[39:16] That's what I mean.

[45:21] I heard that heard.

[45:28] » How are you? >> That's my team.

[45:31] » Hey, how you doing?

[45:38] Yeah, that's right.

[45:42] [laughter]

[45:51] » Somebody mine. >> I had an ink.

[45:54] » I had somebody touch it.

[46:00] » Got to go. We got to start. >> Ready.

[46:02] » Thank you. Ready?

[46:08] » No.

[46:26] Make sure my phone is on. Ringer on to the Apple store.

[46:51] Does that not bother you? Right. >> Okay. If it do, just let me know. That's

[46:56] all.

[47:03] Good evening. This is a conference meeting of the municipal council of the

[47:07] city of Orange Township held at City Hall, 29 North Day Street, Orange, New

[47:11] Jersey, on Tuesday, June 16th at 7:02 p.m.

[47:19] » Roll call. Councilman Coley, >> present.

[47:21] » Councilwoman Een, >> here.

[47:22] » Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council Vice President Mig.

[47:26] » Councilman Ross, >> present. Councilwoman Sims Johnson is

[47:29] absent. Council President Wooten here. >> Also, President Trisha Cypio, Chris

[47:33] Hartwh, business administrator. Derek Brown, fire chief. Now, Clemens, fi CFO,

[47:38] Brian Mooney, police chief, Aaron, Miss Rahee, deputy city attorney,

[47:44] and Marlon G. Town's legislative research officer.

[47:50] We'll now observe a moment of silence. Is there any council person who would

[47:55] like to dedicate this moment to something or someone?

[47:58] » Yes, >> I do too.

[48:00] » Okay. Moment of silence. I attended a funeral today from Orange High um David

[48:08] Marshall >> from Orange High School uh class of 19

[48:14] uh 77 and he had he had it today

[48:19] unfortunately. one of my friends >> and also council president uh um a uh a

[48:27] friend church member of Bethle Baptist Church long long serving member uh she

[48:34] turned 100 years old not too long ago uh Miss Ruth Brown and we would like to

[48:40] include her in this moment of silence. >> What's her name again?

[48:44] » Ruth Brown. >> Thank you.

[48:46] » Yeah. And also for me is Miss um Emma Gaskins,

[48:51] longtime resident in the city of Orangetown. She big family. Um she lives

[48:55] in the East Ward. Um she passed recently. Yeah. 400 open.

[49:02] » And to Walter Pewight who was a graduate of

[49:07] Orange High and a star in the community teaching all the

[49:12] young kids how to swim. and we next meeting I hope we will have a

[49:16] proclamation available for him. I'm waiting for his obituary.

[49:22] » Thank you so much for those. David Marshall, class

[49:26] of 77 Orange High School. Uh Ruth Brown, 100 years old. Emma Gins, who passed

[49:33] away, Emma, and Walter Peanut Wright. Let's have a moment of silence.

[49:45] Thank you all. Please be apprised. Anyone wishing to

[49:49] discuss agenda or general items shall sign their name on the comment signup

[49:53] sheet and will be allowed a maximum of 3 minutes to interact with council.

[49:57] Sunshine law. The requirements of NJSA 10 col4-9s

[50:02] sunshine law has been met. A notice of this meeting was sent to the Star Ledger

[50:06] and published in the record transcript on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, posted on

[50:12] the bulletin board in city hall and council's website, the city's website,

[50:17] and filed in the office of the city clerk.

[50:23] Matters for discussion, we have none. um legislation. The resolutions and

[50:30] ordinances to be presented at tonight's meeting are listed on the attached

[50:35] regular meeting agenda. If any council member wishes to discuss any resolution

[50:40] or ordinance, it may be discussed at this time. Before we um go on, I would

[50:47] like to let council members know to check their desk. There are two

[50:52] amendments that I want to present to you. The fair ordinance

[50:59] 16-2026.

[51:04] If you go through there are strikeouts and highlights for um for that

[51:11] ordinance. Starting on the first page, you'll see

[51:15] the the word attached was removed twice. on the third page and firefighting was

[51:22] deleted. Deputy police safety director, chief of uh chief of chief of was

[51:29] removed. Emergency management was added. Letter H was removed.

[51:36] Emergency management was added to J by the direction of the mayor or

[51:42] business administrator was removed from K.

[51:46] Number nine was removed. And on the last page,

[51:50] um, the first line was removed. You you should see all of the, uh, amendments

[51:55] inside on your desk. The second one is ordinance 27.

[52:02] And on this uh, the last page, it adds, you'll see

[52:10] the the additions added on the last page for police chief, fire chief, and public

[52:15] safety director. Do all council members see where the changes are, the

[52:19] amendments are? >> Yes. Can I just make just one note to

[52:22] that? >> Um, the fire director and police

[52:25] director should be stried out as well. >> We have to do that in a separate

[52:32] ordinance after we abolish the position. >> Okay. All right.

[52:41] Is there any legislations that pieces of legislation

[52:47] that uh any council member would like to discuss at this time?

[52:53] I have an amendment for resolution 326 2026.

[53:00] And if you flip over to the second page,

[53:06] » the seventh recital. >> 336.

[53:10] » 326. >> 326.

[53:15] The seventh recital. It should read Central Avenue and Carterette, please.

[53:21] Is that

[53:30] » Central Avenue and Carter instead of Essex? Instead of Es

[53:39] » the seventh recital >> and it shouldn't be S6.

[53:42] » You said 336 or 326? >> 326.

[53:45] » Where was it? number seventh recital down

[53:53] » on the second page. And you see Central Avenue, we should

[53:58] say Central Avenue to to uh Carterette instead of Essex.

[54:16] » Any other council members?

[54:24] » Anyone else? >> That's it.

[54:25] » Sure. Okay. Can I have a motion to adjurnn?

[54:28] » Motion to adjurnn. >> Second.

[54:32] » Motion to adjurnn by councilwoman Tincy Een. Second by council vice president

[54:37] Welen Mu the third. On the motion. All those in favor vote by saying I.

[54:43] » Any opposed? We stand adjourn at 7:10 p.m.

[54:52] Okay.

[54:56] This is a regular meeting of the municipal council of the city of Orange

[54:59] Township held at city hall 29 North D Street, Orange, New Jersey on Tuesday,

[55:04] June 16th following the conference meeting. Could we please all stand for

[55:08] the pledge of allegiance? Who would you like to be led by? Council President,

[55:11] » Councilwoman Ty East, please.

[55:18] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

[55:23] republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

[55:30] justice for all. >> With liberty and justice for all.

[55:33] » Liberty and justice for all. She >> Thank you, ma'am.

[55:39] Roll call. Councilman Coley, >> present.

[55:41] » Councilwoman Een, >> here. Councilwoman Hillbot is absent.

[55:44] Council Vice President Wel the third >> present.

[55:46] » Councilwoman Ross here. Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent. Council

[55:49] President Wooten >> here.

[55:51] » Also present is Trisha Cypio. Chris Hartwark, business administrator. Derek

[55:55] Brown, fire chief. Now Clemens, CFO, Brian Mooney, police chief,

[56:02] Aaron Ms. Rahee, deputy city attorney, and Marlon G. Town's legislative

[56:08] research officer. The requirements of NJSA 104-9 SSA Sunshine Law has been

[56:14] met. A notice of this meeting was sent to the star ledger published in the

[56:17] record transcript on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, posted on the bulletin board

[56:22] at city hall, the the council's website, the city's website, and filed in the

[56:26] office of the city clerk. First on the agenda, approval of meeting minutes,

[56:30] June 3rd, 2026 conference meeting minutes. The

[56:36] councilwoman Summers Jasa was absent and still absent today. So, uh, can I get a

[56:41] motion to approve? Motion >> second Ross.

[56:45] » Motion by Councilman Mu the third. Second by Councilman Ross. All those in

[56:50] favor vote by saying I. >> I.

[56:52] » Any oppose? This has been approved.

[56:58] Uh June 3rd regular meeting minutes. Is there a motion?

[57:04] » Motion. Coley. >> Second. Monty.

[57:09] » Third. Motion by Councilman Kohley, second by

[57:13] Councilman Vice President Montyu the third. All those in favor vote by saying

[57:17] I. I. >> Any opposed?

[57:20] » This has been approved. Um budget hearing minutes for May 28th, 2026.

