[0:15] Good evening notice of the time, date,
[0:20] location, and agenda of this meeting.
[0:22] To the extent then known was
[0:23] provided at least 48 hours prior to the commencement
[0:26] of this meeting in the following manner.
[0:28] Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 31 of the Law
[0:30] of 1975, the Open Public Meeting Act
[0:33] by listing such notice on the bulletin board
[0:34] and the municipal building and
[0:35] by email notification generated by IQM two, the offices
[0:39] of Independent Press, Bloomfield Life star,
[0:41] led pat bures net and tap into Bloomfield.
[0:43] Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance,
[0:50] United States of America, Mt for
[0:56] God, indivisible with liberty.
[0:59] I justice for
[1:03] Claire, can you please call the roll
[1:06] Councilwoman Gonzalez?
[1:08] Here. Councilman Joanna? Here. Councilwoman Cruz. Here.
[1:12] Councilwoman. Chair TOIs. Here. Councilwoman Fishman. Here.
[1:16] Councilwoman Toler Phillips. Here. Mayor Mendel.
[1:19] Here. All present. Thank you.
[1:21] First up, we have a proclamation in honor
[1:26] of Asian American Pacific Islander Month
[1:29] Councilwoman Gonzalez.
[1:31] Sure. In honor
[1:35] of Asian American Pacific Islander month, whereas the month
[1:39] of May is officially designated as Asian American
[1:43] and Pacific Islander A API Heritage month.
[1:47] A time to celebrate the remarkable contributions
[1:50] and diverse cultures of the A API community
[1:54] that has shaped the fabric of our nation
[1:56] and our local community.
[1:58] And whereas the A API community is a vast
[2:02] and diverse diaspora encompassing Pacific I individuals
[2:06] who trace the ancestries to East Asia, Southeast Asia,
[2:11] south Asia, and the Pacific Islands
[2:14] representing a profound diversity
[2:16] of faiths including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism,
[2:21] Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism and Taoism.
[2:27] And whereas A API,
[2:28] New Jersey has played a crucial role in advancing causes
[2:32] relating to the A API community and beyond.
[2:35] Through tireless advocacy
[2:37] and statewide leadership ensure
[2:39] that A API voices are amplified, social justice is pursued,
[2:44] and the rights of all Asian Americans are protected
[2:47] across the garden state.
[2:49] And whereas Bloomfield's Strength is rooted in its numerous
[2:53] A API organizations, spiritual centers such
[2:56] as the Korean United Church of Bloomfield, which has served
[2:59] for decades as a cornerstone of guidance, outreach
[3:02] and community service.
[3:04] And whereas our township is home
[3:06] to a thriving Filipino community whose professional
[3:10] excellence and family values enrich our neighborhood
[3:13] and enhance the fabric of our culture, such as through Phil
[3:17] p Rua scholarship for students
[3:20] and support for families in need.
[3:23] And whereas Bloomfield cherishes its South Asian resident
[3:27] population whose leadership
[3:28] and vision help launch Bloomfield's first ever ally
[3:32] celebration in 2025,
[3:34] marking a historic milestone in our town's cultural history.
[3:38] And whereas we recognize that honoring this community goes
[3:41] beyond celebrating food
[3:42] and traditions, it requires a commitment
[3:45] to addressing the substantive needs
[3:47] of its large preparation, particularly in healthcare access,
[3:50] linguistic resources, employment opportunities,
[3:54] and equitable support systems.
[3:56] And we hereby commit to ensuring
[3:58] that these needs are considered in our municipal planning.
[4:02] And whereas we are actively encouraging members
[4:04] of the A API community to reach out and share their culture
[4:08] and concerns with the township.
[4:10] And we warmly welcome their voice
[4:12] and sharing essential guidance on the issues
[4:15] and priorities that are most important to them.
[4:18] Now therefore be it resolved that I, Jenny Mondell, mayor
[4:21] of Township of Bloomfield joined in the town council due
[4:25] hereby proclaim the month of May, 2026 as Asian American
[4:30] and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the township
[4:33] of Bloomfield and urge all residents
[4:35] to join us in honoring the legacy
[4:37] of our A API neighbors supporting A API owned businesses,
[4:42] donating to A API focused nonprofits
[4:45] and reaffirming our commitment to a town
[4:47] where every resident is supported, represented, and heard.
[4:51] Thank you.
[4:53] Thank you. I believe we
[4:58] have a few members of a couple organizations here.
[5:01] I am not sure if we have someone from Pagasa here.
[5:05] I think we have some folks maybe from,
[5:09] I don't know, a API, New Jersey.
[5:12] Any of you who are here tonight about this proclamation,
[5:15] if you'd like to come up you're welcome.
[5:18] You could say, do you? Yeah, that's good.
[5:20] And if you wanted to say a couple words, you're welcome.
[5:22] Thank you.
[5:34] Well, if you wanna go to the mic. Yeah. Thank you.
[5:45] Green light. Good
[5:49] evening, your honors.
[5:53] My name is Bernardo de la me, which Isol,
[5:57] but I'm Filipino
[6:02] And with me is the core group of the Philippine pga
[6:07] PGA in English, min means hope,
[6:11] that's a Filipino word, pza.
[6:15] And we are really very proud to
[6:19] and express our thanks at most.
[6:21] Thanks for every little thing that we are imparting
[6:26] for the betterment of our lives here in in Bloomfield.
[6:31] And we will continue rest be assured that
[6:36] with the A API, the Asian American
[6:41] and Pacific Islander, there's cultural, historical,
[6:45] and other invaluable contributions.
[6:49] Whatever we have started, we are going to continue
[6:54] until we fulfill our duty, not only
[7:00] to our beloved township of Bloomfield,
[7:04] but making a dream that Bluefield
[7:09] becomes the best township to live in,
[7:14] in the whole of USA.
[7:26] So in the end, I would just like to say
[7:31] on behalf of my group here,
[7:37] as one of the most beloved
[7:42] singer entertainer, not only in the USA,
[7:48] but in the whole world, every time he would finish
[7:53] his performance, he would
[7:55] say, thank you very much.
[8:01] Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
[8:04] Thank you. I feel like I should say,
[8:09] I feel like I should say thank you Elvis.
[8:10] I've seen your performance before. It's always impressive.
[8:13] So thank you. Is anyone else here from, from
[8:16] for the A EPI month?
[8:18] And if you're here, we'd like, we're gonna take a picture
[8:20] with the proclamation, so thank you.
[8:22] If you wanna come up. Thank you.
[9:28] Thank,
[10:03] Next up we have a proclamation for Jewish
[10:05] American Heritage Month Councilwoman Fishman.
[10:09] Whereas the month of May is officially recognized
[10:11] as Jewish American Heritage Month, a time
[10:14] to honor the generations of Jewish Americans
[10:17] who have woven their culture, faith,
[10:19] and values into the very heart of the American story.
[10:23] And whereas the arts and sciences to public service
[10:26] and civil rights and the contributions
[10:29] of Jewish Americans have been fundamental to our progress
[10:32] as a nation driven by a deep seated commitment to education,
[10:37] justice, and the betterment of society.
[10:39] And whereas the Township
[10:41] of Bloomfield is a community built on the foundation
[10:43] of mutual respect, where we reaffirm
[10:45] and our unwavering commitment to honor the rights
[10:48] and dignity of all humans standing united against prejudice
[10:51] and ensuring that every resident can live
[10:54] with pride in their identity.
[10:56] And whereas within our own borders, temple ne Me serves
[10:59] as a vital thread in the fabric of our township
[11:02] through its remarkable resilience
[11:03] and dedication to interfaith harmony.
[11:06] The synagogue exemplifies the spirit
[11:08] of Tikuna Lam repairing the world
[11:11] and remains a steadfast pillar of spiritual
[11:14] and civic life for the people of Bloomfield.
[11:17] And whereas by celebrating Jewish American History Month,
[11:20] we recognize that our diversity is our greatest strength,
[11:23] and that we rededicate ourselves to fostering an environment
[11:25] where the history and heritage
[11:26] of the Jewish community are celebrated as essential
[11:29] to our shared future.
[11:31] Now therefore be it resolved that I Jenny Mandel, together
[11:35] with the Bloomfield Town Council,
[11:36] do hereby proclaim May, 2026 as Jewish
[11:40] American Heritage Month in the township of Bloomfield.
[11:43] We all urge all citizens
[11:44] to reflect on the significant impact
[11:46] of Jewish Americans on our local and national history,
[11:50] and to join us in upholding the values of compassion,
[11:53] equality, and dignity for all of humanity.
[11:57] Thank you, Councilwoman.
[12:03] I believe we have a representative here from Temple near
[12:06] to meet, if you wanna come up to the mic, how are you?
[12:09] Good,
[12:17] Thank you.
[12:19] I think I have to just address the shiner in the room.
[12:23] So fortunately this is not the result
[12:26] of rising antisemitism.
[12:27] I teach self defense and I had an overactive
[12:30] overeager student today, so apologize for my how I look.
[12:36] So thank you very much for this proclamation. It's great.
[12:38] I I just a few comments about this.
[12:40] I think on this, because this year is our bi
[12:44] not our bicentennial year.
[12:45] There's a, there's a word for it,
[12:46] but we know it's the 250th anniversary
[12:48] of the Declaration of Independence.
[12:50] And on a day like this, we, you know, we think about
[12:53] what Jewish Americans contributed to this country, but
[12:57] because it's a 250th anniversary,
[12:59] I thought I would talk just for a second about
[13:02] an opportunity that we gave the federal government in the,
[13:06] in the period between when the Constitution was signed
[13:08] and the Bill of Rights was ratified,
[13:10] George Washington was touring the country
[13:12] and Jewish communities all over the country were essentially
[13:15] pleading with him to make sure that they were safe,
[13:17] that they were able to practice their religion.
[13:19] And Washington very famously wrote a letter about this,
[13:23] where he says, he talks about the United States being a
[13:26] government, and this is, you know, oops, sorry, a government
[13:30] where bigotry, excuse me, which gives bigotry no sanction
[13:36] to persecution, no assistance,
[13:37] and requires only that they
[13:39] who live under its protection should demean themselves
[13:42] as good citizens.
[13:43] This was a letter to the Toro Synagogue in Providence,
[13:46] Rhode Island, but it was really the result of all
[13:48] of these efforts of trying
[13:49] to instantiate religious freedom and freedom for everybody.
[13:52] And I know that we don't as a country
[13:54] or didn't then live up to those values completely,
[13:57] and maybe we can talk about whether we do now or not,
[14:00] but it was a north star that was created
[14:02] that we could all strive toward and really move toward.
[14:05] And to have the, and to have the Jewish community be
[14:07] a part of that is very meaningful. So thank you very much.
[14:09] Thank you.
[14:16] If you, if you'd like both to come up
[14:17] and take a picture of, there's other
[14:18] Jewish Americans who'd like to come up.
[14:20] Let's, let's memorialize this. If there's other Jewish
[14:22] Americans here who would like to come up, we're
[14:24] so excited right then, then you're welcome
[14:25] to join us as well for the picture.
[15:36] Okay, Next up we have a proclamation
[15:39] for National Gun Violence Awareness.
[15:40] State Councilwoman Chair Veris. I'm sorry.
[15:45] That's okay. Councilwoman
[15:46] Cruz.
[15:47] Thank you. I am,
[15:50] I have the proclamation declaring the first Friday in June
[15:53] to be the National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
[15:56] This proclamation declares the first Friday in June to be
[16:00] National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the township
[16:02] of Bloomfield to honor and remember all victims
[16:04] and survivors of gun violence
[16:06] and to declare that we as a country must do more
[16:09] to end this public health crisis.
[16:11] Whereas every day nearly 130 people in the United States are
[16:15] killed by gun violence, and more than 200 are shot
[16:18] and wounded with an average
[16:19] of more than 19,000 gun homicides every year.
[16:22] And whereas people in the United States are 26 times more
[16:25] likely to die by gun homicide than people in other
[16:28] high income countries.
[16:30] And whereas New Jersey has 442 gun deaths every year
[16:34] with a rate of 4.8 deaths per 100,000 people, a crisis
[16:39] that costs the state 5.3 billion each year, of which
[16:42] 168.9 million is paid by taxpayers.
[16:47] New Jersey has the fourth lowest rate
[16:49] of gun deaths in the United States.
[16:51] And whereas gun homicides
[16:53] and assaults are concentrated in townships
[16:55] with more than half of all gun homicides in nation occurring
[16:58] in 42 townships.
[17:00] And whereas townships across the nation,
[17:02] including in Bloomfield, are working to end the senseless
[17:05] violence with evidence-based solutions.
[17:08] And whereas protecting public safety in the community,
[17:11] they serve as the mayor's highest responsibility.
[17:14] And whereas support for the Second Amendment rights
[17:16] of law abiding citizens goes hand in hand
[17:18] with keeping guns away from those who are a danger
[17:21] to themselves and or others.
[17:23] And whereas mayors council members
[17:25] and law enforcement officers in partnership
[17:27] with local violence intervention activists
[17:30] and resources know their communities best are the most
[17:33] familiar with local criminal activity and how to address it
[17:36] and are best position to understand how
[17:38] to keep their citizens safe.
[17:40] And whereas gun violence
[17:41] prevention is more important than ever.
[17:42] As we can see, gun violence continues
[17:45] to impact communities across the country.
[17:47] Whereas in January, 2013,
[17:49] Hadia Pendleton was tragically shot and killed at age 15
[17:53] and on June 5th, 2026
[17:55] to recognize the 29th birthday of Hadia Pendleton.
[17:58] Born June 2nd, 1997,
[18:00] people across the United States will recognize National gun
[18:04] Violence Awareness Day and wear orange in tribute
[18:06] to Hadia Pendleton, other victims of gun violence
[18:10] and the loved ones of those victims.
[18:12] And whereas the idea was inspired by a group of had idea's,
[18:15] friends who asked their classmates to commemorate her life
[18:17] by wearing orange, they chose this color
[18:19] because hunters wear orange to announce themselves
[18:22] to other hunters when out in the woods.
[18:24] And orange is a color
[18:25] that symbolizes the value of human life.
[18:27] And whereas anyone can join this campaign by pledging
[18:30] to wear orange on June 5th, the first Friday
[18:33] of June, 2026 to help raise awareness.
[18:35] Whereas by wearing orange on June 5th,
[18:37] people across the United States will raise awareness about
[18:40] gun violence and honor the lives of gun violence victims.
[18:43] Whereas we renew our commitment to reduce gun violence
[18:46] and pledge to do all we can keep firearm hams, firearms out
[18:51] of the hands of people who should not have access to them
[18:53] and encourage responsible gun ownership
[18:56] to help keep our families and community safe.
[18:58] Now therefore be it resolved that I, Jenny Mondell, mayor
[19:01] of the Township of Bloomfield, along with members
[19:03] of the Township Council,
[19:05] do hereby declare the first Friday in June
[19:07] to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Bloomfield.
[19:11] We encourage all citizens
[19:12] to support their local community efforts
[19:14] to prevent the tragic impact of gun violence and save lives.
[19:17] Thank you.
[19:24] Thank you Councilwoman Lorraine,
[19:27] did you wanna come up and say a few words?
[19:28] I don't know if anyone else is with you as well.
[19:30] Thank you, please.
[19:43] Well, hello again, we're back.
[19:46] I'm Lorraine Lombardi and volunteer with Moms Demand Action
[19:50] for Gun Sense in America here in Essex County.
[19:54] And I'm happy to accept this proclamation along
[19:57] with my fellow Montes Peg Zko
[20:01] and Alicia Silverstein
[20:05] spr, sorry about that.
[20:09] Where Orange, a nonpolitical
[20:12] and nonpartisan campaign honors the countless lives
[20:17] touched by gun violence in the US every day.
[20:21] And where Orange also elevates the voices
[20:25] of advocates all across the country
[20:29] who are demanding an end to gun violence.
[20:33] Now we need every voice in our community
[20:37] to support us
[20:39] and we are profoundly grateful
[20:41] for your continued support of our work.
[20:45] And this is our 10th year doing this
[20:49] and we can't thank you enough for it.
[20:55] There were some data points given in the proclamation,
[20:59] but I just want to go over a few others.
[21:03] Now, as of May 5th of this year,
[21:07] there have been 99 unintentional shootings by children,
[21:11] which means that they were able
[21:13] to access an unsecured loaded gun.
[21:17] And that resulted in 34 deaths and 66 injuries.
[21:22] And it's mostly children under 10
[21:28] as of the same day, May 5th, there are 49 incidents
[21:33] of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 21 deaths
[21:38] and 22 injuries.
[21:39] And unfortunately today we can add one more shooting
[21:45] on on school grounds.
[21:47] There was a shooting in the Islamic Center in
[21:52] San Diego, three people died
[21:55] and luckily none of the children were hurt.
[22:00] But it's very sad every month. I never knew this.
[22:05] Every month an average of 70 women are shot
[22:10] and killed by an intimate partner
[22:14] And six out of every 10 death gun deaths are suicides.
[22:20] That's 27,000 Americans every year an average
[22:24] of 73 a day.
[22:28] And that number has increased 19% over the last decade.
[22:33] And this number also includes 1300 children
[22:38] and 4,600 veterans.
[22:42] Children between the ages of 10
[22:44] and 15 have the fastest growing rate
[22:48] of suicide over the past 10 years,
[22:50] which I find just amazing.
[22:53] And that's a 21% increase over a decade.
[22:58] Now the most important action that
[23:02] gun owners can take right now to help reduce
[23:06] and prevent all types of gun violence is
[23:08] to securely store firearms.
[23:13] If you can disrupt
[23:17] or put distance between someone's thought of suicide
[23:22] and access to a gun, you can reduce
[23:26] suicide a lot.
[23:28] So secure storage helps that
[23:31] because they can't get to the gun.
[23:36] Now the this proclamation
[23:38] and the secure storage ordinance
[23:42] that you passed back in the fall,
[23:44] which we are thrilled about,
[23:45] unfortunately I couldn't make it
[23:47] to either of those meetings.
[23:51] They play a vital role in raising awareness
[23:55] in our community.
[23:57] Now, no one should have to live in fear of gun violence,
[24:01] just as orange is a color that you can't ignore.
[24:06] None of us can ignore gun violence.
[24:09] So please wear orange on Wear Orange Day, which is Friday,
[24:13] June 5th, and throughout the weekend
[24:16] and tell everyone that you know to wear orange
[24:21] and tell 'em about what you heard tonight.
[24:24] So thank you very much. Thank you.
[24:29] Oh, So
[24:32] One other thing, one other thing, here's some good news.
[24:36] If you look in the packet that I gave you,
[24:42] our advocacy
[24:44] and other organizations is working according
[24:47] to the Gun violence archive, both gun deaths
[24:52] and gun injuries declined in 2024,
[24:56] fewer than any year since 2019.
[24:59] So our work is having an impact,
[25:02] but we need everybody's help to do it.
[25:05] Alright, I'm done. Thank you.
[25:10] So Lorraine
[25:13] Ribbon, if anybody wants an orange ribbon
[25:15] to wear in June. Yes,
[25:17] That's great.
[25:18] So Lorraine, so Lorraine, I, I wanted to say,
[25:21] I know you weren't able to join us
[25:23] for the ordinance when we passed the ordinance,
[25:25] but I did wanna say thank you to you
[25:27] and your colleagues for your help with that.
[25:29] We worked closely with you all with our police department
[25:32] to come up with, with our, our law department to come up
[25:35] with a, a really, I think,
[25:37] strong secure storage ordinance for Bloomfield.
[25:40] And I do wanna mention that
[25:41] that preceded action by the state.
[25:44] So if I recall correct, yes.
[25:46] And so Bloomfield is actually at the forefront
[25:49] of secure storage.
[25:51] Yes. Before the state of New Jersey at this point, before
[25:53] The state, yeah.
