Council - Regular Meeting

Good to go. We're good to go. Folks, we're going to call this meeting to order. Would everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the father for it stands one nation indivisibley and justice for all. This is a meeting of the Hillsdale

This is a meeting of the Hillsdale Burough Council on the 17th day of March, 2026. Notice of the time and place of this meeting has been provided to the Bergen record as well as posted on our website as now required pursuant to state law formally. A copy was also posted on the bulletin board outside of the meeting room and provided to any interested parties. Please silence all cell phones. Please wait to be recognized by the mayor. During the public hearing and public comment portion of the meeting, you will need to state your name and town of residence. For the record, will the clerk please read the role? Council member Camp here. Council member Kleti here. Council member D. Rosa here. Council member Mazuch here. Council President Oso here.

Council member Rico. Mayor Shinfield here. We're going to start with the initial public comment period and we'll start with uh AJ. come on up and let's hear about your project. Wonderful. Mayor, I assume everyone agrees we can go over our time limit this young. Yes, we're gonna we're gonna exceed Normally it's three minutes. I'm sure you are so excited about your project, you're going to have a little bit more. We might go for hours. Just just Yeah, just keep in mind that the clerk has already given me an overunder on how long. So, you're either on a good side or a bad side with this, but I won't tell you where the bet was, but go ahead.

All right. So, I need to get my Eagle Scout project proposal.

My project is on here. You know what? Let me just read it. I am fortunate in the fact that my Eagle Scout project will not only benefit the community, but is very personal to me as well. My grandfather, Jack Stubs, is who I'm dedicating my Eagle Scout project to. I am rebuilding the learning garden in Sapienza Gardens for uh Pasak Valley High School to use as an outdoor classroom. Unfortunately, there is already an Eagle Scout project there, and to my dismay, I do have to remove that project and insert the new one. My project will not be much farther and much different from it. The one that's already there has three benches and a podium that is currently under a utree that is there and has been over the years weathered down with water, all sorts of stuff just from the from the um the tree. So, I will be taking my stuff. I will be moving it just a little bit over. I will be adding six benches and a larger podium for the teacher to use as an actual podium so she can use it outdoors with her school work or whatever she has to use. Um, I do have photos of what it looks like right now if you would like to see.

Sure. I would say hand it to the clerk, but why don't you hand it to me? We'll we'll hand Let me know what you got. I'm clearing up the debris. I will be adding a um I will adding a natural border of native shrubs around it just to make the area look much prettier. It will be with rooden and mountain laurel which are native here and do not get eaten by the deer which was heavily stressed out. Sure. Um yeah that's okay. Um, do we have questions for this uh fine eagle scout? I have a question, Kennedy.

Yes. So, um, were you able to So, it's my understanding that the bureau does not own that property. It's owned by the high school, correct? Well, actually, so yeah, there is a specific border that is not perfectly defined. Okay. At least for what I know. But if where I'm planning to keep my Eagle Scout project, it will not be on the high school's property. There are there is an area that separates it by trees and I will not be anywhere near that. It will stay in the gardens. No, that's ours. I I've tried to get permits there in the past and I've been told it wasn't our property.

Well, you were I I believe you were told incorrectly. Isn't Sepian's on this side of it ours as opposed to the as opposed to the schools? I thought it was ours. We've never that events and we've never we've never pulled permits for it. Someone was someone was trying to prevent you because the reason why I bring it up is just out of you know courtesy we've always emailed the board. Um you know Councilman Bro's wife is on that board there's a whole list of board members for Sapienza that you know courtesy it would be nice to email them to do they all of them spoken you've spoken to the um to the school as well. there. I mean, just in general because you're going to be moving out a classroom, an outdoor classroom.

No, it's not. It is not currently an outdoor classroom, but it's currently that that was the original intent of it, wasn't it? I do not think so. I think it was just a beautifification. Yeah. But I am I will when I'm done, I will notify the classroom that it is of use to them. Okay. But but are they aware it's coming? No, they are not aware it's coming. Okay. They may they may want to know because they could then plan for use of it. Did you say you were going to break down the benches that are there currently? Yeah, I would be pulling them out and then the podium as well. And so you're going to break those benches down and you going to take the gray away or you going to leave it there or what? The benches that are there currently? Yes. You going to break them down or you going to move them?

Uh yeah, we're going to break them down and move them. We're going to get rid of them just pretty much entirely. And the podium as well because they've been weathered in they are weathered. They are wet, broken. Okay. Right. But there's nothing RDPW has to do with regards to that wood. All right. You're going to be responsible for the removal. Okay. And all of the debris and stuff that we're cleaning up. So, that's all will be mine. The mayor, just one small item, and it's I only know it was an issue several years ago. I think Councilman D. Rosa may recall. You're seeking to dedicate the garden with a plaque to an individual. Do we have a naming things after people committee?

We we did have a naming um commission. It was a select commission by the mayor. Um we did we haven't done it because it's really kind of fallen out of use. Um I think that that may be appropriate that we could have a couple of members of council that can quickly sort of get together. I mean I if they for some reason and I don't have any idea what it was they said that it should be dedicated in a different way you'd still move forward with your project I assume. Yes. Okay. So I don't think that that's not an impediment to him moving forward with it. We just have to basically give the blessing given and Sassy in the garden did say that they wanted to dedicate it in my grandfather's name. Okay.

