Borough Council - Regular Meeting

This meeting is called to order in accordance with the open public meetings law in accordance with chapter 231 of public laws of 1975. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. This meeting of of April 6, 2026 was provided to the Courier News and Star ledger and placed on the burrow's website and placed on the bulletin board of B Hall. A copy of this notice will be available to the public and a copy of the statement shall be included in the minutes of this meeting. Mayor Gallagher is excused this evening. Council members Terresa Bonner here. Andrew Kiy here. Glenn Deny here. Randy Pittz here. Gina Stravik here. Roger Verum here. Uh, can I get a motion for the approval of the minutes of March 16? So moved. Second.

Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Glenn Deny. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Verm. Yes. Please stand for the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

For all we have a proclamation here uh for Paul Roberson Day which will be recognized April 9th, 2026. Kevin, you'll make sure that this gets to the appropriate parties. Absolutely, Council President. Yep.

Department reports and notices. Uh, effective April 1st, garbage bags of solid waste are no longer allowed to be placed on the curb for pickup without being placed in an appropriate garbage recepticle. In April of 2026, the tax office will have extended hours until 6:30 p.m. on the following Wednesdays to better accommodate our residents during the tax quarters. April 22nd, April 29th, May 6th, July 22nd, July 29, August 5th, October 21st, October 28th, and November 4th. Electric uh my goodness. Election district number three is moved from Somerville High School on Davenport Street to Somerville Rescue Squad at 135 West High. Election District number eight is moved from Lincoln Hose on Warren Street right here to the Somerville Civic Center 24 Roberson. Uh the Memorial Day parade which is on May 25th, 2026. uh will assemble at Culver and East High Streets at 8:15 a.m. And uh as always, the tour of Somerville will be on May 25th following the parade. Next up, we have committee reports. I will start with Councilwoman Bonner.

Well, that's different. Thank you. This past Saturday, the DSA helped celebrate the grand reopening of Monty and Milo Bookstore on Main Street with a 12m ribbon cutting. There was an unbelievable crowd that was lined up down the street. It was like the opening of an exclusive club with folks waiting over an hour for their turn to enter the bookstore. They shopped and had fun at the photo booth. Make sure you stop in this week if you couldn't get in this past weekend. The season kicks off uh uh the DSA season kicks off on April 26th with puppy Palooa celebrating downtown dog friendly spirit with vendors, demonstrations, and familyfriendly fun. Then on May 14th, girls night out with the theme of Hollywood glitz and glamour. Uh it invites visitors to shop, dine, and enjoy special experiences throughout the district. This Saturday, April 11th, at 12:30, I will be at the Somerville Public Library talking about ways to take part in what's happening in your community. Big or very small steps you can take to help cause causes you care about. Volunteer, donate, start a nonprofit, even run for office. This is a nonpartisan discussion for all adult New Jersey residents. If you're interested in this or any other program, please register atj.org. Thank you. Thank you, Council President. I'd like to give a quick reminder about how we can all work together to keep our borrower in top shape. While our teams are out every day, we know that you, the residents, are our best eyes and ears on the ground. Whether it's a pothole, streetlight outage, or down tree limb, we want to hear about it as soon as you see it. The fastest way to get a problem on our radar is through the burrow website

uh which is somervillej.org. If you look at the top right on the homepage is the report issue link. Fill out the brief corresponding form and submit to ensure it goes to the right department. Thank you for your partnership and keeping our burrow beautiful.

Thank you, Councilman Ky. Um the historic advisory committee met uh last month. We discussed the improvements going on or planned for the burrow hall uh which we will be taking advantage of some incentives from PSENG in order to improve the HVAC over there. Uh and in addition to that, there are quite a few events coming up uh this spring and summer for the 250th. So, please uh participate at the Wallace House at uh Somerset Patriots uh as well as uh some of the county websites list all the events that are happening around town. On a personal note, if I may, I do want to thank the uh rescue squad uh for Somerville and Martinsville as well as the police department for coming to my aid and I appreciate uh all the work that you guys do. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman Traffic. The uh Somerville rescue squad uh hosted a egg hunt on March 28th. Uh there was great crowds um and um great community outreach by the rescue squad. Uh the board of health will meet in April. Um and I have no current report on that. Thank you, Councilman Dilly.