[57:27] Council member Ross was absent and should abstain. Is there a motion?

[57:31] » Motion Coley. >> Second E.

[57:34] » Motion by Councilman Kohley. Second by Councilwoman Een. on the motion.

[57:42] Roll call. Councilman Coley, >> yes.

[57:44] » Councilwoman Een, >> yes.

[57:46] » Councilman Woman Hilbert is absent. Councilman Muy the third,

[57:50] » yes. >> Councilman Ross,

[57:51] » abstain. >> Councilwoman Summer Champson is absent.

[57:54] And Council President Wooten, >> yes.

[57:57] » That is four years, two absent, one abstain. This is approved.

[58:03] June 11th, 2026 budget hearing minutes. Councilman Ross was absent and should

[58:10] abstain. Is there a motion? >> Motion Coley.

[58:14] » Second. Een. >> Motion by Councilman Coley. Second by

[58:18] Councilwoman Een on the motion. Roll call. Councilman Coley.

[58:22] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Eston.

[58:23] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Hilbert is absent.

[58:25] Councilman Monu the third. >> Yes.

[58:27] » Councilwoman Ross >> abstain.

[58:29] » Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent. And Councilwoman Council President Wen.

[58:33] » Yes. >> That's four ys. One abstain. Two

[58:36] absence. This has been approved. Department revenue collections for the

[58:40] month of May 2026. The Department of Community Services collected $18,483.

[58:45] Park and meters $11,73124.

[58:49] Department of Planning $60,461. Department of Public Works $19,853.

[59:01] Citizen comments. Members of the public wishing to address the council may do so

[59:05] during this portion of the meeting. Speakers must sign their name on the

[59:09] comment comment signup sheet and approach the microphone when called

[59:13] upon. To allow maximum public involvement, each speaker is permitted

[59:17] one three-minute period to interact with the council and must provide his or her

[59:20] name and street address prior to beginning any remarks. Visual aids are

[59:25] not permitted. Speakers are reminded to be courteous and mindful of other

[59:29] individuals. Each person has a right to speak on any subject, but is responsible

[59:34] for the abuse of that right. The city bears no liability for any comments made

[59:39] by the public and maintains discretion to remove any person engaging in an

[59:43] obscene or disruptive conduct. The council will consider all comments and

[59:47] questions and will respond if and when appropriate, which may or may not be

[59:51] during this me meeting. Council President

[59:55] Darnell Gibbs

[1:00:06] Good. Okay, cool. How's everybody doing? >> Good.

[1:00:10] » Thanks. So, I'm going to talk about the same thing I talked about last meeting

[1:00:14] on June 3rd, but I just want to bring sign up real fast on I'm sorry, Darnell

[1:00:18] Gibbs, One Hope Drive. Um on the June 3rd meeting it said that

[1:00:22] the final reading for ordinance number

[1:00:27] 23-2026 and 24-2026

[1:00:32] was on it was going to be July 1st. So is that still happening? No. I just

[1:00:39] wanted to make sure I was right. So it's being done today, right? [cough]

[1:00:43] » It was it was written on the agenda but it was announced that it would be today.

[1:00:48] » Okay, cool. Okay. So for this developer for 23-2026

[1:00:56] the last project that you guys approved for them was ordinance number 66 20223

[1:01:02] from that ordinance built inside of all these tax abatements. They say that they

[1:01:07] shall they should make a good faith effort to hire qualified residents and

[1:01:12] then it states how to go about it. It states that they will seek the

[1:01:15] assistance from human resources or the great township of Orange to help

[1:01:19] facilitate this. So my question is with this developer Vanta Development Group

[1:01:25] for their ordinance 66 2023 when was their workshop and how many residents

[1:01:31] was hired if you know

[1:01:38] » they held a workshop. I don't know the date and I don't have the numbers with

[1:01:42] me on who was hired. Okay, good enough. So, I'll ask for it next meeting. So,

[1:01:47] you bring it. >> I can get it to you before that.

[1:01:49] » Perfect. Sounds good. And then other thing that I had, same question I had

[1:01:53] from last meeting. How do we go about coming up with a number for these tax

[1:01:58] abatements? Like I said, last meeting, I'll bring up the same exact thing this

[1:02:01] time. Ordinance number 23, 2026 is building a 457 unit apartment building.

[1:02:08] To my understanding, none of these units are low income. Correct.

[1:02:12] » That's correct. and they're getting a 23-year tax abatement. Ordinance number

[1:02:16] 24-2026 is building 104 units, no low income

[1:02:22] housing units for that one, too. Correct.

[1:02:25] And they're also receiving a 23-year tax abatement. So, I'm just astonished on

[1:02:30] how a project that's offering 104 units is getting the same tax abatement as a

[1:02:36] project that's offering 457 units.

[1:02:44] No, no answer. >> I didn't know it was a question.

[1:02:48] » That was a question. I'm trying to figure out the calculation or formula

[1:02:50] that is used. >> Calculation is based on annual gross

[1:02:53] revenue and cost analysis. The cost analysis on a 104 unit is less than a

[1:02:59] 457 unit and the annual gross revenue is greater.

[1:03:05] » The annual gross revenue is going to be greater for the 104 unit.

[1:03:08] » 157 unit building. the annual gross revenue is greater. So when you do the

[1:03:12] calculations of gross revenue versus costs,

[1:03:15] » yes, >> the actual number of years for the

[1:03:18] abatement can be very similar. >> Even though we're going to get less

[1:03:22] money from the 104 unit than we're going to do the 4,

[1:03:25] » it's going to cost less to build. >> It's going to cost less to build. So

[1:03:28] they're going to still get the same tax abatement.

[1:03:30] » Correct. Okay. >> Alicia Rodriguez.

[1:03:43] Um, Trisha, could you just move that paper to my left, please? Thank you.

[1:03:50] Uh, Lisa Rodriguez, 487, Mountain View A. Um, I would like to speak regarding

[1:03:55] several ordinances before you tonight and ask for clarification on how these

[1:03:58] decisions are being justified. First, regarding Ordinance 272026, Orange is

[1:04:03] approximately 2.2 2 square miles with about 35,000 residents. The ordin

[1:04:07] ordinance ordinance references municipalities such as East Orange,

[1:04:10] Irvington, Planefield, Atlantic City, and Hillside. Many of these communities

[1:04:14] are significantly larger in population, geographic size, and governmental

[1:04:17] demands. And some of them are not even in Exus County. For example, East Orange

[1:04:22] has 70,000 residents, Arrington has 60,000, Planefield has 55,000, and

[1:04:26] Atlantic City is not even in our region. My question is, who selected these

[1:04:29] municipalities, and what methodology was used to justify these comparisons? If

[1:04:33] residents cannot challenge their property taxes by pointing to a similar

[1:04:36] home in another municipality, why should we elected salary? Why should we have

[1:04:40] salaries be justified um for places that are nowhere near orange? Regarding

[1:04:45] ordinance 24 and 18206 concerns about the city's proposed

[1:04:50] $150,000 contribution towards infrastructure um improvements connected

[1:04:54] to a private redevelopment project. If the redeveloper is already obligated to

[1:04:59] complete project related improvements, what specific infrastructure work is the

[1:05:03] city funding? What why was this improvement requested by a developer or

[1:05:08] was it an existing city need? What percentage of the overall project cost

[1:05:11] is being contributed to the by the developer? And what is the city's

[1:05:14] expected return on the investment? Also, 2426 requires that the investor does

[1:05:19] improvements to the sidewalks, to the roads. So, I'm confused why we're taking

[1:05:23] out $150,000 additional even though they're responsible for these things

[1:05:26] already in the contract. I would also appreciate clarification regarding the

[1:05:30] term substantial completion. Does that mean the tax abatement period begins

[1:05:34] only after construction is completed? If so, what taxes or revenues are being

[1:05:38] paid to the city during the construction? Orange continues to

[1:05:42] approve new residential developments and tax abatements based on the needs for

[1:05:45] additional housing. What data is being used to support the need after nearly

[1:05:48] eight years of redevelopment activity? Are these buildings reachable? Um, are

[1:05:53] these buildings reaching sustainable occupancy levels? And what measures the

[1:05:56] city use to determine whether rents are affordable or at least attainable for

[1:05:59] Orange residents? If many of these projects don't include affordable

[1:06:02] housing, what public goal is being achieved through these tax incentives?

