Borough Council - Regular Meeting

All right, if you can find your way to those seats. Sorry about that. Let the record reflect. We have reconvened with all members present. For those who are able, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I ask you to remain standing after the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Let us take a moment to remember a couple of longtime Madisonians we lost over the last few weeks. Vincent Palma passed away on July 16th, age of 87, born in 1938 in Madison. He was a lifelong resident of the community. He proudly called home. He dedicated more than 50 years of his career to the construction industry, working as a construction manager for Damon Douglas Company in Cranford. Proud union member, Vincent was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to his craft. Outside of work, he found great joy in spending time with his extended family. He was an avid fan of horse racing, enjoyed trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas, and golf was another favorite pastime. Played each week for many years, and after he was no longer to play, he never missed watching tournaments on TV. As the youngest of six siblings, he cherished his family, especially looked forward to annual two-week visits to California to spend time with his sister. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Pasquale, Frank, Anthony, and Mike, and his sister Frances. And we also remember Dolores Ricci, passed away on July 14th, age of 99. She's survived by her two daughters, Denise and Karen, and her son Charles, along with their respective spouses. She is also survived by one brother, Randy, and three grandchildren, including Megan Avalon, who, in her role with the Westfield Health Department, is Madison's health officer. So please pass your regrets on to Megan. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph. Born in 1927 in Newark, she was a daughter of the late Oreste and Ida DeFronzo. After graduating high school, she pursued her ambitions by completing secretarial program, which led to a fulfilling career as administrative assistant to superintendent schools in Chatham Borough. Her dedication to her work was a testament to her strong character and commitment. She married Joseph, and together they settled in Madison, raised their three children. As a mother, she was a source of unconditional love and support, and her pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy. She loved baking, reading, traveling, exploring numerous destinations around the world, and she was a longtime parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr. And we remember Antonetta Oliva. Lifelong resident of Madison, passed away July 9th, age of 63. She was pre-deceased by her father, Raimondo, and is survived by her mother, Louisa. She was an active member of the ARC Morris County for years, where she learned many life skills and was loved by all. My wife knew her very well from her time at the ARC. She always took great pride in having her nails done by her neighbor, Janice, and special trips to Burger King on Saturday with her friend, Joanne. She loved watching her favorite TV shows, including Little House on the Prairie and Golden Girls, while flipping through well-worn magazines. Her smile, giggle, and gentleness warmed the hearts of anyone blessed to know her, especially her caregivers. Now let us remember Vincent Palmer, Dolores Ricci, Antonetta Oliva, and let us pass our thoughts on to the family and friends that they leave behind. Thank you. It's a motion for the executive minutes of June 2nd, 2026.

So moved.

Second. Already discussed. All in favor? Aye. And a motion for the regular minutes of July 22nd, 2026. So moved. Second. Any corrections or changes? All in favor?

Aye.

