1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,640 Black. 2 00:00:04,584 --> 00:00:06,604 » [music] 3 00:00:11,135 --> 00:00:13,155 [music] 4 00:00:25,545 --> 00:00:27,565 [music] 5 00:00:35,370 --> 00:00:37,390 [music] 6 00:00:41,265 --> 00:00:43,285 [music] 7 00:00:53,055 --> 00:00:55,075 [music] 8 00:01:02,880 --> 00:01:04,900 [music] 9 00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:20,620 [music] 10 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:54,280 » Black. 11 00:01:55,120 --> 00:01:57,400 Black. 12 00:02:07,160 --> 00:02:10,000 » 30 seconds. 13 00:02:26,721 --> 00:02:28,741 » [snorts] 14 00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:41,440 » Good mayor. Thank you. 15 00:02:39,720 --> 00:02:47,080 Good evening and welcome everybody to the August 17th, 2026 council meeting 16 00:02:44,840 --> 00:02:50,680 for the Township of Cedar Grove. Madam Clerk, can you call the roll? 17 00:02:48,640 --> 00:02:52,560 » Yes, sir. Councilwoman Meega? >> Here. 18 00:02:51,360 --> 00:02:55,120 » Councilwoman Peterson? >> Here. 19 00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:57,600 » Councilwoman Skabich? Absent. Deputy Mayor Zisaali? 20 00:02:57,200 --> 00:02:59,160 » Here. >> Mayor Misseri? 21 00:02:58,400 --> 00:03:02,239 » Here. >> Please stand for the flag. 22 00:03:02,519 --> 00:03:10,040 » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 23 00:03:07,080 --> 00:03:15,600 republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and 24 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:15,600 justice for all. 25 00:03:18,320 --> 00:03:23,800 » Adequate notice of this meeting was duly provided to the Verona Cedar Grove Times 26 00:03:22,080 --> 00:03:28,680 and the Star-Ledger by email and published in the annual schedule of 27 00:03:25,480 --> 00:03:32,760 meetings on December 18th, 2025, filed with the Township Clerk and posted 28 00:03:30,760 --> 00:03:39,320 in the public bulletin board in the municipal building lobby in accordance 29 00:03:34,720 --> 00:03:39,320 with the Open Public Meetings Act. 30 00:03:40,519 --> 00:03:47,239 Going to item two on the agenda, we're going to open this portion of the 31 00:03:44,200 --> 00:03:51,880 meeting to the public on any item on the agenda. If anybody wants to speak on 32 00:03:49,040 --> 00:03:54,720 that, please come up. Seeing none, we'll close that portion of 33 00:03:53,400 --> 00:04:01,400 the meeting. Item 3A, to consider introduction of 34 00:03:57,840 --> 00:04:05,520 pending ordinance 26-978, stormwater control ordinance. 35 00:04:05,800 --> 00:04:11,600 Mr. Kelly? Is there anything on this >> Yes, Mr. Mayor, thank you. Uh by Mayor, 36 00:04:09,480 --> 00:04:15,240 through you, this is an introduction of an ordinance amending our code as it 37 00:04:13,320 --> 00:04:20,880 relates to stormwater management and stormwater controls. 38 00:04:16,880 --> 00:04:24,200 The January 2026 NJDEP stormwater rules require municipalities update their 39 00:04:22,560 --> 00:04:28,520 local stormwater control ordinance to comply with the new state standards. 40 00:04:26,280 --> 00:04:32,880 Some key changes include one, updated stormwater design runoff, groundwater 41 00:04:30,680 --> 00:04:36,880 recharge calculations, and water quality requirements. Two, expanded requirements 42 00:04:35,480 --> 00:04:40,320 for redevelopment and motor vehicle surfaces. 43 00:04:38,080 --> 00:04:44,960 Three, climate change and flood resist flood resilience considerations. And 44 00:04:42,560 --> 00:04:47,800 four, updated NJDEP standards and best management practices. 45 00:04:46,720 --> 00:04:51,120 Uh this is not something that the township is initiating on its own 46 00:04:49,200 --> 00:04:56,560 accord. This is a requirement by the NJDEP who noted that municipalities must 47 00:04:54,440 --> 00:05:00,800 come into compliance by January 20th, 2027. 48 00:04:58,080 --> 00:05:04,840 This also requires a county review and NJDEP approval before it becomes 49 00:05:02,720 --> 00:05:09,280 effective. And as I stated, this is a state mandated update, not simply a 50 00:05:07,160 --> 00:05:13,160 local policy change. And we [snorts] will be in compliance once the DEP 51 00:05:11,400 --> 00:05:17,440 certifies any comments and the governing body adopts the new measures. 52 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:21,840 Okay. Any further discussion or questions? 53 00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:25,240 All right, can I get a motion for introduction? 54 00:05:23,680 --> 00:05:29,400 » Mayor, I move for the introduction of pending ordinance number 26-978 55 00:05:28,040 --> 00:05:32,480 to be published on the township's official internet website as a pending 56 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:36,840 ordinance with a public hearing scheduled for September 14th, 2026. 57 00:05:35,480 --> 00:05:39,560 » Thank you. Is there a second? >> Second. 58 00:05:38,480 --> 00:05:41,360 » Roll call. >> Councilwoman Amiega? 59 00:05:40,840 --> 00:05:43,040 » Yes. >> Councilwoman Peterson? 60 00:05:42,520 --> 00:05:44,640 » Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Gizzi? 61 00:05:44,200 --> 00:05:46,840 » Yes. >> Mayor Missar? 62 00:05:45,360 --> 00:05:54,760 » Yes. Item four, 4A, to consider adoption of 63 00:05:50,560 --> 00:05:58,520 pending capital ordinance 26-975, capital ordinance 64 00:05:56,480 --> 00:06:02,680 providing funding for Taylor's Brook riverbank stabilization for the Township 65 00:06:00,760 --> 00:06:08,360 of Cedar Grove and appropriating $300,000 for such purpose. 