Thank you, Roger. Uh uh environmental commission update. We will be meeting next Tuesday, April 7th. So a week and a day uh at 7 p.m. here, but there's a few updates before that. So, we'd like to thank all the volunteers that came out to weed and help set up the meadow area for the Petersburg Restoration Project right there on William Street. And then also the J Sky Community Garden lottery is ongoing right now for sign up to try to be able to garden one of the 13 beds there. That lottery will end on April 20th. You can find more information at the burough website and figure out how to get your name into that lottery. And then on Earth Day weekend, uh, April 24th through the 26th, we will have our townwide swap that goes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday where you're putting some things gently used out on the curb so other people can pick them up before they get to a landfill. And on Saturday is the big event where we will have our townwide cleanup. We'll meet on Division Street at 9:00 a.m. and then come back for the green fair being hosted from 11 to 2 right there on Division Street. That is on Saturday the 25th. Hope to see you there.

Thank you.

Thank you. Uh, spring sports are starting this week. Uh, so we have adult pickle ball. Non-residents may now register. Uh, we have beginner and advanced classes beginning on April 12th on Sundays from 3:30 to 4:30. We have beginner and advanced classes on Tuesday 12 to 1 p.m. uh starting on April 14th. And intermediate and advanced classes on Thursday uh from 6:00 to 7:30. That's beginning on April 16th. There is a seniors 55 and over only class uh on Tuesdays from 11 to 12. Those classes begin on April 14th. Youth tennis students must reside or attend school in Somerville. Uh Monday at 4 p.m. are grades K to 2, 5:00 p. p.m. grades 3 to 5 and that starts April 13th. Wednesday uh 4 p.m. grades 2 K to 2 5:00 p.m. grades 3 to 5 6 p.m. grades 6 to 8 and that starts on April 15th. and the youth soccer clinic. Students must reside or attend summer school in Somerville. That'll be on Saturdays at 9 to 10 or from 10 to 11, ages 4 to 7, and that starts on April 11th. Um, again, uh, go to register.pass.net/somerville. Uh, and registration is also open for the Frank Quinn family fun ride on Memorial Day, which is $5 per household. And again, all of that can be registered at communitypass.net. netsomerville. With that, uh, do I have a motion to open meeting to the public?

So moved. Discussion. Second. Roll call. Council members. Theresa Bonner, yes. Andrew Kiy, yes. Glen Deny, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Travik, yes. Roger Ver, yes. Uh, you may approach the mic, give your name and address, and address your comments to me. Fire Chief Kenbo. I live on 176 Avenue Road in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Chief, Fire Chief of Chief, Can you put that microphone on? I think it is on. You hear me now?

Okay, it's good. Thank you. Right here, we have a new regime of SOGS that were given to me. Um, apparently it's dated January 1st of 2026. All I'm asking is for more time to review it. This is a new administration that we have. I've only been in for three months. It's 400 pages. I'm asking you if you could give us more time, maybe till at least the end of June, please. Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions or comments?

Yes, this is public comment. Okay.

My name is Bill Cisco. I live at 37 Eastern Avenue. Um, on February 18th, I attended the zoning board uh meeting to discuss the proposal of the storage unit facility up by Main Street across from Burrow Hall. That discussion was postponed to um April 15th which is uh coming up. I unfortunately cannot attend. So I decided to come here and express my opinion. Um at the zoning board I asked specifically is a storage unit facility allowed in the PO zone. The zoning board confirmed it is not allowed. I then conf asked can then the board reject that proposal on that issue alone. They confirmed that they can. This is all on video in case anybody wants to uh follow up. Um I have now seen the new proposal for the new building. It's a nice looking building. I'm going to be honest with you, but uh in my opinion, it does not belong that use belong in the in the downtown area. Um they've asked for numerous variances. One just to build this use in that zone. Um the height variance 35 versus 37 feet. the floor area ratio. I don't even know what that is, but uh the allowed amount is 25% and they're asking for 133%. Um, and I'm just throwing these things out there as reasons that this the zoning board can reject this proposal. Simple reasons right there. Um, and the reason I'm up here today is because I'm concerned the zoning I have seen the zoning board approve variances when they easily could have rejected them for numerous reasons. And in my opinion, we're were they should have been rejected. Um, so I am worried that they are going to approve this. So I know that you do not have a lot of power. You're not on the zoning board, but I encourage you all and the mayor as well to put pressure on that zoning board to to reject this proposal.