[1:06:06] Um, do agendas and information have to be available to the public prior to any

[1:06:11] public meeting, and if so, how long is the notice required?

[1:06:16] Lastly, ordinance 1626. Why wasn't this file available for public review?

[1:06:22] And I'm a little bit confused. Are CPAs being voted on tonight because they

[1:06:26] weren't on the agenda.

[1:06:30] » Those are my questions. >> Are which one?

[1:06:35] » My last question. >> Last question.

[1:06:36] » Are CBAs being voted on tonight? Because I didn't see any on the agenda.

[1:06:41] » The community benefit agreements were voted on at the last meeting

[1:06:44] » for first reading. Yeah. >> No. Community benefit agreements are

[1:06:47] resolution. They only require one. >> Got it.

[1:06:55] » I frankly couldn't keep up with all your questions. So,

[1:06:57] » 30 minutes is not easy. >> Um I caught a few of them. Uh with

[1:07:03] respect to um ordinance 16,

[1:07:09] um you asked why it wasn't available.

[1:07:13] » Yeah. Um to my knowledge it was posted on the website.

[1:07:16] » It was not okay. >> Um with respect to

[1:07:22] um when we have to provide notice of the agenda, it's supposed to be 48 hours in

[1:07:29] advance to the extent known and it can be changed between that 48

[1:07:34] hours added to or subtracted from.

[1:07:40] » Yeah. With respect to your other questions, if

[1:07:42] you send them to me, I'll answer them.

[1:07:48] » Jada Audri.

[1:07:59] » Good evening. >> Good evening.

[1:08:01] » Good evening. >> I'm Jada Arri. I'm actually from East

[1:08:04] Orange. Um, this is more of an introduction. Um,

[1:08:09] I work as a economic development strategist and I attended last c the

[1:08:14] last council meeting. I understand that the orange residents want more

[1:08:18] responsible developers that benefit the community and as the orange population

[1:08:23] is rapidly growing, we want to keep the dollars within the community. So

[1:08:29] therefore, I would like for my firm to work cohesively with UEZ and developers

[1:08:35] here to develop a vibrant business landscape, create more community

[1:08:40] programming and opportunities for Orange residents.

[1:08:46] Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Aman,

[1:08:51] » Gloria Boseman. I know um Dr. Dr. Boseman will but when you approach the

[1:08:58] it's okay Dr. Boseman please make sure that you're speaking loudly so that that

[1:09:02] the public can hear you. Thank you. Before we we begin I have a question for

[1:09:07] some clarity in terms of when I can speak to the ordinances and when I can

[1:09:12] speak to general comments because as I see on this it appears as though you can

[1:09:17] speak to each one of the second reading of the ordinances. Is that correct?

[1:09:21] That's correct. >> So we're not there yet.

[1:09:24] » All right then. and I'm ready. >> Okay. Good evening. Gloria Boseman, 345

[1:09:29] Orcott Street. Um, I come for several reasons, but I'll start with this one

[1:09:34] since I'm going to talk to general issues first. Every month, we watch this

[1:09:38] council approve redevelopment plans and pilot agreements for multi-million

[1:09:41] dollar developers. Yet, the residents living next to these projects have zero

[1:09:46] input on how the community development funds or the benefits are assigned. The

[1:09:50] current process behind closed doors leaves much of the public input out of

[1:09:55] the actual consideration in its entirety. To fix this gap in

[1:09:59] transparency, I'm proposing to the council a residentled Orange Community

[1:10:04] Redevelopment Advisory Board. This independent board will not cost the

[1:10:08] taxpayers a dime. Instead, it will be made up of uncompensated everyday

[1:10:12] residents from all wards, maybe local businesses and other community

[1:10:15] advocates. Their sole job will be to review the developer agreements. to hold

[1:10:19] independent public hearings to ensure that the neighborhood improvement funds

[1:10:22] are assigned transparently via an objective scoring system. We are tired

[1:10:27] of playing catch-up with these meetings after developers deals are already

[1:10:31] finalized. We need an institutional seat at the table before the contracts are

[1:10:36] signed. I'm asking for tonight for the council members to give this

[1:10:39] consideration and to sponsor an ordinance in forming this board. Give

[1:10:43] the people of Orange a real oversight of the future of our neighborhoods and the

[1:10:48] development. This isn't about trust. I trust all of you, but we'd appreciate

[1:10:52] some structural transparency if the funds are going to be handled perfectly.

[1:10:56] The administration should welcome an independent resident board to review,

[1:11:00] verify, and celebrate the success publicly. So, I'm going to add I been to

[1:11:05] a meeting on this, but I don't remember getting any feedback with regard to it.

[1:11:09] If I had my brothers, some of these things that we might be able to consider

[1:11:12] would be modern uh weather turfs or all weather turfs for our our public parks.

[1:11:17] I would consider resil resilient safety surfacing. I would consider secondary

[1:11:23] playground spaces that are echofriendly. I would consider sensory playgrounds

[1:11:28] that are available to our uh our our ch I won't say challenge but those who fall

[1:11:33] on the sensory deficit continuum. I'd also look for my sensory not sensory but

[1:11:39] my senior playground. I want to play. Um I would also look for multi-generational

[1:11:44] hubs that sponsor career development. that sponsor educational development

[1:11:49] that sponsor social activity and community cohesiveness. I hope that you

[1:11:55] will consider this. Don't make me run. Anyway, nevertheless, I thank you. I

[1:12:00] think my time is up for this. So, that means that I will be able to come back

[1:12:03] on second second readings. Am I correct? Thank you so much.

[1:12:07] » Thank you, Dr. Bose. >> Anthony Burke. [applause]

[1:12:20] Good evening, Anthony Burke, 4 477 Hillside Avenue.

[1:12:25] Um, regarding ordinance 16 uh 2026, the public

[1:12:31] regarding the public safety director on position, the council previously voted

[1:12:36] against creating this public safety director on separate occasions. What are

[1:12:41] the circumstances that have changed now that justify creating this position?

[1:12:47] What specific operational need exist that cannot be addressed by the current

[1:12:51] fire department and police department leadership structure?

[1:12:56] What duties and responsibilities will be assigned to the public safety director?

[1:13:00] What certifications are required for this pos uh this position? What license

[1:13:05] are required for this position? What's the minimum education and experience

[1:13:10] requirements required for this position? Has the job description been finalized?

[1:13:16] If so, can we have a copy of it? If yes, where was it advertised? On what

[1:13:24] date was it posted? How long will the posting be remain open? And what's the

[1:13:30] applica? What's the application deadline? What's the salary range, the

[1:13:35] benefits package, the total anticipated annual cost of this position?

[1:13:40] And was any study, staff analyst, uh,

[1:13:45] analyst, consultant report, or efficiency review conducted to support

[1:13:49] the creation of this position? If so, can you please provide some

[1:13:53] documentation for that? And last and not least, regarding the conversation that

[1:13:59] came up, uh I don't remember what the resolution was, but it's regarding the

[1:14:03] the monies for the Washington Street uh fire station, the renov the renovation

[1:14:09] of it. Was there engineering, architectural, or facilities assessment

[1:14:14] conducted to support the estimate estimated renovation cost of

[1:14:19] approximately $1.8 million for the firehouse located at 261 Washington

[1:14:24] Street? If such study exists, who performed it

[1:14:28] and when was it completed? Can the public review the report estimates or

[1:14:33] supporting documents used to arrive at the $1.18 million figure?

[1:14:39] What specific repairs, upgrades, or renovations are included in this

[1:14:44] renovation?

[1:14:50] » So, I'll address the firehouse issue first. Um the responsibility for the

[1:14:56] engineering, architectural, and construction drawings is with the

[1:14:59] developer. That's part of the development agreement. [snorts] Um there

[1:15:04] has been a couple of contractors that we've had walk through the facility to

[1:15:10] get a ballpark figure. We think it's less than the $1.8 million, but we won't

[1:15:14] know that until we have actual architectural drawings. Um it's early in

[1:15:19] the process. The building still has some environmental remediation to do. Um the

[1:15:25] community benefit agreement requires them to come with a conceptual rendering

[1:15:29] of an architect um within 6 months of signing the agreement. Um and then

[1:15:36] within uh

[1:15:41] another 12 months they have to begin construction once we accept the uh

[1:15:48] conceptual renderings and the budget for the project.