66 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:12,000 Mr. Kelly? >> Uh thank you, Mayor. As I indicated at 67 00:06:10,240 --> 00:06:16,120 our last meeting, this is taking $300,000 from our capital improvement 68 00:06:14,320 --> 00:06:20,560 fund, which at the end of the year had over a million dollars in it uh to fund 69 00:06:18,160 --> 00:06:24,400 the emergency uh bank stabilization repair on Taylor's Brook next to the 70 00:06:22,240 --> 00:06:27,200 driveway into Town Hall off of Bowden Road. 71 00:06:25,400 --> 00:06:30,919 Uh this is coming from the capital improvement fund. There's no debt being 72 00:06:29,280 --> 00:06:34,800 cast as a result of this. In essence, we're paying for it in cash. This is not 73 00:06:32,800 --> 00:06:39,160 going to have any impact on our tax rate, on the average residential 74 00:06:36,560 --> 00:06:44,160 assessment, the 2026 budget, or our available fund balance. 75 00:06:41,440 --> 00:06:44,160 » Great. 76 00:06:44,360 --> 00:06:48,280 Any questions or discussion? 77 00:06:48,640 --> 00:06:52,120 Okay, is there a motion? >> Mayor, you have to 78 00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:59,640 » Oh, I'm sorry. I have to open this to the public. Anybody from the public want 79 00:06:54,440 --> 00:07:04,040 to be heard on this uh ordinance? Seeing none, I'll close that portion of 80 00:07:01,040 --> 00:07:08,080 the meeting. Is there a motion? >> I move for the adoption of the pending 81 00:07:05,600 --> 00:07:11,640 capital ordinance 26-975 to be published on the Township's 82 00:07:09,400 --> 00:07:17,120 official internet website as a passed capital ordinance and take 83 00:07:13,840 --> 00:07:19,509 effect as prescribed by law. >> Is there a second? 84 00:07:18,120 --> 00:07:21,240 » Second. >> [snorts] 85 00:07:20,160 --> 00:07:22,919 » Roll call. >> Councilwoman Meka? 86 00:07:22,440 --> 00:07:24,680 » Yes. >> Councilwoman Peterson? 87 00:07:24,080 --> 00:07:26,240 » Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Ziccardi? 88 00:07:25,880 --> 00:07:28,080 » Yes. >> Mayor Maceri? 89 00:07:26,960 --> 00:07:33,720 » Yes. Item 4B, to consider adoption of pending 90 00:07:30,320 --> 00:07:33,720 ordinance 26-976, 91 00:07:33,760 --> 00:07:40,160 an ordinance authorizing the execution of amended financial agreement by and 92 00:07:37,520 --> 00:07:45,840 between the Township of Cedar Grove and 36 Cliffside Drive Urban Renewal Owner 93 00:07:42,960 --> 00:07:51,320 LLC for the development of townhouses located in the 36 Cliffside Drive 94 00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:55,040 Redevelopment Area. I know Mr. Kelly, we also talked about 95 00:07:53,200 --> 00:07:56,680 this at the last meeting, but do you have any questions? 96 00:07:55,600 --> 00:07:58,800 » If you'd like for me to >> You want to do both? 97 00:07:57,720 --> 00:08:00,680 » Yeah, if you if that's okay, whatever you prefer. 98 00:07:59,400 --> 00:08:03,720 » Yeah, if you can do both since they're both uh 99 00:08:01,320 --> 00:08:08,320 » Sure. Through you, Mayor. Uh 4B is an amendment uh basically to an existing 100 00:08:05,640 --> 00:08:13,080 financial agreement uh for 36 Cliffside Drive. This is bifurcating the prior 101 00:08:10,840 --> 00:08:18,200 agreement uh to [snorts] reflect the initial uh townhome development and the 102 00:08:15,680 --> 00:08:22,600 subsequent uh agreements for the rental properties. May have had these flipped. 103 00:08:20,040 --> 00:08:27,600 No, I was right. The 4B is for the townhome phase of the development for 30 104 00:08:24,440 --> 00:08:32,320 townhomes and 4C is for the [snorts] uh 317 rental units. As the council is 105 00:08:30,200 --> 00:08:37,455 aware, originally it was 347 rental units. That number has been reduced uh 106 00:08:34,360 --> 00:08:39,479 in exchange for the 30 townhomes. >> [snorts] 107 00:08:37,680 --> 00:08:42,680 » And just for the public and especially people that are here tonight, this 108 00:08:41,039 --> 00:08:45,640 satisfies um our fourth round of affordable 109 00:08:44,720 --> 00:08:49,240 housing, too. Is that correct? >> Yes, this is a very large mechanism, 110 00:08:47,440 --> 00:08:52,760 probably the largest [snorts] that we are able to satisfy the fourth round 111 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:55,839 fair share obligation with. >> Great. 112 00:08:54,080 --> 00:09:00,720 Any other questions from the dais or discussion? Then I'm going to open this 113 00:08:57,880 --> 00:09:04,280 to the public. Anybody wishing to be heard on this item? Seeing 114 00:09:03,160 --> 00:09:08,960 none, I'll close that portion of the meeting. 115 00:09:05,839 --> 00:09:13,800 And do we have a motion? >> Mayor, I move for the adoption of 116 00:09:10,640 --> 00:09:18,160 pending ordinance 26-976 to be published on the Township official 117 00:09:15,839 --> 00:09:22,320 internet website as a past ordinance or take effect as prescribed by law. 118 00:09:20,560 --> 00:09:24,360 » Thank [snorts] you. Is there a second? >> Second. 119 00:09:23,320 --> 00:09:26,000 » Roll call. >> Councilwoman Eagan. 120 00:09:25,560 --> 00:09:27,720 » Yes. >> Councilwoman Peterson. 121 00:09:27,160 --> 00:09:29,280 » Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Zisaali. 122 00:09:28,880 --> 00:09:31,240 » Yes. >> And Mayor. 