I am not opposed to storage unit facilities. I'm opposed to it being downtown. There's other areas in this city in this town where they could be where they could build it. it does not belong downtown. Um, so that's really my my why I'm here today. That's number one. Um, so I don't know if you there's any discussion or any comments on that that you're allowed to make or I'm not allowed to make, but this is only for comments for your for your comments.

Uh, my second uh item is the World Cup of soccer is coming up and I see this as an opportunity for Somerville to do something fun and exciting for the town people. Um, we do lots of great things during the summer on Division Street with uh movie nights, uh, lots of different fun activities. Um, this is going to be a huge event in the US and I see this as an opportunity for Somerville to do something pretty cool. Um, I would like maybe work with the, you know, suggest you work with the DSA or have the DSA host, uh, get the big screen out, put it on Division Street for certain movies, maybe put it on the courthouse lawn and invite people to come down and watch the games. Um, it could be a great event. It could be and you can do it for three weeks. That tournament is going to be going on and lots of different countries, a lot of different diversity. It could be a really fun, exciting thing for some of your fiddle to do. So, I encourage you to to think about that. Maybe talk to the DSA about it. So,

thank you.

Any other comments or public session? Frank Malivvi, 129 Bartine Street in Somerville. I do have a question on this fire uh uh that's proposed the regulations 400 and some odd pages. Where did it come from? And secondly, who paid for it? Thank you. Any other questions for public comment or comments for public comment? Questions?

Okay. Motion to close public. So moved. Second. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yep. Glen Deny. Yes. Randy Pittz. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Verum.

Yes. So in regards to where did they so the new SOS come from? SOG's come from. They were they were worked on over eight months last year uh with the board of engineers and an outside consulting company uh to get them in line with the standards, state and federal standards, NFPA standards. Um it was paid for uh through the fire department budget. Um the uh work on that like I said was done through that time. The The once they were completed, they were sent to the joint insurance fund for their review. Upon their complete review of them, uh we then sent them out to the department for review. The uh GIF came back to uh our burough administrator and asked if they could be used as a guideline as a template for everyone that they oversee um through the GIF. So that speaks volumes about the work level of work that was performed in the creation of the new guidelines. Uh as it stands right now, to my knowledge, the department is following the 2014 2017 guidelines uh which was determined at the December association meeting uh which would put us, not us, put the fire department and the bureau that us uh at almost a decade back uh when it comes to our operating guidelines. meaning again the bureau and the fire department. Um in regards to the um zoning board, the zoning board is its own separate entity to which we do not influence any power over. Uh it is a legal entity uh

and to insinuate such would become quite a conflict uh for applicants that come to the zoning board. Uh, so we understand your comments and uh, uh, we have Mr. O'Neal here who sits on the zoning board and I'm sure that having heard your comments, he can certainly bring that back to the board. In regards to soccer uh, and the World Cup that's coming up, the only question that I would have for the DDSA would be um, the rights to broadcast something like that in an open uh, venue. I don't know what those are. I know with music because we have the music that plays downtown that's all uh based on a subscription service. So it would be a question of whether or not we would be able to procure a subscription that would benefit because it tends to then it becomes a basically a public viewing um and that would require I'm guessing some some kind of a contract. I I don't could you speak to that Kevin?

Yeah I mean honestly I I I I really can't speak to that. Um, I I assume it's like music or licensing requirements, but the best I could do is I know uh Dana does sit with the county's um advisory committee with with with the World Cup. Um, I'll have to find out. I'll speak with Councilwoman Bonner and we'll touch base with DSA. We'll investigate that. At the end of the day, if it could be done, it certainly would be a great idea and I'm sure it's something that Councilwoman Bonner can bring back to the DSA. I would also

sorry I would also just like to say that anybody who has any ideas for something that the DSA can do or should they would like to see happening you can attend the DSA meetings and actually bring these ideas to them. Uh the next meeting is next Monday at 6 PM. uh and there's a Zoom link or uh you can attend in person if you wanted to, but that that information is is on their website about attending their meetings. Okay, next up we have ordinances for introduction. Uh the first ordinance that we have is ordinance 2791 that is amending schedule uh 11B of the burough code to add a midblock crosswalk on Park Avenue. Do I have a motion to introduce?

