Borough Council - Regular Meeting

Let the record reflect we've reconvened with all members present. For those who are able, please rise for pledge of allegiance. And I ask you to remain standing after the pledge. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under Godisible and justice for all. Let's take a moment to remember members of our extended burough family and longtime residents we lost over the past few weeks. as my phone rings. Sorry, silence that. Um, we remember Governor Richard Cody who was a state's longest serving lawmaker and cousin of our administrator Ray Cody. Dick who pref Cody preferred the name gov died on Sunday at the age of 79. As was shared by his family, he lived life as humility, compassion, and deep sense of responsibility to others. He spoke the truth when others wouldn't and fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey during his record setting 50 years in legislature. He made friends easily with presidents as he did with strangers and all night diners. He was as proud as as of his time as governor as he was as a his role as a youth basketball coach in his free time. He along with his wife was leading advocate for mental health awareness. The stigma free signs we have in town came from the Cody Fund for mental health, a foundation that he and his wife had established. While he retired from the state senator in state senate in 2024, his legacy will live on, including such things as statewide ban on smoking and just a little suggestion to the legislature maybe to honor the gov. We should truly make it statewide by getting it out of the casinos at this point. Um, I think he'd appreciate that he was creative in his work, including going undercover to check on conditions at

homeless shelters and psychiatric homes. Even spent spent a night on the streets of Newark so he could understand the plight of the homeless. He approached everything he did with the classic Cody sense of humor, which was clearly passed through different branches of the family, to the point that Ray actually, this true story, Ray told me a joke. And that following week I was in a meeting with uh Dick Cody and heard the exact same joke. Um and I would also related to his sense of humor. I would greatly recommend you look up some of uh Governor Cody's uh videos including one giving a tour to state house to girl scouts and another one with boxer Chuck Chuck Weapner. and he even did took time to do a video message for Jeff Bernett uh the son of Jim as he headed off to college. Uh Dick Cody was a great friend of Madison especially during his 12 years. He was our state senator when we were in legislative district 27. We also remember John Clayton Jack DS Green Village who passed away passed away in December 11th age of 92. devoted husband of 62 years and Green Village may may have been his last address, but Madison was always in his heart. He was born in Newark in 1933. His early years were spent between Madison and Carney. He graduated from Carne High School in 52, served the served our country in the Marines from 52 to 55. He worked briefly with the Carne Police Department before joining joining the Carne Fire Department in 1960, a calling he embraced with great pride. He devoted nearly three decades to the department rising the rank of captain before retiring in 88. This devotion he passed on to his son and grandson. Afterward, he drove school buses for farm park board of education. May have asked him which was tougher. That would have been good to know. Uh he he married an in 1963. As third generation Madisonian,

Jack cherished his deep roots which traced back to Madison to 1860s. His Irish heritage was another source of joy. His love for Irish culture will continue through his children and grandchildren. And I had the honor of toasting him with him a couple of cold Guinness on a few St. Patrick's Days right here in Madison. In March 2025, just this past uh year, he was honored to serve as a starter for the Morris County St. Patrick's Day parade. He survived by his wife Anne, his children John, uh Kathleen, and Madison School Resource Officer Tom. uh and his six grandchildren including Madison firefighter Jack. We also remember Bruce Bergman died at age 78 born in 47 in Marstown grew up in Maple Avenue on Madison Madison while attending uh US Coast Guard Academy. He met his wife Deanna on the hood of a car during a parade during the Marty garage in New Orleans. And I am I am sorry but that's all I know. I would love to hear the whole story but uh they have been have been married ever since and after uh many residents during his career in the United Coast Guard, he settled with Farm Park. It's all moving to Juniper Village in Chadam. Graduated from Madison High in ' 65 and a Coast Guard Academy four years later was enson US Coast Guard, rose the rank of commander and end his Coastg Guard career as captain of the port of New York responsible for ship traffic safety. continue his career in the US government in the Army Corps of Engineers, project manager and responsible for many projects in around New York. He was very active American Legion, always taken a role in our annual Veterans Day recognition. He had a brilliant mind, pursued many interests, and held a patent with US uh patent and trademark office for an expandable hunting arrowhead and wrote he also wrote an invention novel. He survived by his wife Deanna and

sister Mary. And we also remember Maryanne Artiglair who passed away at her home of over 60 years on Central Avenue on January 7th age 87. Born in Marstown at 38. She married her late husband Anthony in 1959. Survived by her four sons Ralph, Anthony, William, and Michael. Had eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was a member of St. Vincent and retired after lengthy career as broker's assistant at Smith Barney in Marstown. And Carol Robinson, longtime Madison resident, passed away in December 22nd, age 83. Born April in 1942, right in Madison, youngest of six children. Her life was defined by a selfless devotion as a mother. She dedicated herself entirely to care for her beloved son Howard who lived with multiple ceros sclerosis. He also worked many years as a clerk at Epstein's department store in Marstown and later as a greeter in Walmart. It was preceded in her death by her uh son Howard. And we also remember Anthony Lasapio of Randolph but a major impact here in Madison. Died on December 20, age 87. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Joanne, two sons, David and Jeff, and four grandchildren. He was predescased by his daughter Karen. Born and raised in Madison. Um he was proud of his Italian heritage and the family's roots in the as rose growers in Madison. He graduated from Madison High in 56 before earning bachelor's degree from Albright College. Hea attained his uh masters of arts from Springfield College. He distinguished himself both academically and athletically, earning uh numerous accolades for his football career, including being named ECAC allies team