[25:54] And actually everybody can help.
[25:58] If you text NJ from New Jersey,
[26:03] if you text NJ to 6 4 4 3 3,
[26:08] you can get connected to the New Jersey State legislature
[26:12] and there possibly going to be passing
[26:16] a bill, the New Jersey Home Safety Act,
[26:21] which requires secure storage for the whole state.
[26:27] So the fact that we were able to get this done here,
[26:30] we think has moved its way up.
[26:32] We've been working on it for about five years.
[26:35] So hopefully, I think
[26:40] we were talking to Senator Cryon
[26:43] and he said that hopefully in June it will get
[26:46] Passed.
[26:47] Well, thank you for your hard work and your advocacy.
[26:49] We'd love to take a picture with you with the proclamation.
[26:51] All right. Yep. Thank you. Thank you.
[27:26] Thank you.
[28:19] Okay, Councilwoman Terra Deis,
[28:22] I believe you have the proclamation
[28:23] for National Public Works Week.
[28:25] Okay. It is my honor to read the proclamation
[28:29] for National Public Works Week, whereas public work
[28:34] professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities
[28:38] and services that are vital importance to sustainable
[28:43] and resilient communities
[28:45] and to public health, highly qua high quality of life
[28:50] and wellbeing of people of the township of Bloomfield.
[28:54] And whereas these infrastructures, facilities
[28:57] and services could not be
[29:00] provided without dedicated efforts
[29:02] of public work professionals who are engineers, managers,
[29:08] employees at all levels of government
[29:10] and the private sector who are responsible for rebuilding,
[29:15] improving and protecting our nation's trans, our nation's,
[29:19] transportation, water supply, water treatment systems,
[29:24] public buildings and other structures
[29:26] and facilities essential for our citizens.
[29:29] And whereas the Bloomfield Department of Public Works
[29:33] and Parks Maintenance DPW serves
[29:37] as the backbone of our municipal operations
[29:40] and the key element to improving the quality of life
[29:43] for residents through the township Clean
[29:46] and Strong campaign.
[29:47] And whereas the DPW had taken a lead role
[29:52] in the planning and executing
[29:54] of our twice yearly town wide cleanup days in
[29:59] collaboration with the Mayor Council,
[30:02] Bloomfield Beautification Committee and the community.
[30:05] Whereas DPW has pioneered initiatives solutions
[30:10] to infrastructure maintenance such
[30:12] as annual Pothole week initiative and aggressive
[30:16] and proactive approach to repairing township streets that
[30:21] directly improves the daily quality of life
[30:24] for every com commuter and resident.
[30:28] And whereas department provides care
[30:30] and maintenance, maintenance of our town parks
[30:34] and sports fields,
[30:36] ensuring these vital green spaces remain safe, beautiful,
[30:40] and ready for our youth, athletes
[30:42] and families to enjoy, I need water.
[30:46] Whereas the members of DPW consistently go above
[30:50] and beyond the call of Duty working round the clock hours
[30:54] during snow storms, severe weather
[30:58] and other emergencies to clear our roads
[31:01] and keep communities safe while others remain indoors.
[31:04] And whereas DPW has been instrumental in the advancement
[31:09] of our, of the Township Storm water
[31:13] management initiatives, implementing regular reviews
[31:17] and clearing of storm drains to mediate, flooding,
[31:21] and protect our local government and residential properties.
[31:25] And whereas the year 2026
[31:29] marks the 66 annual National Public Works Week
[31:34] sponsored by American Public Work Association now
[31:39] therefore be it resolved.
[31:41] Aye Mayor Jenny Mendell
[31:42] and the Bloomfield Town Council do hereby designate the week
[31:46] of May 17th through 23 20 26
[31:51] as National Public Works Week.
[31:53] Congratulations.
[31:55] Thank you. So I
[32:00] believe we have some members of our amazing Department
[32:04] of Public Works and park maintenance here.
[32:06] If you're here, please come up to the front.
[32:09] We love to take a picture with you
[32:11] and recognize all of your service.
[32:13] We really appreciate you
[32:14] and all that you do for our township.
[32:16] Thank you.
[33:55] First and foremost, thank you very much
[33:57] for the presentations.
[33:59] It's quite nice to be recognized.
[34:01] The DPW, we usually don't get
[34:03] recognized for the good, right?
[34:05] But what I can tell you is I truly appreciate all the
[34:08] support we've gotten from the mayors
[34:10] and council people over the years since I've been there.
[34:13] We've been trying to move into the future with the DPW
[34:16] and we'll continue to do so.
[34:18] What I want most people to know is that most of our staff,
[34:21] we have about 40 members right now.
[34:23] We used to have 60 or 70 members, right?
[34:25] So we have about 40 right now.
[34:28] Most of 'em come from Bloomfield.
[34:29] Most of 'em grew up in Bloomfield, they live in Bloomfield.
[34:32] So they take it personal.
[34:34] When you guys complain about the potholes
[34:36] or the snow, they sleep.
[34:37] They don't sleep that night, they go out,
[34:39] they wanna do the right thing.
[34:41] Sometimes we have to shut down because they're tired.
[34:43] They work 30 hours, 40 hours.
[34:45] So to be recognized this week, very grateful.
[34:50] After late last week, I put them through HELL last week
[34:55] through our pothole initiative.
[34:57] We, at attempt, we wanted to go out
[34:59] and do a hundred potholes a day, which is a feat if you know
[35:02] how to, if you know about potholes.
[35:04] We doubled that. We did over a thousand potholes last week.
[35:07] So,
[35:14] And, and that was all I was at an extended leave
[35:18] with an injury that was all without me here.
[35:21] And our, we like to call her our mom down there, Samantha,
[35:25] getting everybody out there and, and,
[35:28] and getting everybody on task.
[35:29] So again, we appreciate everything you do for us.
[35:32] We hope it continues
[35:34] and we'll see you down the road. Thank you.
[35:36] Thank you Sean.
[35:43] Thank you.
[35:48] Get that a minute. Okay, next up communications.
[35:53] Thank you Mayor. We have several communications
[35:56] that were forwarded
[35:57] to the Health Department Police Department
[36:00] and our grants writers Millennium Strategies.
[36:02] They are as follows, notice from the New Jersey Department
[36:05] of Environmental Protection.
[36:07] There are three suspected hazardous substance discharge
[36:10] notification for 26 ferncliff Road
[36:14] Biennial certification submission
[36:16] of the established soil remedial action permit
[36:20] for 100 dash four 40 Memorial Parkway.
[36:24] And the third one is area
[36:25] of concern 1 550 gallon number two,
[36:28] heating oil underground storage tank for no further action
[36:33] and letter, excuse me,
[36:36] no further action letter in Covenant not
[36:37] to sue 95 Parkway East.
[36:40] Then we have notice from the Glen Ridge Country Club
[36:43] that they will have their annual 4th of July family barbecue
[36:47] and fireworks display.
[36:48] That'll be held on Saturday, July 4th.
[36:52] And finally, notice from g, the New Jersey,
[36:54] DOT Governor Murphy announced that
[36:57] applications will now be accepted
[36:59] for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
[37:01] This has been prior, this was actually prior
[37:04] when he was in office.
[37:05] The deadline for grant application submission is July 1st
[37:09] grant awards and expected to be announced in November.
[37:12] And finally, notice from New Jersey, DOT Division of Local
[37:15] and Economic Development is launching a new round
[37:18] of the transportation Alternative Set Aside.
[37:22] Set aside program. That's all. Mayor,
[37:25] Thank you.
[37:27] Oral petitions and hearing
[37:29] Yes.
[37:31] Manner of addressing the counsel.
[37:33] This is for everyone who would like to speak tonight.
[37:36] The time limit. We have a time limit each person addressing.
[37:39] The counsel shall give their name
[37:41] and complete address in an audible tone
[37:43] of voice for the record.
[37:45] And unless further time is granted by the council
[37:48] shall limit their statement to five minutes.
[37:51] All remarks shall be addressed to the council as a body
[37:54] and not to any member thereof.
[37:56] No question shall be directed to any speaker
[37:59] by a council person except through
[38:01] and at the discretion of the presiding
[38:02] officer, which is the mayor.
[38:04] This is in chapter five dash 21 of our township code.
[38:09] Thank, I'm sorry, Ms.
[38:11] Ano, if you could just hold on one second.
[38:12] I do see a number of people on here who signed up
[38:14] to talk about the sewer collection fee change.
[38:19] And so I did wanna mention that on June 10th,
[38:22] we do have scheduled a another information session.
[38:27] This one will be in person, so if you have questions,
[38:30] you might wanna ask them there when you give public comment,
[38:34] it is a, a, a limited public forum,
[38:36] so we don't answer you sitting here,
[38:38] but you can ask your questions at that in-person meeting.
[38:42] So thank you. Go ahead Ms. Pagana.
[38:44] Okay, thank you. The first is who?
[38:48] Mayor, as you mentioned the sewage. Jason Martone.
[38:54] Are you here? Martine? Sorry
[39:02] you have five minutes.
[39:03] Please state your name and your address.
[39:11] Good afternoon, mayor Council. My name is Jason Martinez.
[39:14] I live on 14 Walter Street.
[39:16] So in regards to the sewage, the sewage fee,
[39:19] I appreciate the administration
[39:21] and everyone who has worked on this issue
[39:23] because I understand these are not easy decisions
[39:27] and they are real long-term challenges facing the township.
[39:32] My concern is that many residents still do not
[39:35] fully understand the proposal
[39:37] or how it may impact them financially.
[39:41] Unfortunately, there's also a lot
[39:44] of misinformation circulating online
[39:48] in the mailboxes
[39:50] and across social media, which has created confusion
[39:53] for residents trying to understand the facts.
[39:56] I do believe the township has made efforts
[39:58] to communicate information
[40:00] and provide opportunities for residents to ask.
[40:04] But the misinformation surrounding
[40:07] this issue has been difficult for many people
[40:10] to fully understand this proposal.
[40:13] For the future, I believe residents will benefit
[40:16] from additional communication from community information
[40:19] sessions with professionals presenting this factual
[40:23] information and answering these questions openly
[40:27] so people can form, form, inform opinions based on facts,
[40:32] not pol not politics or misinformation.
[40:35] Thank you.
[40:37] Thank you.
[40:43] Next we have Corey Anderson.
[40:46] You have five minutes and I'll let you know when
[40:49] you have 30 seconds left.
[40:50] I, I'm sorry if, could you just hold on one second.
[40:52] People who are here, you're also gonna have your chance
[40:55] to speak and I'm gonna, we're gonna ask
[40:57] that everybody give each other the same respect when
[40:59] folks are up at the podium.
[41:01] Thank you.
[41:02] Thank you. Good evening everyone.
[41:05] Mayor council Corey Anderson, 1 0 6 North 16th Street.
[41:10] Been in this town 18 years.
[41:11] I don't think I've ever spoken this podium,
[41:13] but I am honored to speak today.
[41:16] I just wanna speak about about unity.
[41:19] Some of you may know me. Yes, I am a DPW worker,
[41:22] but I'm also a homeowner here
[41:24] raising two young girls with my wife.
[41:27] So tonight I wanna speak about respect and unity
[41:30] and I'm glad I came up after Jason after just what happened.
[41:35] You know, no matter the political views
[41:39] or differences of opinion, we must remember
[41:42] that we are neighbors first.
[41:44] Whether you live in the first, second,
[41:46] or third ward, we all want the same things.
[41:49] We want safe and clean streets.
[41:51] I'm sure a lot of us want lower taxes
[41:54] and of course we want those potholes filled
[41:56] as my director just applied there.
[42:00] We just want a community that we can be proud of.
[42:04] We may debate issues passionately,
[42:06] but we should never lose respect
[42:08] for one another in the process.
[42:10] Our local elected officials dedicate countless hours in
[42:14] serving this community
[42:15] and they do it for very little compensation.
[42:18] So they deserve to be treated with dignity
[42:21] and respect, especially the women on this council.
[42:34] I think disrespect, personal attacks
[42:36] and hostility should never become a standard
[42:39] in public discourse.
[42:41] We can disagree without being disrespectful.
[42:44] A united community is built through communication,
[42:47] understanding, and mutual respect.
[42:49] Let tonight be a reminder
[42:50] that we are stronger when we come together
[42:53] and support one another. Thank you for your time.
[42:56] Thank you.
[43:02] Next is, I think it's Hilda and Frank from Farndale Avenue.
[43:07] I'm sorry. Okay,
[43:23] you have five minutes and I'll let you know
[43:24] when you have 30 seconds left.
[43:25] Yes, thank you. If I may approach the council, I,
[43:28] I brought some photographs. You can give it
[43:30] To the Clerk. Yes, please.
[43:32] Oh, State your name for the record.
[43:39] Good evening Mayor Mundell and Council.
[43:41] My name is CIO Berti and I reside at 39 Farndale Avenue.
[43:46] And keeping with what this gentleman just mentioned in
[43:49] keeping our community united and strong.
[43:52] When we all come together, I truly believe
[43:55] that I'm here representing not just myself
[43:57] but my neighborhood and possibly
[44:01] furthermore further of our community.
[44:04] The reason I'm here and what I have brought over
[44:05] to the council are some photographs of some recent
[44:10] sightings that have been occurring in our
[44:13] neighborhood of rats.
[44:15] This has been a concern for some time
[44:19] and the concern has increased as the population
[44:23] of the rats has increased as I'm seeing them during the day
[44:29] in the neighbor's house, my home, I have approached,
[44:33] I have emailed the health department, I was informed
[44:38] that there was an inspection done to my home
[44:41] and surrounding areas in my, around my neighborhood.
[44:44] And that my home did not seem like a, an area
[44:47] where they would burrow well despite the fact
[44:52] that my area is kept clean
[44:54] and I have certain things that I do in keep in place so
[44:58] that my area could be clean and there's no rats.
[45:02] There is an issue, you know,
[45:04] as we all wouldn't wanna have our children going outside,
[45:07] especially after the health concerns that have been online
[45:11] with the ship, right?
[45:12] We're all concerned because rats carry viruses that we may
[45:17] or may not know what it is.
[45:18] And it is a concern when it affects our
[45:21] population and our children.
[45:23] So I'm not just bringing my concerns
[45:26] to the council saying, what can you do?
[45:28] What have you not done?
[45:29] I'm here stating that because this is our community
[45:32] and we want it to stay a good healthy community,
[45:36] what can we do together?
[45:37] Because we are willing to do whatever it takes
[45:39] to get the rats out.
[45:42] I know that there's neighboring towns that have
[45:45] garbage receptacles that are
[45:47] provided so that the trash is not simply placed on the
[45:50] curbside where the bags, the rats can go in ensuring
[45:54] that there is compliance with ordinances with our neighbors.
[45:58] And not that we wanna tell on our neighbors,
[46:00] but have a respect for our own home
[46:03] and our surrounding neighbors
[46:05] because that does affect, it doesn't matter how clean I,
[46:08] I keep my home and if the neighbor next door
[46:12] or further down is doing whatever they need.
[46:15] And I do understand there's circumstances
[46:17] where there's some individuals that are older
[46:19] and may not have the finances to be able to take care
[46:22] of the garden, but this is when we all come as a community,
[46:26] I know that we all have to think outside the box
[46:28] to see what can we do.
[46:30] I knew in New York when there was a storm
[46:31] and there was issues with snow,
[46:33] they were allowing the homeless people to come
[46:36] and be able to have some money to clean out the snow.
[46:40] I mean there's things that we all come together.
[46:42] There's people that wanna feed their families
[46:44] that will stand in corners for for hours.
[46:49] Not asking for money but asking for employment.
[46:52] What can we do as a community
[46:54] to make our community safe holding big businesses
[46:57] accountable for their garbage?
[47:00] What are they doing to keep their garbage
[47:02] controlled and maintained?
[47:05] Are we, I know the, there was a, a meeting last week
[47:09] where I heard the officers saying there's an app
[47:12] where we can report something that we see for crime.
[47:15] I know I don't wanna tell on any neighbors or anything,
[47:18] but if there's something anonymously we can also do like,
[47:20] hey, maybe she needs a little bit of help cleaning up.
[47:23] Or maybe they're not aware that we have ordinances in towns
[47:27] where we can't just throw our garbage in the backyard.
[47:30] Certain things like that that we can all do together.
[47:34] Possibly getting information at the health clinics
[47:36] where people are coming that don't have insurance.
[47:38] Because if they don't have insurance, there's maybe not able
[47:42] to have resources to the information that's on the website
[47:45] with the issues with the rats.
[47:48] What can they do? Because I'm sure they would wanna keep
[47:51] their families safe as well.
[47:52] So these are just a couple of things that I wanted
[47:55] to bring about because once again,
[47:56] it's not what can you just do? Excuse
[47:58] Me?
[47:59] You have 30 seconds. Yes,
[48:00] I'm closing.
[48:01] I got my timer. But what can we do as a community?
[48:03] But if you could please hear our concerns
[48:06] because we are concerned about the population increasing.
[48:09] Thank you.
[48:14] So ma'am, if you wanna give your information,
[48:18] I don't know if Jackie's is, Jackie's waving in the back.
[48:21] If you wanna give your information to Jackie back there,
[48:23] she can help you with.
[48:25] Just make sure that someone circles back
[48:27] with you about the rodent issue.
[48:28] And there is a way to report
[48:32] anonymously on the clean and strong portal.
[48:34] So I don't think you need to look at it
[48:36] as telling on your neighbor.
[48:38] It's, it's just reporting like a
[48:39] health, a public health issue.
[48:41] And so you can just, you can fill it out anonymously
[48:44] if you don't wanna put your name in.
[48:45] And then there's programs
[48:47] and stuff that, that the town has through like neighborhood
[48:50] to neighbor network and other things that there's resources
[48:52] for some of the things that you're talking about.
[48:54] So if you give your information to Jackie back there,
[48:56] she'll she'll someone will get back to you about that.
[48:59] Thank you.
[49:01] Next Matthew font. Is it? Thank you.
[49:07] Please state your name and address for the record. Thank
[49:10] You.
[49:11] It's nice to see some familiar faces.
[49:12] My name is Matthew Font res, former resident
[49:15] of 27 Park Place five year, almost four and a half year.
[49:19] Said that backwards. Four and a half,
[49:20] almost five year tenure just right off the bat.
[49:25] Occupation? Occupation wise?
[49:28] I am a commercial HVAC installer, so I frequent derelict
[49:33] to rooftops on a daily basis.
[49:37] Majority of them are fraught with ponding water.
[49:41] I'm having technical difficulties with this Mike.
[49:45] It's great that we have a monthly recognition
[49:47] for things like gun violence, mental health awareness,
[49:50] but I still see slight squander
[49:53] and it's not the potholes disclaimer.
[49:54] This is all just good faith constructive criticism.
[49:58] Councilwoman Gonzalez began
[50:00] by mentioning the key term diaspora.
[50:04] Displacement isn't mutually exclusive to one ethnic group.
[50:07] I say that as a descendant of Cuban parents.
[50:11] Anyone in this room can be rendered a diaspora from
[50:13] despotism religious persecution or regulatory negligence.
[50:18] 50% of the town constituents are renters.
[50:21] That's a colorblind stat in my book.
[50:23] How many people in this room know what a scupper is?
[50:25] It takes one waltz around town
[50:27] and immediate Google search
[50:29] to know this rudimentary device saves lives.
[50:32] I understand certain anonymities
[50:34] or pedigrees are apropros
[50:35] to the tenants out-of-pocket expense such as exterminators,
[50:39] septics sewage, but rooftop drainage.
[50:41] Who are we fooling? Nobody should have to live in fear
[50:44] of gun violence or a roof collapse.
[50:46] These things don't just arbitrarily happen.
[50:49] An elderly woman in my building was
[50:51] hospitalized in critical condition.