123 00:09:30,160 --> 00:09:34,280 » Yes. Item 4C 124 00:09:32,920 --> 00:09:38,920 to consider adoption of pending ordinance 26-977 125 00:09:37,520 --> 00:09:43,320 an ordinance of the Township of Cedar Grove authorizing the execution of an 126 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:48,480 amended financial agreement by and between the Township of Cedar Grove and 127 00:09:45,320 --> 00:09:53,240 36 Cliffside Drive Urban Renewal Owner LLC for the development of an 128 00:09:50,800 --> 00:09:58,600 inclusionary multi-family development located in the 36 Cliffside Drive 129 00:09:56,320 --> 00:10:02,440 Redevelopment Area. Um, we already heard from Mr. Ziccheli 130 00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:05,920 on this item. Any other discussion or questions from the dais? 131 00:10:04,400 --> 00:10:08,960 No, then we'll open this to the public. Anybody wishing to be heard on this 132 00:10:07,720 --> 00:10:14,440 item? Seeing none, we'll close [snorts] that. 133 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:19,400 And do we have a motion? >> Mayor, I move for the adoption of the 134 00:10:15,920 --> 00:10:22,480 pending ordinance number 26-977 to be published on the Township's 135 00:10:20,680 --> 00:10:24,880 official internet website as a passed ordinance to take effect as prescribed 136 00:10:24,080 --> 00:10:29,280 by law. >> Thank you. Second. Thank you. Roll call. 137 00:10:28,200 --> 00:10:30,760 » Councilwoman Meka? [snorts] >> Yes. 138 00:10:29,680 --> 00:10:32,320 » Councilwoman Peterson? >> Yes. 139 00:10:31,240 --> 00:10:33,280 » Deputy Mayor Ziccheli? >> Yes. 140 00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:37,560 » Mayor Ms. Serritella? >> Yes. 141 00:10:34,560 --> 00:10:43,120 Item 5A to consider approval of regular meeting minutes of the July 13, 2026 142 00:10:41,600 --> 00:10:45,760 meeting. Is there a motion? 143 00:10:44,720 --> 00:10:49,480 » So moved. >> Second. Roll call. 144 00:10:48,440 --> 00:10:50,960 » Councilwoman Meka? >> Yes. 145 00:10:49,880 --> 00:10:52,360 » Councilwoman Peterson? >> Yes. 146 00:10:51,360 --> 00:10:53,480 » Deputy Mayor Ziccheli? >> Yes. 147 00:10:52,800 --> 00:10:56,080 » Mayor Ms. Serritella? >> Yes. 148 00:10:56,600 --> 00:11:02,000 » Item 6, reports of Township officials. Start with our manager, Mr. Ziccheli. 149 00:11:01,280 --> 00:11:04,960 » Good evening, Mayor. >> Good evening. 150 00:11:02,640 --> 00:11:08,040 » Just a few items. Um, if I can get a consensus from the governing body, we've 151 00:11:06,960 --> 00:11:12,240 been getting a lot of phone calls and emails for the town-wide garage sale. 152 00:11:10,560 --> 00:11:16,080 Uh, and that's something we traditionally do in September. I didn't 153 00:11:14,360 --> 00:11:18,800 want to put a date out until uh, the governing body was able to opine. 154 00:11:18,200 --> 00:11:22,080 Uh, to keep things consistent, the date this 155 00:11:20,480 --> 00:11:25,920 year would be September [snorts] 12th, but I didn't want to uh, notify that. 156 00:11:24,040 --> 00:11:28,880 That's the Saturday after Labor Day this year. 157 00:11:26,839 --> 00:11:32,720 Um, so if there's any feedback or just a general consensus from the council on 158 00:11:31,120 --> 00:11:35,840 that, I'd would to get that out soon so the residents are you know, well 159 00:11:34,040 --> 00:11:38,160 noticed. >> Works for me. 160 00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:41,240 » Yeah, that's that's great. I know last year we had a huge uh 161 00:11:40,080 --> 00:11:46,080 » People were asking me. >> Yeah, so that will be um 162 00:11:44,240 --> 00:11:47,440 Did we do it the weekend following Labor Day last year? 163 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:51,120 » We did. >> Yeah, I think Labor Day may have changed 164 00:11:49,360 --> 00:11:53,720 in the calendar, but that would that's what this Saturday, 165 00:11:52,680 --> 00:11:55,560 the 12th, would be. >> Okay. 166 00:11:54,080 --> 00:12:00,000 » Uh so if there's no objection, we'll notice it for the 12th. 167 00:11:57,320 --> 00:12:03,680 Great. Um just a few other uh housekeeping items. 168 00:12:01,760 --> 00:12:08,160 Um I just want to note 370 Pompton Avenue is this former 169 00:12:05,960 --> 00:12:12,000 Cedar Grove Animal Hospital uh that received some site plan approvals 170 00:12:09,840 --> 00:12:16,160 previously for 10 units, and the property owners have generously decided 171 00:12:13,920 --> 00:12:20,120 to allow our fire department to train on that building prior to its demolition. 172 00:12:18,560 --> 00:12:23,240 Um so that's something that uh the fire department is gracious for, the 173 00:12:21,560 --> 00:12:28,280 township's gracious for, and any opportunity our our volunteers uh can 174 00:12:25,800 --> 00:12:30,600 take to train there certainly uh welcome to do that, and we we are 175 00:12:29,440 --> 00:12:33,760 appreciative of the property owner nonetheless. 176 00:12:32,280 --> 00:12:38,600 I also want to thank uh Patrolman Emmanuele Ricci and Watchung. They did a 177 00:12:36,080 --> 00:12:41,720 great job helping organize the National Night Out on behalf of the Cedar Grove 178 00:12:40,120 --> 00:12:44,640 Police Department. As the council is aware, we did team up with Verona this 179 00:12:43,800 --> 00:12:47,760 year. Really great turnout, and I also want to 180 00:12:46,520 --> 00:12:51,920 thank uh one of our Cedar Grove residents for flying the Black Hawk help 181 00:12:50,240 --> 00:12:56,600 helicopter over Panther Park. That was really cool. It was a nice touch. 182 00:12:54,360 --> 00:12:59,440 Just a brief update on our um paving schedule. 