All right. Welcome all on this somewhat stormy, unpredictable day. Before I get to my regular comments, I do want to recognize that today is National New Jersey Day, which I didn't realize until today. I think we deserve more than one day, but we'll take our day. A day to celebrate everything that makes the Garden State such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. And as we know, this time of year, no one can come close to our corn or tomatoes that are growing in the state. Here in Madison, we are proud to be part of New Jersey's rich history and bright future from North Jersey. and Central Jersey, if you do accept that. And to South Jersey, our state is defined by vibrant communities, dedicated public servants, thriving local businesses, neighbors who consistently come together to support one another. And while we never settle on the debate over whether it's tail or ham or pork roll, one thing we can all agree on is New Jersey is a remarkable place to call home. Just a quick side story. Last weekend, I was at a wedding in South Jersey. And I'm glad I didn't eat gas because I would have pumped myself because I thought I was in a different state. But I'm just such a North Jersey boy. but it is a great place to call home. So on behalf of the borough council and thank everyone who helps Madison and New Jersey, such a wonderful place to live. So happy National New Jersey Day, everyone. Couple other things before we come to a very special ceremony. I want to thank Council President John Forte not only for covering the two meetings while I was away but for Handling the storm of July 3rd being out there providing support to our residents and and our borough employees It certainly makes a big difference when they see our elected officials out and about Understanding what's going on. So thank you for the coverage. I Last Tuesday, I cut the ribbon at Rose Court Brewery on Central Avenue. They had their soft opening on Saturday, July 18th, and if you remember that day, there was a lot of passing storms, but there was a line out front all day long. So congratulations to Logan and Angela Rice for a great addition to Madison's downtown. And yesterday, I made my first visit to the Madison Community Pool since the Splash Contest on opening weekend, since I've been away for a little bit. And I received a lot of thank yous from the members on behalf of the governing body for our effort to ensure that the pool would be open this summer. They're certainly enjoying everything. And it was great to see the families there on the warm July weekend. And I also discovered that the refurbished twist slide is a whole lot faster than it used to be with a new paint job. So I thought I was going to launch to the shallow end as it came out the bottom. All right. Travis Daniel, please come forward along with family. children, a mother and father, or a father's going to be a photographer. Got a photographer covering, okay. Just a little background on Travis before we do the official swearing in as sergeant. He was born in New Brunswick, raised in North Brunswick, graduated from North Brunswick High School in 2008, dedicated hockey player since the age of 12, competed in travel hockey throughout his youth and was recruited to play college hockey at the University of Massachusetts Boston. During his four-year college career, he earned numerous NCAA honors and served as team captain during his senior year. 2014, he graduated from University of Massachusetts Boston with a bachelor's degree in exercise and health science. He attended the Morris County Police Academy as an alternate route candidate before accepting a position with the Madison Police Department. He graduated from Morris County Police Academy's 86th basic police class and began his law enforcement career with Madison Police a little over a decade ago, May 2016. Throughout his career, Travis has established himself as a respected leader and mentor within the department. He has served as officer in charge and field training officer, where he played a vital role in supervising operations and developing newly hired officers. He also educates Madison youth, serving as a DARE officer. Travis continues to play competitive hockey as a member of New Jersey State PBA hockey team, where he has proudly represented Madison for the past decade. His professionalism and commitment to public safety has earned him numerous departmental commendations and awards, including recognition of Morris County 200 Club for his exemplary service to the community. His record of service reflects his dedication to both the Madison Police Department and the community he proudly serves. So Travis, it's a true honor to be giving you the oath of office as our newest sergeant. We'll be holding the, raise your right hand, place your left hand on the Bible. I state your name.

I, Travis Daniel. Do solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear.

That I will faithfully.

That I will faithfully.

Impartially.

Impartially.

Justly perform.

And justly perform.

All the duties of.

All the duties of.

Police sergeant.

Police sergeant.

According to the best of my ability.

According to the best of my ability.

I further solemnly swear.

I further solemnly swear.

That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

And the Constitution of the state of New Jersey.

And the Constitution of the state of New Jersey. and I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in the United States and in this state under the authority of the people, so help me God.

Congratulations, Sergeant Daniel.

I just want to congratulate Travis as a fantastic addition to our already unbelievable police department, dedicated public servants and officers that we have here in Madison. So I wish you the best of luck. You have every officer here to lean on, along with myself. And it's a great night for you and your family and the Borough of Madison. So congratulations.

All right, we will move on to reports from committees.