in 59, Associated Press Little All-American in 59, the pretzel bowl MVP, which another thing I would love to know about the pretzel bowl in 58 and homecoming MVP in 59 inducted to Albbright College Hall of Fame. dedicated educator. He taught history at Madison High School for 35 years. Many of us that go back to those days remember him at Madison High. His uh passion extended beyond the classroom as he served as head wrestling coach from 68 through 87. And that excellence earned him a membership in multiple halls of fames including Mars County Wrestling District 9, District 3, Madison High School, and the New Jersey Coaches Association. And lastly, we remember uh Peter Miller, another longtime Madison resident, passed on December 11th, 87, survived by his sons, Kevin and Gregory, and daughter Michelle along with three grandchildren, born and raised in Newark. Um he displayed a spirit of service early and listed in the US Army where he served as air air defense crewman. He continued his service in in the army reserves for four additional years after his honorable discharge. Uh Peter and his late wife Mary Claire built a life on Niles Avenue while lovingly raising their three children. He enjoyed a successful career as electrical engineer with PSEG and was active member of Ogden Memorial Church in Chadam. He's also another proud member of the foreign park American Legion and enjoyed connecting with veterans and nurturing friendships uh through that. So let let us now remember Governor Dick Cody, Jack DS, Bruce Bergman, Maryanne Orlair, Carol Robinson, Anthony Sapio, and Peter Miller. Let us pass our thoughts onto the families and friends that they all leave.

Thank you. May I have a motion for the executive minutes of May 12th, 2025? So moved. Second. Already been discussed. All in favor? I. And a motion for the regular minutes of May 12th, 2025. So moved. Second. Any uh corrections, discussion, or changes?

All in favor? I Welcome all to our uh first regular meeting of the new year. Welcome back, Deb.

And uh we had a great or reorganization meeting on uh January 3rd with oats given to uh Tom and Deb by Governor Elect Cheryl. I also want to thank uh Pastor Mark Schaw of uh United Meth Methodist Church for the invocation and the spotlight kids um for their singing of the national anthem. Once again did an amazing job. Um but clearly the highlight of the meeting um came a little bit later when we with the recognition of the dedication of over 70 years by volunteers of the Madison Ambulance Corps as a uh transition. And at that meeting, if you missed it, we um made the announcement the Ambulance Corps building will now be known as the Jack Lutz Municipal Annex. This is in recognition of his over 60 years, that's 6 years, volunteer service to the core. Not only did he make thousands of calls over that time, but he literally uh helped build that building by assisting with laying bricks and and other things related to it. So, um it is certainly not a more fitting thing to recognize his dedication in that way. Um and this past uh Saturday, I uh presented a proclamation to the uh yard stick swimmers. And I know we've got a couple here in the audience actually with Dillard and Joe. Um, and this is a group of master swimmers who since 2004 have uh tracked their yards um primarily in the Y poolool, but you know, they will swim anywhere where there's water and lane lines. Um, and this celebration on Saturday was extra special because it's to recognize that their total mileage since 2004 has brought them to the moon. And they actually did one orbit around the moon just to, uh, make it, uh, extra special. So, um, and for those that don't know

that distance, that's over 240,000 miles. Um, and I think they will be uh on their way to Mars before we know it or maybe um for um drawing a blank but could be to infinity and behind uh will be their next stop because Joe just pointed out that the total mileage is or total yards about 100,000 yards a month. So you can do the math on how much swimming they're doing. So it was a great honor to be there. and a couple of anniversaries since our last uh regular council meeting on December 26, which was an interesting day to start a career at the Y at the at the Y at at the burrow, day after Christmas, uh our parking enforcement officer Cindy Weir celebrated her 30th uh anniversary. And January sec 2nd, uh deputy tax collector Evans also celebrated her 30th anniversary. And January 9th, uh Stacy Douly, purchasing assistant is celebrating 25th anniversary. And our employees for the month of January, construction code official Russ Brown and assistant to the director of public works Chris McDougall, our employees of the month. Uh Russ and Chris completed necessary renovations to the bathrooms at Dodgefield, the all accessessible playground. And the uh completion of these renovations cleared the way for Green Acres to release our $500,000 grant. It's also a uh a lesson in craziness at times with grants that um a little background. If Dodgefield did not have bathrooms, we would have been able to receive the grant right away. But since we had to we had bathrooms there, we had to do some certain modifications to meet the standards. And so that's uh where we ended up. And the last thing in my uh very long comments for tonight is to recognize a very special event that

we had yesterday in this very room. We'll be seeing seeing a um a video in just a second, but I'd like to call um our chief academic officer, Steven Johnson, up to the uh podium from Drew University.