183 00:12:57,800 --> 00:13:03,320 Uh due to some rain this morning, the crews were a little bit delayed and uh 184 00:13:01,320 --> 00:13:06,960 pushed the paving back. We have now noticed the new paving, which will begin 185 00:13:05,120 --> 00:13:12,240 on Wednesday starting with uh Rose Clara, Ira, and Lewis. That's going to 186 00:13:10,360 --> 00:13:16,160 be Wednesday. All of Vincent Road will be Thursday, and then Briar Hill, 187 00:13:14,280 --> 00:13:19,800 George, and Adelina will be Friday. So our goal is to get them in and out in 3 188 00:13:17,760 --> 00:13:24,560 days. We appreciate the residents' patience. This is a pretty big uh paving 189 00:13:22,560 --> 00:13:28,040 operation, and then Park Ridge will be completely done. Some of our bigger 190 00:13:25,920 --> 00:13:30,560 streets, as the council is aware, we had our water main replaced [snorts] on 191 00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:35,080 Briar Hill this year. That'll be completely done after this as well. 192 00:13:33,040 --> 00:13:38,280 And Mayor, I don't know if you have a time you'd prefer me to comment on some 193 00:13:36,640 --> 00:13:40,400 consent agenda items. There was a lot. If you'd like for me to do that now as 194 00:13:39,480 --> 00:13:42,280 part of my report [snorts] or through the consent agenda item, I'll leave it 195 00:13:41,880 --> 00:13:45,040 to you. >> Whatever your preference. 196 00:13:43,280 --> 00:13:49,360 » Okay. If I could take them now. >> Great. 197 00:13:46,120 --> 00:13:53,680 » Uh just briefly, consent agenda 7E. This is an a resolution authorizing the 198 00:13:52,120 --> 00:13:57,320 execution of a temporary [snorts] access agreement between Township of Cedar 199 00:13:55,080 --> 00:14:01,080 Grove and Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company for work they're performing 200 00:13:59,240 --> 00:14:05,440 around our recycling center. Uh consistent with that work on Little 201 00:14:02,800 --> 00:14:08,520 Falls Road, they're encasing their very large gas uh line that runs through the 202 00:14:07,560 --> 00:14:12,160 town. This is going to require some riverbank 203 00:14:10,280 --> 00:14:14,560 stabilization in the area. And I know the [snorts] township is very 204 00:14:13,200 --> 00:14:17,480 appreciative anytime people want to stabilize the riverbank as we believe 205 00:14:16,160 --> 00:14:20,480 it's very important to help mitigate flooding. 206 00:14:18,880 --> 00:14:23,600 Uh Transco has already obtained all necessary NJDEP permits to perform this 207 00:14:22,680 --> 00:14:26,840 work. Uh and as I mentioned, this is a 208 00:14:24,840 --> 00:14:30,440 critical bank stabilization project which we as a township strive to 209 00:14:28,440 --> 00:14:35,080 endeavor on our own accord. Uh we will be receiving $45,000 for 210 00:14:32,839 --> 00:14:38,839 permitting the temporary access to this work zone. They do have an easement in 211 00:14:36,839 --> 00:14:43,000 the area, so they are lawfully allowed to access this and perform work there. 212 00:14:40,960 --> 00:14:46,800 Uh but 7E is authorizing the execution of that agreement and codifying the 213 00:14:44,320 --> 00:14:51,080 $45,000 that we will be receiving in lieu of that. 214 00:14:49,200 --> 00:14:55,560 Uh 7F. This is a resolution authorizing the 215 00:14:53,040 --> 00:15:01,290 execution of a uh contract with Montclair Ambulance Unit for daytime EMS 216 00:14:58,320 --> 00:15:04,565 response. On July 14th, the township [snorts] received one sealed proposal 217 00:15:03,480 --> 00:15:07,400 through competitive contracting [clears throat] for the provisions of 218 00:15:05,520 --> 00:15:11,600 daytime EMS service to the township, its residents, visitors, and businesses from 219 00:15:09,320 --> 00:15:14,480 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The sole proposal was furnished by the Montclair Ambulance 220 00:15:13,040 --> 00:15:19,000 Unit, the current provider of our daytime EMS coverage. Uh this resolution 221 00:15:17,240 --> 00:15:24,120 authorizes the competitive contracting award for a 5-year term in an amount not 222 00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:27,360 to exceed $318,549 in the aggregate. 223 00:15:25,560 --> 00:15:32,075 Basically, that means the first year is going to be $60,000 and every year 224 00:15:29,520 --> 00:15:35,960 thereafter is subject to an escalation. >> [snorts] 225 00:15:33,400 --> 00:15:38,440 » Item 7G is a resolution authorizing change order number two for the 226 00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:44,400 community park playground in the amount of $561.85 227 00:15:41,120 --> 00:15:48,800 or 0.081% of the total contract value for the installation of 15 ft of curb 228 00:15:46,440 --> 00:15:51,400 wall as opposed to a flush curb. This 229 00:15:49,760 --> 00:15:54,400 not to exceed amount is just now $689,786.24. 230 00:15:55,240 --> 00:16:01,800 And we did receive the $750,000 grant to offset this cost. 231 00:15:59,640 --> 00:16:06,520 Item 7H, this is a resolution authorizing the transfer of a 2022 Ford 232 00:16:04,200 --> 00:16:12,160 Explorer police interceptor. This is CGID 607 to the Township of West Orange. 233 00:16:10,560 --> 00:16:15,640 The Township of West Orange lawfully sought to pass some costs onto the 234 00:16:13,600 --> 00:16:19,240 Township of Cedar Grove as a result from our hiring of a police officer who was 235 00:16:17,920 --> 00:16:24,160 put through the academy by the Township of West Orange. And under NJSA 236 00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:27,720 40A:14-178, they are allowed to seek reimbursement 237 00:16:26,160 --> 00:16:31,240 from the municipality that hires the officer. 