[50:52] Would anyone allow this
[50:53] where a gun violence committed towards a child
[50:56] or lemons law with automobile, we call
[50:58] that vicarious liability.
[51:00] A spade is a spade. How much of a pretext does a town need
[51:03] to send a drone around town?
[51:05] I know the private insurance firms do
[51:06] that without hesitation.
[51:09] I know other people tonight are gonna mention the pilot
[51:11] urping clout from the schools
[51:13] or sabotage of the Rent leveling board
[51:14] or obfuscation of trying to obtain an Oprah.
[51:17] But again, how much of a pretext to town need?
[51:20] That's all I have to say.
[51:23] Thank you
[51:28] Donna.
[51:29] Donna Ryan.
[51:39] Good evening before.
[51:41] My name is Donna Ryan, 1 34 Berkeley Avenue.
[51:45] Before I begin, I would like to say
[51:47] that I am not running for office.
[51:50] I am here after calculating
[51:51] that my annual sewage fee would be $465 using the
[51:56] online calculator that was provided by NW Financial.
[52:01] I'm here because I'm about transparency,
[52:03] fiscal accountability, dialogue,
[52:05] and making informed decisions.
[52:07] Here are my four points.
[52:09] Point number one for counsel to present a draft
[52:12] of the municipal budget.
[52:13] This is true transparency.
[52:15] I know I can say I am not alone when to have a,
[52:18] a retroactive sewage ordinance presented
[52:21] before the municipal budget is very suspect.
[52:24] My second point I,
[52:30] I only have five minutes.
[52:31] So my second point is a revision of the sewer ordinance.
[52:35] The experts that recommended the pricing have, I believe
[52:38] that they have far overestimated
[52:40] that the average homeowner's ability
[52:42] to continue living in this town.
[52:44] What do I want to see in a revised ordinance?
[52:47] Number one, commission a sewer use study,
[52:50] not a sewer rate analysis that can be used
[52:53] to establish equitable rates for residential, commercial,
[52:56] industrial and large developments.
[52:59] B, in a sewage rate study.
[53:01] In the sewage rate study that I offered, I would like
[53:03] to point out that one of the options presented
[53:06] by NW Financial was to exempt five eighths
[53:10] metered homeowners.
[53:12] And I understand the legal basis for universal contribution
[53:16] to the system because
[53:18] that was part of the research that I did.
[53:20] What I am suggesting is a hybrid model
[53:23] that would combine a standard modest flat, flat fee.
[53:28] When I say modest, I mean like $5 per quarter
[53:31] for a five eighths meter along with volumetric pricing.
[53:34] That occurs only once the user surpasses the standard flow.
[53:39] And the standard flow would be the average of your Q1 use
[53:43] for a five eighths meter.
[53:45] I'm talking only five eighths meters
[53:47] because that's what your average one
[53:49] and two family homes are.
[53:50] By using Q1 averages, you will eliminate the use
[53:53] of the issue of swimming pools watering your garden
[53:56] or car wash fundraisers that are used by the schools.
[54:00] C establish an appeal process.
[54:03] D attach a rate schedule similar to
[54:05] what other towns in the surrounding areas have done
[54:08] to guarantee give residents a guarantee of fixed pricing.
[54:12] Since we have a 2% cap on property taxes,
[54:15] I would suggest a 2% cap on sewer utility.
[54:18] The rest can be subsidized out of the general budget.
[54:21] And if you do it that way,
[54:22] you can continue keeping the school's water
[54:25] and sewage use under the general budget.
[54:28] If you move completely to a sewage based utility, eventually
[54:32] that's going to have to move into their budget.
[54:35] E the retroactive nature of the ordinance, I'm sorry,
[54:38] but I feel it's just pure nonsense.
[54:40] No one budgets that way. Okay, my third point.
[54:43] You were elected to represent us.
[54:45] So I'm going to ask you to please represent
[54:47] us beyond Bloomfield.
[54:49] Why should Bloomfield a legacy municipality
[54:52] of the Passaic Valley Sewage Commission established in 1911?
[54:56] Why should we pay for the infrastructure
[54:58] of surrounding towns
[55:00] and their large developments including data centers?
[55:03] The governor ran a campaign on affordability
[55:06] and declared war on utilities.
[55:09] Hold the governor accountable.
[55:11] Hold Passaic Valley Sewage Commission
[55:13] accountable for the same.
[55:14] I have phones the governor's office four times.
[55:18] I have actually spoken to a governor's aide who referred me
[55:21] to the Board of Public Utilities.
[55:23] The Board of Public Utilities told me in writing,
[55:25] they are not responsible for water and sewage utility.
[55:29] So why would the governor's office refer me to the BPU?
[55:32] If the BPU is it, it's a giant circle
[55:35] of no one knows what they're doing.
[55:37] Okay, so you can
[55:39] represent us at Passaic Valley Sewage Commission.
[55:42] Okay. This is a much larger issue than just Bloomfield.
[55:44] It affects the entire Passaic Valley region
[55:47] as well as the county and the state.
[55:49] Okay, it's the governor declared state
[55:51] of emergency January 1st.
[55:54] Now it's being applied just electric if you actually read
[55:57] her emergency declaration.
[55:58] But that includes she ran on utilities.
[56:01] That includes all utilities, water and sewer utilities.
[56:04] Now this is very important as a legacy municipality.
[56:08] Bloomfield has his historic, excuse me, 30 seconds.
[56:12] Historic governance leverage that could use to negotiate.
[56:16] It just takes courage for someone on the council
[56:18] to show some leadership.
[56:19] Currently there's nine appointed commissioners.
[56:22] No one from Bloomfield is represented,
[56:24] but little Wallington with 12,000 residents.
[56:26] They are last point, I'm sorry.
[56:29] Adopt an immediate and unanimous moratorium on
[56:32] all pilot projects.
[56:33] Appeal to the governor to do the same.
[56:35] Pilot agreements tie into state law,
[56:38] but given the current financial strains we face as a state,
[56:42] the inflated cost of sewage
[56:43] and the need for a sewage you study, as well
[56:46] as the mass amount of data center applications,
[56:49] you can legally impose a temporary moratorium.
[56:52] Thank you for the 32nd.
[57:03] Excuse me.
[57:07] Next is Ted Glick.
[57:10] Ted Glick. Oh, this is
[57:13] A copy of my speaker.
[57:14] Okay, thank you Ted Glick,
[57:27] please state your name and address and you have five minutes
[57:33] Glick, 500 Rotan Avenue.
[57:36] And that is a really hard act to follow. That was so good.
[57:41] IIII learned a lot
[57:42] and I would really love to study what you just said.
[57:45] Seriously. 'cause I am not an expert on issue of the sewers
[57:49] and the taxes on, on sewer usage.
[57:51] I'm just not. So I'm kind of learning on the fly here.
[57:54] I think a lot of us are right?
[57:56] But again, thank you for that.
[57:59] So let me just make a few points.
[58:03] This document here is an interesting document.
[58:06] It would've been nice if this was available
[58:07] before 6:45 PM I mean,
[58:10] I understand there were some other documents,
[58:11] but this one, you know, would've been good to have people
[58:15] with knowledge of this issue to look, look at it,
[58:17] to assess it, and to be able to speak here tonight.
[58:21] So that's just one kind of small point.
[58:24] I also agree with what the sister said about April 1st.
[58:27] Like it's retroactive to April 1st.
[58:29] I mean, that kind of, kind of gives it away really in terms
[58:32] of kind of a process that was being rushed
[58:34] and pushed for some reason, right?
[58:37] It's been slowed up now.
[58:39] Thank, thank heavens, thank whomever.
[58:42] But so it's a good thing that time is being taken
[58:45] because of the concerns, the questions a lot
[58:48] of us have about all of this.
[58:51] That's a good thing.
[58:53] Just a couple other points
[58:54] that I don't think have been made yet.
[58:59] The, this, some, somebody
[59:02] who knows more about this than I do
[59:05] spoke about an issue this, this issue this way.
[59:10] Bloomfield moving quickly to add a new sewer fee
[59:15] as a separate bill.
[59:17] This will mean that instead of paying for sewer costs
[59:20] through property taxes, residents will now pay a new bill
[59:24] with the fixed change no matter what, et cetera.
[59:30] And what this means is that in terms of for, for seniors,
[59:35] for the programs that exist, you know,
[59:37] the senior freeze state New Jersey anchor
[59:41] money is then not going to be go going back to them
[59:45] through those programs for this money
[59:47] that's being taken out of the property tax.
[59:49] That seems to be questionable.
[59:52] And, and just that leads to the, the last thing I'll say.
[1:00:00] This same person says that
[1:00:03] the sewer fee won't be reimbursed the way that it could be
[1:00:07] with these state programs.
[1:00:10] Seniors and disabled residents will pay more out of pocket
[1:00:15] altogether when you take all of the taxes.
[1:00:19] And there'll be possibilities
[1:00:21] for increases in property taxes
[1:00:23] because this has been taken out, which is kind of ominous.
[1:00:28] It's also 100% disabled.
[1:00:30] Veterans who don't pay any property taxes today will now
[1:00:34] have to pay this new fee.
[1:00:37] So there, there's so many questions about this.
[1:00:41] A moratorium is what we need.
[1:00:43] This thing should be like laid aside.
[1:00:45] Let's wait till after this election's
[1:00:47] coming up in two weeks.
[1:00:49] Let's have some serious sub discussion.
[1:00:52] Get, let's get input from people like this woman who spoke
[1:00:57] and others not.
[1:00:58] Just kind of bring something forward
[1:01:00] saying, we're going to do this.
[1:01:01] In fact, we're already setting it up, starting April 1st
[1:01:04] before you even find out about it.
[1:01:06] That's not the way business should be done by this council.
[1:01:08] There's gotta be a two-way street between the leadership
[1:01:11] of the township and the residents of the township
[1:01:14] and the citizens of the township.
[1:01:16] A much more back and forth process.
[1:01:18] That's the way a real democracy should work. Thank you.
[1:01:32] Next is Joey Huddleston.
[1:01:35] Joey Huddleston, Newark Avenue.
[1:01:43] Thank you. Yes, Joey Huddleston, Newark Avenue.
[1:01:46] For the information session on May 7th.
[1:01:48] I submitted nine questions.
[1:01:50] Three of them were somewhat addressed
[1:01:52] and the other six made no appearance.
[1:01:55] It can't be because of a shortage of time
[1:01:57] because that session only lasted 22 minutes
[1:02:00] and appeared to be prerecorded.
[1:02:03] Moreover, neither the mayor
[1:02:05] nor the council members who voted
[1:02:06] to push forward the sewer change were
[1:02:08] present to answer questions.
[1:02:10] But I do value your time. So I'll simply enter my questions
[1:02:14] into the public record here tonight.
[1:02:16] First question, when will the mayor, the council
[1:02:19] or administrator, does Enzo provide residence
[1:02:21] with the full Northwest financial sewer usage study
[1:02:24] referenced in the ordinance?
[1:02:26] It forms the basis for the new fee.
[1:02:28] And Bloomfield residents deserve to know why their mayor
[1:02:31] and council is making room in the property tax structure
[1:02:33] that could result in possible further increases
[1:02:37] as the FAQ page implies.
[1:02:39] On question three, question two,
[1:02:42] what steps will the township take
[1:02:43] to establish an internal financial oversight
[1:02:46] committee or subcommittee?
[1:02:47] Many of your residents
[1:02:48] and voters do not trust so-called financial professionals
[1:02:52] and want to see better transparency from this
[1:02:55] and future councils.
[1:03:00] The, the information session claimed it would only be nine
[1:03:03] bucks to fill a pool.
[1:03:04] I don't believe it without seeing proof.
[1:03:07] Just like I don't believe Donald Trump is going
[1:03:09] to send me a check for savings from tariffs.
[1:03:12] You have to show your work to be believed
[1:03:15] as we all learned in third grade math.
[1:03:19] Why were some sitting council members notified of this study
[1:03:22] and proposed ordinance only weeks
[1:03:23] before the public rather than at the time
[1:03:26] the study was completed?
[1:03:27] And why wasn't the full study distributed
[1:03:29] to all sitting council members prior to the vote on the,
[1:03:34] the first reading on April 20th?
[1:03:37] Given how relevant this is to this proposed ordinance.
[1:03:40] Another way of asking this is why were sitting council
[1:03:43] members asked to move forward
[1:03:44] with a new fee based on a study they had not been given the
[1:03:47] opportunity to examine themselves.
[1:03:53] When When will you schedule an in-person public forum
[1:03:57] separate from that sparse information session
[1:04:00] and from these Monday council meetings
[1:04:01] to have direct conversations with your residents.
[1:04:04] Your residents would like to be the sole agenda of a forum.
[1:04:08] And I hope future engagement is more conversational than
[1:04:12] these meetings or than
[1:04:14] that closed remote information session
[1:04:16] offered a few weeks ago.
[1:04:18] Next question. Why is there already a sewer bill payment
[1:04:21] section on the township website?
[1:04:25] This, this
[1:04:28] Ordinance, this ordinance has not been
[1:04:30] formally approved by the council.
[1:04:32] And the last meeting, the mayor assured us that she
[1:04:34] and the council are not merely rubber stamping
[1:04:37] a foregone conclusion.
[1:04:39] Yet you go online and there's the rubber stamp right there
[1:04:42] on our township website.
[1:04:44] Now I want to point out that as someone who voted
[1:04:46] for the mayor, the sitting council member of my ward,
[1:04:49] and two of the three out large council members,
[1:04:52] I have been very disappointed in the lack
[1:04:53] of transparency offered by this council.
[1:04:56] An alarming new tax ordinance shows up one that your voters
[1:04:59] and residents are obviously worried about
[1:05:01] and most of this council don't question it
[1:05:03] when it's introduced.
[1:05:04] And it turned out that those
[1:05:05] who do question were not given the study it's based on,
[1:05:08] but they were asked to move forward on it in
[1:05:10] that same meeting, then a public outcry makes the council
[1:05:13] pause, postpone the second reading, which was a smart idea
[1:05:17] and offered information session.
[1:05:20] I had a moment where I thought, hmm,
[1:05:21] maybe they're just blindsided a bit by this reaction.
[1:05:26] They're listening. But this information meeting happens.
[1:05:29] It's remote, it's not interactive,
[1:05:31] it's not even a half hour.
[1:05:33] All the questions about process are ignored.
[1:05:37] None of you are present. And those questions
[1:05:39] that are addressed are answered in a patronizing.
[1:05:41] Just trust us. We know what's best for you way
[1:05:44] by people who did not elect.
[1:05:47] This does not communicate respect to your residents.
[1:05:51] To put it simply, we don't want to be told
[1:05:54] to blindly trust a financial professional saying,
[1:05:57] we're going to alter your tax structure
[1:05:58] and you're going to like it.
[1:06:00] We want the respect of being allowed
[1:06:02] to see the process you are using
[1:06:04] to make these kinds of important changes.
[1:06:07] Thank you.
[1:06:20] Next is Julissa Carrera on Essex Avenue.
[1:06:26] Sorry, I was Okay, thank you.
[1:06:30] Next, Doug Grant,
[1:06:49] I'm not coming here today
[1:06:50] with a prepared speech 'cause it's unnecessary.
[1:06:53] I'm gonna speak from my heart to everybody today
[1:06:55] because that's what needs to happen here.
[1:06:59] I heard a little something here today
[1:07:01] about respecting the women on the council
[1:07:04] and I greatly respect women to a large degree.
[1:07:08] But respect also comes with accountability.
[1:07:13] And if you respect the women on this council,
[1:07:16] there should be a public apology that Tracy told Phillips
[1:07:19] for what happened in this parking lot.
[1:07:22] If you respect women,
[1:07:27] if you respect the women, you'll apologize for what happened
[1:07:31] to Casey Dudley.
[1:07:40] But I don't see those things happening
[1:07:42] and I'm gonna give anybody on this council man
[1:07:46] or woman the same kind of accountability
[1:07:48] and judgment that I would give any person on the council.
[1:07:52] It doesn't matter if you're a male
[1:07:53] or a female, I'm gonna treat you the same way.
[1:07:55] Equally screaming isms doesn't give you a shield
[1:08:00] to avoid accountability.
[1:08:08] So let's talk about what's going on here.
[1:08:10] I had to file a superior court complaint last Friday. Why?
[1:08:15] That's the question I need to ask.
[1:08:16] Why did I even have to do that?
[1:08:18] Why Is anyone in this township not getting the proper
[1:08:23] responses when they're filing Oprah requests,
[1:08:26] when an Oprah request is filed?
[1:08:28] And I've reviewed some people,
[1:08:29] because a lot of people inbox me when they,
[1:08:31] when they're filing Oprah requests,
[1:08:33] they're not even giving them a breakdown of
[1:08:35] what they were denied for.
[1:08:37] What was the reason I got all that stuff?
[1:08:41] And as much as you all did not know that I, I'm a data guy
[1:08:45] and I understand data and I can manipulate data and I,
[1:08:49] and I can physically do whatever I want with data.
[1:08:52] So when you guys were giving me this information thinking
[1:08:55] that I was stupid and I didn't understand it, I sat back,
[1:08:58] I looked, I analyzed and I waited.
[1:09:02] So now that it's filed, now that it's public record,
[1:09:05] everyone knows what's going on now, are you gonna fix it?
[1:09:09] I hope so, because are you giving all the council this same
[1:09:14] manipulated data so that they can't properly analyze it
[1:09:17] and answer questions that our elected
[1:09:20] of public officials are supposed to answer?
[1:09:22] I feel like that's what's happening.
[1:09:24] Are you giving that to the state the same way?
[1:09:26] What are you hiding? Why can't you just give me the
[1:09:30] unredacted data that I've asked for,
[1:09:33] exported without any changes for whatever reason,
[1:09:38] it's gone on over 75 days with this game.
[1:09:44] Something has to give at this point.
[1:09:46] But let's talk about the sewer fee as well.
[1:09:50] The sewer fee itself.
[1:09:54] You all are moving a user fee
[1:09:58] where I've heard members of the council tell people
[1:10:02] that it's not tax, even though it's treated like tax.
[1:10:05] There's a interest, interest fees imposed on it.
[1:10:09] There's a lien possibility imposed on
[1:10:11] it, but it's not a tax.
[1:10:13] Everyone was stupid. We're supposed to pretend
[1:10:15] that everything the tax does is not a tax as long
[1:10:18] as they say it's a user fee.
[1:10:20] A lien. Exactly.
[1:10:25] So while we pretend like it's not a user fee,
[1:10:27] what you're doing is that you're moving this sewer fee out
[1:10:31] of the taxable levy, but are you reducing our tax levy?
[1:10:36] Is that happening anybody?
[1:10:38] Does that look like it's happening? No.
[1:10:40] Are you gonna reduce spending
[1:10:41] or are you gonna just go back up to that 2% cap again
[1:10:44] and keep on overspending faithfully?
[1:10:48] I think that we need to properly watch you all now.
[1:10:50] We have to be the watchdogs that watch you
[1:11:00] y'all love.
[1:11:01] I love this time to sleep for a very long time
[1:11:03] and you were able to spend money, whatever you wanted,
[1:11:05] treated like monopoly money.
[1:11:08] I watched it. 1.4 million in terminal leave payments,
[1:11:12] irresponsibly paid out, added on top of the tax levy.
[1:11:17] Residents in this town have to pay it.
[1:11:19] You've never addressed it publicly.
[1:11:20] 30 seconds. All
[1:11:22] Of the, all of the utility sweeps over the regulated state
[1:11:26] cap never addressed it with the public.
[1:11:28] Why? Why haven't you addressed that?
[1:11:30] But yet you're yelling up to everybody. It's misinformation.
[1:11:35] It's so much misinformation that they won't even address.
