4 A through F. A through F, correct, mayor? Because this is the second reading. Okay, I'm good. Is everybody good with that? Yeah, that's fine.

So, can I take these all at once or still? Good try. Good try. All right. to consider adoption of pending ordinance number 25-954, an ordinance amending chapter 72 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled Verona Cedar Grove Flood Control Advisory Board. I have a motion. Uh mayor, I move for the adoption of pending ordinance number 25-954 to be published in the Verona Cedar Grove Times as a past ordinance to take effect as prescribed by law. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Council Zali, yes. Mayor Migga,

yes. 4B, to consider adoption of pending ordinance 25-955. Mayor, mayor, before the roll call that open to public. If there's any member of the public who wishes to make any comments on 4 A, now would be the time. Seeing none. Seeing none, mayor. Thank you. No problem. So, now I can go to 4B. You may. Thank you to consider adoption of pending ordinance 25-955, an ordinance setting the 2026 maximum allowing allowable rent increase pursuant to chapter 208 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove. Madame clerk, do you have anything to report?

Um, no, mayors. Just uh I could just do a little reiteration of the last explanation. I'm sure some residents are probably um staring at the TV waiting to hear this. The maximum rental increase for 2026 is 3.6% and I'll be sending letters out to landlord sending letters out to landlords uh before the end of the year. Thank you. May I have a motion? Mayor, I move for the adoption of pending ordinance 25-955 to be published in the Verona Zero of Times as a past ordinance to take effect as prescribed by law. Second, please. Second. Roll call. You got to open the public. All of them have

everyone. Anyone Anyone wishing to uh speak? No. Seeing no. Okay. Roll call. Yes. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Councilman Zali? Yes. Mayor Miga? Yes. 4 C. to consider adoption of pending ordinance 25-956 an ordinance amending chapter 230 article 7 sections 52 53 and 55 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled outdoor sidewalk cafes madam clerk do you have anything to report

um yes mayor just that the licensings have um licenses have changed from six months to a year done then annually upon expiration of the previous license and um the Rest of the amendments were just concerning um enforcement. That's all I had there. Okay. Now, as we may understand, anyone wishing to be heard? Yes. Anyone wishing to be heard? No. May I have a motion? Mayor, I move for the adoption of pending ordinance 25-956 to be published in the Verona Cedar Grove Times as a past ordinance to take effect as prescribed by law. Thank you. Second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage,

yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Mayor Mika, yes. 4 D. To consider adoption of pending ordinance 25-957, an ordinance amending chapter 228 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled storm water control. Anyone wishing to be heard? Seeing none, may I have a motion? Mayor, I move for the adoption of pending ordinance number 25-957 to be published in the Verona Cedar Grove Times as a past ordinance to take effect as prescribed by law. Second. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Council Mrs. Ali, yes. Maya,

yes. 4 E. to consider adoption of pending ordinance 25-958, an ordinance amending chapter 244 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled towing. Anyone wishing to be heard on this? Seeing none, may I have a motion? Mayor, I move for the adoption of pending ordinance number 25-958 to be published in the Verona city of Times as a past ordinance to take effect as prescribed by law. Thank you. Second, please. Second. Roll call. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Mayor Ma, yes.

4F to consider adoption of pending ordinance 25-959, an ordinance amending chapter 251 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled vehicles and traffic. Anyone wishing to be heard? Seeing none, may I have a motion? Mayor, I move for the adoption of pending ordinance number 25-959 to be published in the Verona Cedar Grove Times as a past ordinance to take effect as prescribed by law. Second, please. Second. Roll call. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Councilman Zali? Yes. Mayor Mig,

yes. Item five, uh, 5A, I'm sorry, to consider resolution concerning rejection of all bids for snow plowing services. Mr. Zak.

Yes, Mayor. Uh, through this was one uh bid. The township only received one bid for this service. Um, and the bid failed to include the bid guarantee, which is a required element. Uh, this failure is a material fatal defect that cannot be cured. And according to the uh local public contract law NJSA4A col 11-23.2A, all bids must then be rejected. Um this does not mean that the snow plowing service cannot go forward. It just can't go forward according to the bid. There's other mechanisms in the local public contracts law that will allow award. Thank you. May I have a motion? So moved. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson.