238 00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:34,760 And instead of us reimbursing the Township the $27,522.96, 239 00:16:35,120 --> 00:16:41,040 I was able to speak with their business administrator and we worked out a deal 240 00:16:39,120 --> 00:16:46,600 where we will be giving them one of our used police interceptors in lieu of the 241 00:16:43,480 --> 00:16:50,320 cash consideration. Regardless, this vehicle would have been 242 00:16:47,960 --> 00:16:53,160 auctioned off in a few months anyway. So, 243 00:16:51,280 --> 00:16:56,400 it just gets it out of here a little bit quicker and we don't have to exchange 244 00:16:54,800 --> 00:17:00,760 any any money. Item 7I, this is a resolution 245 00:16:58,800 --> 00:17:05,319 authorizing the award of a resurfacing contract for the upper playground at 246 00:17:02,880 --> 00:17:09,120 Community Park to Rubber Recycle LLC of Lakewood, New Jersey in an amount not to 247 00:17:07,240 --> 00:17:14,400 exceed $65,000. This is awarded through state contract 248 00:17:10,680 --> 00:17:17,560 number 23 food 1181 118185 249 00:17:15,959 --> 00:17:22,560 price line 40. The Township budgeted for this in its 250 00:17:18,920 --> 00:17:27,480 capital budget this year. And we're now completing the second playground project 251 00:17:24,400 --> 00:17:30,800 at uh Community Park. This surface has been destroyed and the playground has 252 00:17:29,360 --> 00:17:33,800 been closed for a little while. So, it's nice to finally get this done. My goal 253 00:17:32,280 --> 00:17:39,880 is before next council meeting to have this completed. 254 00:17:35,760 --> 00:17:44,400 Item 7J is inserting $5,246.13 into the municipal budget from the 255 00:17:41,800 --> 00:17:48,480 National Opioid Settlement Fund. Item 7K is a resolution authorizing the 256 00:17:46,680 --> 00:17:53,160 installation of a supplemental fuel tank at our DPW to Independence Constructors 257 00:17:51,120 --> 00:17:57,200 Inc. of Bernardsville, New Jersey in an amount not to exceed $169,300. 258 00:17:57,240 --> 00:18:03,040 This is awarded through state contract T0849 above ground storage tank 259 00:18:01,280 --> 00:18:08,200 installation, removal, repair, and related equipment contract 42270. 260 00:18:06,520 --> 00:18:12,720 The council bonded for this in this year's capital budget as well. We are 261 00:18:10,160 --> 00:18:15,680 going to be doubling the capacity of our fuel. 262 00:18:13,720 --> 00:18:19,200 Uh benefit of this is as fuel prices go up, you will be able to buy more at a 263 00:18:17,040 --> 00:18:23,920 lower rate. And also in the event there is some type of emergency, power outage, 264 00:18:21,720 --> 00:18:27,040 Hurricane Sandy type of situation, we'll have double the amount of fuel that we 265 00:18:25,520 --> 00:18:29,400 previously had. Um 266 00:18:28,400 --> 00:18:33,200 which is, you know, important during snowstorms and other 267 00:18:31,160 --> 00:18:37,400 emergencies. The final comment I have is item 7I, 268 00:18:36,120 --> 00:18:43,320 which is a resolution accepting the planning board's designation of 370 Pump 269 00:18:39,720 --> 00:18:49,280 and Avenue, lot 62, lot 11 as an area in need of non-condemnation redevelopment 270 00:18:45,640 --> 00:18:53,440 pursuant to NJSA 40A:12A-1. Uh the two criteria that this site met 271 00:18:51,320 --> 00:18:57,520 were one, the generality of buildings are substandard, unsafe, 272 00:18:55,560 --> 00:19:00,720 unsanitary, dilapidated, or otherwise obsolete, or possess any such 273 00:18:59,120 --> 00:19:04,680 characteristics and are lacking in light, air, or open space as to be 274 00:19:02,520 --> 00:19:08,240 conducive to unwholesome living or working conditions. And two, buildings 275 00:19:06,720 --> 00:19:11,800 with improvements which by reason of dilapidated, obsolete, 276 00:19:10,440 --> 00:19:14,400 overcrowding, faulty arrangement, or design, 277 00:19:15,960 --> 00:19:21,600 Motion by police. Lack ventilation, light, or sanitary 278 00:19:19,480 --> 00:19:24,880 facilities, excessive land coverage, deleterious land use, or obsolete 279 00:19:23,040 --> 00:19:27,760 layout, or any combination of these or other factors are detrimental to the 280 00:19:26,320 --> 00:19:31,920 safety, health, morals, and welfare of the community. This is a resolution 281 00:19:30,560 --> 00:19:35,720 authorizing the preparation of a redevelopment plan. 282 00:19:33,760 --> 00:19:39,600 And that ends my report and my comments on the consent agenda. 283 00:19:37,240 --> 00:19:42,960 » Just had one question on F. Um, did that contract Is that contract 284 00:19:41,560 --> 00:19:44,440 expiring now? That is the >> Yeah, August. 285 00:19:43,880 --> 00:19:46,720 » August. >> we had that expire. 286 00:19:45,600 --> 00:19:51,320 » Oh, okay. Okay. >> The prior contract with MAU was 287 00:19:48,760 --> 00:19:53,840 August to August 23 to 26, so it's expiring now. 288 00:19:52,240 --> 00:19:57,120 » Great. Thank you. Any other questions or 289 00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:59,920 » Yeah, just one question. The playgrounds, do we have cameras in 290 00:19:58,840 --> 00:20:02,680 there? >> We will be installing cameras there. 291 00:20:01,400 --> 00:20:05,960 » I was asked, that's why I'm asking. >> We will be installing cameras to 292 00:20:04,080 --> 00:20:09,000 hopefully deter some of the vandals and graffiti there. Yes. 293 00:20:07,320 --> 00:20:11,200 » Thank you. >> Okay. 294 00:20:11,240 --> 00:20:15,480 Madam Clerk, good evening. >> Good evening, Mayor, members of Council, 295 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:17,400 those in attendance. I have no report this evening. 296 00:20:16,800 --> 00:20:19,920 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 297 00:20:18,600 --> 00:20:22,960 » Mr. Lagana. >> Good evening, Mayor, members of Council. 