[1:11:39] Remember that everybody, anytime the truth comes out,
[1:11:41] it's misinformation.
[1:11:57] Next is Dawn Sampson,
[1:12:00] 86 Parkway West.
[1:12:10] Do I have to say my name?
[1:12:12] Yes. State your name and address.
[1:12:13] I'm Joan Sampson Parkway West. Thank
[1:12:14] You.
[1:12:15] Good evening, mayor and counsel.
[1:12:17] I want to begin by speaking about respect communication
[1:12:20] between elected elected officials
[1:12:22] and the residents they present represent, I'm sorry.
[1:12:26] Many residents take time out of their evenings
[1:12:28] to attend these meetings
[1:12:29] and speak during the limited five minutes allowed to them.
[1:12:33] Yet too often residents are met with lack of eye contact,
[1:12:38] Disengagement, or body language
[1:12:41] that makes people feel dismissed,
[1:12:43] whether intentional or not.
[1:12:44] It comes across as disrespectful to the systems of this town
[1:12:48] who are simply trying to be heard.
[1:12:51] Residents are frequently told the questions should be sent
[1:12:53] through email because council members are not admitted,
[1:12:56] permitted to directly engage during public comment.
[1:12:59] However, many emails sent by our residents are kind
[1:13:03] of the same questions.
[1:13:04] This creates frustration and a lack of transparency.
[1:13:07] If residents cannot receive responses by email,
[1:13:10] then why can't important questions be openly addressed
[1:13:13] during public meetings
[1:13:15] where everyone in the town can hear the same
[1:13:17] information at the same time?
[1:13:19] Many of our concerns raised by the residents sh,
[1:13:23] are shared concerns.
[1:13:24] People are asking the same questions.
[1:13:26] Taxes, sewer bills, infrastructure, public maintenance,
[1:13:30] ongoing town projects, misinformation,
[1:13:33] peop public meetings should be a place
[1:13:35] for public accountability and public information.
[1:13:38] I also want to address the ongoing
[1:13:41] issues surrounding Hal and Park.
[1:13:43] Four years residents have repeatedly requested maintenance
[1:13:47] and improvements to the pond area.
[1:13:50] Recently, our FA pond was finally mucked out,
[1:13:53] which took quite a few email threads and a few public posts.
[1:13:57] However, since then, little visible progress has been
[1:14:02] made despite repeated statements that big things are coming.
[1:14:06] Even some video. Photo ops residents deserve based facts
[1:14:12] and timelines, not vague promises, right
[1:14:16] before election time.
[1:14:18] If wildlife restrictions
[1:14:20] and permitting issues were a delay, then clearly communicate
[1:14:23] that to the public transparency matters.
[1:14:26] In addition, the town continues filling the pond with water,
[1:14:31] using the fire hydrants despite knowing the issues
[1:14:35] with the pond liner, that it has a huge tear in it
[1:14:38] and the pond continues to drain itself,
[1:14:41] but yet we keep filling the pond.
[1:14:43] Another major issue, oh, also taxpayers
[1:14:48] and citizens would probably like to know who's paying for
[1:14:51] that with the new water bill, sewer bill.
[1:14:55] Another major issue in the Inc.
[1:14:58] Another major issue is the rock problem throughout the town.
[1:15:02] It is not just the south end thing, it is a town wide issue,
[1:15:07] has been a town wide issue for years.
[1:15:10] Come to find out, I have contacted the health department
[1:15:13] and they have informed me you guys will no longer be
[1:15:15] treating for the rat rats in town.
[1:15:18] There will be no more bait boxes filled, et cetera.
[1:15:22] When you have a pest company come out to your home to treat
[1:15:25] and you live across the street from a pond,
[1:15:27] they ask you if the town is treating the pond for rats.
[1:15:31] No, they are not. Therefore, you are treating out
[1:15:34] of your own pocket money.
[1:15:36] That is pointless. No, I don't remember where I left off.
[1:15:44] This directly affects the quantity
[1:15:47] of life and public health.
[1:15:48] There are also concerns about long promise projects
[1:15:52] and neglected pro properties all throughout the town,
[1:15:55] including our vocational school
[1:15:57] and south junior right next door, that have now become
[1:16:03] an eyesore, which probably will remain an eyesore
[1:16:06] until my children leave Bloomfield.
[1:16:08] Some locations have remained abandoned
[1:16:10] and untouched for decades,
[1:16:11] while residents continue hearing promises without
[1:16:14] seeing meaningful action.
[1:16:16] Lastly, regarding the recent sewer bill webinar,
[1:16:19] residents were encouraged to submit questions
[1:16:22] with the understanding that the answers would
[1:16:24] be provided publicly.
[1:16:26] Many residents feel their questions were not addressed when
[1:16:29] were those answers going to be addressed.
[1:16:32] Residents are not asking for perfection.
[1:16:34] They're asking for community communication. Transparency.
[1:16:38] Transparency, accountability, and respect that.
[1:16:41] I feel like your eyes, Ms.
[1:16:43] Mandel, had your eyes down the whole time during my speech.
[1:17:01] Stephanie, Stephanie Santiago.
[1:17:06] Thank you Stephanie.
[1:17:15] Good evening, mayor and council.
[1:17:16] Stephanie Santiago from Hazelwood Road.
[1:17:18] I'm here tonight to reflect on the info session
[1:17:21] that came in response to the public outcry to the
[1:17:25] proposed sewer fee change to our tax system.
[1:17:29] We should all feel good knowing that public advocacy,
[1:17:33] public advocacy still works in Bloomfield.
[1:17:38] What was pretty shocking though was to see that in place
[1:17:40] of our mayor and council.
[1:17:42] It was a PR rep who moderated a very scripted conversation.
[1:17:48] Even more bizarre was that it lasted 22 minutes
[1:17:51] and still left many critical questions unanswered.
[1:17:55] A question I, a question I have about this proposal
[1:17:58] is, oh, I'm sorry.
[1:18:00] A concern I have about this proposal is
[1:18:04] how confidently some of you pushed it forward.
[1:18:07] Despite being unable to answer critical questions,
[1:18:11] I'm thankful to those who did not vote
[1:18:13] to move a questionable policy measure.
[1:18:16] This keeps tapping out. Oh,
[1:18:21] Alex, can you check the mic?
[1:18:22] 'cause she said it keeps,
[1:18:24] Yeah, it keeps,
[1:18:29] I dunno if you hear it
[1:18:30] Keeps like Going.
[1:18:31] Testing, testing, testing, testing,
[1:18:35] testing, testing, testing.
[1:18:37] Okay, thank you.
[1:18:44] One question I have that I didn't get to submit
[1:18:48] to the list of questions by email was
[1:18:51] who came up with this proposal?
[1:18:54] This is an issue when you have claimed to be working
[1:19:00] on this for over a year.
[1:19:02] To put it simply. Okay.
[1:19:06] To put it simply, it feels like we've been brought
[1:19:08] to the sewers to get sold turds disguised, disguised
[1:19:11] as glitter, placing in question the judgment
[1:19:15] of our elected leaders.
[1:19:17] I hope to help. That's okay. Thank you.
[1:19:22] I hope to help the council with some advice.
[1:19:25] It would benefit this body
[1:19:27] to have confidence in our public's capability
[1:19:29] of handling tough conversations.
[1:19:33] So with that, I hope you'll share your thoughts on
[1:19:36] where your votes stand
[1:19:37] and if you choose not to disclose that today a lot
[1:19:40] of us are waiting to learn when the town hall with the mayor
[1:19:43] and council on this issue will be scheduled.
[1:19:47] I'm not, I heard earlier
[1:19:49] that there will be a meeting June 10th if I'm not mistaken.
[1:19:53] I'm curious to know with whom.
[1:19:57] While I have time up here, I'd also like
[1:19:59] to ask if there are any district
[1:20:01] leader candidates in the room.
[1:20:03] There are some candidates who have been misled to believe
[1:20:06] that the role of county committee member
[1:20:07] or district leader is to fill in for the failures
[1:20:10] of the town, our township administration.
[1:20:13] If you choose to take on that added responsibility,
[1:20:16] I hope this means you've signed up to speak
[1:20:18] to the concerns you're seeing from our community members.
[1:20:25] This is where pub, the public gets
[1:20:28] to have a seat at the decision table.
[1:20:30] So I look forward to seeing whose interest you'll be
[1:20:33] advocating for
[1:20:34] and when you see the need
[1:20:36] to hold elected officials accountable.
[1:20:39] Given our current affordability crisis,
[1:20:42] I'm sure our township doesn't mind the free labor,
[1:20:45] but I am inviting the public to learn about the role
[1:20:48] of district leaders or county committee members
[1:20:50] that you'll be voting on.
[1:20:51] Soon I'll be hosting a final life info session
[1:20:55] this upcoming Saturday evening
[1:20:56] and everyone who's attended
[1:20:58] so far has found it pretty eye-opening.
[1:21:01] So please see me
[1:21:02] after if you'd like to learn how to register.
[1:21:04] Thank you.
[1:21:06] Thank you.
[1:21:12] Next is Jane kif.
[1:21:29] My name is Jane Califf and I live at 500 Rotan Avenue
[1:21:33] and I've been trying to figure this thing out.
[1:21:37] I mean, it's like all these pages
[1:21:39] and it's so many questions,
[1:21:42] so many questions were raised tonight
[1:21:44] that it's absolutely clear that you have to get, really
[1:21:50] give us more answers to all these questions.
[1:21:54] It's a shame that it's taking all this time for people
[1:21:57] to raise the same questions
[1:21:58] or why, why aren't you clear on this?
[1:22:00] Why aren't you clear on that?
[1:22:02] And I noticed that, for example,
[1:22:06] I'm looking at question 19.
[1:22:09] How does this impact seniors?
[1:22:11] I'm a senior, so I read that New York Anchor, senior Free,
[1:22:15] I'm quoting New New Jersey Anchor Senior Freeze
[1:22:21] and Stay New Jersey are capped tax benefit programs.
[1:22:24] So we anticipate a minimal impact on seniors if
[1:22:28] they've not met the cap.
[1:22:30] The township is looking into options
[1:22:32] to reduce impacts on any seniors who may be affected.
[1:22:37] Really. I mean, what does that mean?
[1:22:40] I mean to take,
[1:22:43] because I was, one thing that I've learned,
[1:22:46] which was very surprising to take the sewer,
[1:22:49] people have talked about this tonight.
[1:22:52] You take the sewer part out
[1:22:55] and you put it over here and it's separate.
[1:23:00] So it will affect, it will negatively,
[1:23:04] it's just discrimination.
[1:23:05] I think against the senior, the seniors,
[1:23:09] it says discrimination against disabled residents
[1:23:14] because of, of making it separate and,
[1:23:18] and then especially what someone else said,
[1:23:20] a hundred percent of disabled veterans
[1:23:23] don't pay any property taxes today.
[1:23:25] So, and that, you know, the sewer was in the property taxes.
[1:23:29] So now, now they're gonna have to pay a fee.
[1:23:32] So it's discrimination against seniors,
[1:23:36] disabled residents, disabled veterans.
[1:23:39] And we need to understand why you are saying
[1:23:43] that this is gonna save us money.
[1:23:44] I mean, it's not clear at all.
[1:23:48] It says there'll be minimal impact on seniors. Why?
[1:23:52] It doesn't seem like it.
[1:23:53] So this is a, a brief speech.
[1:23:57] Sometimes I say more when I come,
[1:24:00] but this time I'm just gonna say we don't make any.
[1:24:04] We need a moratorium.
[1:24:05] Is that wonderful woman
[1:24:06] who had all this information gave us.
[1:24:09] We need a moratorium, we need men more democracy here
[1:24:13] where we get to ask questions and get answers.
[1:24:16] Because here we are saying,
[1:24:18] and lots of times when we come
[1:24:19] to these town council meetings, we don't get any answers.
[1:24:23] We just get people listening and then you sit down
[1:24:26] and hope one day you'll hear what's
[1:24:28] gonna go, what's gonna happen.
[1:24:29] So I guess that's it.
[1:24:43] Russ Russell Malaga.
[1:24:55] Good evening, mayor and council.
[1:24:57] My name's Russell Malika, 1 79 Stonehouse Road, Bloomfield,
[1:25:00] New Jersey, lifelong resident of Bloomfield.
[1:25:02] 66 years. Throughout my time in town,
[1:25:06] I've seen many changes.
[1:25:08] One of the things that I've seen is the development
[1:25:10] that's taken place in town from 2010 to 2020.
[1:25:14] US Census has added 5,787
[1:25:18] new residents to the town.
[1:25:19] With all the development that has gone on,
[1:25:23] that has added approximately 74,000 gallons of water
[1:25:27] through our sewer system.
[1:25:29] And that was calculated using 1.6
[1:25:34] low flow toilets that does not count washing,
[1:25:39] laundry and any other use of of the water.
[1:25:41] So our infrastructure, which is old, has been pushed,
[1:25:44] pushing all this water through.
[1:25:47] Now you want to retroactively go back to April 1st.
[1:25:50] Why don't you go back to 2010?
[1:25:52] It hit all the developers who used the infrastructure
[1:25:55] and all the other taxpayers had to pay for it.
[1:26:04] So back in 2011, Carrie Heller did a video,
[1:26:08] which was on barista net,
[1:26:09] which basically said all this development in town was taking
[1:26:12] place and that the taxpayers are gonna pay it.
[1:26:16] Now what we have is a situation
[1:26:18] where we're breaking out the sewer.
[1:26:21] My experience with bureaucracies,
[1:26:24] it's just a better place to hide things.
[1:26:26] It's just been my life experience
[1:26:28] and it doesn't allow us to look and see.
[1:26:31] It just creates more bureaucracy.
[1:26:34] So as a result of that, what I'd like to also find out is
[1:26:40] all the water that comes from Glen Ridge into Bloomfield,
[1:26:43] are they paying a fee?
[1:26:46] Millions of gallons flow from the rains that come down
[1:26:50] downhill into Bloomfield,
[1:26:52] into our source system housed that calculated.
[1:26:55] There was an agreement back in NI in the forties,
[1:26:57] which I cannot find now,
[1:26:59] that basically said Glen Ridge was supposed
[1:27:01] to pay Bloomfield for the infrastructure
[1:27:03] of using the source system That's gone to the wayside.
[1:27:07] So in conclusion, what I see is a bureaucracy
[1:27:11] that's gonna hide a lot of things
[1:27:13] and the taxpayers in need transparency.
[1:27:15] So I ask you don't, don't create a sword utility,
[1:27:20] just let it go the way it is now.
[1:27:23] And that's it. Thank you. And
[1:27:33] Josh Howard
[1:27:46] State your name for the record.
[1:27:47] You have five minutes
[1:27:52] and your address please. I'm sorry.
[1:27:53] Shout out to Norm who showed me that last other week.
[1:27:59] Listen, that's what it's all about. Hello everyone.
[1:28:02] Good evening everyone. My name's Josh Howard.
[1:28:05] I live on Congress Street, right over here.
[1:28:07] I'm relatively new to town
[1:28:08] and I've been coming to these meetings since March.
[1:28:12] I know that pales in comparison to most
[1:28:14] of everyone in this room, but gotta start somewhere.
[1:28:17] You know what I'm saying? I wanna start off
[1:28:20] by saying I love this town.
[1:28:21] And sometimes a person without years
[1:28:23] of built up frustration can offer a perspective
[1:28:26] that's just different, not better, different.
[1:28:29] There are two things that I've seen specifically the,
[1:28:32] the way that this sewer bill's been described.
[1:28:34] Here's the first version I've seen. This is not a soer bill.
[1:28:38] This is a deliberate caps cap evasion strategy.
[1:28:42] The administration is operating in the dark data's hidden.
[1:28:45] There's records that are missing.
[1:28:47] They don't want you to even know what's going on
[1:28:49] inside your own town.
[1:28:51] That sounds pretty scary.
[1:28:53] Now here's what I just described in slightly
[1:28:57] less terrifying terms.
[1:28:58] There's a process called Oprah.
[1:29:00] It's existed in New Jersey for many decades.
[1:29:03] It roots how residents request public documents.
[1:29:06] Now, I don't think it should be on public
[1:29:07] to request documents, but here we are.
[1:29:10] It is slow. The offices get disorganized timeline slip,
[1:29:14] but none of that is a secret government.
[1:29:16] But that is is just government.
[1:29:20] There's a name for what happens when that kind of
[1:29:23] normal process gets framed as conspiracy.
[1:29:25] It's called stochastic rhetoric.
[1:29:27] Now you don't say, you know, go and hurt this person.
[1:29:32] You say, you know, you just say over
[1:29:34] and over that this person is dangerous
[1:29:36] or that they're corrupt or they're hiding things
[1:29:38] and then you let the audience fill in the rest.
[1:29:40] Now most people don't do that, but some do.
[1:29:43] And that now that's the risk that comes
[1:29:45] with the language being used about some
[1:29:47] of the people in this room.
[1:29:48] Now, my father was born in Jackson, Mississippi
[1:29:50] during the Civil rights movement, he was put in jail
[1:29:53] for carrying an American flag told by a police officer
[1:29:56] that you have no country.
[1:29:58] So I take it extremely seriously.
[1:30:00] The question of when government becomes something to fear.
[1:30:03] And in my opinion, again, this is my opinion,
[1:30:06] Bloomfield moving sewer costs from your property tax
[1:30:09] to a usage based fee is not one of those moments.
[1:30:11] Three years ago, two New Jersey council members were shot
[1:30:15] and killed within a week of each other.
[1:30:17] One in Ville, one in Milford, New Jersey.
[1:30:19] Not governors, local elected officials,
[1:30:21] just like the ones in this room now, members
[1:30:23] of this council have told me that they feel unsafe.
[1:30:26] And when that word, certain language gets used online
[1:30:29] to describe a predominantly Latina council on Facebook.
[1:30:33] Now that's crossing a line.
[1:30:35] Now lemme be very, very clear here.
[1:30:38] The sewer bill should have and could have been better.
[1:30:42] The rollout, the presentation far more time than
[1:30:46] I have to discuss here.
[1:30:47] But many people have eloquently
[1:30:48] spoken about it this evening.
[1:30:50] But there's three specific groups
[1:30:51] that needed direct answers.
[1:30:52] On day one, seniors on anchor could
[1:30:55] see their state relief shrink.
[1:30:56] Even if their total cost stays flat,
[1:30:58] something should be added to the bill to fix that.
[1:31:01] Disabled veterans who pay zero in property taxes will get a
[1:31:04] brand new bill where one didn't exist
[1:31:05] before a one line fee exemption
[1:31:07] or something should be added in the bill to fix that.
[1:31:10] Renters like myself have no guarantee any
[1:31:12] of those savings will ever actually breach them.
[1:31:15] Something working with the rent leveling board should
[1:31:17] be added to fix that.
[1:31:19] Those are three specific groups
[1:31:20] with three fixes at almost no cost to the town.
[1:31:24] And I'll be the first one to admit, I may be the,
[1:31:26] I may not have every piece of EV evidence
[1:31:28] or information a sitting council person may have,
[1:31:31] but that does not make my concerns
[1:31:32] or any concerns that these residents
[1:31:34] have said any less valid.
[1:31:36] That is a communication gap that is not a shadow government,
[1:31:39] that is a government that
[1:31:40] doesn't know how to communicate well.
[1:31:43] This administration has done good work.
[1:31:44] Genuine choose on council, help build cares, unit pairing.
[1:31:48] Police with social workers for mental health calls.
[1:31:51] 10 miles of road has been repaid.
[1:31:53] I just heard that they fill in
[1:31:54] a thousand potholes in a week.
[1:31:57] That that is town showing up for its people. People.
[1:31:59] Is it perfect? No. No government's ever gonna be perfect.
[1:32:01] The gap I kept seeing was communication.