[1:15:53] So a lot of the things that you're asking for in terms of architectural

[1:15:58] engineering construction those are all part of the agreement under the

[1:16:03] community benefits agreement. So, how does that $1.8 million fall into

[1:16:10] that? >> It was easy. We took the number of units

[1:16:13] and multiplied it by $4,000

[1:16:17] and made it similar to all of the other community benefit agreements that we

[1:16:21] have from a cash perspective. We're just applying the cash to a different

[1:16:24] project. >> When you say units, I don't understand

[1:16:26] what you mean by units. >> So, the community benefit agreement

[1:16:30] applied to 50 Maine. There are 457 living units at 50 Maine. We took the

[1:16:37] 457 units, multiplied it by $4,000 per unit, and came up with the $1.28

[1:16:43] million. >> Okay.

[1:16:47] » Anything else regarding the public safety director, please?

[1:16:50] » So, um I'm not aware of other uh attempts to create a public safety

[1:16:57] director. Maybe it was before I was here. Um there's been discussion of it,

[1:17:03] but there's been no ordinances uh introduced as far as I can recall. Um

[1:17:10] but [snorts] the the ordinance lays out that um

[1:17:14] whoever is considered for the position has to have 10 years of law enforcement

[1:17:20] experience, a minimum of 10 years of law enforcement experience.

[1:17:24] Um, there is no job search or criteria

[1:17:28] because no one there's been no advertisement. The position hasn't been

[1:17:32] created yet. Um, and it would be silly to advertise or create a job description

[1:17:39] until the position is actually created. >> I thought there was a ordinance that was

[1:17:43] already passed um >> previously about the position.

[1:17:50] » The ordinance was introduced. this ordinance was introduced. I don't

[1:17:54] believe there was ever an ordinance passed. And in terms of the

[1:17:59] efficiencies, there are two titles on the salary guide, the director of police

[1:18:06] and the director of fire. Those would both be eliminated. The structure would

[1:18:10] be that the public safety director would take charge of the budgeting and

[1:18:15] administration of those two departments along with emergency services or

[1:18:20] emergency management. um and would have the uh administrative

[1:18:27] support u of one person as opposed to the current structure which has two

[1:18:34] director on paper two directors um and four support staff.

[1:18:39] » Okay, >> that's all the time I have.

[1:18:43] » Okay, thank you. Corum rhymes.

[1:18:53] » Good evening. Thank you, Council President. Council members,

[1:18:56] » speak up a little bit for me there. >> Sure.

[1:18:58] » Thank you. >> Thank you, Council President. Um,

[1:19:00] council members and other officials in the city of Orange. Um, I come before

[1:19:05] you, um, just to recognize Councilwoman Tensson East. I had the privilege of

[1:19:10] serving with her from 2000 to 2008 uh which ended my term. During that time I

[1:19:17] and up to present able to witness u a transformation that she has made into a

[1:19:23] leadership role um within the city, the county and she's recognized um

[1:19:28] statewide. I um also like to thank her for her

[1:19:32] support. Um, I'm involved with organization called BDPA, which is Black

[1:19:35] Data Processing Associates, and she over over the years has been able to

[1:19:39] recommend students to us, especially when we're giving out the free laptops.

[1:19:43] Um, but it was just helpful um for her guidance to to be there. So, just wanted

[1:19:48] to um bid her uh a well do rest and thank her for her her

[1:19:56] service. Thank you. >> Thank you,

[1:20:00] Bashier.

[1:20:10] Good evening. Good evening. Good evening. How's everybody doing? Do I

[1:20:14] need a microphone? Am I good? >> You're great. Thank you.

[1:20:18] » Giving honor to God to be here. Thank God to see council president

[1:20:23] » Wooten >> and

[1:20:26] so many of you I haven't seen in years. Our great fire chief, Mr. Brown, my

[1:20:32] police chief, Mr. Moody, >> I'm so sorry,

[1:20:35] » but would you do me with one favor first? State your full name and your

[1:20:38] address first. >> Rashier McGran,

[1:20:41] 308 North Walnut Street, East Orange, New Jersey.

[1:20:44] » Thank you. >> So, for over the past probably 30 years,

[1:20:49] a lot of people would probably know I've been working in the community of Orange

[1:20:53] for years. I'm here today because I want to

[1:20:57] acknowledge someone who has been very dear to my life,

[1:21:04] very dear to my mentor program, and very dear to all of the work that God has

[1:21:09] allowed me to be in the center of. >> Uh [clears throat] when I moved to

[1:21:14] Orange in the early 2000s, I opened up a barber shop called Boys to

[1:21:20] Men Barber Shop. When I opened that barber shop, I didn't

[1:21:25] know anybody in Orange at the time. I met Tensy Een.

[1:21:32] We had a great conversation about work she wanted to do in the North Ward.

[1:21:37] I felt her spirit. I felt her desire. I felt her passion.

[1:21:43] She introduced me to her great family. And she decided that I was going to be

[1:21:48] somebody that she would support. So, I've done a lot of work in the city of

[1:21:53] Orange. And today, I'm here to honor Tensy Een with a gift just to say thank

[1:22:00] you for all of the work that you've done in my life, for all of the things that

[1:22:06] I've accomplished over the past 25 years. If it wasn't for

[1:22:10] you, I wouldn't have been standing here uh acknowledging that. So, I'm just

[1:22:16] going to ask briefly if everybody could stand, if you don't mind.

[1:22:20] and give a round of applause.

[1:22:26] [applause]

[1:22:29] And I would like to present I would like to present this to Tency

[1:22:34] and I'll read it. It says to councilwoman and former council

[1:22:40] president Teny Een, congratulations and thank you for your years and decades of

[1:22:46] outstanding service in the state of New Jersey and the city of Orange. We are a

[1:22:51] great community because of you and we love you.

[1:22:57] [applause]

[1:23:04] And this is a card.

[1:23:10] » Thank you guys very much. >> God bless you all.

[1:23:13] » God bless you.

[1:23:21] » Yarro Wilman. I can't read the last name.

[1:23:26] » Sorry. >> Oh, no problem.

[1:23:27] » Yeah. Yara Wilman. Cole. >> Say it one more time for me.

[1:23:31] » Wilman Cole. Yeah. 1549 Vauxh Hall Road. Um I am here to testify in support of

[1:23:37] Councilwoman Hilbert's resolution to urge the state to fully fund and expand

[1:23:41] our child care assistance program. I work as the workplace justice director

[1:23:45] at New Jersey Citizen Action and we convene a New Jersey uh child care for

[1:23:49] all organizing table and collectively we represent thousands of low and moderate

[1:23:54] income workers including childare workers across New Jersey and in Orange

[1:23:58] who are impacted by the lack of affordable quality child care. To give

[1:24:02] you some brief background, some of you may be aware, but the state budget

[1:24:06] didn't adequately fund the child cap child care assistance program known as

[1:24:09] CCAP. And the program was frozen from August till May. So that meant for nine

[1:24:13] months, thousands of low-income families were prevented from accessing this vital

[1:24:17] support. Without child care, working families and early child care educators,

[1:24:23] child care centers are pushed to even more precarious situations than they

[1:24:27] were previously. My shirt says it all. Our economy runs on child care and our

[1:24:32] state must invest in it to make it more affordable and accessible for all. More

[1:24:36] than 40% of New Jerseyians are struggling to make ends meet. One in

[1:24:40] nine of our children live in poverty and many families spend an average of 19% on

[1:24:45] their monthly budget on child care. Access to affordable child care is

[1:24:49] critical not only as a key affordability issue for our families, but also because

[1:24:53] it's an important educational and developmental support for growing

[1:24:56] children's hearts and brains. A parent who lives here in Orange was unable to

[1:25:01] join us but wanted to share her story. She loved her work as an early childhood

[1:25:06] worker but not the pay. She managed to get by and was looking into continuing

[1:25:10] her studies and early childhood development until she had her first

[1:25:14] child. She knew child care was expensive but she was unable to find a child care

[1:25:19] spot that she could afford while she continued to work in the field. And she

[1:25:23] was unable to access CCAP because the program was frozen from new applicants.