298 00:20:21,360 --> 00:20:26,080 I do not have a formal report this evening. I would just make a comment as 299 00:20:25,000 --> 00:20:30,160 to consent agenda item 7H to the transfer 300 00:20:28,720 --> 00:20:35,000 of the police vehicle to the Catholic War Veterans. Um, Joe, we should have uh 301 00:20:33,160 --> 00:20:38,800 the title signed over to them so they can get the registration and insurance 302 00:20:36,520 --> 00:20:41,239 before the vehicle leaves our lot. >> We will do it tomorrow. 303 00:20:40,040 --> 00:20:43,440 » Thank you. >> [snorts] 304 00:20:41,480 --> 00:20:47,200 » Great. Thanks. All right, Council reports. We'll start on my right. 305 00:20:45,400 --> 00:20:51,280 Councilwoman Peterson. Good evening. >> Good evening, Mayor. Um, I just wanted 306 00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:55,360 to thank everyone who came out for National Night Out. It was a great 307 00:20:53,400 --> 00:21:00,280 event. Um, it was nice to partner with Verona and see everybody come together. 308 00:20:57,920 --> 00:21:06,920 Um, we had a great outpouring of the community. We had a lot of um 309 00:21:03,480 --> 00:21:11,760 organizations from town, UNICO, the Elks, uh the library was there. I'm 310 00:21:09,960 --> 00:21:16,200 probably missing people, but it was just nice to see everybody come out and kids 311 00:21:14,440 --> 00:21:20,600 had a great time and it was a lovely night. So, um thanks to everyone who 312 00:21:18,160 --> 00:21:23,960 made that happen, our DPW, our town manager, emergency services, fire 313 00:21:22,360 --> 00:21:26,960 department, everybody was there. So, I just want to say thank you. 314 00:21:25,200 --> 00:21:29,840 » And to some of the local businesses that donated, I know Aqua Falls donated their 315 00:21:29,040 --> 00:21:31,019 water and >> Yeah. 316 00:21:30,360 --> 00:21:32,960 » a bunch of others. >> [snorts] 317 00:21:31,200 --> 00:21:36,160 » Yeah. Yeah, everybody who made it happen. So, I just wanted to say thank 318 00:21:34,960 --> 00:21:38,160 you and that's all I have. >> Great. Thanks. 319 00:21:37,569 --> 00:21:39,480 » [snorts] >> Councilwoman? 320 00:21:39,040 --> 00:21:40,960 » You good? >> How are you? 321 00:21:39,920 --> 00:21:43,280 » I'm good. How are you, Mayor? >> Good. 322 00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:47,560 » Um I will just say ditto to Councilwoman 323 00:21:45,440 --> 00:21:50,120 Peterson's comments. Thank you so much to everyone. 324 00:21:48,760 --> 00:21:52,960 I also have an update for the Cedar Grove Historical Society. 325 00:21:52,120 --> 00:21:57,520 They're going to bring you some more exciting programs. 326 00:21:54,920 --> 00:22:01,960 So, last week they had a sold-out cut flower workshop. People loved the class, 327 00:22:00,200 --> 00:22:06,640 but what they also loved, we had the class on the farm down by the gardens. 328 00:22:05,520 --> 00:22:10,520 So many people have never seen it before. They didn't even know it 329 00:22:07,400 --> 00:22:15,400 existed. So, it was a nice exposure um and we're trying to get another one 330 00:22:12,520 --> 00:22:19,920 if we can get the weather to cooperate along with some schedules. So, 331 00:22:17,480 --> 00:22:24,800 August 28th, Mayor, you'll really love this. The line dancing class is back if 332 00:22:22,400 --> 00:22:29,280 you're um if you're around. So, we're going to try to pull uh that off. As it 333 00:22:27,120 --> 00:22:31,760 is right now, tickets are selling a little slower than we would 334 00:22:30,560 --> 00:22:33,320 like. So, maybe you want to bring all your friends. 335 00:22:33,245 --> 00:22:36,280 » [snorts] >> Um and if it doesn't work with the end 336 00:22:34,920 --> 00:22:40,520 of summer, beginning of school, we're going to just reschedule it. 337 00:22:38,480 --> 00:22:44,000 September 19th is appraisal day coming back and of course in the fall we'll 338 00:22:41,920 --> 00:22:47,120 have the pumpkin and apple sale. I just wanted to wish good luck to all 339 00:22:45,360 --> 00:22:52,560 the students and the staff returning to school in September. I wish everybody a 340 00:22:49,480 --> 00:22:56,000 wonderful year and today, thank you to the Cedar Grove Police Department and 341 00:22:53,840 --> 00:23:01,520 the Verona Police Department, there was a very informative New Jersey e-bike 342 00:22:58,880 --> 00:23:05,280 presentation. You all know my my my situation with e-bikes and helmets 343 00:23:03,640 --> 00:23:09,880 and whatnot. So, [snorts] I hope that everybody out there, parents, children, 344 00:23:08,320 --> 00:23:13,760 you take a look at what's out there for the changing of the law. The law has 345 00:23:11,360 --> 00:23:16,000 changed. I'm looking at you, Mr. Mr. Lawyer over there. 346 00:23:15,166 --> 00:23:21,960 » [laughter] >> Um and there's there's some things 347 00:23:18,240 --> 00:23:26,080 parents really need to know about potential consequences if your children 348 00:23:24,200 --> 00:23:29,600 don't have the proper paperwork and whatnot to be riding these these 349 00:23:27,880 --> 00:23:32,080 different types of uh vehicles. 350 00:23:30,960 --> 00:23:36,200 And that's it for me. I just hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer. 351 00:23:34,280 --> 00:23:37,640 And remember to sign up for the fall rec programs. 352 00:23:37,320 --> 00:23:39,240 » Great. >> And that's it. 353 00:23:38,320 --> 00:23:42,360 » Thank you, Councilwoman. >> You're welcome. 