Thank you, Mayor. Thanks for the opportunity to make some comments at this at this time. Uh good evening. I am Dr. Steve Johnson. I'm the interim chief academic officer at Drew University. Um I'm honored to speak this evening on behalf of President Hillary Link who wishes she could be here in person. Uh fortunately she's traveling down to Austin meeting with one of our um our innovation partners down there. So uh she's out for the week. Um I'm also realizing I need to bals at some point in my future. So pardon. Um, some of you may recall when President Link attended a a council meeting early in her tenure as Drew's president um where she spoke about the university's desire to preserve the forest while also ensuring the financial sustainability of the university and um maintaining both of those tenants have been essential to this accord that we signed yesterday and both are part of the agreement that Mayor Connley and President Link signed. really excited about this. Um, the forest remains an integral part of the community of the region and Drew's academic mission and we're thrilled that our shared goal of preserving this invaluable land is happen. Sorry, we're really thrilled. Moreover, this agreement is yet another milestone in Drew's own growth trajectory. Uh, for Drew, this agreement comes at a moment of tremendous excitement and forward momentum. Uh as you may know, we've recently announced the launch of a new college that has us emerging nationally as we re-imagine liberal arts. Um also we are in the process of rectifying the structural deficit that has long impacted the university and we're making positive strides. Uh our enrollment and retention figures are growing and we're seeing tremendous uh growth in auxiliary revenue. So thank you to all who have been instrumental in achieving this agreement. Uh, President Link and all of Drew are grateful to Mayor Connley, uh,

Councilman Range, uh, the Burough administrators, and the entire council for their hard work and dedication in helping us get to this point. This announcement has been a long time coming, and it has certainly not been a smooth road to get here. Um the important part is that we did get here and uh through the support and the generosity of so many in the community and in the state including but not limited to Governor Murphy, Governor Elect Cheryl, Senators Buco and McKon, uh the Morris County Commissioners Dillard Kirby, Ray Chambers, and the friends of the Drew Forest. So, thank you again for being here tonight to celebrate this important moment for Madison together. Thank you, Steve. Yeah, we um had hoped to actually have a table set up right here to do the signing tonight, but as Steve just indicated that uh Hillary is in Texas, so we set it up here yesterday and um with that in mind, we have a little the video to uh play right now.

All right. Sure. We we're finally here. This is amazing. This has been a long time coming. Yes, it's been quite a trip and uh we have heard a whole lot, but uh this is a uh Madison and Drew has always had a great partnership and this he's is bringing it to the next level. What what was it Tom Kaine used to say? I'll I'll riff on that. Madison and Drew perfect together. Yes.

So, right here we have um I've got the purchase and sale agreement and Hillary has the settlement agreement. So, he will sign each of these and then swap them. Excellent. The day I think many thought would not arrive and yet here we are.

All right. And related to saving the forest, we do have one more big step because as you know, part of the agreement is the promise of private fundraising, $5 million. And so the friends of G Forest will be kicking off that campaign now that we have got to this point. So, for those that are seeing this video, I you have been following us for quite a while and it's your turn to step up to save a forest.

We're very excited and very appreciative of everyone's support. This uh the comprehensive deal includes so many different partners, right? There's local uh environmental funding, there's federal funding, there's private philanthropy, there's money from Madison, there's development money. This is really an exciting and monumental uh accomplishment that we've been able to pull together with the help as you know so many people. It's we have friends with the capital F and friends with the small left that have all come together to make this happen and just a little gift from her city on behalf of all of us as we say the roses.

A thank you. Yeah. So, we'll officially thank you. Thank you to everybody. We uh Drew is immensely appreciative. Drew is also really excited for the future and we're going to look forward and all move forward with strength. Yes.

There we go. And you you heard Dillard Kirby's name mentioned. Dillard is in the audience. Again, thank you so much for all your your work on getting this to this point. We've got the the friends a good representation from the friends of Drew Forest here. It has really been quite an adventure. Um, I am working on um a deal with Netflix to sell them the rights for a multi- uh season uh thing on how to save a forest. Uh, but uh with with that in mind, let's I'm going to do a quick little PowerPoint here just to uh share some of the key elements and uh next steps. Right, we'll go to the next slide. So these key elements Madison will be purchased at Drew Forest consisting of 47.3 acres including the land from the corner of Green Village and Glenn Wild up to and including the Zuk Zuk Arboritum which is behind Copper Beach and uh we squeezed in there between the Drew Athletic Fields and mentioned a couple of times the uh uh purchase price is supplemented by private fundraising and New Jersey state grant. So um it is a whole package to make this happen. We are also purchasing the Madison house and the land immediately around it which is just under an acre. That is to to help preserve the historic building and that streetscape. The Madison Avenue streetscape is preserved. So as you look at that lawn next to Madison House leading up to uh stone wall, that view will stay the same. Um what uh this is more on the land sale. What's not with Madison, what's not on here is the uh