[1:25:28] She was fortunate to be able to continue to live with her family while she

[1:25:32] figured out work and care, but um it made it so that she was destabilizing

[1:25:36] her financial security and her career path. She would love to come share her

[1:25:40] person her story in person and make sure others understand that this is an issue

[1:25:44] not a personal failure that they can't get ahead but a structural and systemic

[1:25:48] one that we can change. So we urge you today to pass the resolution because the

[1:25:53] city of Orange should stand with working families, childare workers and children

[1:25:58] to ensure that our state budget reflects our values, pri prioritize child care

[1:26:03] funding to put our families first, lower cost and provide stability for child

[1:26:07] care providers and strengthen our child care system, which also helps employers

[1:26:12] and our economy overall. So together, we want to urge you to pass this resolution

[1:26:16] so that we can build a more affordable New Jersey. and we thank you so much for

[1:26:20] giving us this opportunity here in Orange.

[1:26:22] » Thank you.

[1:26:30] » I think the last name is Castellian.

[1:26:35] [clears throat] >> What's the first name? Got to come to

[1:26:38] the mic first.

[1:26:56] I'm going to help to translate into English. Um, so I don't know how you

[1:27:01] want to go if she say the statements. >> First, state the name and address first.

[1:27:07] » Yeah, she said it already. >> Okay. So, you translated in English.

[1:27:10] Okay. To English. Her name is Ingri Castong and she live in the 37572

[1:27:15] Mechanic Street here in Orange.

[1:27:34] Jersey. Okay, we are here in support of resolution 329. And she say like um dear

[1:27:41] or orange township council member, thank you so much for the opportunity to share

[1:27:45] my testimony around issues that affect hund families in our community and

[1:27:50] throughout the state of New Jersey. >> Okay. When you speak, I need you to

[1:27:53] speak louder into the mic. Okay. I'm sorry. They texted me.

[1:28:02] The laundry workers.

[1:28:18] My name Okay. My name is Ingri Caston. I'm a leading organizer of the

[1:28:24] organization Laundry Workers Center. I'm also an immigrant women from the

[1:28:28] Salvador and resident of Orange for seven years with my two teenagers.

[1:28:41] Like many other families in Orange, child care has always been a great

[1:28:45] challenge. As a single mother, I didn't understand why the cost is so high and

[1:28:50] unaffordable.

[1:29:02] When I arrive in Orange, I start working as a kitchen assistant in a restaurant

[1:29:07] where they only pay me $8 per hours.

[1:29:25] I f I feel I I was being exploited. They impose me more task on my in me than I

[1:29:32] have to do and require me to complete them in less time which was reflected in

[1:29:36] my income since they pay me few hours.

[1:29:48] However, I have to make full payment of the pay of the person who take care of

[1:29:53] my children. I'm sorry, this is taking longer. So, I don't know if you allowed

[1:29:57] her to finish.

[1:30:00] » Because I have to translate. So, >> and instead of her saying it, can you

[1:30:03] just read it in English? >> Okay. Or if you can allow us to make

[1:30:09] copies and we give it to each one of the >> We already provide copies

[1:30:13] » in in this pamphlet, right? Okay. Yeah. Okay.

[1:30:16] » But can we finish the >> um how much longer is that?

[1:30:21] » Two paragraphs. One >> two paragraphs. Okay.

[1:30:35] This is how I have to make the sad decision to leave my children alone,

[1:30:40] sending them to a school and letting them to return home unsupervises.

[1:30:54] This situation was not only stressful for me but also put the wellbeing and

[1:30:58] safety of my children at risk. But I have no choice.

[1:31:25] My case is not unique to the p to um my my case is not unique to the past. Hund

[1:31:33] of families have to face the situation right now. Now as an organizer I visit

[1:31:38] laundry mat workers and it's a systemic problem that I have seen in the industry

[1:31:42] is that many workers have been bring their children to the laundromats

[1:31:46] because they cannot afford child care and bad employers use this as exploit

[1:31:51] the workers do not pay minimum wage or provide basic needs. We cannot continue

[1:31:56] allow this type of abuse.

[1:32:25] The New Jersey.

[1:32:40] It is essential that all families regarding the their economy situation

[1:32:44] without distinction have access to free child care. All children deserve to grow

[1:32:48] in a safe loving environment. A mother like me need support to be able to work

[1:32:53] and care for our children at the same time. That's why I'm part of the New

[1:32:57] Jersey Care for all and I strongly support change in our system. Free child

[1:33:03] care is a right that should be available for all families. I strongly urge the

[1:33:08] city of Orange to approve this resolution to continue and join the

[1:33:13] other cities like Newark Precport and many others.

[1:33:16] » Okay. Thank you so much. >> Gracias.

[1:33:18] » Thank you. Thank you.

[1:33:24] » Can I have a motion to close citizens comments?

[1:33:26] » And council members >> close citizen comments.

[1:33:29] » That was resolution 329 2026 in our packet.

[1:33:34] » Is there a second? Second Ross. >> Motion to close citizens comments was

[1:33:39] made by council vice president Monty the third, second by Councilman Ross. All

[1:33:44] those in favor vote by saying I. >> I. Any opposed?

[1:33:48] » Council uh citizen comments has been closed. Council comments.

[1:33:54] And I want to announce that uh uh city attorney arrived at 7:48.

[1:34:02] » Councilman Clifford Ross. Thank you, Council President. Good

[1:34:07] evening, everyone. [clears throat] Um, I just want to follow up with a few

[1:34:11] um questions from the BA. U mostly about um signs. I want to follow up with the

[1:34:18] left turn sign that was requested and approved um for Scotland Road.

[1:34:25] » You mean by the building on Lincoln and Scotland? Yes. It's been ordered and so

[1:34:29] have the stansions. >> It's there. No, I said so have the

[1:34:33] stansions. >> Oh, it's been ordered. Yes.

[1:34:35] » Okay. >> Um, what about the followup on the

[1:34:40] autism signs that was passed also? >> I have to check.

[1:34:47] » And what is the status of the one-way sign on Clarinet Street?

[1:34:54] [snorts]

[1:34:57] We were changing it. we was changing Claritin from one direction to the other

[1:35:02] direction. >> So, we did the engineering study. Um, it

[1:35:06] was reported to the neighborhood. There are a number of items that have to be

[1:35:10] taken, a number of steps that have to be taken with NJ DOT and the engineering

[1:35:15] firm in order to move [snorts] forward. The engineering firm's been instructed

[1:35:20] to take those steps with DOT. And once those steps are taken and the report is

[1:35:26] submitted, we'll get the okay from DOT to actually make the change.

[1:35:31] » Okay. Do we have a time frame when this will be completed?

[1:35:36] » It's DOT. >> Okay. So, take a while.

[1:35:42] » What is the um status of the parking garage um by the New Jersey by the train

[1:35:48] station? Have all of that equipment been in there? Is that ready? And

[1:35:52] » we're waiting for the last software piece to be installed.

[1:36:00] » And same question I ask every every u meeting. Status of the parking utility

[1:36:06] and when will it start? >> So the PATs equipment hasn't arrived

[1:36:10] yet. Um we're ready with the the list of people who are going to be hired for

[1:36:17] enforcement. Um their uniforms are already been

[1:36:20] ordered. All their equipment that we need to order from an outside vendor has

[1:36:25] been ordered. We're just waiting on the Pat's equipment.

[1:36:29] Okay. [clears throat] Um

[1:36:35] the official date of the opening of our parks, pools, and spray parks is Jan

[1:36:40] July 1st, >> correct?

[1:36:43] » Summer camp also? >> Yes.

[1:36:45] » Okay. Thank you. Um I have a couple of announcements. Um the first one is um

[1:36:54] the Junior Public Safety Academy. And if the um fire chief wants to talk

[1:37:01] about this, he can. But you know, this is going to be happening on July 13th

[1:37:06] through August 7th, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 400 pm. It's a

[1:37:12] fruit free program. And um how long has this program been going on?

[1:37:19] [snorts] About

[1:37:25] 20 plus years. >> How long?

[1:37:27] » About 20 plus years.

[1:37:32] » We got five years. >> Five years.

[1:37:34] » Derek Brown, fire chief. Orange. >> Just just let people know what this

[1:37:39] program is about because it's a great program.