[1:32:03] Getting information out of this building into people's hands
[1:32:06] before they have to file a request to find it.
[1:32:09] Communication is what I do for a living every single day.
[1:32:12] So when I saw that gap, it's something
[1:32:13] that I personally want to help fill.
[1:32:17] Not to run against any of you,
[1:32:19] but to work with each and every one of you.
[1:32:21] But I don't think anyone wakes up every single day wanting
[1:32:24] to scare their neighbor and make their neighbor afraid.
[1:32:28] I think 30 seconds.
[1:32:30] I think people find that a dramatic headline gets way more
[1:32:32] clicks than an honest one.
[1:32:33] But feelings dressed up as facts have consequences.
[1:32:37] At some point, the goal stops being a better Bloomfield
[1:32:39] and starts becoming, starts being a bigger audience.
[1:32:42] So I'll leave you with this. I have a pretty good idea of
[1:32:44] what gets posted online within an hour after this meeting.
[1:32:47] So let me offer everyone a preview.
[1:32:49] Breaking news, A newcomer attends council meeting
[1:32:52] and defends an administration.
[1:32:53] The reason this man is he plant, is he paid for
[1:32:56] by the assemblyman Esia?
[1:32:58] Read this week's substack to find out.
[1:32:59] But really I'm just a resident that cares
[1:33:02] and wants to make a difference
[1:33:04] and work with each and every one of you.
[1:33:05] In the words of a man wiser than myself, we must learn
[1:33:07] to live together as brothers
[1:33:09] or we will perish together as fools.
[1:33:11] Thanks everyone.
[1:33:18] Eric Soad. Eric,
[1:33:30] Good evening.
[1:33:31] Eric Soad, 83 Liberty Street.
[1:33:34] I was gonna talk about the sewage issues,
[1:33:37] but there have been so many other people talking much more
[1:33:41] eloquently than I could.
[1:33:42] So I'm talking about something else now.
[1:33:44] We have added 5,000 plus residents in
[1:33:47] all these new buildings.
[1:33:49] I thought we would like have more revenue,
[1:33:51] but since we have added all these people living here,
[1:33:55] spending money here, there seems to be less and less money.
[1:33:59] We have no holiday decorations anymore.
[1:34:02] The cruise night with the classic cars just got canceled.
[1:34:07] We building, we seem to filling a lot of potholes
[1:34:10] and we are building a lot of bumpers to,
[1:34:13] to make sure we can't get around town fast enough.
[1:34:16] That is all good.
[1:34:18] But I was wondering really what, what is gonna happen
[1:34:21] with all the extra money.
[1:34:23] One thing I saw is the, immediately
[1:34:26] as the new mayor took office, we had
[1:34:29] to invest money into new bags
[1:34:31] to cover our parking meters for Christmas.
[1:34:35] To let people know that the mayor
[1:34:38] and the council extend the courtesy of free parking.
[1:34:42] Completely ignoring the fact that you and you and you
[1:34:45] and I actually give the money for free parking.
[1:34:48] It's the Township of Bloomfield that is giving
[1:34:53] People, giving people the, the,
[1:34:56] the the right to pay for parking.
[1:34:58] Not why they, I don't know why they come here.
[1:35:00] We have no businesses that attract people either.
[1:35:03] But anyway, so can you please
[1:35:08] when you reprint them, take your name off
[1:35:11] and to say The township of Bloomfield is happy
[1:35:13] to allow free parking.
[1:35:15] We can use them when you are no longer in office. Thank you.
[1:35:28] Next is Sonias. Is it Solano on Merle Street?
[1:35:35] Let me hold this like Doug does.
[1:35:37] My name is Sonya Solano, 21 Myrle Street.
[1:35:40] Before I start, I wanna call on you Doug,
[1:35:41] to publicly apologize to a councilwoman here.
[1:35:44] Latina Monica Chare. Tava.
[1:35:46] What was that term you used on Facebook? Let me see.
[1:35:49] Was it gang something? I'm sorry.
[1:35:51] It was offensive, racist, and sexist.
[1:35:54] Okay, lemme tell you something.
[1:35:58] Disagreement with public officials.
[1:36:00] It's, it's fair game, right?
[1:36:02] But distortion name calling and character attacks are not.
[1:36:06] So please learn something from that. Okay,
[1:36:08] Thank you.
[1:36:14] And now to what I have to say.
[1:36:16] And it's nothing about the sewer.
[1:36:17] Sorry to disappoint y'all, But good, good evening everyone.
[1:36:21] I appreciate the opportunity to speak this evening.
[1:36:23] My name is Sonia Solano.
[1:36:25] I wanna take a moment to recognize the importance
[1:36:27] of respectful dialogue in this space
[1:36:29] and to express my appreciation for the work being done
[1:36:32] to support and strengthen our community.
[1:36:35] Town halls are meaningful when they reflect collaboration,
[1:36:38] civility, and shared commitment to moving our town forward.
[1:36:42] And with this said, I'd like
[1:36:43] to extend my heartful congratulations to Mayor Mendel
[1:36:47] and Councilwoman Charis Tavares
[1:36:48] and the Hispanic Heritage Committee for bringing the
[1:36:52] Tuam a Mother's Day event
[1:36:53] that happened yesterday at the Civic Center.
[1:36:55] Thank you for that. That was a beautiful tribute to mothers.
[1:36:58] Events like this do more than bring people together.
[1:37:00] They strengthen the bond of community,
[1:37:02] celebrate our shared values,
[1:37:04] and remind us of the importance of service,
[1:37:06] inclusion and connection.
[1:37:08] They help ensure that all residents feel welcome,
[1:37:11] recognized, heard, and valued to the Mayor Mandel,
[1:37:15] Councilwoman Fishman Gonzalez, Cruz
[1:37:17] and Chavez, who either attended, sponsored,
[1:37:20] or shared the event in their respective
[1:37:21] social media channels.
[1:37:22] Thank you for your continued commitment
[1:37:24] to creating opportunities
[1:37:25] that bring people together in a pos
[1:37:28] positive and meaningful way.
[1:37:29] Your efforts to celebrate the richness
[1:37:31] and diversity of our community are deeply appreciated.
[1:37:34] And this event was a beautiful example of
[1:37:36] what thoughtful leadership and community
[1:37:37] partnership can achieve.
[1:37:39] I also wanna respectfully encourage continued outreach
[1:37:41] and visible engagement with the Latino community
[1:37:44] and with the diverse communities
[1:37:46] that make our our town strong.
[1:37:48] Representation is not only reflected in words,
[1:37:51] but also in presence, participation and support to this.
[1:37:55] I say Councilwoman Tracy to We missed you yesterday.
[1:38:00] I I was working. Wait, I I was working.
[1:38:02] I want, I want person. I wanna, excuse me. Excuse me.
[1:38:07] Excuse me. Excuse. Can you please excuse
[1:38:09] Me.
[1:38:10] My husband is let you know I
[1:38:11] As, excuse me, I'm sorry I haven't finished yet.
[1:38:14] I wanted to personally invite you to engage more openly
[1:38:17] with the large Latino community of Bloomfield.
[1:38:19] And that was all I had to say. Thank you.
[1:38:21] My husband is Latino. I have, I would love to
[1:38:27] Mel Mildred.
[1:38:31] I thought we were not supposed
[1:38:32] to address council people by name.
[1:38:33] I'm sorry. Sorry. I thought
[1:38:34] we're gonna let the public speak.
[1:38:36] I thought we were not supposed to
[1:38:37] address council people by name.
[1:38:38] Thank you. Isn't that what you always say?
[1:38:41] Isn't that what councilwoman clerk said?
[1:38:43] Councilwoman, we're gonna,
[1:38:44] this is the public's time to speak.
[1:38:45] Let's let them speak. Of course, mayor. Thank you
[1:38:48] Mildred.
[1:38:49] Geronimo.
[1:39:01] Good evening Mayor Council.
[1:39:04] Unfortunately I'm not here to complain,
[1:39:05] but I'm here to tell you my story
[1:39:10] of why I am here and how much I enjoy Bloomfield.
[1:39:14] My name is Mildred Bo. I'm Geronimo.
[1:39:16] I'm from 86 Montgomery Street.
[1:39:19] I've been a resident and homeowner for 33 years.
[1:39:23] Okay? As I retired
[1:39:26] and COVID settled in, I became inactive doing things,
[1:39:30] doing many, not doing many things.
[1:39:33] I became very inactive. But things started to change.
[1:39:37] When I first became involved
[1:39:39] with my first ward councilwoman, who later became a mayor,
[1:39:43] I began to attend activities in town.
[1:39:46] And I found out about the senior program.
[1:39:50] I also became a member of the mayor Senior
[1:39:53] Citizens Advisory Committee.
[1:39:56] This has not only changed my attitude, improved my health.
[1:40:02] I can attend programs during the week
[1:40:04] and still go to my appointments as a senior that I am.
[1:40:08] And I have to take care of that.
[1:40:10] When I part participate in these two days of exercise.
[1:40:14] I find myself with more stamina, with more ability
[1:40:18] to spend quality time with my kids.
[1:40:21] My soon to be 2-year-old
[1:40:23] and 6-year-old grandchildren that keep me very busy.
[1:40:26] I take them to school in daycare.
[1:40:28] My daughter is so jealous because she says I have a squad.
[1:40:32] I love the Bloomfield
[1:40:37] Oak Side Center.
[1:40:41] The seniors have embraced me with love and caring
[1:40:46] and I look forward to seeing them every week.
[1:40:49] The staff is caring. The staff is awesome.
[1:40:54] There's always so many things to do.
[1:40:56] I'm a little bit nervous. The things
[1:40:58] that I have learned there aren't measurable.
[1:41:01] We attend seminars in Atlantic City.
[1:41:03] I get involved with the seniors year's
[1:41:05] activities at the Cody Center.
[1:41:07] We work at Special Olympics with the kids this year,
[1:41:09] which was so emotional and so gratifying to me.
[1:41:14] The senior program has totally enriched my life
[1:41:18] and I am very appreciative to the town, the mayor,
[1:41:21] the council for providing these services for the seniors.
[1:41:25] And all I wanna say is those
[1:41:26] that haven't visited the Oak Side Center, come by
[1:41:29] and see this beautiful program that the mayor
[1:41:32] and the council have put together.
[1:41:34] And I thank them. God bless everybody
[1:41:37] and come by the outside center and enjoy us.
[1:41:42] Thank you.
[1:41:47] Jonathan Mejia. Jonathan.
[1:42:03] Okay. Hi everyone. Good evening Mayor.
[1:42:06] Council residents here and those online watching.
[1:42:12] I want to thank you all for the informative
[1:42:14] video about the sewer fee.
[1:42:15] Though it did leave me, myself
[1:42:18] and a lot of residents with more questions.
[1:42:20] I know in the video it was stated
[1:42:22] that there will be an information session,
[1:42:24] which the mayor had just stated at the beginning of this,
[1:42:27] that it will happen on June 10th.
[1:42:30] I'm hoping that a full press release will be listed on the
[1:42:34] town website, you know, front
[1:42:36] and center for all us to know as well as on social media
[1:42:39] with the time and location as we know
[1:42:41] that it's now on June 10th.
[1:42:43] In the meantime, till then, I want to ask a couple
[1:42:46] of things now in the hopes that they are answered.
[1:42:48] When the info info session occurs mostly about the case
[1:42:51] study, how in depth did it go when
[1:42:53] assessing the issues in the town?
[1:42:58] Did it address the long-term pros
[1:42:59] and cons assessed when it comes to the fee?
[1:43:03] Will they drive out businesses in town who will now have
[1:43:06] to pay more for their water usage?
[1:43:08] Will the fee be BA passed down onto the tenants and renters?
[1:43:12] 'cause they will be forced
[1:43:14] to pay substantially higher rents.
[1:43:17] All of these and more, I'm hoping our answered at
[1:43:19] the next information session.
[1:43:21] Also, I know that originally the Town Council was supposed
[1:43:24] to vote on the fee tonight,
[1:43:26] but got postponed to a later date
[1:43:28] to hear more from the residents on the issue.
[1:43:30] Thank you very much for that though.
[1:43:32] With all that being said, I, along with many residents,
[1:43:35] would like to know where our red
[1:43:37] representatives stand on this fee.
[1:43:39] I don't expect for the representatives to answer tonight,
[1:43:42] but hopefully sometime soon on all their
[1:43:44] social media platforms.
[1:43:47] Lastly, 'cause I've seen who's come up here
[1:43:51] and has spoken, I want to point out
[1:43:53] that most residents coming up to the podium
[1:43:56] to speak about their concerns and expectations of the town
[1:43:59] and council are doing just that and nothing more.
[1:44:01] They are here to inform you of that.
[1:44:04] And the fact that so many have shown up here tonight should
[1:44:07] let you know of their expectations.
[1:44:10] Also, it's not just here.
[1:44:12] A lot of people are realizing that while they
[1:44:14] as a community are demanding one thing,
[1:44:17] the representatives are doing something else entirely.
[1:44:20] This is how it works. This is
[1:44:21] how working democracy operates.
[1:44:23] People show up, they speak to the representatives hoping
[1:44:27] that something gets done.
[1:44:28] Hopefully something does get done
[1:44:30] and we continue to move forward to make our town better.
[1:44:35] So I wanna thank all the people
[1:44:36] who took the time out here and speak.
[1:44:40] I hope I continue to see all of you,
[1:44:42] and I hope that you all continue to attend
[1:44:44] and operate that democracy operates properly.
[1:44:50] Now, on a personal note, I'm going to say this in Spanish
[1:45:35] in the next meeting and I hope
[1:45:40] everyone has a good night and I hope
[1:45:41] to hear from you everyone soon.
[1:45:44] I'm sorry. Excuse me. Ma'am. Ma'am.
[1:45:49] Excuse me. Ma'am. Ma'am,
[1:45:58] Can I, can I Translate?
[1:46:00] I'm sorry. Thank you. I can translate. Are you finished?
[1:46:02] I'm sorry. Are you finished? I
[1:46:04] If she, Sorry
[1:46:26] Ma'am.
[1:46:27] No, we're, we'll ask you just
[1:46:29] to please respect everybody's time up at the podium
[1:46:32] and I'm gonna ask everybody
[1:46:33] who's sitting here to do the same.
[1:46:34] Please. With the outbursts from the audience.
[1:46:37] Mr. Mejia was speaking, we were giving him time to speak.
[1:46:40] It's inappropriate to yell out at him
[1:46:43] the next time I hear insults thrown at anybody.
[1:46:46] I'm gonna ask, I'm gonna ask for the,
[1:46:50] for the officers to remove people.
[1:46:52] We're here to have respectful dialogue. Thank you.
[1:46:54] So Mr. Mejia, did you have anything else you wanted to see?
[1:46:56] I'm sorry. Sorry about
[1:46:58] That.
[1:46:59] It's fine. Luis. I had one minute. Correct. Okay.
[1:47:01] So Ms. Yes, Ms, you have 50
[1:47:04] Just to less than a minute.
[1:47:05] So what I had stated was that the people that are here
[1:47:09] that can understand me
[1:47:10] and my language, I understand exactly why they are here.
[1:47:15] I have not seen them comment on social media.
[1:47:18] I have not seen them here. I have been here for three years.
[1:47:21] I understand entirely the reason they are here.
[1:47:26] A lot of people online that also watch,
[1:47:29] know exactly why they're here as well.
[1:47:31] And that they should continue to show up so
[1:47:34] that we can learn about each other
[1:47:36] and not show up for one particular reason that a lot
[1:47:39] of people online specifically know what they are here for.
[1:47:43] Okay. That is all.
[1:47:44] So it's kind of basically like saying,
[1:47:47] I understand what's going on.
[1:47:49] I can read between the lines
[1:47:51] and so can everybody else online.
[1:47:54] So showing up to state one make one statement, it's invalid
[1:47:58] because a lot of people know exactly what it's about.
[1:48:00] That is what I was addressing. I
[1:48:02] Appreciate That.
[1:48:03] Thank you. No problem.
[1:48:10] Norman Nikolai.
[1:48:22] Norma Nikolai. I live at 52 Overlook Terrace
[1:48:27] in the second ward.
[1:48:28] I'm not gonna belabor a lot of the points
[1:48:30] that have been made about the sewer fee.
[1:48:33] I had a whole statement prepared on that.
[1:48:35] But I think, I think much of what is, I was gonna
[1:48:38] speak on the, the sewer fee,
[1:48:40] but a lot of that has already been stated here tonight.
[1:48:42] So I won't reiterate very much of that.
[1:48:45] But I do wanna point out that
[1:48:49] two weeks ago I was here at this, at this meeting
[1:48:52] and I asked specifically if all information is shared
[1:48:55] equally within the city council,
[1:48:58] if every council member has access to the same information
[1:49:02] regarding town business, whether it's shared equally.
[1:49:05] And I was assure that it was.
[1:49:07] And as of two days ago,
[1:49:08] or a couple of days ago, I was told by two members
[1:49:11] of this council that they had received absolutely nothing of
[1:49:15] substance about the, the sewer fee that has been proposed.
[1:49:20] Okay? So my question is then,
[1:49:23] or my, my inference is, well,
[1:49:24] if two people have not received any of the information
[1:49:28] and everything is shared equally,
[1:49:29] then obviously nobody else on the council has gotten
[1:49:33] anything of substance other than the information webinar we
[1:49:37] had a couple of weeks ago, or the,
[1:49:39] or the short audio visual presentation back in April.
[1:49:44] And my question is, how are our representatives supposed
[1:49:49] to share information with us if they don't
[1:49:51] have anything of substance?
[1:49:53] If they're not given anything of substance, they're supposed
[1:49:56] to be a conduit to the people.
[1:49:58] We supposed to ask them questions
[1:50:00] and they're supposed to,
[1:50:01] they're supposed to give us answers.
[1:50:03] And obviously that can't take place when everything
[1:50:05] is done in a vacuum.
[1:50:08] The other, the other question is how are they supposed
[1:50:10] to make informed votes
[1:50:12] and informed decisions on things like this if they're denied
[1:50:16] all of that information, if the information isn't presented
[1:50:19] until the very end of the process.
[1:50:21] I mean, it denies the people
[1:50:22] and it denies the council members
[1:50:24] access to that information.
[1:50:27] The only other thing I want to say is that
[1:50:32] two weeks ago when I asked
[1:50:33] that question about sharing information on the council, one
[1:50:37] of the council members, council member
[1:50:40] Toler Phillips was gave down
[1:50:43] 'cause she had a, she had a point of information
[1:50:45] that she wanted to bring forth.
[1:50:47] Now, I'm not incredibly experienced at the rules of order,
[1:50:52] but I know enough of the rules of order that the person
[1:50:56] who wheels the gavel has a wheels a great deal of power
[1:51:00] in this, at this meeting.
[1:51:06] The rules are supposed to maintain order,
[1:51:08] but they're also supposed to be there
[1:51:10] to let everybody have a voice on the council.
[1:51:14] That's one of the reasons
[1:51:15] they're operating under these rules.
[1:51:17] So I would implore Mayor Mundell in the future
[1:51:21] to please show some transparency and to be more democratic
[1:51:26] and let other people on this council have a word.
[1:51:30] Let them say something. Yeah.
[1:51:31] Yes. The other thing,
[1:51:36] and I, I make that, I make that request with respect.
[1:51:41] You know, I'm, I'm, I believe in civility.
[1:51:43] Something has been talked about quite a bit at this meeting.
[1:51:47] And the other thing I would like to say is
[1:51:49] that when one member
[1:51:50] of the council is treated in such a fashion,
[1:51:54] it's not about them, it's about us, the voters.
[1:51:57] It's about me and the people who,
[1:51:59] who are sitting in this room.
[1:52:06] They represent us essentially.