Well that's good to know. So he gave me Jack Stub sounds very familiar. Yes. What what's your So he was really big on the Hillsdale Environmental Commission, right? And he was involved with the um execution of Sappy Gardens. He was the one of the ones who helped start it up. Okay, great. Mayor Grant, do those pictures show the plan? Can we get the pictures to come back down this way? I think this is just the current condition of Oh, I also I also do have a rendering of proposals. That's what we're looking for. Sure. Can you press? We'd like to see that as well. The current

is it on the agenda? So, the actual project is Oh, it's in the Well, I have I have to click click on the the live link. That's up a lot of me because coming back after how I'm going to I'll go send two in each direction for anybody that is also a lot like like myself and prefers to see something in hard paper copy. So I have another question. Do you think there's an opportunity for this troop? Which troop are you? 4412 to also maintain it or have a plan in place to maintain it because I think what's happened in the past is these things have fallen apart because it was sort of like a project that was never followed up on. I mean, in my since it is my project, I was planning on coming back every once in a while and

cleaning it up to the best of my employees just as myself. Or even if it's something that's passed down in your troop like, hey, every year, let's I could suggest that. Okay. Definitely. That's great. Otherwise, it goes to it messes up and that's what happened the last time. I agree. Alex, can I just ask you a question? And I apologize. We've never met along the way. You reside in town. No, I live in um Washington, New York. Okay. And you're doing this because in honor of your grandfather? Yes. I'm doing this for a reser. God, lived here. My mother also lived here for a long time.

I I see a lot of New York addresses and names and we've never met. So, I just want to make sure I was understanding. Okay. res for many many many years. Gotcha. Okay. Thank you so much. So this is an honor the grandfather operation which should make

Okay. Okay. Um does anybody else have any questions? Does anybody have any objections that should be brought up that that would not do this? I think if in my opinion if Sapienza Gardens at the if the leadership team there is comfortable with it um I would see no reason why we wouldn't approve it. As far as the naming of it, dedicating it towards your grandfather, I think that if we want to have a quick ad hoc, we can even have a discussion here. So, back when we had the committee, there was a criteria that was um Peter Har as a town historian kind of was a member of the police department. It was a kind of a cross-section. So, I don't know if you want to reconvene that or not.

It was also mostly for street names. It was it was for any who one who approached council to name anything after somebody. Right. So I think this is kind of a gray area. I I don't care either way. I just remember it being an issue.

I I think for the purposes of expedition I mean I personally don't have a problem if there's anybody here who thinks that there is an issue with it. I think you know the the administration of sepions of gardens is in favor of doing this um in this way. I don't think I I I personally would like to just cut out the red tape if we could and say let's do this. Um and the only caveat I'll put put on it is um if anybody from Sapienza approaches us and we'll we'll reach out to them to to concur. They're signed off on they're signed up on it. I might be able to shed a little light on this. Please. So come on up.

So my father was Jack Stubs and they restarted Doggy Days. Oh yes. So when they restarted Doggy Days, they called me and said, "We're going to have a moment of silence for your father." And when she had me on the phone, she said, "Just so you know, we're looking to redo the learning garden in your and dedicate it to your grandfather or dedicate to your father as soon as we find a scout to do it." And I said, "Oh, do I have the scout for you?" And that is how this came. So they originally had the plan. So they came to you and were happy with it before they had him. I just was like, "Hey, I have his grandson. That's even better, right? Who is a life scout looking for an eagle project and it just seemed to kind of be a little bit

perfect. One question. Do you plan any kind of plaque or marker or anything like that or it's just uh it was it was going to be like a a plaque. Okay. I think I a small little plaque. I just like to see what you plan to have on that. I was going to put it under the utree that is there. Small little plaque just Okay. Okay. So, why don't we just Can we say this? Um that we're we're in favor of dedicating this for your grandfather. Um but we would like to just see what the plaque is before you put it out there. Yes. Okay. Perfect. Does that work? We can send you a copy of the of the wonderful the design before. Absolutely. And it'll have a little write up on them too, right? Yes. Yeah.

Okay. Actually, if I I'll send you an image of Tuplex that we've done already with similar style. If you can keep Okay, keep it closer to that. Got it. Even better. Can we do this by voice vote? All those in favor? Anyone opposed? Congratulations, young man. You would like your plan back? The photos there. Thank you. I have a PDF over We have a PDF. Now, we we've done our best to go paperless. So, yeah. I got Thank you.

The tech guy is hoarding the paper. Okay. Um would anybody else like to be recognized in the public comment? This is on the agenda items. Would you like to be Well, it has to be with the ball. Is that on there? It's the Bfield is not on you talking about Memorial Field. Yeah. There's nothing on the agenda specifically about that. Um so it has to be on the agenda only. At the end there's going to be another opportunity for you to comment. Okay. So we're good with that. All right. Uh is there anybody I see no discussion. Um the professional reports. Nick, you are the professional here today. Live up to that title. Thank you, mayor. Sure.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everybody. Good to see you. Um, so a couple quick updates for you. The, uh, NJOT fiscal year 2025 grant project for Liberty and Arcadia is um, out to bid as of today. The bid opening for that is scheduled on April 7th. So, we're we're planning on starting construction early spring, shortly thereafter. Uh, Memorial Field, the construction is restarting as of today as well. So obviously we had some some bad weather, a little bit unlucky with this winter unfortunately. Uh nothing we could do about that, but they are, you know, the the ground is thawed. It's dried out enough where they can start working again. So they're starting work today. They're going to be doing some drainage work, sanitary sewer, and retaining walls are the next things on the agenda there.

How long do you think that the foul weather pushed you back? About a month, month and a half. Month and a half. So, we were already talking about best case scenario May. Yep. So, now we're talking about June, you think, for an opening? June, I think, is a is a realistic target right now. We're obviously going to try to make up for some of the walls time, but, you know, it's it's hard to promise that everything will go perfectly like No, I understand. I just want I just want everybody on this board and the the public in general to have an idea of what you're thinking about.