So move. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Ki. Yes. Glen. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Verm. Yes. Uh, ordinance number 2792 is chapter 149A, storm water control. Do I have a motion for introduction? So moved. I second. Discussion.

Yes. I uh propose that we pull this. Um, I believe that this needs to be aired with the environmental commission and other parties publicly so that we can have a full grasp of this. I do not believe that council um has full understanding of passing this u um ordinance and what it stands for. This is just the introduction, right? Correct. So we will have another crack at having a conversation on the details, a public hearing about it and input as from as many parties as are interested between we would need to set that up because we've talked about doing that and it hasn't happened. So at this time we have I agree. Do we have a then do we have a motion to table or are we still going with the motion to proceed?

I would motion that we pull it or table it. So your vote now if I get Do I have a second? No second. It doesn't move forward. A second would be to the table. Right. Do I have a second? Hearing none. The original motion is to introduce. We had a first and a second. Roll call. Council members Terresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Glen, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravik, no. Roger Firm,

yes. Uh, ordinance for introduction 2793 is replacing chapter 159 entitled taxi cabs in its entirety with a new chapter 159 entitled taxi cabs and transportation network companies. Do I have a motion for introduction? So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Fenzene. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Fern. Yes. Uh 2795 is approving two amended and restated solar lease agreements and authorizing the execution thereof including associated easement rights. Do I have a motion for introduction? So moved.

Second discussion. I just want to raise that this is again uh about paying for the closure of the landfill and giving us an opportunity for residents to get a discount on their electricity bills by participating in the ultimate community solar projects that will be built. Um the solar lease agreements are beneficial to us because of finally closing a 40-year environmental hazard in our town and addressing it appropriately and giving us some lease revenue. So, um I just kudos to all those that worked on it. Thank you for all your effort. Absolutely. Thank you. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Glenda. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes.

Roger Firm. Yes. Uh 2796 is amending chapter 102 entitled land use and development article 11 zoning to create uh the affordable housing overlay zone on block 153 lot 4.22 22 in the burrow of Somerville and provide appropriate development regulations. Therefore, do I have a motion for introduction? So move. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Ki. Yes. Leniny. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Fern.

Yes. 2797 is amending chapter 102 entitled land use and development article 11 to create the affordable housing overlay zone on block 127 lot 4 in the burrow of Somerville and provide appropriate development regulations. Therefore, do I have a motion for introduction? So moved. Second discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Glen, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Verm.

Yes. Uh 2798 amending chapter 102 entitled land use and development article 11 to create the affordable housing overlay 3 zone on block 130 lot one in the burrow of Somerville and provide appropriate development regulations. Therefore, do I have a motion for introduction? So moved. Second discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Ki. Yes. Glendiny. Yes. Randy Pittz, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Perm,

yes. Uh, the next two ordinances are for public hearing and adoption. Uh, so for the first 2789 is an ordinance providing funding for various capital purposes for the Bureau of Somerville and appropriating $2,367,500 for such a purpose. Do I have a motion to open public hearing? So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy, yes. Glen Deny, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravick, yes. Roger Verm, yes. We are now open for public comments on this ordinance. Seeing none, motion to close. So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call.

Council members. Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Glen. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Ferm. Yes. All right. Closed. Now this is to approve 2789. I have a motion. So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrea Kiy. Yes. Glendon. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Ferm. Yes.

Uh next up we have ordinance 2790 which is amending chapter 166 section 10.2 of the burough code entitled emergency no parking. Uh this details changes to our uh weather uh parking where we have no cars allowed in the event of snow. Um changing the fee structure as well as uh giving more opportunities for the uh office of OEM to make those decisions. Uh we're going to open this up to the public. Do I have a motion? So move. Second. Discussion. Roll call.

Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Glen Den. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Roger Verm. Yes. Public comment is open on this ordinance. Seeing none, motion to close. So moved. Second. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Ki. Yes. Lendiny. Yes. Randy Pitts. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Verm. Yes. Public uh hearing is closed on that. Now it is the motion to adopt. So move. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members. Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Glenda. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Fern.