land sale with a developer of 10 acres for development within the uh on the campus and that is also part of this the settlement. So let's go to the next slide. The next steps um we we've already started the ball rolling on the due diligence which is environmental testing of the forest. Uh we do have to um since uh fair share housing center was part of the challenge, we have to uh work with settlement for fair share housing center. We have to have the consent order by the judge. So those are things that need to be done. Uh you will see a couple resolutions tonight that will start the redevelopment process for areas B which is behind the United Methodist Church. Uh for those that know the campus, basically the Sitterly building and um the area around including the parking lot and then area C which is behind the um frontage on Madison Avenue but in and in front of the uh Ranger Stadium and all the closing by December 31st, 2026. And next slide. Our number one uh FAQ is forest now save forever and the answer is not yet um because the deal is contingent upon the successful uh $5 million campaign by the friends of Drew Forest. I I know they've already have pledges lined up and they uh the public campaign um will be underway shortly. So um for those again, as I said in the video, for those that have been passionate about this, this is a chance to be really part of history. open up the checkbooks and uh be ready what for when the ask comes along. And that is all we got there. Anything else, Eric? Would anything else you would like to add to uh No, mayor. You know, I it's been a long time coming and a lot of players uh

both some in this room and some elsewhere um have really put in a lot of time and energy over the past four years is five years. Um, so it's uh it's great to see that we're taking these these steps and the rest of it should just unfold naturally at this point. So thanks for all your leadership on this mayor as well. All right, nothing else. We will move on to reports from committees. Committee affairs council president Forte.

Thank you mayor from the downtown development commission. Uh the annual reorganization meeting of the downtown development commission will be held on Thursday, January 22nd at 7:15 p.m. in the second floor committee room in the Heartley Dodge Memorial Building. The public is invited to attend. From the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber's third annual Rose City Chocolate Walk is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th. Please visit the Chamber website at madisonjchamber.org for more information. Easter Funfest is scheduled for Saturday, March 28th. from the Madison Community Arts Center. Every Tuesday from 1 to 4 pm, seniors play ma jang and canasta. Sounds like fun. Wednesday, January 14th at 7 p.m., music open mic. Every second Wednesday, local musicians perform two songs each. All are welcome to perform or attend. Friday, January 16th at 7:30 p.m. Summit Film Society is showing It Was just an accident. Saturday, January 17th at 7 pm. Come original showcase featuring local bands and vendors. Wednesday, January 21st at 7 p.m. Comedy open mic. Every third Wednesday, all are welcome to perform or attend. Thursday to Sunday, January 22nd to 25th, the Elephante School of Performing Arts is doing a production of Shrek Jr. And Wednesday, January 28th at 7 p.m., show us your shorts. Every fourth Wednesday, local film members, filmmakers submit and show their short film in an open mic type format. Tickets can be found at Madison Community Arts Center uh events home and the calendar is rosenet.orgmcac. Thank you, mayor. Oh, mayor.

I'm sorry. from the Madison Community Pool. Um, from the Madison Community Pool Advisory Board. The board has been working hard and is looking forward to a great pool season this summer. A letter was distributed via social media last week and will be mailed out this week to past members. The committee members are dedicating significant time including meeting weekly with Burough staff. Their letter to the community said it best. We ask for your trust as we move forward together. Trust us that we are listening. Trust us that we are learning. trust us that this pool is being run with intention, professionalism, and respect for the community that keeps it alive. The pool is not just back. It's being cared for. It's being run with purpose, it's being built to last. More than a pool, it is our summer place. We hope you'll join us in creating a pool community rooted in connection, care, and belonging. Speaking both as a resident and a lifelong pool member, um the pool, the Madison pool is a gem and an important community asset. The membership portal will be opening in February and I hardily encourage all Madison residents to join the pool. Being a pool member and volunteering for the pool is the best way to protect this important institution.

Thank you, mayor, for sharing that. And I also uh updated the master swimmers on Saturday about I will now move on to public safety. Mr. Landrean.

Thank you, Mayor. from the police department. During the month of December 2025, community policing officer Stephanie Carboy Caro and school resource officer David Rickle and Peter Frank conducted several ebike presentations at the Madison Junior School and St. Vincent's. The presentation included ebike safety and discussions of ebike ordinance that is in effect. Madison officers are working on year-end reports that are mandatory and to be submitted to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office. Those reports include use of force, pursuit, and departmental training, just to name a few. Madison's newest officer, Michael L. Boy, these names are killing me this tonight. Lra Lang Grainus is well on his way in his field training. He is assigned to a patrol squad and is placed on shift work with that squad. Patrol the patrolman will be on a field on on will be on field training where he is when he is riding with another officer and evaluated daily for the next several months from the fire department. The fire department responded to 237 calls in December with 111 individuals transported to the hospital in 202025. The department handled 24,449 calls, marking the busiest year in their history. Vol volunteer firefighters Tom Kieran and Brandon Uria successfully completed fire training one training over 250 hours at the Mars County Fire Academy. Two additional volunteers are scheduled to begin training at the end of this month. This program requires a 19week commitment with classes held Tuesday evenings and all day Saturday. Fire and police leadership met with Drew