[1:37:41] » Orange Police and Fire have come together. We have the Junior Public

[1:37:44] Safety Academy. It will be starting July 13th and proceeding into August 7th. We

[1:37:50] do have a component now since the county has been involved and have uh

[1:37:56] we say granted us funds for the academy this year. So we have a Olympics this

[1:38:00] year with the county with other organizations of children having

[1:38:03] Olympics on August 8th. Um the applications are online that can be

[1:38:08] filled out online if you go to the police or the fire department website

[1:38:12] and you fill out that information. If you have any issues with the on-site,

[1:38:17] you can call us at the department at 9739-52-6134

[1:38:22] or 6143. Captain Dawson and Captain Smith from the fire starter handling

[1:38:27] things. We do have those on the police side as well. So, applications can be

[1:38:32] filled out. We are accepting applications and we're looking for a

[1:38:35] great camp this year from police and fire.

[1:38:37] » Thank you. You're welcome. And while you're up there, [clears throat]

[1:38:40] fire department has a open house and recruitment fair coming up on um June

[1:38:46] 27th found on that. >> So we don't know the date when the

[1:38:50] applications are coming out online for civil service whether it will be July.

[1:38:54] So in preparation that we preparing those for that time to fill out the

[1:38:58] applications and the awareness about what it is to become a firefighter. So

[1:39:01] that will be happening at the fieldhouse as you have the flyer there coming up

[1:39:05] soon. Um, so we're looking forward to that on the 27th,

[1:39:08] » correct? >> Of this month.

[1:39:10] » Thank you, F. >> You're welcome.

[1:39:11] » Thank you, President. Can I ask him something while he's there

[1:39:15] if you don't mind? >> This the last time I'm going to let you

[1:39:18] do this. >> The last time I [laughter]

[1:39:24] uh I went on the um the website to try and find the application

[1:39:32] and I couldn't. So, I don't know. Was that uh is it it's under the fire

[1:39:36] department, right? >> Yes.

[1:39:37] » So, have you any of you went on it and >> I have done it? I've coached somebody

[1:39:41] through it as well. So, like I said, any issues with getting online, you can give

[1:39:46] us a call at the fire department. I give you my direct line as well, 9739526132.

[1:39:54] So, just call me direct. I'll coach you right through those things to get online

[1:39:57] and fill out that application. >> Yeah, because I'm quite sure some of the

[1:39:59] residents are having the same issues I have.

[1:40:01] » Okay. We'll we'll further look into it now, but I couldn't find the

[1:40:05] application. >> Okay.

[1:40:07] » Yeah. All right. >> We'll look into it now. Thank you so

[1:40:09] much. And uh Council Me, thank you so much for your time here with the city

[1:40:13] and everything that you've done here in your career as as a council woman and

[1:40:17] council president from the fire department. We say thank you. We love

[1:40:20] you very much. So, you're going to be greatly missed, but you're always here

[1:40:23] for you. Thank you so much for all you've done for the city of Orange.

[1:40:26] » Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Jesus. >> [applause]

[1:40:32] » Thank you. Um, one more announcement. The city of Orange um is going to have a

[1:40:37] gospel festival on Saturday, June 27th at Monty Irving

[1:40:43] Orange Park um from 12 to 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a day of music, praise, bouncy

[1:40:51] house, trivia, and raffles. It's a good time. So, please come out if you can.

[1:40:56] And um before I close, I would just like to take a moment to recognize and wish

[1:41:02] all the fathers a very happy father's day this coming Sunday.

[1:41:08] Um a father is more than a title. A father is a provider, a protector,

[1:41:15] [snorts] a teacher, a mentor, and a role model.

[1:41:19] He is someone who makes sacrifices often without recognition to ensure his family

[1:41:24] is cared for, supported, and given every opportunity to succeed. Fathers help

[1:41:30] shape the values, character, and future of their children through their love,

[1:41:35] guidance, and example. As a proud father myself, I can say that being a dad has

[1:41:41] been one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I wouldn't have it any other

[1:41:45] way. To all the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures who

[1:41:52] lead with strength, compassion, and commitment. Thank you all that you do.

[1:41:57] Thank you all for all that you do. And happy Father's Day to you all. Thank

[1:42:03] you, Council President. >> You're welcome,

[1:42:06] » Councilman Montigue. [snorts and clears throat]

[1:42:09] » Good evening, everyone. I just want to um let everyone know I

[1:42:15] think I let everyone know about this a lot of times.

[1:42:18] Um we're having a kids summer camp. We're taking them this the second annual

[1:42:25] to Lebanon, Pennsylvania from July 19th to July 24th. They get an opportunity

[1:42:34] outbound games, drawing and painting, swimming,

[1:42:39] uh nature walks, you know, all kinds of stuff. A a

[1:42:44] beautiful program, well supervised. So,

[1:42:49] we need we need more people or we're going to have to open it up to other

[1:42:54] communities. I think we we have like 11 or 12 people from Orange, but everybody

[1:43:01] from East Orange, different areas, I keep telling them, "No, you have to be

[1:43:06] from Orange." So, if you know any kids that barely go on vacations, never leave

[1:43:13] the city of Orange, and they want to, it's like the fresh air fun when I was

[1:43:18] young. You getting the opportunity to leave the city.

[1:43:22] Please give me a call at 9734768384.

[1:43:30] This is so organized and so safe. Uh Clifford Ross and myself, we drive with

[1:43:36] the kids up there. So, it's a it's a beautiful camp. You

[1:43:42] know, a lot of kids all they do is go from park to park to park. Let's give

[1:43:46] them something that they can remember. Okay? So please give me a call.

[1:43:52] Councilman Montigue 973476

[1:43:58] 8384. Thank you.

[1:44:04] » That's it. Council. >> Well, yeah. I have one more thing.

[1:44:07] » Oh, okay. >> What am I going to ask you?

[1:44:10] » Was the status of the rec center? >> Yes.

[1:44:14] » In the hospital. Um, we're getting ready to reissue the

[1:44:20] RFP and we're in discussions with three developers already to get some sense

[1:44:27] from them as to whether or not they'd be interested in pursuing the project.

[1:44:31] » Now, please, let's definitely not turn the Y into an apartment building. That's

[1:44:38] not what we want in Orange. Please. So, are they still are we going to still

[1:44:44] have the rec center there? >> Yes. Okay, long as we have that. All

[1:44:48] right, I'm gonna I'm gonna defer to my council

[1:44:52] colleagues to the great Tennessee Een. >> Is that who you was going to call?

[1:45:00] » No, I was not, but go ahead. [laughter] >> Okay. Did you I'm done. Thank you,

[1:45:05] Council President. >> Councilman Coley.

[1:45:08] » Thank you, Council President. I'd be real brief. Um

[1:45:12] I I know that everyone who um have cars um

[1:45:18] you know deser and deserve a place to park. Um, but we have uh a lot of people

[1:45:26] around the city who u make illegal driveways in front of the house. And

[1:45:32] again, like I said, I know people, you know, deserve to have somewhere to park.

[1:45:36] And being that uh those illegal driveways are uh not being um enforced

[1:45:43] by uh you know, giving out summones when people are jumping the curb uh tearing

[1:45:48] up the sidewalk. uh we should um uh govern that. we should do something to

[1:45:55] govern that. and and and if that's going to be the case, um change the zoning um

[1:46:01] laws and uh have them, you know, um you know, uh pay for the um you know, um

[1:46:08] whatever it is that they're doing for the parking because we have so many

[1:46:12] people that's jumping the curb, tearing the curbs up and and parking and and

[1:46:19] like I said, I understand people need to have somewhere to park, but it should be

[1:46:23] regulated in some way, shape or form, you know. Um,

[1:46:30] and I've seen um many cases where people um jumped the

[1:46:38] curve in these illegal parking spaces and then

[1:46:42] someone pulled up and blocked them in and now you have this whole situation

[1:46:47] about um um I'm blocked in and no, you shouldn't have been there in the first

[1:46:53] place. So we should regulate it in some way, shape or form, you know, um, you

[1:46:58] know, just to combat that and and um just to, you know, just either we're

[1:47:04] going to do it or we're not going to do it. is gonna be enforced or not gonna be

[1:47:08] enforced, you know, and and um and we was it you t

[1:47:15] um a few years back we had the uh commercial vehicle um ordinance pass

[1:47:22] where um like commercial vehicles that uh park on a um city street um

[1:47:32] » yeah we did you know but that's that's something that we need to um again I I