[1:52:08] You're, so when you do that to somebody on the council,
[1:52:11] you're doing it to the voters as well.
[1:52:13] Thank you
[1:52:24] Sam Dion.
[1:52:38] Good evening. My name is Sam Dion.
[1:52:40] I live on Broad Terrace.
[1:52:43] I like many of my neighbors around town would like
[1:52:46] to see a debate with candidates for each
[1:52:48] and every seat up for election on the Town Council.
[1:53:00] My prediction is that we're not gonna get one.
[1:53:05] The decision to deny us voters, something as important
[1:53:09] and informative as a debate is completely unacceptable.
[1:53:14] It's completely unacceptable.
[1:53:18] If you deny a debate, you yourself
[1:53:22] are forcing us to believe that you have no idea how
[1:53:26] to explain your voting pla,
[1:53:28] your voting record or your platform.
[1:53:33] When you are elected, you become the voice of the community.
[1:53:38] But how can you bear a voice if you refuse to use yours
[1:53:42] to explain your platform and the on
[1:53:45] and positions on the issues that matter to us.
[1:53:49] That's all I have to say. Thank you.
[1:53:51] Woo.
[1:54:01] Joan Hussey.
[1:54:15] Good evening Mayor Counsel, Joan Hussey, 1 65 State Street.
[1:54:21] But tonight, my theme is about coverup
[1:54:23] and coverup is the prevailing theme of this town.
[1:54:27] Cover it up till hopefully it's forgotten.
[1:54:30] Cover it up and spring it on us.
[1:54:32] Cover it up and hopefully it will go
[1:54:34] unnoticed in the first place.
[1:54:37] This last one is illustrated by pay to play.
[1:54:41] It's allowing municipal contractors to donate
[1:54:43] to political campaigns.
[1:54:45] And it is illegal in some places, but not here.
[1:54:50] Bloomfield has some astounding numbers to look at
[1:54:52] and the pay to play, and it's in this room right now.
[1:55:00] The only thing that this coverup goes unnoticed is, well,
[1:55:04] how it goes unnoticed is you have to know how
[1:55:06] to pull an Oprah request, which is something
[1:55:09] that these more skilled residents here know how to do.
[1:55:12] It's quite a bit. Or you can read locally,
[1:55:16] there's very little local papers anymore.
[1:55:21] It's a shame. So anyway,
[1:55:25] cover it up and spring it on us.
[1:55:28] That's what the administration did with the sewer tax.
[1:55:31] We found out that it was in the works for over a year.
[1:55:34] It was passed on a first read. Now it's tabled.
[1:55:37] And we have public outrage as shown tonight.
[1:55:42] So now that it's been studied, we see it's a temporary fix.
[1:55:47] It doesn't project future waste requirements
[1:55:50] and water, water demands in our growing town.
[1:55:54] It's a flawed piece of legislation that sets us up
[1:55:57] for future woe and possibly,
[1:56:01] and this is a guess privatization of our water.
[1:56:07] We need to watch for that.
[1:56:10] So instead of temporary fixes
[1:56:11] that hit our modest homes like we are piggy banks,
[1:56:14] how about we generate more business in this town?
[1:56:17] We got an empty theater.
[1:56:23] And why do we cover up
[1:56:24] and forget things like the $10 million VO-tech purchase,
[1:56:29] two abandoned schools sitting on eight acres on a hill
[1:56:32] in Franklin Street.
[1:56:33] I just, we can all look at that with our eyes.
[1:56:36] This is not misinformation, it's concrete.
[1:56:47] Cover it up until it's hopefully forgotten.
[1:56:49] And that's where I get down
[1:56:51] to the $25 million federal lawsuit.
[1:56:55] And even a closed circuit video happened the day
[1:56:59] of the second news tossing at the fire
[1:57:01] department that same night.
[1:57:05] The fire chief and his brother, the, the the
[1:57:07] that then current mayor watched the video,
[1:57:12] the video then submerged for a month
[1:57:15] and then it came out on NBC News with Sarah Wallace
[1:57:19] and everybody was horrified.
[1:57:22] And then it was forgotten
[1:57:23] because Sarah Wallace stopped talking about it.
[1:57:26] We have a little bit of a local media here
[1:57:28] that talks about it, but it doesn't really get far out
[1:57:31] of the bounds of this town.
[1:57:34] So I did look at, well I gotta go quickly.
[1:57:39] I did research and I have the lawsuit right here.
[1:57:43] And I was actually so surprised I forgot
[1:57:46] that it's not just the fire chief
[1:57:48] and Walter Coffee who's in trouble,
[1:57:50] but there are 10 John Doe
[1:57:53] that are defendants in this case too.
[1:57:54] This is a huge case. Wow.
[1:57:57] So other men, other men were able to enabled
[1:58:02] what was going on, but,
[1:58:04] but then again, it comes from the top
[1:58:07] and maybe when you go to work, you're afraid
[1:58:09] to go against what the boss thinks.
[1:58:11] And if the boss thinks it's okay to behave like this,
[1:58:14] maybe those 10 people might have said something.
[1:58:17] I'm defending these firemen, so don't,
[1:58:20] I don't wanna hear the misinformation
[1:58:21] that I disrespect this fire department.
[1:58:24] Don't you dare.
[1:58:31] In conclusion, 44 seconds. Thank you Louise.
[1:58:34] I see it's, it feels as if
[1:58:37] until we get Sarah Wallace back
[1:58:40] and channel four news that this
[1:58:44] complete coverup here is gonna continue.
[1:58:47] We covered it up. We tried to forget about it
[1:58:50] and we, we just can't.
[1:58:52] We can't we, oh, we need justice for Patrick Thomas.
[1:58:56] I almost
[1:59:08] Norm Norm Satter.
[1:59:21] There we go. Good evening mayor and council.
[1:59:24] Norm Ter on 99 Berkeley Avenue.
[1:59:27] First of all, thank you everyone for being here.
[1:59:29] You are going the distance
[1:59:31] and that is what is needed in this community.
[1:59:34] You need to run the marathon and then run it again and again
[1:59:38] and again because it's an ultra marathon.
[1:59:42] And that's what we need. We need distance runners.
[1:59:49] So Bluefield, we've heard tonight
[1:59:54] needs to see progress for everyone.
[1:59:58] Bloomfield requires reform.
[2:00:01] There are three characteristics I would like
[2:00:02] to see our leaders practice.
[2:00:04] Accountability, kindness,
[2:00:07] and collaborative critical thinking.
[2:00:10] Whoops, hold on a second.
[2:00:13] What happens when you don't print out your notes?
[2:00:16] Bloomfield needs to see progress for everyone.
[2:00:18] Bloomfield requires reform,
[2:00:20] accountability concerns itself with the big issues.
[2:00:23] Obviously we heard tonight about the sewer user fee
[2:00:28] and our township budget, which is late.
[2:00:32] And then there are smaller items.
[2:00:35] And in fact, Josh, if you're still here,
[2:00:37] you know this one at the intersection of Con Glenwood
[2:00:40] and Lackawanna Plaza, the pedestrian push button signals,
[2:00:45] they are out of service.
[2:00:47] All eight of them are out of service
[2:00:51] here it is May, 2026.
[2:00:54] And they have been out of service since May 22nd,
[2:00:57] 20, 20, 25 when I filed a clean,
[2:01:01] strong Bloomfield request.
[2:01:06] So accountability, big
[2:01:08] and small, day to day, sort of our face.
[2:01:12] And I watched literally multiple times as people walked by
[2:01:17] and didn't even hit the signal
[2:01:19] because they know it doesn't work.
[2:01:23] So I have lots of questions
[2:01:26] for the professionals, Mr.
[2:01:28] Hanley, his firm, regarding the sewer user fee.
[2:01:32] And those questions just keep expanding
[2:01:34] as they do for all of us.
[2:01:35] So I'm not gonna, you know, I'm not gonna keep going there.
[2:01:40] So accountability is important
[2:01:45] and this Mayor Mondell, you
[2:01:47] and the council need to hold our township administrator
[2:01:51] and his team responsible.
[2:01:54] We need to see progress for everyone.
[2:01:56] Bloomfield requires reform.
[2:01:59] Kindness is the next characteristic I would like
[2:02:02] to see our leaders practice.
[2:02:04] There are moments of both agreement and disagreement.
[2:02:06] We all know that that's how democracy works.
[2:02:08] But kindness should always be at the forefront.
[2:02:11] Cell phone usage, texting, rolling
[2:02:16] of eyes, harsh words.
[2:02:17] Verbal blocking and disinterested body language have been
[2:02:21] used part and parcel over the past year as a way
[2:02:25] to intimidate and dissuade residents
[2:02:27] and citizens from making public comment.
[2:02:30] Luckily some of us wear Kevlar
[2:02:36] Kindness must prevail.
[2:02:39] And I call on our township leaders to develop, implement,
[2:02:42] and adhere to a published code of conduct
[2:02:46] and a set of core values whereby all residents,
[2:02:50] the ones watching, the ones here in this room, all residents
[2:02:55] and fellow council members are respected at all times.
[2:03:00] We require kindness.
[2:03:01] Bloomfield needs to see progress for everyone.
[2:03:05] Bloomfield requires reform.
[2:03:08] Critical collaborative thinking is the last item. Cordial.
[2:03:11] Disagreement is baked into our democracy.
[2:03:14] Our democracy thrives on cordial disagreement
[2:03:18] and on compromise.
[2:03:21] And democracy dies when groupthink going along
[2:03:25] to get along, takes hold
[2:03:28] and power becomes concentrated.
[2:03:34] Our democracy in this moment will depend on both
[2:03:37] progress and reform.
[2:03:39] Bloomfield needs to see progress for everyone.
[2:03:42] Bloomfield requires reform.
[2:03:44] I want to leave you with this from Kamala Harris in her
[2:03:48] book, 107 Days.
[2:03:50] Your vote is your voice and your voice is your power.
[2:03:54] 30 seconds. Thanks.
[2:03:57] And your, sorry, let me redo that.
[2:04:00] Your vo vote is your voice and your voice is your power.
[2:04:04] And no one takes our power from us.
[2:04:17] Sat. Sat Nick Margo.
[2:04:28] Good evening. Good evening ing Margaret. 34.
[2:04:33] So I'm here tonight to,
[2:04:36] Okay, I am here today to call on mayor
[2:04:41] and the council to take one clear and very actionable step.
[2:04:47] Okay, sorry about that again.
[2:04:48] So I'm here today to call on mayor
[2:04:50] and cons to take one very clear, actionable step.
[2:04:54] And this actionable step is actually mirroring
[2:04:56] what Norm said and we did not coordinate.
[2:04:58] This actually is to establish a municipal ethics board as
[2:05:03] provided by the New Jersey statue NJSA
[2:05:08] for 40 a nine dash 22 1.
[2:05:13] This action carries legal teeth within 90 days
[2:05:18] of establishment,
[2:05:20] the ethics board must promulgate a municipal code of ethics
[2:05:25] for all local government officers, elected officials,
[2:05:29] and employees serving Bloomfield.
[2:05:31] We need this, our residents need this. Right now.
[2:05:36] Residents have no formal avenue to address allegations
[2:05:40] of unethical behavior by elected officials.
[2:05:44] If we raise concern, we have two options.
[2:05:47] We can come here and speak
[2:05:51] where our comments are neither acknowledged
[2:05:56] nor acted upon,
[2:05:58] or we find other channels outside of government.
[2:06:03] And still that's not a recourse, that's not a system
[2:06:07] that is avoidance.
[2:06:08] A municipal ethics board creates a
[2:06:11] legitimate formal process.
[2:06:14] It signals that this community takes accountability.
[2:06:17] Seriously. We heard a lot of
[2:06:22] finger pointing and you know, accusations of things,
[2:06:27] but this is what I have to say.
[2:06:30] When dissent is treated as a threat, we have a problem.
[2:06:36] For the past three years, I have raised awareness of
[2:06:41] of the public on municipal matters,
[2:06:44] transparency in the budget process,
[2:06:47] the VO-tech purchase protections
[2:06:49] for our immigrant community,
[2:06:52] and the impact of the new sew fee on residents finances.
[2:06:58] Take the sewer fee. Plenty of people spoke about this.
[2:07:02] And so far we received just webinars
[2:07:05] and scripted presentations
[2:07:07] and nothing really to answer our questions.
[2:07:11] When elected officials
[2:07:13] and their supporters treat such actions as threats
[2:07:18] or personal insults rather than legitimate civic
[2:07:24] engagement, we lose the possibility
[2:07:27] of constructive dialogue.
[2:07:29] The mayor and the council have chosen to avoid
[2:07:32] public town halls.
[2:07:35] They scheduled a public town hall after the primary election
[2:07:40] and candid discussion.
[2:07:41] They rely instead on carefully choreographed public
[2:07:45] statements and follow up visits
[2:07:47] with residents like mayor on the block.
[2:07:50] Our residents feel that no one is listening.
[2:07:53] This is why there are so many people here,
[2:07:56] they have no other place to go
[2:08:00] and most of us are feeling like we have not been heard.
[2:08:04] I want to be clear, the ethics board is not
[2:08:06] about targeting anyone.
[2:08:08] It is about process.
[2:08:10] It creates fair, consistent standard
[2:08:13] for all elected officials and employees.
[2:08:18] Ethics processes run parallel to municipal government.
[2:08:21] They do not slow down critical services or decision making.
[2:08:24] They ensure fairness.
[2:08:26] This board also protects elected officials.
[2:08:29] It provides formal legal mechanism
[2:08:31] to evaluate concerns fairly, rather than leaving criticism
[2:08:35] to surface on social media rumors
[2:08:39] or town consulate chambers.
[2:08:42] I'm formally requesting the Bloomfield that we establish
[2:08:47] this municipal ethics board
[2:08:48] and promulgate a municipal code of ethics.
[2:08:51] I will be back at the next council meeting
[2:08:54] and the next, until this is voted on.
[2:08:56] And if you have any questions,
[2:08:59] I'll welcome that conversation. That would be constructed.
[2:09:01] 30 seconds. I want to end by urging the public not
[2:09:05] to accept silence
[2:09:07] or the bullying from the daes as normal
[2:09:10] dissent is democratic.
[2:09:14] Let me be clear, dissent
[2:09:18] is essential.
[2:09:20] The very act of questioning authority,
[2:09:22] especially in public forums,
[2:09:27] a fundamental of a free society.
[2:09:44] Excuse me. Thank you.
[2:09:47] The next three names have spoken already,
[2:09:50] so I'm going to skip over them.
[2:09:52] Dawn, Sophia, and Mildred.
[2:09:54] So the next will be Steph Boot Walla.
[2:10:04] Hello, I'm Steph Buda on Ashland Ave.
[2:10:07] Firstly, I wanna thank the DPW on the work on pothole week.
[2:10:11] I am someone who complains about potholes as much
[2:10:15] as other people that I talk to.
[2:10:17] And it was actually really enlightening
[2:10:18] to better understand the process of what it takes,
[2:10:20] how many people, how many hours.
[2:10:22] And so I would really encourage for DPW to actually do more
[2:10:26] of that and provide more information about the process
[2:10:29] that it takes to resolve these issues.
[2:10:31] Because I find that when there's more data
[2:10:34] and more information presented, that's a good amount
[2:10:38] of transparency that often buys a lot of understanding
[2:10:41] and trust from the people who are complaining or concerned.
[2:10:47] So thank you for the hard work
[2:10:48] and I'm excited that there were
[2:10:49] so many potholes taken care of this week.
[2:10:53] That's gonna tie into something else I said,
[2:10:55] but I'm, I'm firstly here to speak on behalf
[2:10:57] of some residents I spoke to lately.
[2:10:59] A little bit about the sewer fee, mainly
[2:11:01] because I told them I would come
[2:11:03] here and speak on their behalf.
[2:11:04] Some of them are working, some
[2:11:05] of them are providing childcare.
[2:11:06] Some of them didn't have the means
[2:11:08] to be able to get here tonight.
[2:11:10] Some of them said that they are already paying 15,000
[2:11:14] or 12,000 to $15,000 in property taxes
[2:11:18] and that they are totally strapped paycheck to paycheck.
[2:11:21] I know nothing I'm saying is a surprise.
[2:11:23] A lot of us are here because it's the same thing.
[2:11:25] And that all of us live in this town
[2:11:26] and experience the similar financial hardships,
[2:11:30] but some more than others.
[2:11:32] Some of the people I spoke to
[2:11:33] that are seniors on a fixed income
[2:11:35] and they don't have room in their financial plan,
[2:11:37] like their financial plan for the rest of their life.
[2:11:40] They do not have room for a new line item.
[2:11:43] And most, I, mostly everyone I've spoken to has asked,
[2:11:46] what can we do to stop this or to get more information?
[2:11:50] And we say, come to the meetings, come to the info sessions
[2:11:53] and just try your best, you know, email counsel
[2:11:55] to try to make your voice heard.
[2:11:57] So I know that the vo, the vote is not happening today,
[2:12:00] but I am here on behalf of at least 50 residents that wanted
[2:12:04] to be here and could not.
[2:12:07] And I'm here. So now speaking for myself
[2:12:09] as an HR professional to see if we can get some data around
[2:12:13] what other possible scenarios were considered to try
[2:12:16] to cut the town budget before this sewer fee program
[2:12:20] or proposal was put forth.
[2:12:23] I'm in an unfortunate situation in my work sometimes
[2:12:26] that we have to really scrape, scrape, scrape that budget
[2:12:29] and try to avoid letting go of staff.
[2:12:32] And I know in the township's case I heard
[2:12:34] that sometimes letting layoffs in staff is also a,
[2:12:37] a possibility and it's not one that anyone wants to face.
[2:12:40] But there's also other ways of scrubbing a budget.
[2:12:42] And we, I think that it would go a really long way
[2:12:44] for residents who are angry and surprised
[2:12:47] and confused to better understand
[2:12:49] what those scenarios were played out
[2:12:50] and how, how it was evaluated that landed on this
[2:12:54] revenue coming from the residents,
[2:12:57] the burden on the residents.
[2:13:00] And so, yes, I think
[2:13:01] that if we have a little more information about
[2:13:03] how a thing can happen, I think this is true of potholes
[2:13:06] as much as major financial decisions, just the understanding
[2:13:10] of who brought this up.
[2:13:11] Why is this a concern? What was
[2:13:12] evaluated and how do we get here?
[2:13:14] That's a lot of the transparency.
[2:13:16] Our favorite word of of the night is the transparency is
[2:13:19] just to say why is this happening?
[2:13:21] Who? Who put this forth? What is the data?
[2:13:24] And then if it's like, hey, this stinks for all of us,
[2:13:28] but unfortunately this is what we have to do.
[2:13:30] I, I think that some can sometimes buy a lot
[2:13:32] of understanding and trust to say, okay, we all hate this
[2:13:35] but it has to happen or our costs are going off.
[2:13:38] But it has to happen. Instead of having disagreements about
[2:13:41] what are facts and what are speculations
[2:13:44] and where to get trusted information from.
[2:13:47] I absolutely agree that we will be a better town
[2:13:49] if we are united together.
[2:13:51] I've actually felt extremely united
[2:13:53] with my neighbors in recent weeks
[2:13:55] and I'm seeing that a lot here tonight.
[2:13:57] A lot of people who are passionate, a lot of people
[2:14:00] who brought other people to this meeting
[2:14:02] and people who've lived on the same block from each other
[2:14:05] for years that hadn't even spoken until some
[2:14:07] of this was going on.
[2:14:09] Just trying to get information shared. We love this town.
[2:14:13] I've seen people across political difference,
[2:14:16] people who've lived here for four years, 40 years.
[2:14:19] If you rent or if you own the passion
[2:14:22] of the people loving this town.
[2:14:23] That's why there's criticism, that's why there's feedback.
[2:14:27] And we just love it and want to be able to afford
[2:14:29] to keep living here.