Yes. Councilwoman Scabage. Yes. Councilman Zazali. Yes. Mayor Mika. Yes. Item 6A to consider resolution concerning award of tree pruning, removal and spraying services bid to Caputo Brothers Tree Services, Inc. Mr.

Mayor Thu. This is a resolution awarding the bid to Caputo Brothers Tree Services of Cedar Grove for the pruning, removal, and spraying of trees in the township for a 2-year contract. November 11th, the township clerk received an open sealed competitive bids for QPA 2025-3 for the provision of this service. And after review by the qualified purchasing agent and township attorney, this was determined to be the lowest responsible bidder. And they recommended awarding this two-year contract to Caputo in amount not to exceed $166,600. Thank you. May I have a motion? So move, mayor. Second, please. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson. Yes. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Councilman Zazali. Yes. Mayor Mika. Yes.

6B. To consider resolution concern concerning award of sludge bid to Spectrerve. Yep. Mr. Zelli, do you have anything to report?

Yes, mayor. This is a resolution awarding the bid to Spectra Serve Incorporated of South Carney for the removal of sludge from our wastewater treatment plant for a 2-year contract in an amount not to exceed 4 and 1/2 cent per gallon for delivery to Pake Valley Sewage Commission and 5 and 1.5 cent per gallon for the delivery to Spectra Serve. The Township Sewer Utility spends approximately $550,000 annually in sludge hauling. This is the removal of any byproduct remaining after the raw sewage enters our treatment facility. U this byproduct is further refined offsite. Uh the reason you see two prices here is because the D requires an alternate facility in the event that the primary facility is shut down or closed. Uh here our primary facility would be P Valley which is almost never closed but just in case it is the backup facility is Spectra Surerf.

Thank you. May I have a motion? So move. Second, please. Second. And roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson. Yes. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Councilman Zali. Yes. Mayor Migga. Yes. Item seven. The meeting is open to residents of the township wishing to be heard on any item on the agenda. Is there anyone in the audience wishing to address the council on any item on the agenda? Seeing no one, this portion of the meeting is closed. Item 8A. Mr. Zakali, do you have anything further you'd like to

Yes, I just have two uh items and uh one executive session for personnel. Um first item is the luminaries are taking place again this year. Um there are 400 luminary kits available. Uh we have limited supply this year, but we were able to get 400. Uh social media uh has been shared and on the township website advising uh for the pickup in the police lobby downstairs. They will be lit uh Christmas Eve, I believe. uh get to town hall while supplies last. Another item I wanted to share uh was just some paving statistics this year. And uh the township has paved 40,450 linear feet of uh road surface. That equates to over 7.6 miles. Um and I really want to break this down. Of the 40,450 linear feet, the township paid for 15,550 ft of that. and PSCG at no cost to the township paid for 24,900 linear feet. Um I think we made out pretty well on that deal. Um 4,450 linear feet, 7.66 miles equates to 8,000 I'm sorry, 6,865 tons of asphalt. We will likely not be uh paving this much next year, but we do have a list that I'm working with on the engineer for streets next year that I anticipate presenting to the council at our next meeting or in January. Other than these two items, mayor, I do have the one executive session for personnel and a few other items throughout the agenda.

That's it. Excellent. Thank you so much, Madame Clerk. Do you have anything to report?

Yes, madame mayor. Um thank you, mayor, ma, members of council, and those in attendance. I just wanted to say thank you to the board workers um who worked with me this general election. They worked hard. It was a very I'll just say everyone who could vote voted that day from in town and those who lived within the county and couldn't get to their own polling location. They did a yman's job and I thank them for getting the materials in early because I was able to take it down to the county before 10 o'clock so that we could get the results. Um, so I just wanted to say that to them. I always thank them and continue to and I hope that they continue to work with me because I love to continue to work with them.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Lagana. Do you have anything for us this evening?