[1:47:38] understand people are working and and they need to have somewhere to park, you

[1:47:42] know, but if we're going to have an ordinance on on the books and it's not

[1:47:45] being enforced, either we're going to take it off the books or we're going to

[1:47:48] enforce it. And if we do enforce it, you know, um I don't want to say that we

[1:47:53] just start beating people side the head, you know, but maybe create a flyer or

[1:47:57] something and the vehicles that are in violation. Um just kindly remind them

[1:48:04] that uh you are in violation of whatever ordinance number it is. And at some

[1:48:11] point in time, uh, we're going to, um, start, um, enforcing this and that will

[1:48:17] help ease some of the, uh, uh, parking, um, around the city. Um, I'm going leave

[1:48:22] it right there. And I just want to, um, thank um, my friend,

[1:48:29] Councilman N, um, for all your years of service. It has not been easy. Um it has

[1:48:37] been um up and down but uh one thing I can say it's been constant. Um you have

[1:48:43] always been here um leading, guiding and directing and never backing down on what

[1:48:51] you believe and I thank you for that. I'll leave right there. Thank you,

[1:48:57] » Councilwoman E. >> Yes. First before I let me just make two

[1:49:02] announcements or one announcement and easy pickings is closing.

[1:49:09] » It's been here for eons. >> So I hope we have some place somebody

[1:49:13] going in that spot because that's on a major corner. Can you hear me? Can you

[1:49:18] hear me? Okay. >> And I want to announce that on July the

[1:49:21] 10th the division of motor vehicle mobile unit will be at St. Matthew's

[1:49:27] Church from 10 to 2. The appointment schedule opened up

[1:49:32] today. So, if you want to come and make an appointment,

[1:49:37] the link is online or you can get the link through St. Matthew's Church, but

[1:49:43] it is open. If you go on the motor vehicle site, you can see the link. You

[1:49:46] have to have an appointment to be there and it lists all of the services that

[1:49:51] it's going to offer on that day. you don't need appointment if you want to

[1:49:56] drop off your license plates uh and some of the other things. So, you

[1:50:00] can just come in and drop off your old license plates.

[1:50:05] Uh the other thing I want to talk about is I want to thank you all for being my

[1:50:11] council colleagues, you know, and say what I say.

[1:50:17] I'm sad about leaving. I'm sad and happy because now I can do some other things

[1:50:23] that I wanted to do. And I just want to say the counselor was just a title. I am

[1:50:29] still Mrs. E. I will still be here. I will still be in my award because you

[1:50:33] all know I love the North Ward. So I will make sure the North Ward is taken

[1:50:37] care of even though I don't have the title anymore.

[1:50:41] But I want to thank my good friends that came in tonight to say thank you. I

[1:50:46] appreciate you guys. I love you and I love the city of Orange and I'm going to

[1:50:50] continue to work in the city of the only difference is now I have an opportunity

[1:50:55] to say a lot of things I couldn't say as a council woman so I can dispel a lot of

[1:51:00] the negativity of the things that are coming up that are not true untrue and

[1:51:05] people making comments that are not true. Um

[1:51:10] but before I finish my comments, one other thing um through our um business

[1:51:14] administrator Lakeside and uh Cleveland Street, there's a vacant

[1:51:19] lot. >> Okay.

[1:51:21] » Is that a possibility we could turn that into city parking and charge a fee for

[1:51:27] people to park their cars there? I mean, you have cars and there could be

[1:51:31] cleaning up. The reason I say that is, and Councilman Coley can attest to this,

[1:51:36] when I brought up the booting the other council meeting, you guys laughed me

[1:51:41] often, remember? But it has spread like wildfire.

[1:51:48] A lot of the private owners are hiring these contractors, these towing trucks,

[1:51:55] and they're booting cars. They're starting in the parking lots of the

[1:51:59] buildings. So, one of the buildings has now

[1:52:04] enforced one space for each apartment. So, if you got two cars, they won't give

[1:52:11] you another space. So, over there by three corner deli, we

[1:52:16] don't have the luxury of the big apartment buildings that's got the

[1:52:19] parking garages where people can park and they can go in and rent a space. So,

[1:52:25] I'm wondering if we can make Lakeside and Cleveland. Could we look at that a

[1:52:30] parking lot is city owned property and we probably could legislate it and

[1:52:34] charge a fee so people have a second option to park those cars.

[1:52:41] So could you make a note I will follow up with you in the next coming weeks to

[1:52:45] make sure that we make that happen. >> Okay.

[1:52:48] » Yeah. But I I want to talk a little bit about real talk. Orange Wheel talk

[1:52:55] that started out being a positive site and then has become a negative site. And

[1:53:01] I just want to say a lot of the comments that's on there are untrue. People don't

[1:53:06] give the facts. And I want our residents that's online to understand that that is

[1:53:11] not a site you go to get the facts. That's a site where you go to get an

[1:53:15] opinion. And people are being very negative. And I just want to talk about

[1:53:20] what the policy is. If you want to be on a board

[1:53:25] or an organiz or a committee, all you have to do is call your council person,

[1:53:30] give them your name, and tell them you're interested. As we walk this city,

[1:53:34] and my council colleagues can say, we always ask, do you want to get in the

[1:53:38] minutes of government? Do you want to get on a board? Just let us know. We

[1:53:42] take names and we follow through. So for someone to get up there and say that we

[1:53:47] are doing things underhanded, undermining, that is totally not true

[1:53:53] because everything we do is transparent and if you have a concern, you can

[1:53:58] always b it with your council person, with the mayor or with our business

[1:54:01] administrator. So, I just want to and I'm hoping and I'm praying as we go

[1:54:07] through with new development that we bring in positive people that want to

[1:54:11] build on what we built in this city. And please guys, don't let us lose ground

[1:54:16] and go backward because the people that are talking only represent a small

[1:54:21] number. We have over 30,000 people in this city and you know how many show up

[1:54:27] at council meeting because the rest of them they address their concerns when

[1:54:31] we're walking. We're talking to them. So I'm just praying that as you guys

[1:54:36] and when people talk about pilots a lot of because they really don't understand

[1:54:40] what a pallet really is. You know they get a lot of what I'm say on [snorts]

[1:54:45] the street information. they don't get the facts and they put it up like it's

[1:54:49] the facts because we do make money eventually on those ballots and it helps

[1:54:53] the taxpayers. So guys, please stay positive. I will be here. I'm not going

[1:54:59] anywhere. I love my ward. I love my city and I want to thank the residents for

[1:55:04] the opportunity to serve them for 24 years. So I'm not sad about leaving.

[1:55:12] I need some rest. >> I need some time off.

[1:55:16] But I'm still your friend. >> Thank you.

[1:55:20] » Thank you, Council. [applause] Council President, can I just add on Can

[1:55:24] I add on one thing that um she brought up the uh the towing services and I may

[1:55:30] have mentioned this before. I may have mentioned this before. Um we should uh

[1:55:36] create some legislation um regulating and um and and uh how the towing

[1:55:44] services on on these private um uh uh uh properties are handled. They just

[1:55:52] because now they can just come in any towing service can come in to your

[1:55:56] vehicle or boot your vehicle and hold your vehicle hostage. you know, it

[1:56:00] should be some kind of um ordinance created where um you have to come in um

[1:56:06] you know, uh uh you know, do whatever, you know, um registration it is. Um so

[1:56:12] we can know exactly um who these towing services are, you know, because now

[1:56:17] anyone can just come in um um do these services, boot your vehicle, tow your

[1:56:22] vehicle, hold your vehicle hostage and uh and and and it's just a nightmarish

[1:56:27] uh uh situation. I think we need to create some type of um ordinance

[1:56:32] governing the um uh uh towing services. Council President, could I just

[1:56:38] » Council Acol, we're step ahead of you. Our city attorney, Aaron Mitsrai, is

[1:56:44] already doing that. We should have it in the next couple of days. He's putting

[1:56:50] together the guidelines for the police department, how they operate for those

[1:56:54] touring that's being contracted by private owners.