[2:14:31] On another note, again, we keep talking about 30 seconds.
[2:14:34] Transparency. Thank you. Dignity and respect.
[2:14:37] I agree that we should eliminate name calling
[2:14:39] and anger and sharp words.
[2:14:40] And we also have to hold our government accountable
[2:14:43] and give feedback and ask for information.
[2:14:45] And those things should be considered valid
[2:14:47] and not disrespectful.
[2:14:49] I think our leaders should model the transparency, dignity,
[2:14:52] and respect that you're asking for us to display.
[2:14:55] This means making decisions in the best interest
[2:14:57] of residents, offering town halls
[2:15:00] to have serious discussion, apologizing
[2:15:03] and bringing justice for Patrick Thomas
[2:15:05] and others individuals who've been harmed
[2:15:07] and applying dignity and safety to all of us.
[2:15:10] Bus writers, pedestrians, homeowners, renters.
[2:15:12] Because we're all affected by these hard times.
[2:15:15] And I know with great leadership we can get
[2:15:17] through these hard times together.
[2:15:19] Thank you.
[2:15:31] Next is Rocko. Berti. Berti. Farndale Avenue.
[2:15:37] Rossio. Yes. Oh I already, oh okay.
[2:15:43] No, sorry. Neha Morgie.
[2:15:52] Why they assigned twice.
[2:15:55] Hi, Neha Morgie, Lexington Avenue.
[2:15:58] So I did have a lot to say, of course about sewer
[2:16:02] as everyone else did.
[2:16:03] So I'm gonna cut that part of it short.
[2:16:07] However I like.
[2:16:09] I have had questions from one
[2:16:10] of the other council meetings that I was here.
[2:16:13] I emailed questions.
[2:16:14] So I am gonna ask one more question again
[2:16:17] is why are we basing the usage on summer months?
[2:16:23] Why if it's a sewer fee, why are we not basing it on usage
[2:16:28] of the first quarter?
[2:16:30] 'cause that is a true sewer fee.
[2:16:33] We're gonna get charged for our pools, our car washes
[2:16:36] and watering our plants.
[2:16:38] And I just don't see how that's fair in regards
[2:16:42] to communication.
[2:16:44] So I've been talking to a lot
[2:16:46] of people about this sewer fee.
[2:16:48] You know, I'm very active in my neighborhood.
[2:16:50] I walk around a lot, I help a lot.
[2:16:52] And when I talk to people that live in my neighborhood
[2:16:56] or outside of my neighborhood,
[2:16:57] they're not aware of what's going on.
[2:17:00] So I'm here to talk about better communication
[2:17:02] with the residents.
[2:17:04] Like we, you know, we get Bloomfield, the buzz,
[2:17:07] the newsletter that gets mailed to every resident.
[2:17:10] So can't we've,
[2:17:11] you guys have known about the sewer
[2:17:12] fee ordinance for a year.
[2:17:14] I know you've been talking about it,
[2:17:15] but just recently the public found out about it.
[2:17:17] But why not put some sort of like announcements
[2:17:21] or notifications for the public in print that goes
[2:17:25] to all of their homes so they know what is happening.
[2:17:29] Because most of the people don't know what's happening.
[2:17:32] And you know, every conversation I've had,
[2:17:34] they're all shocked.
[2:17:35] They don't know we need a just, we need people
[2:17:39] to be well-informed to make better decisions
[2:17:42] of what's happening in this town.
[2:17:45] The other thing that I would like to talk about
[2:17:48] is the pilots.
[2:17:53] When are we gonna stop that?
[2:17:55] Because there has to be a point
[2:18:00] where we stop because it's affecting us as taxpayers.
[2:18:05] Yeah, you know the,
[2:18:06] the developers are not paying property taxes.
[2:18:09] If they were about 45% of
[2:18:11] that would go to the Board of Education.
[2:18:13] Instead they're paying pilots.
[2:18:14] But out of that pilot program, the board
[2:18:16] of education is not getting any money.
[2:18:18] So now the board of education is getting strapped
[2:18:20] and they're getting 3% less from the county two years in a
[2:18:24] row now because the county is assessing us
[2:18:27] as our values being high
[2:18:30] and they distribute monies according to who needs money.
[2:18:33] So now they think Bloomfield doesn't need as much money
[2:18:35] as they did three years ago
[2:18:37] because they're their collective assessed values are high.
[2:18:41] However, the board
[2:18:42] of ed is not getting any money from these developers
[2:18:45] 'cause they're not paying taxes
[2:18:47] and they're not getting money from pilots.
[2:18:49] So now that all gets turned around to us as the homeowners
[2:18:53] and our taxes go up to help the board of education.
[2:18:57] And it's just gonna be a vicious cycle if we don't stop
[2:19:02] with the pilots.
[2:19:03] Because what, I mean can we do some sort of, you know,
[2:19:07] addendum to the pilot program to where some of
[2:19:10] that money would go back to the board of education.
[2:19:13] So it's not all on the residents.
[2:19:16] And the other thing I'd like to just mention again
[2:19:20] is the rat issues at House Park.
[2:19:22] Because I did call the Department of Health
[2:19:27] where we had the rat, we had, we used
[2:19:29] to have those black rat boxes there and they used to come
[2:19:32] and fill them and I'm very active in my neighborhood
[2:19:35] and I noticed a lot of rats, neighbors come
[2:19:37] to me and they complain.
[2:19:38] I've been living there for 21 years.
[2:19:40] They don't complain,
[2:19:41] but they tell me they're concerned like, Hey,
[2:19:44] what's going on with this?
[2:19:45] What's going on now? 'cause I'm very active
[2:19:47] and I called the Department of Health who told me
[2:19:51] that they no longer do anything about the park.
[2:19:55] If you have rat, a rat issue at your home,
[2:19:58] you can hire an exterminator
[2:19:59] and have it taken care of that way.
[2:20:01] But as far as the park goes, we don't do that anymore.
[2:20:05] That's what I was told.
[2:20:07] And it was also emailed to counsel that this is
[2:20:11] what the issue is and it's been three weeks
[2:20:14] and the rat issue is just getting worse and worse
[2:20:17] and people are sending me more photos and more photos
[2:20:19] and we need, we need to this to be taken care of.
[2:20:23] I mean it used to be taken care of.
[2:20:26] 30 seconds, we, we had something in place to help
[2:20:29] with this issue and now that got taken away
[2:20:32] and I just feel like we're paying more and getting less
[2:20:35] and it's just not there.
[2:20:47] That's
[2:20:47] Everyone who signed up. Mayor.
[2:20:49] Thank you. BCA budget hearing
[2:20:55] Counsel, you have a script in front of you.
[2:20:58] Council, we had a sign up. You had sign up, right? Clerk?
[2:21:03] You had the sign up out until seven 15?
[2:21:08] I asked at the beginning of the
[2:21:09] Meeting.
[2:21:10] You did? Yes. Okay, thank you.
[2:21:15] So there was a sign up, I believe the clerk had a,
[2:21:18] a signup sheet out until seven 15
[2:21:21] and made an announcement you had
[2:21:22] to sign up to speak tonight.
[2:21:24] So thank you.
[2:21:29] So We had a,
[2:21:34] we had a signup sheet.
[2:21:35] There was an announcement at the beginning of the meeting
[2:21:37] to sign up to speed. Thank you.
[2:21:40] I Walked
[2:21:42] Purposely because
[2:21:43] I didn't know that there would be parking,
[2:21:46] but I live in this neighborhood.
[2:21:48] A senior development was built, caught a municipal lot
[2:21:51] where we used to be able to park
[2:21:55] Senior. Your number
[2:21:56] On six.
[2:21:57] Okay ma'am, if you, ma'am, if you'd like to speak,
[2:21:59] you can come to the microphone.
[2:22:00] Please state your name.
[2:22:03] My name is Patricia Marro.
[2:22:06] I grew up off of Broon Avenue and I went to St.
[2:22:10] Valentine's Franklin School North Junior High
[2:22:14] and I graduated 77.
[2:22:16] I'm also a graduate of Bloomfield College.
[2:22:20] I'm also a graduate of the Newark School
[2:22:22] of Fine Industrial Arts.
[2:22:23] So I am in favor of vocational careers.
[2:22:26] Bluefield Tech made my uncle's very successful.
[2:22:31] Mechanics. My father was a successful accountant
[2:22:35] in Belleville, New Jersey.
[2:22:37] If you look at what Bellville did,
[2:22:38] they just elected a very young mayor that says a lot.
[2:22:45] We get **** blocked when we come to the municipal building.
[2:22:49] The clerk's office. That one,
[2:22:51] the youngster right there is the helpful one.
[2:22:55] When I called the town, I asked the person's name
[2:22:58] 'cause I'm documenting.
[2:23:00] I was told her name was clerk.
[2:23:04] I had to come to town.
[2:23:06] I have a trespass issue going on
[2:23:08] with the neighbor in town since
[2:23:10] 20 21, 20 22, 20 23.
[2:23:15] They called the police on me six times, a 4-year-old
[2:23:18] and a 5-year-old on a tricycle
[2:23:21] or on my property playing in my backyard.
[2:23:24] They dug a trench into my backyard.
[2:23:27] I have had no response from this town.
[2:23:31] I had to take it to Essex County.
[2:23:35] I'm disgusted. I have tried to reach out to you.
[2:23:37] Mayor Manell.
[2:23:40] I always heard from a, we had Greco, I grew up
[2:23:43] with kinder as a mayor.
[2:23:45] They walked around and knocked on doors. I know who you are.
[2:23:49] You've been around for a long time.
[2:23:50] I can't, I don't wanna throw your name out.
[2:23:52] Thank you for your service. And veterans,
[2:23:55] they fought for this country.
[2:23:57] Don't you dare take that away from them.
[2:24:01] Everybody in my family's a veteran
[2:24:03] and that includes the women too,
[2:24:16] Maybe permitted to speak to.
[2:24:18] Thank you. I have a time to five minutes.
[2:24:21] William Jarret Stonehouse Road.
[2:24:23] First, I'd like to thank you.
[2:24:26] I want you to know how much I appreciate you bringing the
[2:24:29] sewer proposal forward.
[2:24:31] If you didn't, I wouldn't have been able to learn
[2:24:33] so much about how our township is run.
[2:24:37] If it wasn't for this proposal, I wouldn't have learned
[2:24:40] that the township illegally swept millions
[2:24:42] of dollars from the utility funds.
[2:24:44] Amen. I wouldn't have learned
[2:24:46] that 1.4 million in terminal leave was paid out from regular
[2:24:49] salary lines instead of the legally required trust fund.
[2:24:54] Thank you for showing us how little the township gets
[2:24:58] for its $200,000 in marketing and pr.
[2:25:02] That scripted Steward Infomercial deserves a nomination
[2:25:05] for the Municipal RACI Awards.
[2:25:09] We know, we now know
[2:25:11] that you believe the public isn't capable
[2:25:13] of handling truthful information or objective reality.
[2:25:17] So I appreciate you spending our hard earned tax dollars on
[2:25:20] a marketing campaign designed
[2:25:22] to tell us exactly what to think.
[2:25:25] Another benefit to that presentation is we got
[2:25:29] to meet some real financial professionals,
[2:25:32] specifically township auditor Steven Wilcots.
[2:25:35] Though I know the mayor is familiar with him,
[2:25:37] as he's given $11,000 to her
[2:25:39] and Mike Veia campaign over the last,
[2:25:45] I quite enjoyed watching him make numerous ethical
[2:25:48] violations up there.
[2:25:49] For instance, I was surprised to learn
[2:25:51] that under New Jersey statute Title 40 a section five dash
[2:25:55] four, a municipal auditor's rule is strictly limited
[2:25:58] to examining financial records
[2:26:01] and issuing reports, leaving no legal authority
[2:26:04] for setting taxes or utility rates,
[2:26:09] or that according
[2:26:11] to the government Accountability Officer's Yellow book
[2:26:13] and auditor designing
[2:26:15] or advocating for utility charges like the sewer fee
[2:26:19] violates independent standards
[2:26:21] and creates a prohibited self-review threat.
[2:26:26] Additionally, when an auditor helps set municipal fees
[2:26:29] or lobbies for policy, they lose the legal
[2:26:32] and ethical independence mandated
[2:26:34] by New Jersey Administrative Code.
[2:26:36] Title 13, chapter 29, section 3.1,
[2:26:40] and A-I-C-P-A rules,
[2:26:42] which can make the resulting audit opinion in ballot.
[2:26:46] I wanna thank your financial professionals
[2:26:50] and by extension you for only answering seven
[2:26:53] of the 21 questions I sent in.
[2:26:56] Mayor, I know you promised to answer all the questions.
[2:26:59] And had you been there, I'm sure you would've.
[2:27:02] Your lack of attendance showed us
[2:27:04] how much you trust those financial professionals
[2:27:07] who contribute to your campaign.
[2:27:10] I further want to thank you for missing at least 10
[2:27:12] to 14 board of health meetings since you've been mayor.
[2:27:15] But kudos for making ample time to plant a tree,
[2:27:17] collect cop carts, go for a walk,
[2:27:20] and all the associated photo ops.
[2:27:23] I want to thank you for not being the least bit conflicted
[2:27:26] about sharing the Metropolitan Health Insurance Fund,
[2:27:29] to which the township pays 17 million a year.
[2:27:35] Now this seems like a fairly obvious conflict which you've
[2:27:38] ignored with the grace of a gazelle.
[2:27:41] Thank you for your ongoing attacks on local journalism,
[2:27:44] except of course for the outlet owned
[2:27:46] by our fire Chief Lou Venetia.
[2:27:51] You know Mike's brother, your use
[2:27:55] of the proven strategy of labeling facts
[2:27:57] and news you don't like as misinformation is a proven one
[2:28:01] that's worked all the way to the White House.
[2:28:04] You have really leaned into the old adage,
[2:28:07] no news is good news.
[2:28:09] Thank you for the magic trick
[2:28:11] of redefining transparency is absolute control
[2:28:15] by silencing councilwoman Toler Phillips on the Deus
[2:28:18] and forcing citizens to use Oprah for simple questions.
[2:28:21] You're actively controlling the public conversation
[2:28:24] to avoid uncomfortable facts and scrutiny.
[2:28:27] This is not open government.
[2:28:29] It's a calculated effort
[2:28:31] to keep the truth in the parking lot.
[2:28:36] Finally, Thank, thank you.
[2:28:39] And for your slates laughable and absurdly ironic.
[2:28:42] May 14th campaign slogan, it's not politics,
[2:28:46] it's good government with receipts.
[2:28:49] 30 seconds. It seems to me
[2:28:51] that the only receipts your governance brings are empty
[2:28:54] slogans, shady fiscal management, the squelching
[2:28:58] of discourse, chronic absenteeism, and ethical violations.
[2:29:03] Please prove me wrong.
[2:29:17] You. Thank you.
[2:29:22] We're moving on to the hearing on the BCA budget 2026.
[2:29:27] Counsel, you have a script in front of you.
[2:29:29] I'm sorry, can I just snap A moment
[2:29:30] to honor enter a motion over hearing on the budget.
[2:29:33] I'll be quick. I'll be quick.
[2:29:37] We're we need to move
[2:29:38] on to the business portion of the meeting.
[2:29:40] I know this is the very last speaker. Okay.
[2:29:42] Thank you Mayor. Thank you everybody.
[2:29:44] Thank you Mayor and councilman for giving me the time.
[2:29:47] A lot of people have spoken about. State
[2:29:49] Your name for the record, Please.
[2:29:50] Justin Bullock, east Passe Ave.
[2:29:53] Born and raised in Bloomfield.
[2:29:56] We have Patrick Thomas here tonight
[2:29:58] and I know a lot of people Patrick,
[2:29:59] if you don't mind just, he's there.
[2:30:01] He's gonna say hello. You know, a lot
[2:30:05] of us are still very passionate about what happened to him
[2:30:08] and want you all to be educated on it.
[2:30:10] You know, we are still kind of waiting for, you know,
[2:30:14] the mayor and council to respond to our petition
[2:30:17] that we put out a while ago
[2:30:20] and they haven't, you know, I know there's,
[2:30:22] there's some things that they said they'd be doing.
[2:30:25] The black citizens of Bloomfield hasn't
[2:30:26] really heard back from them yet.
[2:30:27] So, you know, we want to keep his case forefront.
[2:30:30] 'cause like I said, I was born and raised in Bloomfield
[2:30:33] and a noose is, is is personal to somebody like me
[2:30:38] that is real racism and it still hurts us.
[2:30:42] And just the response from the town wasn't really accurate
[2:30:46] and has been very hurtful to a lot
[2:30:47] of US black citizens in Bloomfield.
[2:30:50] And we all need to sit together.
[2:30:51] This is a majority minority community, so
[2:30:53] that might affect somebody who looks like me today,
[2:30:55] but it could affect somebody who looks like you tomorrow.
[2:30:57] Thank you.
[2:31:05] Thank you. Counsel.
[2:31:06] You have a, you have a script in front of you,
[2:31:10] the hearing on the BC, A budget 2026.
[2:31:13] I'll entertain a motion to open a hearing on the BCA budget.
[2:31:16] I need a break. Councilman Dono.
[2:31:20] Motion Councilwoman
[2:31:25] Cruz, would you move, move that the hearing be open please.
[2:31:29] I move that the BCA budget hearing be opened.
[2:31:32] Can I get a second please? Second.
[2:31:35] Thank you. I'm sorry. Thank you Clerk.
[2:31:38] Can you, is there anyone here for public comment? Is
[2:31:42] Anyone here to the for public comment on the BCA budget?
[2:31:52] Is anyone here to speak? No, it doesn't seem like that.
[2:31:56] Mayor. Thank you. Observing no further
[2:31:58] applications from the floor.
[2:31:59] I will entertain a motion to close the hearing.
[2:32:02] Aye Mayor, I move that the hearing be closed.
[2:32:05] Could I get a second please? Second.
[2:32:08] Second. Thank
[2:32:09] you. That's
[2:32:14] It. Yeah.
[2:32:15] We have a vote later on in the meeting. Yep.
[2:32:17] Thank you. Introduction
[2:32:19] of proposed ordinances on first reading.
[2:32:21] Councilwoman gon we need to wait one second
[2:32:25] for councilwoman Terra to bear to come back for the vote.
[2:32:27] Thank you.
[2:32:53] Thank you. Introduction of proposed ordinances.
[2:32:56] I'm first reading Councilwoman Gonzalez,
[2:32:59] Mayor and count mayor and council.
[2:33:02] We have introduction of proposed ordinance, an ordinance
[2:33:05] to amend and supplement chapter 3 87
[2:33:07] of the Bloomfield Township Code providing parking
[2:33:10] for physically limited persons. So moved.
[2:33:14] Second. Moved by Councilman Gonzalez, second
[2:33:16] by Councilman Joanna.
[2:33:17] Any questions or comments from the council?
[2:33:20] Clerk? Can you please call the roll
[2:33:22] Councilwoman Gonzalez?
[2:33:23] Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes. Councilwoman Cruz? Yes.
[2:33:27] Councilwoman Charis de Baris. Yes. Councilwoman Fishman.
[2:33:31] Yes. Councilwoman Toller Phillips? Yes. Mayor men Dowell?
[2:33:34] Yes. Number two. Councilman Joanna.
[2:33:37] Mayor. I have an ordinance to amend
[2:33:39] and supplement Chapter 3 87
[2:33:42] of the Bloomfield Township Code providing
[2:33:45] for physically limited persons removal.
[2:33:49] Two 10 Franklin Street, apartment one ten six Park Avenue,
[2:33:53] beach six Park Avenue. So moved.
[2:33:57] Second. Moved by Councilman Ano.
[2:34:00] Second by Councilwoman Cruz.
[2:34:01] Any questions or comments from the council?