University staff to review emergency response protocols for the campus. In regards to fire prevention during 2025, 721 inspections were performed. They negotiated a fire code fine settlement of $57,000. They issued 61 fire permits collecting $3,927 in fees. They completed $29 smoke and CO CO inspections collecting $15,210. They collected $2,10 non-life hazard registration inspection fees. They submitted the annual LEA fire report to the division of fire safety and they investigated six fires in the burrow and assisted in two mutual aid fires. They participated in SDL fire inspection module roundt and provided feedback to improve the system. They conducted fire safety talks at all four elementary schools during fire prevention month. They visited burrow preschools for fire engine and equipment demonstrations and they added permit and registration application forms to Rosenet enabling businesses to submit them electronically. From the joint court, when comparing case load, Madison's case load had a slight decrease of approximately 2.2% in December of 25 compared to the same period in 24. There was a slight decrease compared to the previous month as well. In 2025, Madison's case load increased by approximately 35% compared to 2024. Traffic, parking, and disorderly persons, petty theft, disorderly persons offenses accounts for the bulk of the case increase. Madison joint court, including all four towns, had a slight increase in cases by probably 1.2% in December compared to

24. In 2025, the Madison Joint Court had an overall increase in cases of by approximately 259 cases, which is an approximate increase of 12.6% compared to last year. Most of the case increase was came from traffic, parking, and disorderly person offenses. The SER's revenue and overall revenue for the Mass and Joint Court for 2025 will be discussed on the next council meeting. Thank you, mayor. Thank you very much. Now, finance bureau clerk, Mr. Range.

Thank you, mayor. An important reminder from the tax department. The first quarter property tax payment, they are due on February 1st. I'm happy to announce that in 2025, the tax department was able to collect 99.31% of all property taxes due. Special thanks to Chrissy and Hattie in the CL tax collection department for doing such a great job in 2025. from the accounts payable department. The admin system, which tracks our budget and accounts payable, uh was closed last week so we could finalize the 2025 year-end accounting. The system was rolled over and reopened late last week. From the finance department, I briefly want to point out some important finance related items that were included in the January 3rd reorganization meeting. First was the resolution for a temporary budget. The final budget will hopefully be passed in April and as such the council needs to approve a temporary budget so that bills can be paid in the interim. The budget process is held in the beginning of the calendar year so that newly elected officials can be involved in the budget. Second is the cash cash management plan. State statute requires that each municipality adopt a cash management plan annually. The plan authorizes the permissible financial instruments that idle funds can be invested in. It includes very conservative investment objectives including preservation of capital, maintenance of liquidity and rules regarding authorization of wires and a transactions. There are many other financial related resolutions in the annual meeting agenda, including the creation of petty cash accounts, who can authorize purchasing for various departments, and who is Madison's official representative for our joint insurance fund. Questions

on these resolutions can be directed to the chief financial officer. Upcoming finance department projects. Over the coming weeks, the finance department will be working on both the annual debt statement and the annual financial statements. The debt statement shows the amount of municipal debt, including school debt, as a percentage of total assets of property in the bureau. The annual financial statements are the first documents that reflect the actual financial performance of the bureau in prior in the prior year. These documents get further refined and become uh our municipal audit. The annual financial statement or AFS also helps us during the annual budget process as they give us fund balanced performance for the prior year. And that is a great segue into the budget. Uh budget season is here. In fact, it's been budget season since December. Uh we have no presentations tonight uh for the budget, but I want to review the budget schedule as we go forward. At next council meeting on January 26, there will be presentations from public works, the water utility, the electric utility, and review of the utility fund balances. On February 9th, there will be the initial municipal budget review and present and a presentation from the fire department. On February 23rd, we'll have the remaining department head presentations. On March 23rd, we'll have a final budget presentation as well as review the strategic planning discussion and budget introduction. And finally, on April 27th, uh the council will conduct the budget hearing and vote for the budget adoption. Budget transparency is extremely important and residents are encouraged to visit the finance department pages on Rosenet where you can find audits uh debt statements, past budgets and other budget information uh

that going all the way back several years. And that's all from finance this evening. Thank you, Mayor.

Very much public works and engineering, Mr. Carolyn Plutus. Sorry. Hello again everybody, mayor members from the community. Uh from the Department of Public Works, curbside leaf collection by the DPW staff has concluded. Uh hopefully everybody was pleased with the service this year. They had to maneuver around a little snow. They came early in the season of leaf pickup. The DPW is in the process of patching potholes around the burrow. If any large potholes are spotted, please notify the DPW to help them out. DPW handled several snow and ice events in December as well as the start of January. They also assisted the water utility with water main break repairs around the community. The sewer department responded to pump station alarms. Residents are reminded not to flush certain hygiene products, feminine hygiene products, floss, wipes, even if they do say flushable on the packaging. They cause system failures. Uh despite the uh a notification about the Madison uh community ice skating rink on Rosedale, despite the warm weather, we appreciate the community helping us to keep the ice enjoyable when it is time for it to freeze again. So, the DPW asks that no one throws or leaves anything on the Rosedale skating pond. When it's frozen or when it's melted, uh, if there is another freeze and the pond is frozen, uh, and you want to clear snow, please shovel all the snow to the side of the pond. If you leave it in the center of the rink, it will freeze up and ruin some of the skating surface. Christmas trees can be put out

on the curb for pickup by the DPW. They are not collected by garbage trucks. They are recycled by the town. The pickup will continue through January 31st. If residents do not meet that date, they can bring their Christmas trees to the recycling center on Saturday, February 7th, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The sewer department will be conducting sewer main jetting, which is starting today through this Friday, January 16th, depending on the weather. The streets they are jetting are posted on Rosenet. I also have something mayor from the Madison Environmental Commission. The MEC held its seventh annual seed giveaway on Saturday at the United Methodist Church. This popular event organized by native plant coach Joanne Macari is a reminder that local perennial seeds need cold weather in order to grow in the spring. As Joanne, Is it Joan or Joanne?