354 00:23:40,560 --> 00:23:46,400 » Good evening, Councilwoman Zisa. Um Deputy Mayor, I'm sorry. That's okay. 355 00:23:44,640 --> 00:23:51,360 » Good evening, Mayor. >> Uh good evening, everyone. Uh 356 00:23:48,720 --> 00:23:55,400 I also attended uh National Night Out and just to reiterate um 357 00:23:53,920 --> 00:23:58,440 what Councilwoman Peterson and Councilwoman 358 00:23:56,840 --> 00:24:02,400 Meegan [snorts] uh said. It was It was a great event, and we appreciate everyone 359 00:24:00,480 --> 00:24:07,800 who participated and made that event happen. It was It was very nice. Um and 360 00:24:06,200 --> 00:24:09,760 Mayor, if I may, I just wanted to ask Mr. Ziccheli a question. 361 00:24:09,531 --> 00:24:13,480 » [clears throat] >> Uh Mr. Ziccheli, is there an uh could 362 00:24:12,120 --> 00:24:16,680 you give us kind of an update on the work that's being done in town that's 363 00:24:14,880 --> 00:24:20,920 not being done by the township, specifically like Ridge Road, uh the gas 364 00:24:19,080 --> 00:24:24,320 main, and the uh what's going on in Little Falls Road? 365 00:24:21,800 --> 00:24:28,360 » Sure. For you, Mayor, there's a lot. There's a lot of work. Um 366 00:24:26,400 --> 00:24:34,421 and um so, taking each in stride, PSE&G is uh 367 00:24:32,760 --> 00:24:38,960 very, very close to, if not complete [snorts] with the gas main replacement 368 00:24:36,640 --> 00:24:43,520 on Ridge Road. Uh that was a very long project. We were able to keep at least 369 00:24:41,360 --> 00:24:46,212 one lane of alternating traffic open throughout the majority of that work. 370 00:24:44,760 --> 00:24:48,760 That was a replacement of a >> [snorts] 371 00:24:46,280 --> 00:24:52,840 » stainless steel gas main. It was, from what I was told from PSE&G, the number 372 00:24:50,480 --> 00:24:56,040 one priority replacement in the state. And it was crucial that we were able to 373 00:24:54,320 --> 00:24:59,200 get that work done before school uh reopened with the high school and the 374 00:24:57,200 --> 00:25:03,280 middle school on Ridge Road. So, uh that work should be complete. Um I saw Mr. 375 00:25:01,560 --> 00:25:07,800 Hardrick step out, but I will get from them the timing when the county [snorts] 376 00:25:05,520 --> 00:25:11,120 expects to be resurfacing Ridge Road, and we will be pushing for a 377 00:25:09,440 --> 00:25:16,400 curb-to-curb restoration because that's what we like to see here in Cedar Grove. 378 00:25:13,120 --> 00:25:21,040 Uh secondly, uh PSE&G is also performing uh electrical work at their Little Falls 379 00:25:18,480 --> 00:25:25,480 substation. Um I'm sorry, the substation on Little Falls Road in Cedar Grove. 380 00:25:23,680 --> 00:25:31,440 That electrical work involves running a lot of conduit underground um on Little 381 00:25:28,160 --> 00:25:33,960 Falls Road, over Lindsley, uh into uh Little Falls and Coleman and ending in 382 00:25:32,840 --> 00:25:36,840 Totowa. Uh that's a lot of work uh that's taking 383 00:25:35,680 --> 00:25:40,840 place as well, but I believe the majority of that work is off to the the 384 00:25:38,720 --> 00:25:44,760 shoulder, and there shouldn't be too much of a traffic disruption in that 385 00:25:42,800 --> 00:25:49,680 portion of Little Falls Road. Uh Transco is currently working on the 386 00:25:46,920 --> 00:25:55,400 corner of Bowden and Little Falls Road. That work is uh 387 00:25:53,040 --> 00:25:59,680 putting a casing around their existing uh very large gas pipeline that's 388 00:25:57,440 --> 00:26:03,120 running through um the power line easements uh you may recall on the 389 00:26:01,360 --> 00:26:07,720 corner of Bowden, uh and runs through the township's property by the recycling 390 00:26:04,760 --> 00:26:10,960 center, which we will uh maintain open. We were alternating traffic in that 391 00:26:09,040 --> 00:26:15,800 area, and given the size of the excavation, the county just approved a 392 00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:19,840 plan to close Little Falls Road uh to expedite that excavation and hopefully 393 00:26:17,760 --> 00:26:22,800 get that done before school starts, too. With Ridge Road being back open now, 394 00:26:21,840 --> 00:26:27,920 that should alleviate a lot of the traffic coming off of Little Falls Road. 395 00:26:25,440 --> 00:26:30,760 And then, another work uh phase of that work that Transco is going to be doing 396 00:26:29,600 --> 00:26:34,320 once they complete the work in the roadway, they're going to be moving 397 00:26:32,360 --> 00:26:39,800 towards the back of the tennis courts, which is the matter concerning the 398 00:26:36,880 --> 00:26:44,320 agenda item today, uh 7 E for that access agreement. They're 399 00:26:42,120 --> 00:26:49,200 going to be stabilizing the riverbank where their pipe is running through and 400 00:26:45,800 --> 00:26:53,680 is now exposed, and that's part of their uh bank stabilization project. So, there 401 00:26:50,840 --> 00:26:58,240 is a lot of work. We know it. We We compound it with the townships 402 00:26:55,920 --> 00:27:03,000 paving initiatives, with PSE&G's regular work on 23, shutting down a lot of the 403 00:27:00,600 --> 00:27:05,800 old abandoned gas mains. This is the time of year to do it, 404 00:27:04,200 --> 00:27:10,040 unfortunately, but we're you know, committed to getting it done and trying 405 00:27:07,040 --> 00:27:14,480 to notify the residents as best we can. >> Thank you. Just one follow-up. I know uh 406 00:27:12,160 --> 00:27:17,480 Ms. Hartwick stepped out. Uh any idea when they're going to pave Ridge? 407 00:27:16,120 --> 00:27:21,400 » I'm going to push for it to be done as part of the county cooperative, which 408 00:27:18,760 --> 00:27:25,040 usually happens uh in the fall. Um 409 00:27:22,120 --> 00:27:27,720 I believe Stevens and part of Lindsley, at least up to the front of the 410 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:32,280 firehouse, was on that list, but I'll confirm with Ms. Hartwick or uh Sanjeev, 411 00:27:30,120 --> 00:27:35,880 the county engineer, this week, and then as soon as we know, we'll we'll notify. 