Yes. Uh, next we have our consent resolutions. Um, I am requesting that we pull off 128 for um further discussion. Any others that the board would like to pull 122. Council President, you do have 135 listed. Yes. Okay. And yours? Okay. Just want to make sure. And 136 is the add-on. Yep. 136 is the walk on. Yep.

That's it. I will do the walk-on first. Uh we have resolution um 260402136. that is accepting a grant of up to $912,210 from the hazardous discharge site remediation fund program through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection. Do I have a motion? Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Ki, yes. Glende, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Verm,

yes. The rest we will take and then we will discuss the others that have been pulled afterwards. Resolution 123 designating West Main Street uh LLC as conditional redeveloper for the properties designated on the official tax map of the burrow of Somerville as block 130 lot 1 and two commonly known and identified as 2011 to 217 West Main Street and block 124.01 01 lot 14, a parking area located within the West Main Street redevelopment area for the development and rehabilitation of a mixeduse residential retail project. 124 is accepting the retirement resignation of Kenneth Barney effective June 1st, 2026. 125 is approving closeout to Millennium Communications Group for the Civic Center AV in the amount of $49,469. 126 is approving Somerville Fire Department application for Brooke Stafenberg. 127 is accepting the retirement resignation of George Ozinski effective March 1st, 2026.

That's May one.

Sorry, I can't read. May 1st, 2026. 129 is memorializing national contract through Omnia partner through Eisen Ramper Managed Technology Services LLC uh computer systems and methods in the amount of 120,175 for managed IT services for the emergency services facility uh from 2025 through December 31st of 26. 130 is authorizing a valet parking program for DeFina restaurant and establishing fees for the use of municipal parking spaces in connection with said valet. 131 is authorizing revisions to the residential parking permit decal program. 132 is authorizing the bureau of Somerville to develop a residential parking permit program for Robeson Street, Station Road, South Davenport Street, and Sternidori Drive. 133 is approving a memorandum of agreement with Somerville Pioneer Solar LLC and Somerville Pioneer Solar 2 LLC. 134 is awarding a contract for solid waste collection services to Jersey Specialized Hauling Incorporated. And 135 is approving a written settlement agreement with Bell Avenue Holdings LLC in connection with the burough's fourth round housing element and fair share plan. Do I have a motion?

So moved. Second. Discussion. Council members. Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Lenin. Yes. Randy Pittz. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Verm. Yes. Now we will take Sorry. 122 is adopting the standard operating guidelines of the Somerville Fire Department. Do I have a motion? So moved. Second discussion.

I would recommend that the firemen be given some period of time, maybe not till June, um to uh at least read through this. Uh I'm not sure what the disconnect is, why you guys didn't see it, but I do think it's important that you see it. So that would be my recommendation that we give them an extension. I would second that. Treat that as a motion to table. Okay. So, now we have a motion to table. I've got a I've got a first and a second. Roll call. Motion to table. Go ahead. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Uh, so we'll discuss like what the deadline would be. I I don't think I think June's excessive, but agreed. I think the well the the original discussion that was had was the next council meeting.

Okay. I believe that was part of the original discussion. The the original discussion was for the second meeting in April. So we can have that further discussion. But at this point, let's we can first meeting in May. I'd rather not put it off far since again it's almost a decade out of compliance. I agree. So we will vote the table. Next meeting. So we'll vote the table. Okay. So roll call. Motion to table. Uh council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Ki. Yes. Glenda. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Verm. No.

Last one is 128, which is approving the hiring of full-time lifeguards for 2026 pool season. Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Terresa Bonner, yes. Andrew Kiy, yes. Glen Deny, yes. Randy Pittz, yes. Gina Stravick, yes. Roger Verm, recuse. And last but not least, just in case anybody wants to know, my son is being hired as a lifeguard. So that is why I am recusing myself from the vote. I there was some discussion as to why I pulled it. That's why.

Thanks for the explanation. You got it. Don't want anyone to think, you know. Next up is bills and vouchers. Uh, I move to pay bills and vouchers in the amount of 1,92,685.95.

Second discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy, yes. Glen Deny, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Ferm, yes. Uh, Mr. Jenine, I make a motion to adjurnn. Second. All in favor? I I opposed March Madness meeting is adjourned.