Yep. Yeah. And and there's there's definitely some some weather delays built into the schedule just because we know that's always going to happen at some point. Um, you know, if we have a couple days of heavy rain in the spring, which is typical, th those days are probably going to be down days as well. So, um, you know, we we are pushed back about a month as of right now. So, we I'll keep you posted on on scheduling for that as as we go. Clemente, I'm sure, is is ready to go.

Yes. I'm I'm sure I'm going to get a question from Clemente on that. I know. I see him ready. Um, before before we do that, a couple other things to update on. Um we're working on the bureau's t annual reporting and that's the required storm water reporting for the DP. Uh so we're we're currently in progress on that. We're also um currently producing the storm water uh wershed improvement plan which is another D requirement. Um and then after that just for upcoming projects we have the the DOT grant for 2026 that we received in November that was for the paving of Ralph AB and Legion Place. You got a grant in the amount of 194,000 to do that project. Uh, so we're we're planning on starting design in that in probably May. Okay, that's all I have.

Nick, there was a resolution uh that came up last week's council meeting um for $9,500. It was uh for a barrier design and landscape architecture. Um are we required to put a barrier up now that those trees are gone and now that the basketball court is closer to the the curb side there? Yeah. So, we we looked at this during the original design phase of this project and it was determined just based on the uh the criteria in the roadway design manual that it's not technically required. That being said, it was raised as a concern in terms of safety now that everybody sees that the trees are gone. There's a relatively steep slope there. It's not far away from a pretty high retaining wall at the at the basketball court. So, it definitely makes sense to put a guide rail there. U we recognize it's not required, but it was requested.

So, we're going to be designing that. And that's what that proposal is for. But that $9,500 includes not only the barrier but the landscape as well. Correct. So that that price is for two things. One is to design guide rail at that location and two is to get a uh a landscape architect involved to design some supplemental landscaping for the project because that was another concern that was raised as we progressed this that we needed some more landscaping. So those are the two things that that proposal. Do you have a ballpark figure of what that barrier actually costs? Uh we're I I don't I don't know exactly, but it's it's not it's not a huge number. You're probably looking at something like $10,000. Additional questions.

Thank you. You're welcome. Okay, we're going to move on to committee reports. Well, but but you you've got I was going to say you've got probably a report for the DPW. The police has already given us one in writing.

Correct. The chief sent you his report. Uh the DPW superintendent is actually taking a class right now. Happy to be the same time. But very quickly his report uh all fields will be reopening on April 1st. Uh field maintenance has begun and he wants to report on that uh the total salt used in the month of February was 75 tons with 150 tons being reimbursed by the county for their roads. We used one pallet of calcium chloride which we purchased. We also built the county for 72 uh snowplow manh hours. Uh we're looking for reimbursement from the county and all consum consumables have been replenished. Um the building uh we're doing some inspections here and that's all. Yes. Anybody have any questions for the standing in DPW superintendent?

No. Um, if you'd pass on the word to um the superintendent and the staff how unbelievably proud and happy we are with what they did in those storms. Um, just great just great stuff. Um, well, it's guys, I just got to tell you, it's not an easy job. You know, some of us have gotten the opportunity to do a ride along with them, but but that's not really the the the work that we've witnessed. I know you're you're jealous, Melissa. You'll get jealous. You I could see that immediately. Um

what they do, the hours they put in. Some of them going 24 hours straight just plowing and and and doing um and making tough decisions. Um it's not easy. Please let them know how much we appreciate them. Uh let's start down here, Councilman Camp with your committee report.

Sure. Uh since we're already talking about DPW, I'd like to report on um the committee meeting that we had earlier this month. Um there hasn't been one in a while. And so it's I I'm hoping that we can resume this cadence because uh given how essential they are to the daily operations of the burough and how much things are going on, it's worth uh checking in on. So, uh, quick reminder, as we move into spring now, hopefully, right, no more snow. Uh, vegetative waste, the pickup will begin March 23rd. Was that right, Mike? Can you confirm that?

Um, also the, uh, the committee discussed in this meeting potential improvements to the garage. Uh, co-op contractor that works with mun many municipalities is preparing a quote. Uh the burrow has approximately $360,000 remaining from uh 2025 DPPW budget that can carry forward giving us flexibility to pursue capital improvements like this without uh impacting this budget. So I think that's a good thing there. Um also there's the the guys DPW is working very uh working very hard obviously but they're also working hard in terms of uh exploring things like shared services and grants. Uh Barry Peterson has begun exploring a grant program called Stop the Soot, which could help fund the purchase of an electric street sweeper by replacing older diesel equipment. Uh programs like this allow municipalities uh municipalities to modernize the fleets while bringing outside funding into the burrow, which is uh which is really cool. So I think he's going to be looking into that a bit more as an option with Mike. And let's see, uh, another area we reviewed was Hillsdale shared services work through municipal uh, mechanic Raymond Degro. His work has developed a strong reputation for quality and affordability. Washington Township has already entered the shared services agreement with Hillsdale and other towns have been utilizing the surface as well and it's an opportunity to provide value to the neighboring communities while off helping offset costs to our taxpayers. And uh finally, I just want to recognize the work as our mayor did uh for this extremely demanding winter. Um I think the residents are extremely uh thankful that they even had a great uh lunch as I understand it bought by the residents and uh we appreciate everything they do. Um so moving on, there was also uh I got updates from the Stony Brook Pool

Commission. Uh we met on February 11th and March 11th. Um the operating budget for the the pool remains largely consistent with adjustments for wages and costs. Uh the registration open this Monday, March 16th, um with a discount through April 17th. You want to get those uh registrations in early. It really helps uh the commission for planning and getting everything all set up for the season. Um early demand is strong because we're already seeing uh two school events getting booked. So, you know, people are interested in parties and uh school events like that. Uh staffing is underway with many new lifeguards and director Patty Hughes is launching a mentorship program to support training opportunity for the young uh for the young kids coming in to help out. And let's see, key updates include replacing a competition pool cover, using $16,000 in surplus funds, and exploring options for a new pavilion and improving the website to streamline member services. Regarding community events, um there's going to be a senior barbecue on June 2nd with a rain date on June 3. And something that's personally very exciting for me, uh potential fall 5K uh run by Next Level Physio in the uh on October 4th.