community affairs council president forte thank you very much mayor from the downtown development commission and the director of business development the next meeting of the downtown development commission will be held on august 20th at 7 15 p.m in the second floor committee room of the hartley dodge memorial building the public is invited to attend the 2026 madison farm and artisan market is open on saturdays through december 12th The market will be closed on the 4th of July on Bottle Hill Day. New vendors can request information by emailing lisaellis at ddc at rosenet.org. Information regarding Bottle Hill Day on Saturday, October 3rd is now available on rosenet.org. And from the Community Arts Center, every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m., seniors play Mahjong and Canasta. And a work of art productions is showing Mean Girls from July 30th to August 1st and Legally Blonde Junior on August 2nd. Wednesday, August 5th at 7 p.m., the Platform Literacy Open Mic and Writing Workshop brought to you by Arts by the People. And Thursday through Sunday, August 6th to 9th, Cafe Theater is back with four chances to see these summer-inspired comedies served with coffee and cake. Wednesday, August 12th at 7 p.m. is a music open mic night. Every second Wednesday, local musicians perform two songs each, and all are welcome to perform or attend. And Friday, August 14th from 6 to 8 p.m., summer stage series featuring two bands, Brian Hansen Band and the DTs. There will be a food truck and local craft vendors. For tickets, visit Madison Community Arts Center events homepage and the calendar is at rosenet.org slash MCAC. And from the Madison Community Pool. Madison community pool operations continue to progress with a full lineup of programs and events for members of all ages. Over the past week, we hosted toddler yoga and story time, float, flex and flow, beginner water polo, and the highly anticipated moonlight swim, ensuring there has truly been something for everyone. We also recently concluded this year's cornhole tournament. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the league another success. Earlier today, the pool closed at 6 p.m. to allow staff to prepare for a staff appreciation event, recognizing our employees for their dedication and hard work throughout the season. And I was there and was able to thank them on behalf of the mayor and council. This evening, the holiday hoopla in July preteen party is underway, bringing a little winter magic to the middle of summer with snow, games, crafts, activities, and activities for our younger members. And yes, I did say snow. They are having snow tonight.

And actually, there also was lightning in the area, so I don't think they're doing any of it.

Oh, did it? Oh, bummer. I didn't get that. Okay. And the Barracuda swim team participated in divisionals today and will conclude its season on Thursday at Meet of Champions. Congratulations to all of our swimmers on an outstanding season. I'd also like to recognize our coaches, staff, volunteers, and parents whose countless hours behind the scenes make every practice and home meet possible. Looking ahead, Friday, July 31st will be our next $5 non-member day. Residents who have not yet experienced the Madison Community Pool are invited to spend the day enjoying the pool. All the pool has to offer for just $5 with no member sponsor required. The event also falls the day before our August-only memberships become available. Any guest fees paid during the $5 non-member day can be applied toward the purchase of an August family membership. So you can go check it out for $5 and decide if you want to join for August. And there's even more to come. Be on the lookout for our details on upcoming Family Fun Day. We're putting the finishing touches on the event and can't wait to announce the date, activities, and entertainment lineup. And as we approach the full month of the pool season, the final full month of the pool season, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this year's success. our volunteer advisory board, our dedicated employees, and most importantly, our members. This has been a year of learning as the borough assumed direct operation of the pool. Every day we continue to refine our processes, make operational improvements, and invest in repairs and enhancements to ensure the Madison Community Pool remains the community treasure it's been for generations. We sincerely appreciate the patience, the understanding, the feedback, and the encouragement we've been receiving throughout the season. And we're already looking ahead to making sure that the 2027 season is even better. Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you. I do have as well, okay. My microphone was not on, sorry.