[2:34:03] Clerk? Can you please call the roll
[2:34:05] Councilwoman Gonzalez?
[2:34:06] Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes. Councilwoman Cruz? Yes.
[2:34:09] Councilwoman Charis. Yes. Councilwoman Fishman. Yes.
[2:34:12] Councilwoman Toler Phillips? Yes. Mayor Mendel? Yes.
[2:34:16] Number three, mayor
[2:34:17] And council have an ordinance
[2:34:18] to amend chapters 2 54 vehicles
[2:34:21] and traffic by Article three.
[2:34:22] Schedule section 2 54 dash section 60, schedule 20.
[2:34:27] Loading zones. So moved.
[2:34:28] Second. Moved by Councilwoman Cruz, second
[2:34:30] by councilwoman chair to Baris.
[2:34:32] Any questions or comments from the council?
[2:34:35] Clerk? Can you please call the roll
[2:34:36] Councilwoman Gonzalez?
[2:34:38] Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes. Councilwoman Cruz? Yes.
[2:34:40] Councilwoman Charis Debars. Yes. Councilwoman Fishman. Yes.
[2:34:44] Councilwoman Toler Phillips? Yes. Mayor man Dell.
[2:34:47] Yes. Hearing upon adoption
[2:34:48] or amendment of proposed ordinances on second reading,
[2:34:51] Councilwoman Charis Debars, you take number one.
[2:34:53] I have an ordinance to amend
[2:34:55] and supplement Chapter 3 87
[2:34:57] of the Bloomfield Township Code providing parking
[2:35:00] for physically limited person.
[2:35:02] So moved.
[2:35:03] Second. Moved by Council Min chair, second
[2:35:06] by Council William Fishman.
[2:35:07] Any questions or comments from the public?
[2:35:10] Any questions or comments from the council? Clerk?
[2:35:13] Can you please call the rule?
[2:35:16] Yes. Councilwoman Gonzalez. Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes.
[2:35:20] Councilwoman Cruz? Yes. Councilwoman Charis de Baris. Yes.
[2:35:23] Councilwoman Fishman? Yes. Councilwoman Toler Phillips? Yes.
[2:35:26] Mayor Mendel? Yes.
[2:35:28] Number two, Mayor Council.
[2:35:30] I have an ordinance to amend Chapter
[2:35:32] 2 54 vehicles in traffic.
[2:35:34] Article three, parking, standing and stopping.
[2:35:37] 2 54 dash 18 Parking prohibited at all times. So moved.
[2:35:43] Second. Moved by Councilwoman Fishman.
[2:35:45] Second by Councilman Choler Phillips.
[2:35:48] Any questions or comments from the public?
[2:35:51] Any questions or comments from the council?
[2:35:53] Clerk? Can you please call the
[2:35:54] Roll Councilwoman Gonzalez?
[2:35:56] Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes. Councilwoman Cruz? Yes.
[2:35:59] Councilwoman Charis Baris? Yes. Excuse me.
[2:36:02] Councilwoman Fishman? Yes. Councilwoman Toler Phillips?
[2:36:05] Yes. Mayor Mendel? Yes.
[2:36:06] Number three, An ordinance to amend Chapter 5 26.
[2:36:11] Article two, section 5 26 dash 19 A of the code
[2:36:15] of the Township of Bloomfield entitled
[2:36:16] Application for license.
[2:36:18] This amendment was recommended
[2:36:19] by Anthony Marucci zoning officer.
[2:36:22] And verbiage was written by Mike Rubin, Esquire,
[2:36:24] zoning board attorney to amend the limo ordinance
[2:36:27] to include the statement,
[2:36:30] no business can operate in the township without zoning
[2:36:33] approval of some kind, whether a zoning permit
[2:36:36] or board or a board resolution.
[2:36:37] Limousines are issued licenses from the
[2:36:40] municipal clerk's office.
[2:36:41] So moved.
[2:36:43] Any questions or comments from the public?
[2:36:46] Second. Oh, go ahead clerk.
[2:36:49] Can you please read the role of public comment? Yes.
[2:36:58] Matter of addressing the council your time limit.
[2:37:00] As five minutes each person addressing the council shall
[2:37:03] give their name and complete address in audible tone
[2:37:07] of voice for the record.
[2:37:08] And, and
[2:37:10] unless further time is granted
[2:37:11] by the council shall limit their statement to five minutes.
[2:37:14] All remarks shall be addressed to the council as a body
[2:37:17] and not to any member thereof.
[2:37:19] No question shall be directed to any speaker
[2:37:22] by a councilperson except through
[2:37:24] and at the discretion of the presiding officer.
[2:37:26] This is cited from our township code five dash 21.
[2:37:30] Okay. Thank you so much. Clerk. Clerk Ballo.
[2:37:34] Good evening, mayor and council.
[2:37:35] Norm Ter, 99 Berkeley Avenue.
[2:37:37] So I just wanted to understand this ordinance,
[2:37:43] does it apply towards drivers who have Uber
[2:37:47] and Lyft vehicles?
[2:37:50] I dunno. Does anyone know?
[2:37:54] No, it does not. Okay.
[2:37:55] So this just applies to limousines specifically. Yes. Okay.
[2:38:00] There was also something in there that said if they have a,
[2:38:05] they're only allowed one vehicle on their
[2:38:10] property that is a limousine.
[2:38:11] Is that correct? In the ordinance? Yes.
[2:38:13] What happens if they have two vehicles that are used
[2:38:17] as limousines and they have parking for two vehicles?
[2:38:22] It depends whether it's an apartment
[2:38:24] or this is part of the reason why we're making the change,
[2:38:27] the amendment in the ordinance.
[2:38:28] Because if it's become a problem, if you've had, you have
[2:38:31] to show where the cars are being kept.
[2:38:34] A lease, you've leased a garage, you've leased,
[2:38:36] it can't be three cars in front of your house.
[2:38:38] Gotcha. What if, what if you're,
[2:38:40] what if you're a single family and this only applies
[2:38:42] to limousines operating of out of apartments
[2:38:44] or limousines operating out of single family homes too.
[2:38:48] It applies to everyone. Okay.
[2:38:50] And, and this is why it now has to go
[2:38:52] to the building department and be reviewed
[2:38:55] for zoning purposes so that there isn't, you know, four
[2:38:58] or five cars parked in front of a,
[2:39:00] a resident on a residential street.
[2:39:02] Gotcha. But if, if the, if the person, if the owner
[2:39:05] of the limousine company has a single family home
[2:39:08] and they have enough driveway parking
[2:39:10] of their own on their own property for four vehicles,
[2:39:13] that would be acceptable.
[2:39:16] That's why it's going to the building department to make
[2:39:18] that determination for that zone.
[2:39:20] Okay. So we're not, I'm not
[2:39:22] authorizing five vehicles on a particular street any longer.
[2:39:26] Okay. It's become a problem.
[2:39:28] Got it. And, and so they will have to go in front
[2:39:31] of the zoning board if they have two vehicles parked
[2:39:33] in their residential
[2:39:34] Property.
[2:39:35] Right. It's going to some form of zoning,
[2:39:36] either in the building department
[2:39:37] or the zoning board for, you know, for a variance.
[2:39:41] Okay. Excellent.
[2:39:43] And that takes effect pending the vote Only reason
[2:39:46] because there was a zoning board application
[2:39:49] that came up recently.
[2:39:50] I need to review it, but it's, it seemed like
[2:39:53] that it was more so the home business not, not dealing
[2:39:56] with the limousine, but I trust Mr.
[2:39:58] Marci and, and the amendment seems fine.
[2:40:01] Right. Mr. Ruben? Sorry, Mr. Ruben and Mr. Mur.
[2:40:05] Right. They both recommended it. Okay.
[2:40:06] And they wrote the language.
[2:40:08] Alright. Very good. Do you know
[2:40:09] what the application fee will be?
[2:40:10] Will, will it be discounted
[2:40:12] or will it be somehow for a limousine owner
[2:40:16] to make the application?
[2:40:17] What, what the fees are?
[2:40:19] That's through the zoning board.
[2:40:21] I don't know what the application fee is. Okay.
[2:40:23] The application through my office is still
[2:40:25] $100 for the vehicle.
[2:40:26] Okay. Got it. Alright. No change.
[2:40:29] Okay. Very good. Thank you so much.
[2:40:30] I appreciate it. You're
[2:40:31] Welcome.
[2:40:33] Thank you. Can I get a second on that motion please?
[2:40:36] Question second. Second question. Oh, I'm sorry.
[2:40:42] Go. I'm sorry. Go ahead. You can come up to the mic.
[2:40:48] Just please state your name and thank you Marro.
[2:40:52] Thank you. And I wholeheartedly
[2:40:57] did that in a passionate moment regarding permits.
[2:41:02] So my house was built in 1880,
[2:41:07] question mark in when the Newark records were burned
[2:41:11] during the riots.
[2:41:13] So my foundation has the possibility of being from 1860
[2:41:16] because I found a Silver War button in
[2:41:18] my backyard by the well.
[2:41:20] I have had to fill holes
[2:41:23] and my properties quite a large quarter acre
[2:41:27] for Bloomfield in the historic section I have always done.
[2:41:32] It's a fixer upper. Nobody wanted it.
[2:41:34] And that's why I got it.
[2:41:35] It rained from my front porch back through the kitchen.
[2:41:39] And I am always repairing my house.
[2:41:42] So I had a neighbor that I have come
[2:41:45] to the town numerous occasions whose fence was collapsing.
[2:41:48] It's for sale right now. 1 24, 1 26 Spruce Street.
[2:41:53] Home Depot had a sale
[2:41:55] and I got the panels, six of them for 80 bucks.
[2:41:58] 'cause they're 105 right now.
[2:41:59] They might have gone up and they couldn't deliver.
[2:42:03] So I got $150 off of that
[2:42:05] because the guy delivered it from the Bloomville Home Depot
[2:42:09] with a forklift.
[2:42:11] They didn't have a box truck.
[2:42:13] And then I paid somebody to slap up the fence
[2:42:16] because the other neighbor dug a trench.
[2:42:18] And I've been to the town on numerous occasions.
[2:42:21] I had to put up a fake fence
[2:42:23] because they broke my fence in 19 20, 21
[2:42:27] when they first moved in.
[2:42:29] I did not have the money to replace it. I lost that money.
[2:42:34] I had things going on personal
[2:42:37] and I am coming up for air again.
[2:42:40] I'm grateful for these things
[2:42:42] and I'm addressing them righteously
[2:42:45] because they deserve to be fixed.
[2:42:48] I slapped up a privacy fence so
[2:42:51] that I did not witness a four
[2:42:54] and 5-year-old unattended children.
[2:42:57] Children. UNT tricycles fall into my backyard.
[2:43:01] The zoning board will not issue me a fence.
[2:43:05] They want me to go through the
[2:43:07] Historic Preservation Society.
[2:43:10] It is difficult for me to come out in public,
[2:43:14] but obviously I have showed up
[2:43:17] because I've reached my limit.
[2:43:23] Right now. I am not in a position to take it down
[2:43:27] and started all over again.
[2:43:30] I don't have a lot of money. I'm a senior citizen.
[2:43:33] I am disabled. I'm on a fixed income.
[2:43:37] My backyard is pristine. It's beautiful.
[2:43:43] I grow trees.
[2:43:45] I plant one for everyone that somebody decides to cut down
[2:43:49] because they think a tree is a nuisance.
[2:43:52] Trees provide the oxygen for humans to breathe.
[2:44:00] My neighbor has until June 8th to address dirt discrepancy
[2:44:05] and their trespass.
[2:44:06] So I cannot talk about how I am legally
[2:44:11] handling my property, but I have come to the town.
[2:44:15] 2021. There are police reports generated. 20 22, 20 23.
[2:44:20] April 16th, the neighbor on Monroe Place called the police
[2:44:24] on me six times.
[2:44:29] Okay ma'am, if you wanna speak with Jackie,
[2:44:31] she'll take your information
[2:44:32] and someone will get back to you.
[2:44:33] Thank she's over. She's over there like she's waving at you.
[2:44:37] She's in the back of the room. Thank you. Thank you.
[2:44:39] Okay, thank you.
[2:44:43] We will now close the public comment portion
[2:44:45] for this ordinance.
[2:44:51] Can I get a second on the, did you give a second? Thank you.
[2:44:55] Sorry I didn't hear you. Any questions from the council?
[2:45:00] Nope. Clerk, can you please call the roll
[2:45:01] Councilwoman Gonzalez?
[2:45:03] Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes. Councilwoman Cruz? Yes.
[2:45:06] Councilwoman Charis Tobar. Yes. Councilwoman Fishman. Yes.
[2:45:09] Councilwoman Toler Phillips. Yes. Mayor Mendel.
[2:45:11] Yes. Councilwoman Gonzalez,
[2:45:14] can you please move consent resolutions one through eight,
[2:45:17] Mayor and Council.
[2:45:18] I move consent resolution one through eight. So moved
[2:45:22] Second. Moved
[2:45:23] By Councilman Gonzalez.
[2:45:24] Second by Councilman Ano. Any questions from the council?
[2:45:30] Clerk? Can you please call the roll
[2:45:31] Councilwoman Gonzalez?
[2:45:33] Yes. Councilman Ano? Yes.
[2:45:38] Councilwoman Cruz? Yes. Councilwoman Charis Baris. Yes.
[2:45:41] Councilwoman Fishman. Yes. Councilwoman Toler Phillips?
[2:45:44] Yes. Mayor Mendo.
[2:45:46] Yes. Resolutions number one. Councilman Ano?
[2:45:50] Yes. I have a resolution regarding the adoption
[2:45:53] of the 2026 Bloomfield Center Alliance Inc.
[2:45:58] Budget. So moved. Second.
[2:46:00] Moved by Councilman Ano. Second by Councilwoman Cruz.
[2:46:04] Any questions or comments from the council?
[2:46:06] Clerk? Can you please call the roll
[2:46:08] Councilwoman Gonzalez?
[2:46:10] Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes. Councilwoman Cruz? Yes.
[2:46:13] Councilwoman cha de. Yes. Councilwoman Fishman. Yes.
[2:46:16] Councilwoman Toller Phillips? Yes. Mayor Mendo?
[2:46:19] Yes. New business resolution number one.
[2:46:22] Councilman Cruz? Yes.
[2:46:24] Mayor. Council of a resolution award of contract
[2:46:26] for janitorial services for the Municipal Building
[2:46:29] and Law Enforcement Building
[2:46:31] with Tropical Cleaning Services LLC.
[2:46:33] Effective June 1 25. So move
[2:46:35] 20.
[2:46:36] Second. Second. Sorry.
[2:46:38] Move by Councilwoman Cruz. Second by Councilman Terra. De.
[2:46:42] Any questions from the council?
[2:46:44] I just had a question about the date.
[2:46:46] It said 25. I didn't know if that meant.
[2:46:48] It's 26. Just a correction.
[2:46:51] Just a correction on this for the resolution on our agenda,
[2:46:55] it says 25 but it should say 2026.
[2:46:59] Correct. I'm assuming that's a typo. So thank you.
[2:47:03] So we had a motion and a second.
[2:47:06] Councilman Cruz, can you confirm that motion was for 2026.
[2:47:10] Motion for 2026. Councilman chairs to Baris. Will you
[2:47:13] Second for 2026.
[2:47:14] Thank you. Any questions?
[2:47:16] Any other questions from the council? Clerk?
[2:47:19] Can you please call the roll?
[2:47:21] Councilman Gonzalez? Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes.
[2:47:24] Councilwoman Cruz? Yes. Councilwoman Charis Debars. Yes.
[2:47:27] Councilwoman Fishman. Yes.
[2:47:28] Councilwoman Toler Phillips? Yes. Mayor Mendel?
[2:47:31] Yes. Number two, Councilman Chair Debars.
[2:47:34] We have a resolution, mayor Council.
[2:47:36] We have a resolution authorizing the execution
[2:47:38] of a Second amendment to lease agreement
[2:47:42] with T-Mobile USA tower LLC
[2:47:45] for property located at 61
[2:47:50] Boyd Bosky Bki Bosky Place. So moved.
[2:47:55] Second. Moved by Councilman Chair, second
[2:47:58] by Councilman Fishman.
[2:47:59] Any questions from the council?
[2:48:03] Clerk? Can you please call the
[2:48:04] Roll Councilwoman Gonzalez?
[2:48:05] Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes. Councilwoman Cruz? Yes.
[2:48:08] Councilwoman Charis Baris. Yes. Councilwoman Fishman. Yes.
[2:48:11] Councilwoman Toler Phillips? Yes. Mayor Mendel?
[2:48:14] Yes. Number three,
[2:48:16] Mayor and Council.
[2:48:17] We have a resolution in support
[2:48:18] of Senate Bill S 1583 assembly.
[2:48:21] Bill A 46 49 providing cancer screening examinations
[2:48:25] for volunteer firefighters.
[2:48:27] So moved.
[2:48:28] Second. Moved by Councilwoman Fishman.
[2:48:31] Second by Councilman Toler Phillips.
[2:48:35] Any questions from the council?
[2:48:38] This came to us from another municipality
[2:48:40] that also had supported this.
[2:48:42] Took a look that it was good.
[2:48:44] Cancer screenings for paid firefighters are already covered,
[2:48:47] but volunteer is not.
[2:48:48] So we wanted to support this bill that is going
[2:48:50] through the assembly and the Senate Bill.
[2:48:55] I'm sorry, clerk, can you please call the roll?
[2:48:57] Councilwoman Gonzalez? Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes.
[2:49:00] Councilwoman Cruz? Yes. Councilwoman Charis Debars. Yes.
[2:49:03] Councilwoman Fishman. Yes.
[2:49:04] Councilwoman Toler Phillips? Yes. Mayor Mendel?
[2:49:07] Yes. Number four, Resolution authorizing open container
[2:49:11] area Permit for Bloomfield Center Alliance.
[2:49:13] Dinner Party Under the Stars event
[2:49:16] for 2026. So moved.
[2:49:20] Second. Moved By Councilman Toler Phillips Second
[2:49:23] by Councilwoman Gonzalez.
[2:49:24] Any questions from the council?
[2:49:27] Clerk? Can you please call the
[2:49:28] Roll?
[2:49:29] Councilwoman Gonzalez? Yes. Councilman Joanna? Yes.
[2:49:31] Councilwoman Cruz? Yes. Councilwoman Charis tab? Yes.
[2:49:35] Councilwoman Fishman? Yes.
[2:49:36] Councilwoman Toller Phillips? Yes. Mayor Mendel?
[2:49:39] Yes. Number five, Mayor and Council.
[2:49:41] We have a list of licenses.
[2:49:44] We have a list for Hawker.
[2:49:47] Pedler, canvasser, junk Shop operator, dealers,
[2:49:52] open air parking station.
[2:49:54] Music machine. Dealer of precious metal gems
[2:49:57] and secondhand goods businesses.
[2:49:59] Taxi, bus, limo, operator, owner licenses, outdoor dining
[2:50:04] and for the outdoor dining would be stamina.
[2:50:07] Buco, Italian American Kitchen and Rapid Fried Township.
[2:50:12] One day events, which would be Brothers Bagel, LLC,
[2:50:15] food Truck Day one.
[2:50:17] That would be May 15th, 2026.
[2:50:20] The middle school baseball game.
[2:50:23] And the Jay Glasco services. LLC.
[2:50:26] Forest Glen Family Fund Day. June 5th, 2026. So moved.
[2:50:30] Second.
[2:50:32] Moved by Councilwoman Gonzalez.
[2:50:33] Second by Councilman Joanna.
[2:50:34] Any questions or comments from the council? All in favor?
[2:50:39] Aye. Aye. Can I get a motion to close please? Motion.
[2:50:43] All in favor. Second.
[2:50:44] Aye.