And uh that is that is the main uh updates I have for the pool commission. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah. I just had a quick question either Chris or Mike. Um, raise garage. Uh, that actually generates revenue for the tent from Washington Township. Yes. Raised garage. Is that what it says? A big sign over the top. Raised garage. Get him some. They'll be happy to garage. Okay. Um, Councilman D. Rosa.

Okay. Yes. Last night I attended the regional board of education meeting with the high schools. um work on the cafeteria is complete and the auditorium about 90% complete. It's being presented there 2026 27 budget preliminary budget it's a total of 60.6 million 67% going towards salaries and they cited as we have the cost of healthcare coverage that has gone up uh by over 30%. Uh they cut 3 million out of their budget that includes two positions and six support staff to get down to the 60. the tax levy will be 5.11% uh which is allowable of the two above the 2% because of the healthcare right

um they did cover the tax levy for the four sending towns soil is at 14.4 million Montville at 17.6 Riverale 16.3 co lake 14.2 YouTube. That translates to $236 per household for Hillsdale only. That that number fluctuates year to year. It's based on property values and number. That's the increase. Right. Right. And dollar amounts.

Yep. And this year's spring play is Mia which has these next months. Local board of education. I toured the modular classrooms about two weeks ago. Um they're roomy, they're bright. If you were dropped in there, you would swear you're in a a structural building and not not a trailer. Um the only drawback they say is on rainy days when the kids have to go to the church for lunch, they probably they have a ton of umbrellas. Uh they are within the 8 to 10 week asbestous removal period and then renovation begins and they're still targeting a July 27 conclusion. That's optimistic, but let's all be optimistic with it. Yep. That's it. Great. Any questions? No. Council President Dosa, I got lots to say tonight. I'm sorry.

Okay.

All right. So, uh just a quick summary on the uh environmental commission annual report. Uh the environmental commission is staffed by residents with relevant environmental and other professional backgrounds and other community-minded residents who perform all functions for which the commission is responsible. The commission operates independently, is nonpartisan, and with the most minimal of funding. Its volunteer members seek to improve the bureau's overall resiliency and tries to guide the bureau toward choices that are environmentally sustainable. For more than five decades, the commission has advocated for clean air and water, preservation of open space, mitigation of flooding, and similar issues of importance to residents. Near the end of this past year, the environmental commission issued its annual report for the year 2025. And before this uh year proceeds much further, I want to formally acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of this commission and some of its accomplishments in 2025. And let's talk about a few highlights. And the mayor actually I gave mention in one of these too. So all right. Tree trees for schools. Uh members trans uh Tracy Hansen and Scott Raymond provided key planting design and costing that support the Hillsdale Board of Education resulting in an initial grant amount of about $66,000 to air trees to the school properties. Hillsdale was one of only 40 public schools, colleges, and universities in the state to be awarded such funding. Uh the venerable George White School, White Oak, there was a lot of talk about this uh old tree uh in front of the school there. The envir environmental commission reached out to Hillsdale superintendent of schools and was successful in getting a late project change for the highly complex George White school renovation project to preserve a venerable white oak tree on the property whose age was estimated at about 175 years predating the Civil War. The mayor too was involved by engaging an arborist to confirm the health of the tree. Good job.

uh burrow of Hillsdale landscaping upgrade. Uh at the invitation of our business administrator uh VA Gasali, members of the environmental commission with expertise in native plantings and landscaping worked with the business administrator in the public works department to plan and implement a beautifification upgrade of the landscaping front of Burough Hall. Uh the public uh electric vehicle charge stations uh that this council approved just a few weeks ago. uh working with council member Kleti and the business administrator, the environmental commission began an initiative to install public electric vehicle charge stations in our downtown and I wanted to give myself a mention and with council member OSO we saw its approval recycling with the support of the public works department and boy scout troop 108 the commission conducted a styrofoam packaging materials collection drive to divert waste styrofoam packaging from more than 80 cars dropped uh dropped of styrofoam for reprocessing uh the downtown uh street cleanup event and with support from the DPW, the Environmental Commission and the Pasc Valley High School Honor Society conducted a full cleanup of the downtown on Saturday, November 1st. Uh the environmental commission wants you to know that it looks forward to to being a reliable adviser and partner to the mayor and council to accomplish even more on behalf of our bureau and its residents. And I want to give a big thank you to Fred Reubel for leading the group. I'm going to put my uh John Rico hat on and just give you a quick update on the meeting that we had a couple week ago on Tuesday. Some of the

finance

some of the highlights. Yeah. Just wanted to mention some items that were discussed at last Tuesday's finance meeting. We discussed at length the bond we must issue this year. Uh it will be uh it will be issued midyear with mayor and council approval at approximately $10 million. It will likely be 12 years maturity due to the blended useful lives of the various capital assets and projects we are financing about half of which are connected to Memorial Field and the other half attributable to existing short-term debt which is being rolled over. Expect a rate of approximately 3 and a/4 to 3 and a half%. This is a change uh from what we originally planned i.e. 15 years thus reducing the overall interest expense although it will increase the principal payments in this in subsequent years. Uh we also discussed the critical issue of timing of the pilot payments that will occur due to the redevelopment of the Patterson Street project and the self- storage facility. Uh and we discussed as well progress being made to address in 2027 the large increases in employee health insurance premiums that the bureau agrees to pay as a benefit to and I know the BA has been taking on some exercises to try to get us some savings there.