Okay. from the go ahead okay from the police department uh the madison police department is preparing for paving this week the roads included are woodland road prospect street holden lane and danforth road more information will be provided in the engineering report however expect many detours and local street closures The paving of Madison of Main Street is expected to occur within the next couple of weeks. More information will be released once the paving is scheduled and finalized by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The paving will occur at night. To get the most up-to-date information about road closures and paving, the police department is requesting that you register for Alert Madison. If you haven't already registered, we encourage you to do so today at alertmadison.org so you will be ready for the next emergency. Alert Madison is the borough of Madison's official emergency notification system. Whether it's severe weather, power outages, road closures, or other emergencies, Alert Madison delivers important updates directly to you by text message, email, and or by phone call. The Madison Police Department would like to remind all residents who are traveling and will be away for the remainder of the summer that they can register their home on the vacation list and visit rosenet.org to do so. This past Monday, the Police Department Traffic Safety Board, along with Mayor Connolly and other borough officials, met representatives from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to improve mid-block crosswalks and crossings along the Route 124 corridor, which is Madison Avenue and Main Street. On July 30th from 6 to 7 p.m., the Madison Chatham Coalition and Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA are proud to offer basketball and volleyball at the Y. Come and shoot around with Madison and Chatham police officers and learn about Project Community Pride, the Madison Chatham Coalition, and other programs at the Madison Area YMCA. Snacks and prizes will be provided. It's open to members and non-members. Madison is hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4th. National Night Out is the annual community building campaign that promotes strong community policing partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live and work. National Light Out enhances the relationship between neighborhoods and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. All residents are invited to the festivities, which will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Public Safety Building. Any questions can be directed to police officer Stephanie Aquino at 973-593-3034 or nno at rosenet.org. And finally, the Madison Police Department is seeking school crossing guards. Interested candidates should visit rosenet.org for more information or apply today. Okay, now from the Health Department. There will be a lead consumer goods testing on Wednesday, July 29th from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Madison Library. Walk-ins are welcome and residents can bring spices, toys, dinnerware, and other consumer goods for testing. The department completed its tobacco age of sale enforcement TASE inspection program. This program is designed to protect youth from nicotine addiction By holding the smoking devices and nicotine oral pouches. 11 inspections were completed. During these inspections, not only does the department focus on underage sale, but also the inventory which products are being sold and making sure that all products are legal and the proper signage is posted. The next board meeting is on August 3rd at 7.30 PM at Hartley Dodge Memorial Building. There will be public hearing for the following two ordinances. An ordinance to permit the managed care for chickens and an ordinance to require proof of extermination during rodent infestation. Okay, there will also be blood pressure testing on Monday, July 27th from 11 to 10 at the Madison Library. Welcomes are welcome. There will be lead consumer testing on July 29th. Okay, walk-ins are welcome, and residents can bring spices, toys, dinnerware, and other consumer products. Okay, and then during the storm, the health department assisted by providing guidance to retail food establishments without power, inspecting reopening retail food establishments, and directing residents to cooling centers. Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, and Finance and Borough Clerk, Mr. Ainge.

Thank you, Mayor. From the finance department this evening, it's almost August, and that means that the administration is preparing the 2027 budget. Administrator Ray Cody, CFO Jim Burnett, and Director of Operations Michael Pellissier, and the tax collector Chrissy Mahler will be meeting with department heads over the coming 10 weeks or so to discuss capital and operating needs for the upcoming year. We anticipate a budget calendar similar to last year, which means our public conversations will start in December. A one sheet flyer was included with all recently mailed tax bills. This document includes a very high level of the 2026 budget, as well as other pertinent information on municipal operations, including details on where your tax dollars go. It is a short summary of three major initiatives that the borough has taken on over the past few years. And those initiatives include the borough taking over the EMT ambulance services as part of the Madison Fire Department and the community pool operations that Councilman Forte referenced earlier. And of course, the steps we've taken to date to finalize the purchase of the Drew Forest. I strongly encourage residents to review this document, and residents interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the annual budget process page on ROSENET that has several versions of these documents that go into various levels of depth of the budget and the budget process. From the tax collector this evening, the tax collector reports that tax and pilot bills were mailed out last week. All residents should have received them by this point. The tax rate was delayed from the county this year, which in turn delayed issuing of our tax bills. Due to the delayed billing, the third quarter grace period has been extended to August 20th. It is very important, though, to note that payments not received by 4-30 on the 20th will be charged full interest all the way back to the statutory due date, which is August 1st. So if you can, pay your tax bill by August 1st, and then you don't have to worry about it. As a reminder, we cannot accept postmark date, post-dated checks, or other methods. If you have not received your bill by now, please contact the tax office so they can send you another copy right away. The tax collector also reports that the annual tax sale will be held on September 10th. On that day, any property owners with unpaid 2025 balances on their taxes or utilities will have a lien placed on their property. Official tax sale notices were mailed out to affected properties last week. The tax sale process is a way for municipalities in New Jersey to obtain the full amount of property taxes owed and other charges needed to support the annual budget while providing the property owner with additional time to pay off what they might owe. And that's all from Finance and Borough Clerk. Thank you.