Joan. Joan. I'm sorry about that. As Joan demonstrated, winter sewing can be done with outdoor containers. Just a pinch of seed can yield dozens of free plants. So, get started right now. And from the Madison Community Garden, uh they have applications available now for anybody who wants to try and get a uh planting plot or to join the be the bee committee. What is it? Beekeepers club. Sorry, I have that on the list. The applications are there on available on Rosnet and should be turned in completed no later than February 15th. Thank you, mayor.

You and utilities, Miss Hanahan.

Thank you, Mayor. Uh from the water department, uh there are multiple um opportunities to dig uh repairing six water main break on Albreight Circle on Christmas Eve. um thanks to the extra work and extended hours uh during the holiday shut down um Central Avenue water man or new 2-in service for a housing project and the DP they also assisted the DPW with snow removal and salting. Uh there was manual pumping of wells B and D. Clear well flushing awaiting repairs to B well and Dwell sensors. Um from the sorry from the others uh the the light department we had multiple standby calls including transformer malfunction alarms and reports of power outages. There was a scheduled shutdown on Park Avenue for an electrician so they could upgrade electric service to the house to an house. Standby was called out to 10 West End for a report of a half house only having half power, but it turned out to be a homeowner responsibility. Um, and additional time and effort went into staying for snow and ice standby. There was additional plow and shoveling of substations. There were also alarms at Kings Road substation for supervisory transformer malfunction. We did find an issue that caused the tap changers to lock out. No one lost power and the issue was corrected. Special thanks to both departments for working with DPW to keep residents safe in the streets.

Much and health. Uh our reorg was held Monday, January 5th, and meetings will be quarterly. Dates are on the Rosenet website. Uh 19 retail food establishments were inspected during December. 17 environmental complaints were looked into. 44 dogs and 13 cats were vaccinated at the rabies clinic held in December. Investigation of three communicable diseases and they vaccinated eight adults as part of our vaccine for adults program. The health department would also like to remind residents that respiratory illnesses are on the rise. So remember to wash your hands frequently and stay home if you feel sick and it is not too late to get flu and or co vaccines.

Very much. Now we move on to communications and petitions.

Uh yes, mayor. Mayor and council received several emails in our break. Um, one from Aaron Daly of Valley Road um, supporting the use of gas leaf blowers. Um, one on December the 11th from resident David Ste of Ferndale um, opposing the use of gas leaf blowers. We had another one um, res Beth Krazac of Belmont Avenue supporting the ban as well. power relief blowers. And then um an email on January the 6 from um a recip resident Rachel Sacket Putton thanking the mayor and council for their support for the um ovarian cancer awareness.

Thank you very much. We're now on to our first of two invitations for public comment. This one is limited to um agenda discussions and the resolutions. As mentioned before, there are no agenda discussions because we're little break as we get ready for the budget season. Um, but these are the resolutions you may comment on. Resolution 41, which is a point authorizing the hiring of Michael Ramos as probationary police officer uh salary in um based on the collective bargaining agreement. Resolution 42, a contract uh for the purchase of one vaccon jet vacuum sewer cleaner and accessories under Sourcewell. This is uh $684,000 which was appropriated by ordinances 46 and 47 of 2025. Resolution 43 is um Governor's Council on Substance Use Disorder Alliance Prevent Substance uh use disorder. This is a grant. Um the grant amount is uh $4,700 with a cash match of 1100,200 from Madison. Uh resolution 44 is authorizing annual stipen of 3500 for Monty Mohei for assuming additional duties related to um tree permits. Uh resolution 45 is authorizing St. annual welfare center 5K race and one mile walk on Saturday, September 19th. Resolution 46, approving the annual little league parade to be held on Saturday, April 11th. Uh resolution mentions 12:00 noon, but the actual time to be confirmed. Resolution 47 approving use of By Ellard Field parking lot for by the adult school of the Chadams Madison Floren Park for various dates in April March April and May. Uh resolution

48 is authorizing raffles by St. Vincent Martyr Church on um March 20th and March 21st. Resolution 49 authorizing release of performance bond and partial release of performance guarantee for the development of Madison Wall Apartments. Um, resolution 50 is authorizing uh contract purchase for gasoline through Mars County Co-op. And the next couple resolutions are also uh co-op purchases not to exceed $150,000. Resolution 51 is rock salt not to exceed $120,000. Resolution 52 is diesel fuel not to exceed $60,000. Uh resolution 53 is approving the use of community pool parking lot by the Madison Steam Academy and this is June 29th through August 7th. This is just for um drop off. The cars are not there after the um bus leaves. Resolution 54 is approving salary increase for Chelsea Taylor um recognizing uh performance and this is uh salary to be increased to $58,867. Resolution 55 is promoting Loretta Dangelo D'Angelo to um the position of assistant sen senior office assistant in public works department. annual salary $68,414. Resolution 56 is enabling um funding funding requests from Green Acres and this is a total of 5.557 million. We know what that one resolution 57 is authorizing directing planning board to conduct a preliminary investigation uh for redevelopment. This is related to the Drew settlement.