Agreed is a nice term right as opposed to required by law. Uh and lastly, we confirm the likelihood that the overall MUN library pract library property tax increase for this year's budget remains between five and 5 and a half%. There are still some uncertainties regarding size or appropriations even in some areas. Uh this will these will be resolved in the next week or so. And lastly, uh for the library, uh they will be hosting a makers day this Saturday from 10 to 4 ages. There'll be various stations uh that will be set up including a spyroraph and twisty balloons. So please try to attend.

They're going to be there's going to be a lathe there to make wooden pens. He's got lots of my I'll give him credit. That's this Saturday. If you want to make a wooden pen, this is your opportunity.

Thank you, mayor. uh start with the planning board. Last meeting was March 12th. Next meeting is March 24th. One notable agenda item from the last meeting was their approval of the 2025 annual report that they issue. That report summarizes variance applications from the past year being 2025 and identifies any zoning provisions that may warrant review. During 2025, the board reviewed eight applications, approving seven and denying one. The applications included 16 C variances and one D variance. Overall, the volume of applications remains relatively modest and largely reflects residential improvement projects. In addition to that, there were two site plan applications with the most notable being the self- storage facility, excuse me, and one subdivision application. The board made one recommendation to the governing body in its annual report and that is to potentially update the burough zone uh zoning ordinance uh to clarify the definition of accessory structures. The goal would be to address modern backyard improvements such as outdoor kitchens, gazeos, pergolas, fireplaces or fire pits, etc. uh which are becoming increasingly common but are not specifically addressed in the code, the current code. Uh clarifying the ordinance could help provide clearer guidance to the residents, reduce unnecessary variance applications, and allow the planning board to focus on applications that truly require their relief. Several surrounding municipalities have updated their ordinances to date uh to address these type of structures as those backyard improvements are becoming more and more prevalent by the year. As a next step, our burough administrator will coordinate whether a study is warranted or whether to proceed directly with burough planner and start drafting potential language or an ordinance for our consideration.

Fire department, we've had 30 calls in February verse 21 in the prior year. And if we remember, the prior year again was significantly higher than the prior year. So the numbers continue to increase. Uh in terms of of drills, on March 2nd, the fire department conducted a comprehensive walkthrough of uh the Puremont building or the new apartment complex on Patterson Street, and that was led by the building superintendent. Uh the walkthrough included identification of uh and verification of key life saving uh life safety infrastructure including the knockboxes, fire alarm uh the enunciator panels and they also reviewed the utility rooms and the and and where the powers were coming in and where power sources are located in the building. They also walked around, took measurements of the hallways, etc. to start game planning for their hose lengths and and overall strategy for defending that building and the residents within. uh from a recruiting perspective uh in in a in a big effort to help increase their numbers. Uh they're having their first perspective member open house on March 19th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Uh this is an opportunity for people who are interested in community service, particularly with the fire department, to go in, meet some of its members, the leadership, see a presentation on how the fire department operates and what the application process uh will be. uh refreshments, food will be served. Uh 16 and 17 year olds are eligible for their cadet corpse and the 18 and older are can become probationary firefighters. Another recruiting event is we reached out to the Pasc Valley High School uh specifically to our superintendent and principal regarding setting up events at the school for the fire department to interact with students uh in uh in an initiative to expose them and teach them about community service and how they can

get involved specifically with the fire department. That's it. Any questions? You guys uh you guys got a beat. I thought mine was long. Councilwoman Mazuchong, you're gonna you're gonna top them all in.

Well, I do have three committees to report on. Um, so we'll see how quick I can make it. Uh, I'll start with Revolution 250. This is the first time you're to be hearing about it. Um, on March 2nd, I met with mayors and council representatives from municipalities throughout the Pasak Valley to discuss ways that we can collaborate and share ideas around commemorating the 250th um, anniversary of the founding of the United States. Uh the goal was to explore the possibility of partnering with our neighboring communities to on some of the events throughout the year or at least maybe sharing what each of the towns are doing. We have a a Google shared uh document that we're sort of filling out as we plan. Um Hillsdale will also be planning events to celebrate this historic milestone. So just be on the lookout for more information and announcements as plans begin to take shape. Uh but in the meantime, residents are encouraged to visit Revolution NJ website for information on events happening throughout New Jersey and Bergie County. There will be many events taking place across the county and there's a full listing that can be found right on the website and we'll be sure to share some of our neighboring towns um events um in the upcoming uh days. Uh let's see, we're going to jump into economic development. So um bagels for business uh due to the snowstorm on Feb. It feels like it's so long ago, but here I am updating it. But there was a snowstorm on the 23rd. That was the day that was originally scheduled for Bagels for Business. Um, and it was then rescheduled till Tuesday, March 3rd. Representatives from New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the Bergen County Division of Economic Development attended and presented five grant opportunities available to our local businesses. The event was well attended um and it provided valuable information and resources to members uh of our business community. burrow is also and this is exciting in the process of forming an economic advisory committee uh which will include council members and approximately four or five six community members um a communication was sent out via eblast the last two weeks

so residents have that information we are encouraging those with experience in finance investment or business management to apply um we will review them at our next meeting and qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview uh and let's see we'll go to recreation So we met on March 9th. Um summer camp is officially opened um for campac little hawks little little hawks camp user and camp adventure. So the registration opened last week. Um community center I'm sure you might provide my VA might provide some updates but uh the furniture is there. It's arrived. Um and we have a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for April 29th. So be on the lookout for that. We also have our concert summer series. Um, the recreation department is planning one concert in June and two concerts in July. The dates and the bands are currently being finalized. And then the one that's coming up soon is our annual egg hunt that's going to take place on Saturday, April 4th at 9:00. That's it.