Thank you. Just a quick reinforcement from some of your comments related to the budget. I was on a webinar earlier today with the DCA, Mike Rogers from DCA, and part of it was best practices related to budgeting. And it could have been Jim doing our annual presentation because Madison nailed almost all those best practices, pointed out there's four towns that still have not approved a budget in here near the end of July, including one who had employees furloughed for part of a week because people walked out of a meeting. So we do things very well here. And move on to Public Works and Engineering, Mr. Alan Putis.

Thank you, Mayor. Welcome from the community council. From Engineering and Zoning, Work on the Rosedale soccer field continues to progress. Installation of the new grass turf is underway. Once completed, the field will remain closed for a short period to allow the infill and surface to properly establish before reopening for the fall soccer season. I saw a photo of it today, it looks great. Go over there, it looks like carpet. PSE&G is currently completing milling and paving operations, following recent gas infrastructure improvements. The project has been divided into three construction zones, Woodland Road from Lowannock away all the way to Sampson, Prospect Street, Woodland Road down to Keep Street and Holden Lane, and also Danforth Road partial. As work progresses, project updates will continue to be provided through ROSENET, borough social media channels, and targeted alert Madison notifications for impacted roadways. Special thanks to the Madison Police Department for the Traffic Safety Bureau for their assistance with traffic control and detours throughout the project. We're excited to announce that our new borough engineer, Christine Bugel, will be starting in Madison on August 20th. certainly welcome her. The land use boards continue to have a large number of applicants that they are progressing through at their respective board meetings. Borough roadway reconstruction projects continue to progress. Milling and paving operations are scheduled later this summer on Harwood Drive, Dogwood Drive, and E Street. As part of this year's capital improvement program, complete milling and paving operations have also been added for North Oak Court and South Oak Court. Residents can find project information, construction schedules, and daily neighborhood updates at rosenet.org backslash r11, r11. From the Department of Public Works, brief notices. DPW finished the storm debris pickup finally. They have assisted the water department with a water main break and repaired to a water valve. The DPW patched roads from the water repairs and potholes. The DPW began repainting road stop lines, crosswalks, and parking spots. Sewers are being cleaned out, catch basins, and any problem areas in advance of the recent storms. DPW continues to maintain recreation fields for baseball and soccer, as well as the parks, and also assisting with the community pool. We're going to remind everybody that yard waste should be tied up in bundles no longer than four feet long, put in barrels or yard waste bags for collection by the yard waste contractor. And yard waste bags are available at DBW Garage and the clerk's office. From the Shade Tree Management Board, the Shade Tree Management Board is planning for 30 new street trees this fall. If any residents would like a new street tree by their house, please contact the Department of Public Works. 973-593-3088, or email them at dpw.rosenet.org. And from the Environmental Commission, just came in, hit the wire. Let's see here. The MEC will be at the Farm and Artisan Market on August 11th with free native plants and information on how to have a quiet summer by asking landscapers to pause leaf blowing in your yard. This is an ongoing campaign all summer long. The MEC would like to remind the public that a new skip the stuff law takes effect August 1st. There was a presentation on that at the previous council meeting. Restaurants will no longer be permitted to hand out single use cutlery and disposable condiment packs without a request from the customers. This law follows 63 local skip the stuff ordinances and is an easy way to help restaurants save money and cut unnecessary waste. Finally, the MEC reminds the public that despite the rain, Morris County is still under a drought warning. The Borough of Madison has responded by implementing mandatory water regulations to protect the aquifer where we get 100% of our drinking water. Lawns may only be watered during certain hours, midnight to 8 a.m. or 8 p.m. to midnight. These are the hours when evaporation is less likely to occur. The regulation also calls for watering on odd-even days depending on your street number, house number, Odd or even, that's the day you can water. If it's even, that's the permissible watering day. Automatic sprinklers should be recalibrated. That's all, Mayor.