412 00:27:33,840 --> 00:27:39,320 We want to get it done before winter, obviously, but it's also important that 413 00:27:37,320 --> 00:27:42,400 the trench has enough time to settle so that there's no, you know, divots or or 414 00:27:41,320 --> 00:27:46,560 sinking. But, No Cars is pretty good contractor, 415 00:27:44,360 --> 00:27:49,080 so they they should be uh the trenches should be in good shape. 416 00:27:47,720 --> 00:27:50,000 » Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. 417 00:27:49,480 --> 00:27:52,120 » Anything else, sir? >> Deputy Mayor? 418 00:27:50,600 --> 00:27:56,819 » That's it, Mayor. Thank you. >> All right. 419 00:27:54,320 --> 00:28:00,680 I'm just going to add we had a very [snorts] important birthday in August, 420 00:27:58,680 --> 00:28:02,600 so happy birthday to our clerk, who was last week. 421 00:28:02,059 --> 00:28:07,040 » [laughter] >> So, uh 422 00:28:04,640 --> 00:28:10,000 Happy birthday, Dana. >> Thank you very much. 423 00:28:07,880 --> 00:28:14,280 » Yes. And uh you know, ditto with all the comments 424 00:28:11,760 --> 00:28:18,600 about um our National Night Out. It was well attended. Um 425 00:28:16,320 --> 00:28:23,000 and uh you know, we want to thank our police. Obviously, they did a tremendous 426 00:28:20,560 --> 00:28:27,400 job organizing uh as long as along with OEM and everybody else that 427 00:28:24,840 --> 00:28:31,560 was involved. So, thank you to that. That's all I have. 428 00:28:29,560 --> 00:28:37,640 So, we're going to move on to seven, consent agenda. 429 00:28:34,120 --> 00:28:40,560 Consent agenda A through L. Do I have a motion? 430 00:28:39,280 --> 00:28:43,120 » So moved. >> Is there a second? 431 00:28:41,640 --> 00:28:46,080 » Second. >> Roll call. 432 00:28:44,800 --> 00:28:47,760 » Councilwoman Amigo? >> Yes. 433 00:28:46,480 --> 00:28:49,280 » Councilwoman Peterson? [snorts] >> Yes. 434 00:28:48,160 --> 00:28:50,400 » Deputy Mayor Zisa Ali? >> Yes. 435 00:28:49,720 --> 00:28:56,000 » Mayor Macer? >> Yes. 436 00:28:52,040 --> 00:28:56,000 Item eight, approval of bills. 437 00:28:57,080 --> 00:28:59,040 » [snorts] >> Shall I begin, sir? 438 00:28:58,280 --> 00:29:01,600 » Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. 439 00:28:59,920 --> 00:29:05,640 Be it resolved for the Township of Cedar Grove, County of Essex, New Jersey, that 440 00:29:03,880 --> 00:29:09,520 the summary of bills having been duly audited and found to be correct are 441 00:29:07,240 --> 00:29:13,040 hereby ordered paid in the aggregated amount of $1,659,137.19 442 00:29:15,240 --> 00:29:21,315 cents. >> Thank you. Is there a motion? 443 00:29:19,280 --> 00:29:23,000 » So moved. >> [snorts] 444 00:29:21,640 --> 00:29:25,400 » Second. Roll call. 445 00:29:24,240 --> 00:29:27,040 » Councilwoman Amigo? >> Yes. 446 00:29:25,920 --> 00:29:28,840 » Councilwoman Peterson? [snorts] >> Yes. 447 00:29:27,560 --> 00:29:30,160 » Deputy Mayor Zisa Ali? >> Yes. 448 00:29:29,280 --> 00:29:31,360 » Mayor Macer? >> Yes. 449 00:29:30,800 --> 00:29:35,720 » Thank you. >> Item nine, new business. Do we have any 450 00:29:32,880 --> 00:29:39,880 new business? No? All right. Item 10, public comment. 451 00:29:37,920 --> 00:29:44,400 Anybody from the public? You can speak on anything on or off the agenda. 452 00:29:42,560 --> 00:29:48,520 Anything? No? All right. 453 00:29:46,520 --> 00:29:52,080 We'll close that portion of the meeting. Our next meeting, our public council 454 00:29:50,400 --> 00:29:56,560 meeting, is scheduled for September 14th, 2026, 7:00 p.m. in Council 455 00:29:55,040 --> 00:30:02,520 Chambers. Item 12, we have two items for executive 456 00:30:00,320 --> 00:30:06,840 session. Whereas Section 8 of the Open Public 457 00:30:04,600 --> 00:30:09,360 Meetings Act permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting of the Mayor 458 00:30:08,400 --> 00:30:13,120 and the Council in certain circumstances, and whereas the Mayor and 459 00:30:11,760 --> 00:30:17,720 the Council of the Township of Cedar Grove are of the opinion that such 460 00:30:15,000 --> 00:30:20,760 circumstances exist. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Council 461 00:30:19,320 --> 00:30:25,640 of the Township of Cedar Grove, County of Essex, State of New Jersey, that the 462 00:30:23,160 --> 00:30:29,800 public shall be excluded from discussion of any action in executive session of 463 00:30:28,200 --> 00:30:35,720 the of the meeting of the Mayor and the Council of August 17th, 2026. 464 00:30:33,760 --> 00:30:42,280 The general nature and subject matters to be discussed are personnel matters, 465 00:30:38,680 --> 00:30:47,480 and also land acquisition pursuant to NJSA 10:4-12 466 00:30:45,920 --> 00:30:51,200 B5. It is anticipated at this time that the 467 00:30:49,440 --> 00:30:56,360 above stated subject matter will be made public as soon thereafter as it may be 468 00:30:53,520 --> 00:30:59,800 deemed in the public interest to do so. No further action will be taken. This 469 00:30:58,360 --> 00:31:02,760 resolution shall take effect immediately. 470 00:31:01,320 --> 00:31:05,920 Do I have a motion to go into executive session? 471 00:31:03,800 --> 00:31:08,200 » So moved, Mayor. Second. >> Roll call. 472 00:31:07,040 --> 00:31:10,440 » Councilwoman Mika? >> Yes. 473 00:31:08,680 --> 00:31:12,040 » Councilwoman Peterson? Deputy Mayor Zisavali? 474 00:31:11,640 --> 00:31:13,680 » Yes. >> Mayor Mascia? 475 00:31:12,920 --> 00:31:15,960 » Yes. >> Thank you. 476 00:34:21,639 --> 00:34:23,720 » Mhm.