Resolution 58 is directing the planning board uh for to amend our third round housing plan element. Again, this is uh we uh related to the Drew settlement as we shift our uh round three settlement. And then we have resolution 59 accepting the resignation of police sergeant Shan McCarthy effective June 1st, 2026. So those are the resolutions you may comment on. Uh usual rules apply. You step up to your lectern lect turn, state your name and address, write the same on the clipboard. Try to keep your comments to three minutes, but we give you one minute grace and stop you at four. Um, and since these there's a couple resolutions related to the Drew University settlement, this also gives anyone that wants to comment on that a chance to speak now as opposed to having to wait for the next uh speaking period. Anyone wishing to comment, please step forward.

Good evening, 27 Laura Way. I would like to um share a statement from the friends of Drew Forest. Uh friends of Drew Forest is happy to be here tonight and we once again applaud the hard work of the mayor and council over the last five years to secure the Drew Forest future. Some council members who worked hard on this effort are no longer here because they've completed their terms and others have been elected as the years passed along. The goal for us has always been a signed agreement for a conservation purchase of the forest. As the mayor indicated, there are still some important steps that need to be taken before the ownership of the forest is transferred to the MA to Madison. And of course, nothing is done until it's done. But we're good at waiting. We're also good at community building and educating the public as the blue save the do forest signs all over Morris County can attest. And now we're proud to play a key role in this agreement in terms of private fundraising. To ensure that the forest purchase moves forward, a very generous donor has pledged to match $2.5 million to be raised by French brew forest. So, we'll raise 2.5 million and those dollars will be matched for a total of $5 million. It's a daunting task, but there are more of us than you see in this room this evening. And the value of the forest for aquifer recharge, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and a respbit and peaceful place for the community members is highly valued by our supporters across Morris County and across the state.

I'd like to give a special shout out to one of our board members, Christine Hepburn, who I was reminded this morning by Sarah Webb, back in 2011 um offered to fund a deer fence and that kickstarted the restoration of the forest that we know today. And to the university, Madison has been lucky to have Drew as a community member and partner for many decades. And we recognize and thank Dr. link and the Drew trustees and Dr. Johnson um for their hard work in this effort. We look forward to fruitful next steps and successful capital campaign. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Judy. Anyone else wishing to comment? I forgot to mention before if you want to comment any other subjects outside the resolutions that'll come up a little bit later in the meeting. Good evening. Benjamin Weissman. I'm the council president in Bhutan, New Jersey. So, I don't live in Madison, but please don't hold that against me. Um, I'm a proud Drew University alum uh and serve on the board of the college the college alumni board as well. I gradu graduated from Drew in 2006. It's where uh it's where my love of public service came from and the number of hours I spent in the Drew forest and the the importance of that that forest and that school to my education who I am today. I don't think could be overstated. So, I just want to know how hard it is being in public service and the roles you all play and I want to thank you for for being creative and coming up with a solution that works uh and take a lot of inspiration from that. So, thank you very much.

Anyone else wishing to comment, please step forward. Seeing none, I close this part of the meeting. And as mentioned, we have no agenda discussions uh since this is the first regular meeting of the year. We also have no ordinances for hearing. So uh guess what we have another opportunity another opportunity to comment and this may be on any topic uh that you would like to comment on. Again you same rules apply. Step up to lecture and state your name and address. Write the same on the clipboard. Try to keep your comments to three minutes, but we give you that one minute grace.

Good evening. I'm Mark Telmage. I live at 8 Ross Court and uh my backyard does back up to the Drew Forest. Uh wasn't sure if this should have been the first comment or the second comment, but since they're together, I guess it doesn't matter. Uh, I want to just remind everyone that that little strip of forest that runs along Vinyl Place, kind of extends from the arboritum down toward Madison House, uh, is important, and I would hope that that would be preserved as the planning goes forward with respect to the housing development that's going to be going in that area. Uh those trees are the only protection we have on vinyl and Ross court from the glaring lights of the Drew Athletic Field. And and I I don't um criticize Drew about that. I mean, I've raised five children. We had more fun, you know, roaming the Drew athletic fields, you know, playing, you know, ball down there. Um but the lights are bright, uh and they do stay on till 10 many times. So for that that's one reason to protect that part of the forest in addition to protecting it as other parts of the forest. Uh and also I would hope that there would be uh no vehicle access from the development through that area through that forest area onto vinyl. Vinyl is not a a wide road. In fact, about I for I want to say five, but it's probably six or seven years ago, um the town narrowed vinyl place by about five feet, bringing the curb in from um the the Drew Athletic Field side and and and did narrow it. So, it's a little tight, especially with the additional traffic that we're

anticipating and parking due to um well, I guess it will open soon. seems like it's been under construction forever. Um, the mosque on the corner. So, uh, I would hope that, you know, all that would be kept in mind in terms of the actual planning of what's going to go into parcel C. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mark. And we much of that will be handled by the planning board. And you have two planning board members in myself and Eric Range here.