BA, thank you, Mayor. Uh, just following on the community center. So, we have the key, we have the furniture, the lease is almost finished. We're just fine-tuning a few minor issues. Uh we will be having uh four picnic tables on the patio. We have the cameras installed. So security is all done. Uh we already have programs scheduled there. And then next uh the next uh senior lunchon will be there. Not tomorrow, not tomorrow. Uh we're working on that. uh parking. Uh you'll see there's u an ordinance introduction uh to talk about parking. We're looking to uh do parking by permit only on the west side of Patterson Street between Nicobacher and Puremont Avenue where when there is an event uh and people register for the event, permit will be printed on that day between time A, time B, it be on the window. uh we will have access to the garage parking at the ribbon cutting. Uh it will be also a tour of the actual building. So we're working with the developer uh with their PR team. So it'll be a combined tour and uh ribbon cutting for uh the community center. Uh following on council president before you move on from parking. So person attending the event would print it out themselves and or how how do they get that ticket?

So if there if there is a a chess class and they register online uh they pay for the the class it'll print the permit for them and if they don't have a printer we can have in permits. So either the attendee prints it themselves or the burl would supply. We will have Yeah. And it'll be by uh by permit only. There'll be signs and that's that's set for that. Did we figure out a definite number for how many spaces we'll have indoors there? So 30 is what's in the contract. Uh but it's there's several uh business of parking and if there's a major event and we need more than 30, they're willing to work with us.

Okay. So the burrow has 30 designated spots in that garage during special events. We have to during special events, right? Yes. We have to request if we more than 30 they're open to providing more than 30. Right. Uh plus the 18 outside the 18 and plus about 20 20 along the street on street in the front. Correct. And then we can work out with the surrounding businesses. We have four in the front. There are three and one handicap. where you can find it.

Yeah. Uh following on the council president's budget, uh budget introduction will be on April 7. Adoption is on May 5th. Uh there's a resolution uh number 26095 for you tonight for approval. It's a sidebar agreement with the DPW union. It's basically addendum to the uh to the contract uh to allow us to compensate the head mechanic and assistant mechanics for their work to support the mechanic service agreement with Washington Township and u it's a set amount it's in the resolution and that that's to utilize slack that we have um right

we we we so we have the caliber we have the capacity uh but the Hillsdale work will always take priority and all other work will be scheduled.

Uh there's also resolution number 2696 is the payroll service agreement with uh Rivervale uh for your approval. And another resolution 26097 is to hire a health benefit consultant uh to help us navigate the 2027 insurance enrollment with high deductible plans. Uh we're also looking currently looking at a shared service agreement with towns that have a full-time grant writing resource. Hoping to to to present you with a plan by the next meeting on how to uh utilize that. Finally, yes, this is finally uh the deer. So the deer study uh was completed by Raritan Valley Community College conducted uh the survey to document the local abundance and densities of white tailed deer in Helsdale on January 17, 26. There was a total of 122 deer spotted uh in the 3.24 square miles. That's a density of 38 deer per square mile. Uh it's much lower than the surrounding towns.

Why do they always end up in my backyard then? Uh yeah about 25 of them are behind the shine field backyard. Uh we will have the report online and the the what's happening section showing a detailed discussion of the survey method and results along with interpretation of the results in relation to the deer impacts and management. Please don't feed the deer. People feel sorry in the feed the deer. they hang around where food source is. So do not not only it's illegal, uh it's it's not good for the deer. Um so if you have any questions on that, that will be online uh probably tomorrow like tomorrow. Okay. Any other questions at the end?

Was there I might have missed it. Was there a recommendation for town surrounding towns to address the the the deer problem at the at the time? Like a coordinated effort? So we're hoping to get more towns to establish the baseline. So, so 32 uh 38 deer per square mile. Uh it's not a lot, but it's on the low end to everybody else that's on a report. Uh S River, Montil, Rivervale, they're 80 plus per square mile. So they see more in Yeah. And and you know, same size towns. So unless it's a regional approach, what what whatever you do here, it won't help.

Exactly. So I was wondering if there's any coordination between the towns happening as of right now.

We we've talked about it as as a group of mayors. Um it really some of the some of the solutions are uh cost prohibitive sterilization capture transport them somewhere else. Um some of them are problematic because of the density of our towns. For example, a hunt um to call the herd. You're talking about in between houses. um especially when you consider that county land does not afford um an opportunity that you cannot there's no hunt there. So there aren't any real easy solutions to what you can do. Um you know I've heard talk about sterilizing them through food there's no easy solution. Is it the bucks? Is it the dough? And as I've said before, you know, we've gotten rid of their natural predators being the black bear and the coyotes. they just really aren't around the area and the only um natural predator they have left is four wheels and an engine.

So some we're we're going to have to make a a tough decision no matter what we do economically or towards the animals um if this is the way that we want to do something. And the idea is that as the BA was saying we cannot do that just locally. Uh even though we have a lower number, we have a we have a lower number now. Is that I'm not a deer expert, but would they it's a lower number now, but say Riverdale has a lot. Would would they move into Hillsdale at some point? If they they did some some things that when we're talking migration patterns, there's a risk. Well, there's not a whole lot of migration patterns. They travel typically about a tenth of a of a mile radius

their entire lives. But I also assume that at some point if they get desperate enough, especially if they're competing against other herds, that they're going to go where the food is. Now, maybe right now we have poor food for them, but um you know, we we do risk that that we could end up with more just Okay. Anyone else? No. Okay. Ordinance.