Yes. Um, madame mayor and council. I have I have two items. One for executive session regarding pending litigation for our fourth round affordable housing that just came up today. Um, the second item is something for 2026 I just wanted to put on your agenda. Unfortunately, 2025 has been the year where um a new term has been um brought into our forefront for not a good reason and that those are ebikes. Um we see are seeing a lot of uh children getting injured in ebikes, some fatally. Um our ordinance does not address ebikes specifically. I would like uh the opportunity to work with the chief of police to craft an ordinance that I believe will not only keep our youth safe, but also give our police some teeth to enforce the law so that way we can keep our roads safe. Um this is a technology that has unfortunately gotten ahead of the law and I think it's time for the town to catch up. Um, so nothing that's going to be um ready soon, but just putting it on your radar and permission to to draft some ordinances.

Chief, could you speak to some of the struggles we're having with the ebikes? Uh,

yeah. Sean Obama, uh, we have some in particular that we've identified. Uh, they constantly, they're not even ebikes, they're e-ostos, they're electric motorcycles. Uh, they don't even qualify as a class one or two bicycle. The problem is helmets are incorrect for the speeds. The tires aren't meant for the roadway. And to Mr. Lana's point, we're going to have a serious crash at some point. Our officers don't engage them. A concern that when they flee, you know, in the excitement of running from the police, they're not obeying any traffic laws and they're dancing in and out of traffic. I welcome the opportunity. Uh Wednesday, I'll be attending a meeting at the state level. I'm representing Essex County with the state chiefs of police for traffic safety where we have the year of the director of highway traffic safety. Um there's a representative from each county. I'm representing our county. This is one of the top topics is legislation related to the emotes and uh there's an educational component to it. Uh we've had it recently where we actually uh we charged the parent under one of our current ordinances uh after several warnings to please remove it and let them ride it on the road. Uh we were able to pursue it that way to you know after the education didn't work some accountability before we do have a serious incident. So yeah I welcome the opportunity.

Thank you. Unfortunately, my understanding of any of the pending state legislation is involving requirements for registration and insurance, but the rules of the road, so to speak, are local. And we really need to give empower our police officers to be able to better handle these ebikes and e motorcycles um and educate based on the new ordinance. So I envision that once a new ordinance is adopted that then the police can then go to the schools and the parents and say this is really an educational teaching moment too. So I I look forward to both avenues of if we can attack it from both of those vantage points I believe it would be the most effective way to try to keep our children safe and our and our pedestri and our um motorist safe because I don't want somebody to hit a kid either. So

yeah, I I will say I personally am a big advocate for for this type of of ordinance. Um but I do have a question. This would be for anybody with an ebike. It's not age related. Correct. No. Right. Right.

No. Yeah. Even even some of the adults that are on them, they're not they don't meet the definitions that exist currently for the ebikes. There's three classes of them. Only two are allowed to really operate in New Jersey. After that, they really get into higher speeds. But yes, it's all age groups. My intention is with the education, uh, there's going to be a special class. They're only going to use 80 officers from New Jersey to get training for driver's ed. So, fortunately, having the year of the director of highway safety, I plan on one of our officers being one of them to get the curriculum. Okay.

Uh, to bring back to our schools and we'll help out the neighboring towns that need it uh with it, but I have somebody on tap for that already. we've spoken to and I know some there's some other things you can do with signage and prohibiting it from sidewalks and certain roadways as well and um I've seen it around Morristown is doing it with a public ad campaign of no ebikes, no e scooters on the sidewalks

to avoid because they do get up to speed and with some weight. You have a 200 pound person on an ebike going 20 miles an hour on the sidewalk or 30 miles an hour and they hit a pedestrian, it's going to have serious consequences. Mayor you may I just I have a question too. So I've seen um a lot of ebikes I leave for work very early like it's dark when I'm driving to work. So I I see them flying down 23 like you almost don't see them. So I appreciate like for the motorists too because I don't know how they don't get taken out. And so so this ordinance would allow the police to maybe stop someone like like they're all dark and they're flying down Route 23 at you know4 to 6:00 in the morning. So like this would allow it would give you

it would fill in the gap between title 39. Okay. And what they're operating title 39 wouldn't speak to it. Then we could do it by ordinance and we address them. Yeah. No, I think that would be great cuz not only do I see the kids and they just fly out, but I also saw this other like almost every morning when I go to work and it scares me. I'm like terrified. So that would be good. Great. Thanks. Anyone else? Thank you, Chief. Thank you, Chief. Thank you, Mr. Chief. That's all I have, Mayor.