Okay. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to comment, please step forward. Seeing none, I close this part of the meeting. And we now move up to or introduction ordinance. Will the clerk please read the statement? Ordinance is scheduled for first reading. Have a hearing date set for January the 26th, 2026. All will be posted um published in the Madison Eagle, posted on the bulletin boards, and made available to members of the public requesting copies. I pull up ordinance for first reading and ask the burough clerk to read said words by title. Ordinance 1-2026.

Ordinance of the bureau of Madison supplementing chapter 7 of the burough code to add a new section 7-5 regarding 100% disabled veterans tax refunds. Mayor, I move ordinance 1-2026. Second. Council discussion. This uh pretty much clarifies that any any um 100% disabled uh tax um baitment for a veteran is forward only not retroactively. Any further discussion? Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landrian, yes. Mr. Range, yes. Mr. Harlon Pudis, yes. Miss Hanahan, yes. Mr. Forte, yes.

Miss Con? Yes. Ordinance 2-2026. Ordinance of the Bureau of Madison appropriating $620,000 from the general capital improvement fund for capital improvements to Shady Lawn Drive, Dogwood Drive, Hardwood Drive, and East Street. Mayor, I move ordinance 2-2026. Second, council discussion. So, mayor, is uh the the work that we're doing on Shayon Drive, is part of that being covered by a grant or was that something else? There is a state grant. So we always appropriate the full amount and then when the grant money comes through it goes back into the capital but only for shady law not for

the shady loan I believe is the only one on that list. Okay thanks for the clarification and this is part of the uh capital budget and gives us an opportunity to to get ahead of the curve with the bidding process. Any other discussion? Roll call vote please. Mr. Landrean. Yes. Mr. Range. Yes. Mr. Harland Pudis. Yes. Miss Hon. Yes, Mr. Forte. Yes, M. Cohen. Yes. Ordinance 3-2026. Ordinance of the Burrow of Madison amending and supplementing chapter 45 of the Burough Code entitled shade tree management board to include commemorative tree application fees. Mayor I move ordinance 3-2026. Second.

Council discussion structure. Go ahead. I was going to just ask you what com to clarify for the community. What are commemorative trees. So it's the when a tree is donated and they a they dedicated to someone. So this puts in process the um the cost of plaque and all that. Oh okay. That's very honorable. Thanks. Any further discussion? Roll call vote please. Mr. Landrean. Yes. Mr. Range. Yes. Mr. Harland Pudis. Yes. Miss Hanahan. Yes. Mr. Forte. Yes. Miss Cohen. Yes. Consent agenda resolution. 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 R41-2026 through R59-2026. Second council discussion or any that need to be pulled. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landrean, yes. Mr. Range, yes. Mr. Harland Pudis, yes. Miss Hon, yes. Mr. Forte, yes. Miss Cohen,

yes. But I need to recuse from R57 and R58 2026. All right. There is no unfinished business with approval of vouchers. Will the clerk please read the voucher totals

from the current fund? 6,49,59741. From the general capital fund, $158,3561 from the electric operating fund, $731,129.76. From the electric capital fund, $155,644.94. From the water operating fund, 38 335.76 and from the water capital fund $6,85 even from the trust $82,117.72 the total is 7,221,93620

here I move approval of the vouchers second discussion call vote please Mr. Landrean. Yes. Mr. Range. Yes. Mr. Carolyn Pudis. Yes. Miss Hon. Yes. Mr. Forte. Yes. Miss Cohen. Yes.

All right. Under new business, I'd like to make the uh following appointment not subject to council confirmation. This is to correct appointments that were made at the reorganization meeting. So, these supersede the ones that were announced at that meeting. Uh environmental commission two-year term through December 31st, 2027. Colette Prescus, alternate two member. And uh This would coincide with a one-year term through December 31st, 2026 as Colette Krescus, the shade tree management board rep, and also appointing uh as associate member Trina Malik. And I'd like to make the following um appointments requesting council confirmation. These are the board of education leaison appointments. Um one-year term through December 31st, 2026. Complete streets, David Duran, DDC, Steven Tendell. Emergency prep U Corporation, Kelly Browning, Carmen Vasto, Recreation, Eric Fontes, Sustainable Madison, David Duran, and then for the Shade Tree Management Board for a 5-year term through December 31st, 2030, uh, Christine Shore, alternate two member, and then for local emergency planning council for 2026, part information technology, AJ Rangu. Uh, I entertain a motion to approve those. Mayor, I I'll move the foregoing appointments. Second discussion.

Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landeran, yes. Mr. Range, yes. Mr. Harland Pudis, yes. Mr. Hanahan, yes. Mr. Forte, yes. Miss Cohen, yes. Entertain a motion to adjurnn. Mayor, I move that we adjourn the meeting. in favor.