Thank you very much. And utilities, Ms. Honahan.

Thank you, Mayor. From the electric utility, we have numerous standby calls. One for Canterbury Road for low hanging wire across the front yard. A pole leaning on Belmont Avenue was replaced and wires were transferred to a new pole. Multiple power outages where standby came out and addressed the issues. Electric department responded to 17 Madison Avenue for a power outage. and also held crews back until the storm passed. Standby was also called to kill power to a house so the water department could fix a water leak. From the Water Department. Dug and repaired a water main and valve on Albright Circle and dug and capped leaking old water service line on Main Street. Dug curb box to turn off water to building slated for demolition and last night there was a water main break which was repaired. There were multiple tests, tested the interconnectedness with American water. Continued to manually run B and D wells to meet demand during communication change over SCADA monitoring. And scheduling for hydrant replacement, there are six presently earmarked by age and operation. And along the lines of the water restrictions, just to share some numbers that were stunning to me, and I think as residents we can do better. Between 4 and 7 AM, we are pumping approximately 4,000 gallons of water a minute. That means that four of our wells are running at the same time to maintain the rate. After 7 a.m., we can maintain tank level with just two wells running. That means everyone, a lot of people are watering their lawns, including on days that it's raining because they haven't calibrated their sprinklers. Just as in comparison, during winter and cooler months, the water consumption is approximately 1.4 to 1.5 million gallons. And the summer and hot days with sprinklers running daily, right now it's 2.8 to 2.9 million gallons of water. So yeah, it's something to think about as we conserve our drinking water because the water that we use to water in Madison is actually drinking water. Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you. And now we move on to communications and petitions. Now we move on to our first of two invitations for public comment. The second one, which has no limits on it, will come up very quickly because there's nothing actually in between, but we still will have the two separate opportunities. This one you are limited to our agenda discussions, which there are none, or you may comment on these resolutions. Resolution 230, and these will also be part of the consent agenda later in the meeting. of 230's authorized execution of emergency water interconnection agreement with Borough Farm Park. which helps both municipalities in case of water emergencies. Resolution 231 appointing Claire Seibert as part-time per diem EMT at $30 an hour without benefits. Resolution 232 is approving raffle license for the Elks for raffle on October 10th, 2026. Resolution 233 is also for the Elks for daily instant raffle games, including Sundays. Resolution 234 is authorized the release of escrow and bond to RPM Development for the housing projects at Civic Center site and the Community Place site. This is a $32,833 escrow and bonding and also a performance bond of $745,000 and cash guarantees amount of $5,000 and safety guarantee amount of also $5,000. Resolution 235 is awarding contractor Shefano Construction for paving improvements in the Morris County Co-op, an amount not to exceed $90,000. This is funded through Ordinance 6-2025. And Resolution 236 is authorizing a execution of a consent order final compliance certification with fair share housing. And then Resolution 237, which is big news for our seniors who use the shuttle bus, is a contract for national bus sales and interlocal purchasing system for a purchase of a 2026 Indira electric shuttle bus. And this is... an amount not to exceed $307,000, and this is covered basically by 67%, about two-thirds, by a grant. So that will be a new bus is coming. So you may comment on any of those resolutions. If you want to comment on anything else, just stay tuned, because we'll have that in just a second. Anyone wishing to comment on those resolutions, please step forward, state your name, address, and the resolution you're commenting on. Seeing none, we close this part of the meeting. And we now move on to agenda discussions, which we have none. And we move on to ordinance for hearing, which we have none. So now we have an invitation for public comment. And this is when you may comment on any topic you wish. Please step up to lectern, state your name and address. Write the same on the clipboard. and actually just state your name and town, but write your name and address on the clipboard and try to keep your comments three minutes, but we will give you that one minute grace and stop you at four.