Thank you, Dan. All right. Council reports. Councilwoman Peterson, you can go first since I had you go last. That's okay. Good evening, Mayor. Um, I just have a couple things. Um, the I'm sure everyone will speak to it, but the uh the tree lighting was a huge success. It was so much fun. The kids were adorable despite the fact that it was freezing cold. I think we had a really good turnout. So, great job by our township. Um, all the departments and especially, of course, Marica and Joe. You guys just did a great job. Um, and the I So Kate Wart Hartwick is here. I turned I was like, I hope she comes to a meeting. I turned on Channel 4 News the other day and there you were. You are a superstar. So Kate was Kate was advertising at the um Turtleback Zoo, the light show and s'mores. So I was just kind of impressed by that. So congratulations. You do a great job, Kate. Um, and just happy holidays to everyone and enjoy the rest of the month. And that's all I have. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Zazawi. Good evening, Mayor.

Oh, wait, wait, wait. I'm so sorry. I I sorry. I I forgot. I just wanted to let I received um a call yesterday from a friend of mine who works for Tilcon and he made a point to tell me that um he was speaking with representatives from PSEG. Obviously PSE and GG Tilcon have done a ton of work in this town and he went out of his way to compliment Mr. Zeli. PSEG were they were speaking of Mr. Zakelli. This representative from Tilcon was speaking of Mr. Kelly saying how handson he is, how knowledgeable he is, and how great he is to work with. So that made me very proud um to kind of get that feedback from just, you know, kind of someone who works in that space objectively working with Mr. Zakali. So thank you, Mr. Kelly, for always doing a fabulous job. I'm sorry, I almost forgot that.

Thank you, Mr. Thank you very much. Excellent job, Mr. Now I'm done. Sorry. That's okay. That's okay. Mr. Zali, good evening, mayor. Good evening everyone. Uh I attended the tree lighting also. Um and I just wanted to acknowledge uh Mr. Zeli and uh Marisa and I believe the DPW helped out with some of the lighting. It was a it was a very nice event. Um and I like the horses this year. That was a a welcome change. It was very nice. Um and just want to wish everyone a happy holiday season. Um and that's it. Mayor,

thank you. Um, yeah, same about the tree lighting. I I get to go with a an eight-year-old, so to see it through her eyes is really it's a cool um really great event and uh the kids really appreciate it. And apparently they don't feel bitter cold like we do. So, who knew? Um and I just wanted to note on a personal level at our next public meeting, Mr. Zelli will be a married man. So, um that's true. Yeah. So, sorry. Sorry ladies. um he's off the market. Thank you. Um and also merry Christmas, happy holidays, happy new year to uh to our amazing residents. Thank you. Thank you.

I will also say the tree lighting this past Friday night was wonderful. Thank you to everybody who came out in the frigid temperatures. Santa was there. He came from the North Pole. Um this is one of my favorite events of the year. So, um, I had a wonderful time even though my feet were freezing. Um, I had one little boy come up to me and say, "You really got Santa to come here?"

I said, "We did. We did in Cedar Grove. That's what we do. We get Santa to come here." Um, and then he made he gave me the biggest smile on my face. He said, "You're really the mayor of Cedar Grove." Mhm. This He goes, John was standing right there. He goes, "This town." I said, "Yes, I am." So, I don't know whose child that was, but you made my night. It was so sweet.

