[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.

Township Council Mtg: 5-18-26

Agenda

Transcript