We're going to move on to the ordinances. We've only got two, I believe. So, uh, this is these are first reads. Capital Ordinance 2612. Um, capital ordinance of the Burrow of Hillsdale in the county of Bergen, New Jersey, authorizing various improvements and acquisitions in, by, and for the burrow, appropriating therefore the sum of $55,000, and providing that sum so appropriated shall be raised from the burrow's general capital fund balance. uh be resolved that ordinance 2612 does now pass a first reading and that said ordinance be further considered for final passage at a meeting of the mayor and council in the municipal building 380 Hillsdale Avenue Hillsdale New Jersey on April 7th 2026 and at said time and place all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning the same and the clerk is hereby authorized director directed to publish said ordinance in the Ridgewood News once at least one week prior to set hearing with a notice of introduction of the time and place when and where said ordinance would be considered for final passage. Can I get a motion for introduction?

Motion. Second. Second. All those in favor?

Anyone opposed? It's introduced. 2613 for introduction. Ordinance for the Burough of Hillsdale, County of Bergen, state of New Jersey to amend chapter 292 of the burough code entitled vehicles and traffic to revise and amend article four titled municipal parking lots and revise section 292-33 titled parking regulations to include restrictions for parking for the Burough of Hillsdale Community Center, which will allow street parking by permit only. be resolved that set ordinance number 26-13 does now pass a first reading and that set ordinance be further considered for final passage at a meeting of the mayor and council in the municipal building 380 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale, New Jersey. On November 7th, at said time and place, all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning the same. And the clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish that ordinance in the Ridgewood News once at least one week prior to set hearing with a notice of its introduction and of the time and place when and where said ordinance would be considered for final part passage. May I get a motion for introduction?

Motion. Second. That was quick. All those in favor? I. Any opposition? Introduced. We're now going to move on to the resolutions on the consent agenda. That's R26091 through R26097. Does anybody want to take something on the consent agenda to the off consent agenda? Seeing nothing, no one interested in doing such. Can I get a motion to pass the uh consent agenda? Motion. Second. Second. Those in favor?

Anyone opposed? It is it is done. Um we have some items on the off consent agenda. Um res let's go through them one by one. 26085 pulled from the uh March 10th meeting resolution authorizing a signing an agreement with Collier's engineering and design professional services uh for the design of additional landscaping and guide rail at Memorial Park. That's the one that was talking about earlier. Is there uh can I get a motion? Motion second. Second discussion. One question for Nick.

Um, in terms of timing of approving this, we're still fairly early in the project because of the delay. Correct. So, there may be other items that come up that require collers to provide engineering services. Correct. It's possible. Is there a chance that we might be doing this prematurely and it could later be consolidated with additional services and we should wait to pick up some efficiencies or that doesn't

I I don't I don't think it really change you wouldn't save money put it that way. I mean the the cost to do this is the cost for those specific tasks. I don't think if we bundled it in with other things there would be like an efficiency or savings from doing that. So in other words I I don't think there's any advantage to waiting. they're kind of, you know, they're standalone tasks and and just to reiterate, this is not being done because it's required. It's being done because we've pointed out, okay, in in practicality there, you know, it's push it's closer to the road now. There's no trees. There's not much of a barrier. It's it's for caution.

Correct. Yeah. I think once once a concern is raised it's always prudent to just do it better safe than sorry because you know from from a liability standpoint anything you know as soon as it's been discussed it's like you know we looked at this we don't want there to something happen afterward after you know we already discussed that we might be concerned about it so it's better to just protect that area and visually looking at it it makes sense right even even though the the calculations may not say it's necessarily required it makes sense okay Thank you. Yeah. As far as the landscape architecture component of that, that's only for Washington. It's not for the other street hopper.

Um I mean, we haven't really said that for sure. It's it's for whatever landscaping that we want to put on the site. Oh, for the whole Yeah. I mean, we can we can put landscaping anywhere with Yeah. This would include whatever we want to do. Right. Okay. And that guardrail would fit for the area that it's going to be placed. considered like a steel or guard. It's it's going to be steel. Yeah, they have to be in order in order to protect from traffic. It has to be. And just to clarify, this is just for the design of it. We still have to budget for the actual construction, the material and all that. So, that's all separate.

Do you have to break out between what was landscape architecture and what was the guard rail or uh I believe so. Um, but I don't know off the top of my head. Give me one second. Should it should be written into there, I think. If not, I would figure it's it's roughly half and half. Yeah, it's it's it's pretty close. And do you have the flexibility to push the guardrail back so you could put landscaping in front of it so it's not visible? So, from a design standpoint, you wouldn't want to do that because you're actually trying to protect from obstructions. If you put something like a a tree close to the road, the car can hit that tree instead of the guide rail. The guide rails are meant to be hit.

They actually absorb impact. So that's that's why they're designed the way that they are. They they're not just a a rigid object that stops a car. They actually absorb some of the impact and soften the the impact that the car would. So you don't want to put things in front of a guy. Yeah. So I would just say if there's anything you can do from a design perspective that might make it more aesthetically pleasing, let's give it consideration. Obviously cost benefit, but Understood. Okay. Any more questions? No. All those in favor? I.

Anyone opposed? 26085 passes. Um, we're going to deal with 26098, a resolution combining several authorizations of bonds into a single issue and prescribing the details of the bond. uh details in bond form thereof for $9,539,000 general improvement bonds dated May 1st 2026. Can I get a motion? Motion. Second. Second. Discussion. This does not include the the the ladder truck, right? That was already done because it was not. This last year.

Yeah, that was last year. So, this is just it's got money for memorial. Yes. take combine a few of them together. Yes. Yeah. Okay. Any other questions? Any discussion on it? All those in favor? I. Anyone opposed?