And I do have an update from the historical society. The society thanks everyone for the wonderful support and turnout to the Essex County historic house tour, which was this past weekend. The incredible support through all of 2025. They really enjoyed everyone coming, everyone's support, and they look forward to seeing everyone in 2026 for another year of farming, community gardens, events, house tours, and more. They thank you all for the support. I also want to say as we close out 2025, I do want to thank the Cedar Grove volunteers for all that they do all year long. I think it's important that volunteers get thanked. It's challenging to volunteer and it's it's up to us to make sure that they know we appreciate their challenges. We are volunteers as well. So, we do understand. We say it all the time up here. Cedarbo is built on volunteerism and it's important. You know, you're appreciated and you are. I look forward to working with all my council colleagues, Joe, Dale, and Dan in 2026. Joe is a married man as we have gotten a lot of work accomplished in 2025. But as always, there is more work to do. I think we're a strong team. I think we work hard for the people of Cedar Grove. And I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. That being said, since I'm losing my voice, I'm going to kick this meeting over to Councilwoman Peterson if that's okay. Do we have to vote on that or anything? Can I just do that since Joe's not here?

Okay. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, mayor. Thank you very much. Um, so this is I will read the rest of the uh meeting, but I will do it through you, mayor, if that is okay. Council, if it's okay, I could just talk on two items before you uh go through agenda so it's not interrupted. Yep.

Uh item 9 I is another uh budget transfer pursuant to NJSA4A 4-58 and 59. Um, this is a resolution authorizing the transfer of appropriations within the municipal budget from the animal control part-time salaries and wages, municipal court software and maintenance, construction official, other supplies, engineering salary and wages to the health department rodent control line professional service line, streets, roads, uh, salaries and wages and engineering department professional services respectively. The amount of transfers here total $32,325 all within our current fund. And lastly, agenda item 9 I uh 9J. It's a resolution setting forth DPW salaries. As the council is aware, the DPW is governed by a works agreement that permits employees up to a three and a half% raise on a merit-based system, uh which requires a review by their immediate supervisor and a review by myself. I am pleased to state that I completed all independent employee reviews of our DPW employees two weeks ago. The review encompasses their uh understanding of safety procedure, policy, adherence, timeliness, use of PTO in addition to a multitude of other factors. Uh as I said, I met individually. I gave a positive uh review to each of our employees and some feedback with them as well, their supervisors and then I also met with their supervisors individually. Um this is the second year we have moved away from a blanket raise across the B board. I believe this has a positive impact on our DPW employees. I believe it is also uh been a cost savings to the township as well and I think overall is a boost of morale at our DPW where they know that they get recognized for going above and beyond. And those are the only items in consent I had mayor uh council.

Thank you. Okay. So number nine consent agenda. I'm going to take these all together A through J. A is to consider resolution concerning 2026 council meeting schedule. B is to consider resolution concerning 2026 official holidays. C is to consider resolution designating official newspapers of the township for 2026. D is to consider resolution consider concerning renewal of amusement device license. E is to consider resolution concerning renewal of amusement business license. F is to consider resolution concerning reappoint of planning board class 2 member. G is to consider resolution concerning raffle application St. Katherine of Sienna HSA. H is to consider resolution concerning reappoint of the representative to community development block grant committee. I is to consider resolution authorizing the transfer of funds. J is to consider resolution setting forth salaries, wages, and fees for certain employees within the department of public works for 2026. May I have a motion.

So moved. Second. That was that was great. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Councilman Zazali? Yes. Mayor Ma? Yes. Thank you. Item 10 is new business. Um, we moved A. So to go to B, I consider resol to consider resolution concerning reappoint of the public agency compliance officer. Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Council Zali? Yes. Mayor Migga?

Yes. Item C is to consider resolution authorizing change order number two from Stan Sally Construction LLC of East Orange, New Jersey for the reconstruction of Devonshshire Road and Devonshshire Road South reflecting an overall increase of $43,856.

Councilwoman, briefly, if I may, uh, through you and through mayor, this is a change order 17.81% 81% of the contract value, reflecting a revised contract total to $38,38.36. The reason for this increase is because the road was in such bad shape that an additional 1/2 in of uh top coat asphalt was required um there were some spots of the roadway uh that needed a little bit more um than the standard 2-in mill pave. This difference uh in addition to some extra curbing work and some sidewalk work uh resulted in this increase. I do again want to remind the council that this is being paid for by a $350,000 NJ DOT grant. Uh so we will fully uh be covered on this dollar amount. And I'm also happy to report that this was the last project for the township in 2025. So we got a few few weeks off and then back at it.

Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Do I have a motion? So move. Second. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Council, yes. Mayor Mika. Yes. Item D to consider resolution setting pool rates for 2026.

Uh councilman, as the council is aware and through the recommendation of the recreation advisory board, um given some extenduating circumstances surrounding pool membership in other municipalities, uh the township has decided to act early with the 2026 pool uh rates for this year. um offering a incentive for members joining between January 1st and January 31st who will pay a um the rate last year or a reduced rate. Then there's a second tier between January 31st and March 31st. And then there's the final third tier rate uh after March 31st, 2026. Um our goal is to continue to drive up membership. Our goal is to continue to reduce costs where practical. uh 2027 is the last year debt service is due on the pool. So I do hope that that will provide some breathing room. However, um these rates are there's an increase in the rates. I do hope membership increases uh at the very least stays the same and I do want to share that this is the first year we will be accepting credit card payment for pool membership. Um that's going to be done through the new Edmonds recreation portal. Um, as the council knows, Edmonds is our finance software that now integrates with uh the general ledger, water, sore, pilot, and tax. We're adding a recreation component to it. We're going to be adding a firearms component to it for our police department. So, all of our uh ledgers are are together, and this will allow some credit card processing um to help with membership. So, it' be, you know, wise to get in early.

Great. Awesome. Thank you. Uh do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson. Yes. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Councilman Zazali. Yes. Maya. Yes. Item E, to consider introduction of pending ordinance number 25-261, ordinance amending chapter 268 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled zoning, formerly known as pending ordinance 25-960.

Yes. Uh, Councilwoman, this is a ordinance that was previously introduced, but now we are reintroducing because after the planning board uh reviewed it and uh I believe Councilman Sally was there when the planning board reviewed the uh substantive comments to the uh change, they wanted to add some language that they felt would offer more clarity specifically with request uh to the word structure uh crest line requirements and some other elements uh that were already previously addressed in uh previously introduced ordinance. This is being reintroduced. It will be subsequently scheduled for a public hearing, I believe, at the December 22nd meeting. Um at which point it will become adopted.

Thank you. Uh do I have a motion? Um, Councilwoman, I move for the introduction of pending ordinance number 25-961 to be published in full in the Verona Cedar Grove Times as a pending ordinance with a public hearing scheduled for the special meeting of December 22nd, 2025. Thank you. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Mayor Ma, yes. Item 12, approval of bills. be resolved by the township of Cedar Grove, County of Essex, New Jersey, that the summary of bills having been duly audited and found to be correct are hereby ordered paid and aggregated amount of $766,4152.

Thank you. May I have a motion, please? Still moved. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zazali, yes. Mayor Miga,

yes. Item 13. The meeting is open to residents of the township wishing to be heard on any item on or off the agenda concerning township business. I'll just stand like this. Good evening. Happy holidays to everybody. Just a couple um of items. Um Holiday Lights Spectacular, as you mentioned, is happening at Turtleback Zoo. It's now open every night. um closed on December 24th and 25th, but free for residents to attend. Um though we encourage them to bring donations of food, um used coats, uh toys, and then we donate those to nonprofits and churches throughout Essex County. Um the other item is that leaf collection continues for county streets. The schedule, I believe, is here at the town hall, but the last window is December 22nd uh through December 26th. That's it.

Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to be heard? No. Okay. Thank you. We're going to go into um executive uh session right now. Um whereas section 8 of the O open public meetings act NJSA104-12B 1-9 permit I'm sorry I yeah permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting of the mayor and council in certain circumstances and whereas the mayor and council of the township of Cedar Grove are of the opinion that such circumstances exist. Now therefore, it be resolved by the mayor and the council of the township of Cedar Grove, county of Essex, state of New Jersey, that one, the public shall be excluded from discussion of any action on the executive session of the meeting of the mayor and council of December 8th, 2025. The general um the general nature of the subject matters to be discussed are personnel and potential litigation, right? Um

and it is pending and what's that? Pending litigation, right? Yeah, it is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter will be made public as soon thereafter as it is deemed in the public interest to do so. No further action will be taken. This resolution shall take effect immediately. May I have a motion? So move. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zazali.