Hello, Bridget Daly, Madison resident. I'm going to just read public comments submitted by Josephine Salco, since she's not been able to attend in person. Josephine has an academic background in neuroscience, public health, and medical health humanities. Dear Borough Council, I'm writing to express my strong support for the proposed ordinance restricting gas powered leaf blowers. This is not only a neighborhood quality of life issue, but also an important public health issue. Gas powered leaf blowers expose residents, workers, children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions to unnecessary noise and air pollution. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai notes that gas leaf blower emissions can include pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. These pollutants are associated with respiratory harm, cardiovascular risks, and other serious health concerns. This issue is especially personal to me because I have many family members with long-standing histories of asthma and reactive airway disease. In the past, they would often experience flare-ups after using gas-powered leaf blowers and other gas-powered landscaping tools. even when near the pollution they produced. This is exactly, or not near the pollution they produced. This is exactly why my family switched to an electric leaf blower, and since making that change, they no longer have those same problems from our own yard maintenance. For families like mine, cleaner equipment is not just a preference. It can make a real difference in day-to-day health and well-being. As someone with a background in public health, I am especially concerned that these harms affect both the broader community and the workers who use this equipment directly. Peer reviewed research has shown that fuel powered leaf blowers expose workers to significantly higher levels of noise and carbon monoxide than battery powered alternatives, making the transition away from gas equipment an important step for both community health and worker protection. I'm also especially concerned about landscape workers who are often exposed to this equipment at close range and for extended periods. A gas leaf floor ordinance would help protect not only residents, but also the workers who help maintain our community. Noise is a significant concern. In the article, Characteristics of Lawn and Garden Equipment Sound, Erica Walker et al. found that commercial gas leaf blower sound can remain disruptive over distance and time. This kind of noise pollution can interfere with concentration, rest, stress levels, and overall well-being. I can personally attest to this impact. The noise from gas-powered leaf blowers makes it difficult to concentrate and can leave me with headaches for hours afterwards. This is not simply a matter of annoyance.

And one minute.

It affects people's ability to focus, rest, and feel well in their own homes and neighborhoods. I'm in full support of an ordinance that includes a reasonable transition period of no more than two years and encourages cleaner, quieter alternatives, such as electric equipment, raking, mulch mowing, and leaving the leaves, practices where appropriate. The goal should be to support a healthier community while giving homeowners, landscapers, and small businesses time to adjust. Gas-powered leaf blowers create health, noise, and environmental harms that are out of proportion to their convenience. Cleaner alternatives already exist, and I respectfully urge you to adopt an ordinance to protect the health and well-being of residents and workers. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Josephine Salco.

Thank you, Bridget. Good evening.

I wanted to speak about the two-stroke engine. Name in town.

Sorry, Brian.

18 Myrtle. Thank you. Brian Mortenson just talked. Brian Mortenson, 18 Myrtle. I even wrote it down. I wanted to speak about the two-stroke engine tonight because the recent legislation that passed with e-bikes was ran through and I don't think it was very well researched or written and I'm trying to avoid the same mistake because a lot of people confuse gas-powered leaf blowers and two-stroke engines when two-stroke engines are really the issue that we have to be concerned about. Traditional two-stroke engines are dirty by design. They mix oil directly into gasoline, and some fuel escapes before it's fully burned. The California Division of Boating and Water Rays says a traditional carbureted two-stroke can release up to 25 to 30% of its fuel unburned into the air or water. That means fumes, burned, oil, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, smoke, and fine particles in our neighborhoods. These pollutants contribute to smog and can make breathing harder, especially for children, seniors, and people with asthma. This is also unfair. One homeowner gets a cleaner yard, but the noise and pollution travel into neighboring homes, yards, sidewalks, and playgrounds. One household gets the benefit, the whole neighborhood pays the price. Instead of offering real solutions, the landscaping industry is preparing for a fight using fear, threats, and misinformation to defend the status quo. History is clear. Lead stayed in gasoline until the public demanded action. Ozone damaging chemicals remained in use until governments required change. Industry rarely gives up a profitable practice simply because it harms people. It's because of government regulations that we have seat belts in cars, not because of the automobile industry wanted them. In fact, the auto industry felt that they made their cars appear unsafe and fought against them. Battery powered equipment has no tailpipe, no gasoline, no oil, and no combustion exhaust. We should call the industry's bluff. Set a reasonable deadline to phase out this equipment and let landscapers adapt. That's how a free market works. Businesses invest in better tools and compete to serve customers. By delaying action, we are delaying that adaption. And a weekend town-wide band has no real downside. Landscapers can work in other towns, use cleaner equipment here, or adjust their schedules. Their convenience does not outweigh our community's right to peace, clean air, and a quiet weekend. Thank you.