Resolution 26098 passes. 26099. Thank you for making this so short. Read this. Resolution authorizing the publication, printing, and distribution of a notice of sale and the publication of a summary notice of sale and describing the forms thereof for 9,539,000 general improvement bonds dated May 1st, 2026, approving the preparation, distribution, and execution of a preliminary and a final official statement for such bonds undertaking to provide continuing disclosure of financial information uh covenating to comply with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended designating such bonds as qualified tax exempt obligations for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended and authorizing various matters in connection with the electronic bidding for the bonds. Could I get a motion?

Motion. Second. Second. Discussion. Maybe read all that. Nobody wants to say anything. Let's get a roll call though. It's a financial Okay. So, will the clerk please read the role? Council member Rico is absent. Council member Cam. Yes. Yes. Council member Kleti. Yes. Council member D. Rosa. Yes. Council member Mazicha. Yes. Council President O. Yes.

They work there. Uh motion motion passes unanimously. Great. Uh we're going to move on to the public comment. Uh three minutes on any topic. Um those who wish to be heard come on up. State your name and tell us what you want to talk about. Got it. Okay. Feel free to sit down if it's easier. All right. Yeah, I can stand. Okay. Uh, question name. Please set your name in for the record. Kurt Walking out, 19 Hopkins Street in Hillsdale.

It's directed at them. I have some friends who live on Washington Avenue. Why were all the trees taken down? Now, they were told on top of the retaining walls, you're going to put a six foot fence. They said that it believe it's four feet, but yeah, there will be a fence on top. I mean, no way you could have saved those trees. They asked because they said this is not what they voted for having all those trees taken down. I mean, every tree in that place was taken down. Okay. Yeah. There's no way you try to save.

Okay. I have the next question. the drainage system. I worked on that where the company used to work for. Did they do a perk test where they're going to do the tanks that hold the water? Yeah, of course. And how much rain will they take? An inch to an inch? I I I don't know. Because that's the problem we had on the other job. They designed it light for an inch, but then they had a heavy rain. It didn't work. We we designed we designed the system for all the applicable standards compliant with NGDP. So would you know say we have a heavy rain is there any like overflow system for that system? Yes. What is the overflow? All right. So I'm happy to have this go on. You usually supposed to be public comment towards

Oh, okay. Okay. So just Nick Dick, would you be willing to answer questions offline? That's fine. Sure. No, I just was wondering there. So the system is designed they did per test so there would be no profit to water coming off. Of course the NGDP reviews all storm water design required. Thank you. Okay, nice to see you. Thank you. Thanks for coming. Mr. Stigliano, would you like to come on up? Yes, please. State your name like we don't know. Tell us what you've got on your mind. Rob Stigliano, 6 Conquav, Hillsdale.

Um I'm a member of the pool, Stony Brook Pool. And uh a couple of things at last week's meeting um we were not the pool was not made aware of the change in location for the cell tower and where the tower is going to go now is the ingress and egress of the pool itself uh which could very well pose a traffic you know uh issue with cars coming in and out. there could now be a blind spot because of the base that will go in place. Um, and as Councilman Camp uh in his report earlier talked, registration for the pool opened yesterday and uh the pool directors and and we we're starting the pool is starting to get uh people wanting to register, which is a beautiful thing. pool's also hearing comments about when is the cell tower going to be installed and when it's installed people are saying they're not going to join the pool. They don't want to join a pool where there's going to be a very ungodly cell tower. This is a concern because obviously the pool runs on membership. That's how we make our the pool makes their money uh and and hits their budget. And if membership is down because of a cell tower, uh not only is is it uh aesthetically something that's not pleasing to be there, but it's going to lower the revenue for the pool, which could obviously put the pool uh in jeopardy of not hitting budget. The pool, as you all know, is self- sustaining. It is not provided by taxpayers. And this is something that's very concerning. And I just wanted to make that comment to the mayor and council. Thank you. Thank you.

Thanks everyone. Anybody else want to be heard? No. Okay. Um it is time for council comments. Uh I'm going to start wishing everybody a happy St. Patrick's Day. Be safe this weekend. Uh as you go around celebrating for those who do. Um and I also want to wish a quick and speedy recovery to our friend Janetta. Um, and I don't want to go into too many details because it's first stop, but that's that's where my where my heart is tonight and on most days of this. So, um, we began this way. So, let's start council commentaries at this end. Counciloman Mazo.

Um, so Sunday, March 8th was International Women's Day. Um it's a great reminder to recognize and celebrate all the contributions of the women in our community and to continue to support and uplift one another. Um but I also wanted to wish Janetta well and uh also happy St. Pat everybody. Council, thank you mayor. Uh just to remind everyone again March 19th 7 uh to 9:00 p.m. prospective member open house at the fire department and happy St. Patty's Day to all. Thank you, Council President. Uh yes, happy St. Patrick state all in the received a text message from Jan's daughter said that she's doing well and rest council de Rosa

um we had asked the the pesk valley wrestling team has had a phenomenal season we actually asked if they could be recognized I think they ran into the states which is a good problem so hopefully we can still do that but if we don't I just want to recognize that um they won the districts as a team they sent 10 boys and two girls to the regions qualified six for the states and had five of them advance to day two and two to the final round. Um so a phenomenal season. Hopefully we can still recognize them here. Uh again happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone. Um it's also a time to recognize all the contributions that Irish Americans made to to building this country and it's one of those cultural holidays that all Americans kind of participate in one way or another. Uh and lastly, just want to recognize the sacrifice of our military and their families. um prayer that they stay safe.

Council Camp, I'll just end it by saying happy St. Patrick's Day to everybody. Um and yeah, and be sure to register for the pool as soon as you can. Get it in there, guys. Don't wait. Can I get a motion with no other business before us to adjourn? Motion. Second. Second. All those in favor? We are adjourned. The next council meeting will be April 7th in this chamber at 7 p.m. Thank you very much.