Thank you, Brian.

Very good.

Anyone else wishing to speak, please step forward. Seeing none, I close this part of the meeting. And great comments. And appreciate the comment on the e-bike rule, which was well intended, but is not what really was needed. And a good example to make sure we do the same thing as we approach leaf blowers. And now we move on to introduction of ordinances. Will the clerk please read the statement?

The ordinance scheduled for first reading has a hearing date set for August the 10th, 2026. It will be posted on the borough's public notice webpage, posted on the bulletin board, and made available to members of the public requesting copies.

I call up ordinance 33-2026 for first reading. I ask the borough clerk to read said ordinance by title.

Ordinance 33-2026, ordinance of the borough of Madison amending and supplementing chapter 98 of the Madison borough code entitled filming.

Mayor, I move ordinance 33-2026.

Second. Council discussion. And this is just clarifying that if there are, the requirement to hire firefighters to be on site in case there's any use of pyrotechnics. It's got more than two syllables, so I'd need help on saying pyrotechnics. And also it changes the fee for nonprofits. And thanks with just a quick side with Lisa Zell's effort. We are film-friendly certified for movies. Any further discussion? Roll call vote, please.

Mr. Landrigan? Yes. Mr. Range? Yes. Mr. Haralamputis? Yes. Ms. Honahan? Yes. Mr. Forte?

Yes. All right, we move on to consent agenda resolutions. Will the clerk please read the statement?

Consent agenda resolutions will be enacted with a single motion. Any resolution requiring expenditure is supported by a certification of availability of funds. Any resolution requiring discussion will be removed from the consent agenda. All resolutions will be reflected in full in the minutes.

Mayor, I move resolutions R230-2026 through R237-2026. Second. Any of that need to be pulled or any discussion?

Okay, roll call vote, please.

Mr. Landrigan? Yes. Mr. Range? Yes. Mr. Haralamputis? Yes. Ms. Honahan? Yes. Mr. Forte?

Yes. All right, there is no unfinished business. We move on to approval of vouchers. Will the clerk please read the voucher totals? Yes.

From the current fund, $4,829,756.38. From the general capital fund, $355,373.86. From the electric operating fund, $1,021,492.28. From the Electric Capital Fund, $418.50. From the Water Operating Fund, $76,730.85. From the Water Capital Fund, $8,036.51. From the Trusts, $41,738.12. That makes the total $6,333,546.50.

Mayor, I move approval of the vouchers.

Second. Any discussion? Roll call vote.

Mr. Landrigan? Yes. Mr. Range? Yes. Mr. Haralem-Fudas? Yes. Ms. Honahan? Yes. Mr. Forte?

Yes.

And under new business, I'd like to recommend the reappointment of Diane Driscoll as a Council member to the, as a commissioner to the housing authority, effective August 11, 2026, five-year term through August 10, 2031.

Mayor, I'll move the appointment. Second.

All in favor?

Aye.

Aye. All right. And I will entertain a motion for adjournment.

Motion to adjourn.