[1:57:00] So, they should have it in the next couple of days because I found out

[1:57:06] this weekend they do have to register with the city in order to operate even

[1:57:12] though they're contracted by a private owner and that is going to be

[1:57:17] reinforced. And I guess Chief Mooney, if you want to talk to uh Detective

[1:57:23] Richards uh and um our attorney, they're already

[1:57:28] working on that. so that they can give you guys some guidelines to use so that

[1:57:33] our officers are not out there on Saturday and Sunday not knowing how to

[1:57:38] handle those situations. So, it's already in the works.

[1:57:41] » Thank you very much. >> Okay.

[1:57:43] » Thank you. So, before I speak, I would like to bring up the Orange Police

[1:57:46] Department.

[1:57:55] » Thank you, Chief Moon. >> Good evening. And yes, Mr. CE, that that

[1:57:58] is correct. met with Sergeant Richards today and uh I know he was having some

[1:58:01] meetings today and I'm going to get an update on but uh that's a concern and uh

[1:58:06] I know they're putting some things together to correct some of that problem

[1:58:08] with these out out of town and the uh some of the stuff that's going on on

[1:58:12] private property. >> Yeah. Just to say your captain is still

[1:58:14] at work even though he's retiring. >> Oh, absolutely. So, thank you council

[1:58:19] president for bringing me up for an opportunity to speak on behalf of the

[1:58:22] men and women of the Orange Police Department. Uh, Councilwoman Een, uh, on

[1:58:26] behalf of them, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the years. I think

[1:58:30] most of my career, you've been in your position. Thank you for the opportunity.

[1:58:33] Always a fair conversation. Good times and bad. We've had some wonderful

[1:58:38] moments over my career, and we've had some some lousy ones, some officer

[1:58:41] deaths, and some bad moments when you're always there. And you gave us a fair

[1:58:44] opportunity when there was um things where the the Orange Police Department

[1:58:48] was being questioned, and sometimes it was it was rightly so. but you gave us

[1:58:52] an opportunity to speak and explain ourselves to the the citizens and and

[1:58:56] your constituents and we're uh we're thankful and grateful for that. I I

[1:59:00] loved our dialogue. I know when the phone rang and it was going to be a

[1:59:03] serious conversation about what was going on whether it was when I was in

[1:59:06] enforcement or community service or no matter where I worked, it was going to

[1:59:10] be that, you know, this is serious and you always thought of your citizens

[1:59:13] first and how, you know, it could be better and the police department could

[1:59:16] serve them better. So, I I just want to say thank you for the men and women um

[1:59:21] for always giving us a chance uh for standing up when we needed someone to

[1:59:25] stand up and question us when we needed to be questioned. And uh I always

[1:59:28] brought uh enjoyed that transparency and I wish you nothing but the best. I know

[1:59:32] you said it. I know your fire is still burning and that's not going to change.

[1:59:36] So, from that perspective, I expect to hear from you in the future. So, I wish

[1:59:39] you nothing but the best and good luck. >> I give your father-in-law my best.

[1:59:44] » Absolutely.

[1:59:49] So, I want to start off by talking about Saturday in the city of Orange Township.

[1:59:54] Saturday was a great um day. It was an exciting day. It was a long day,

[1:59:59] Councilman. Um Monty, you and I were out there. So, we started off Saturday

[2:00:03] morning in College Park with the girls flag football team, which there was a

[2:00:09] phenomenal game. I regret to say we lost, but that's okay. Um, but we, you

[2:00:16] know, had a good time, good conversation with the coach from East Orange. And

[2:00:20] what we're going to do is take our girls, um, to have some scrimmage games

[2:00:24] with them. We're going to set up something where they can go over and

[2:00:27] play games and they can come over and play games. But that was a really good

[2:00:30] game. Really good to see young ladies out there playing football. It was

[2:00:34] absolutely amazing. Then from Flag Football, we popped over to the um

[2:00:41] what's that thing where they throw the paint um

[2:00:46] » Orange Park. >> Mhm.

[2:00:47] » Orange Park, right? >> It was the I I can't remember the name

[2:00:50] of but but it's where the young people have these paint packets and they color

[2:00:55] run. That's what it is. Yeah. So, we left Flag football. We went over to

[2:00:59] Orange Park. There was a color run. So, believe me, I stayed out of the color

[2:01:03] room, but people were pink and purple and all different [laughter] colors. It

[2:01:06] was the end of orange week for the board of education, which we had tennis last

[2:01:10] week. >> We left there and we went um to Orange

[2:01:15] Park where a young man um I knew him as Cowboy. Um he passed away a couple of

[2:01:21] weeks ago, but the seniors, it was about 50 or 60 seniors in the park. They had a

[2:01:27] memorial service for him, which was absolutely beautiful. It was absolutely

[2:01:32] amazing. There were seniors there from 268, 300, 400 and all over town. Then we

[2:01:38] popped back to um the park, college park where there was a scrimmage baseball

[2:01:45] game and and welder councilman Monteu was there with the young men which was

[2:01:50] absolutely phenomenal. Y'all know that baseball is my favorite sport. It was a

[2:01:54] good game. And who was the team we we were playing?

[2:01:57] » Elizabeth. >> We played Elizabeth. We beat them too,

[2:02:00] right? >> Yes,

[2:02:00] » we did. We did beat them. Um so sports are alive in the city of Orange

[2:02:06] Township. Um, we popped over to the pool. The pool has been open on

[2:02:10] weekends. Only the central pool. All of the other pools are ready to be open

[2:02:14] right on July 1st. So, that's a great thing as as well. Um, resolution 392026,

[2:02:22] the resolution um supporting the New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program is

[2:02:28] something that um y'all know I work for Senator Timberlake is a piece of

[2:02:32] legislation that she's worked on. um with that legislation and also with the

[2:02:38] laundry workers center. She's also worked with them on some legislation. So

[2:02:42] um this is a piece of legislation that I'm going to be proud um to support. And

[2:02:47] then I want to talk a bit about um 319 2026.

[2:02:52] There was a power outage in Orange on Oakwood Avenue um on June the 7th. A

[2:02:59] tree fell. It knocked out just about all the buildings on Oakwood Avenue. who I

[2:03:03] think it knocked out some homes on all it and knocked out that entire church

[2:03:07] St. Matthew's church. Um but we had people in our community who um thought

[2:03:14] it not robbery to go over and check on our seniors and deputy chief Nelson

[2:03:20] Rivera of two or two was one of those people. So he went over that morning and

[2:03:25] he purchased, you know, out of his pocket food for the seniors in the three

[2:03:29] senior buildings. And um Deputy Chief Rivera has gone into his pocket several

[2:03:37] time in the city of Orange Township. He did it with the sneakers one day,

[2:03:40] Councilman Monty, he did it with um rental insurance for people. So he's

[2:03:45] always >> the bikes. Remember he did the bikes.

[2:03:47] » The bikes as well. >> The bikes.

[2:03:49] » Uhuh. but he's always somebody that we can count on and he does it unsolicited.

[2:03:54] So, I wanted to write this piece of legislation um for him to um just say

[2:04:00] thank you. Um we have a great fire department, we have a great police

[2:04:04] department, but I just want to say thank you, a special thank you to Deputy Chief

[2:04:08] Nelson Rivera. [snorts] Also want to talk about Junth. We all know about

[2:04:13] Junth. Um there are several several events going on in the city of Orange

[2:04:20] Township. Charge you to go to one of [snorts] those events. We all know what

[2:04:24] the history is behind Junth. I'm going to make you laugh. We put out a flyer

[2:04:28] that said this event is going to happen on Junth. And people started calling and

[2:04:33] we're like, well, when is Junth? And I'm like, oh my god. Like you don't know

[2:04:38] that it's June 19th. But you know, you had to just explain it to a few people.

[2:04:42] But um that's something that we celebrate. I've been celebrating that as

[2:04:45] a child, but I grew up in the south and I don't know if it was something that

[2:04:49] was celebrated up here in the north. Um but that's a very um special holiday

[2:04:54] talking about our freedom and talking about when we were emancipated as black

[2:04:57] folks. I do want to end up to speak about um

[2:05:04] kind of what Councilwoman East was talking about, but I want to talk about

[2:05:09] something from the point of view of Fanny Liu Hamer. And of course, you all

[2:05:13] knew who she is. Um Adam Clayton Pal Jr., we all knew who he

[2:05:20] was. um just people who were in our community

[2:05:26] who were advocates and who fought for people. And I just want you to look at

[2:05:33] those people and see how they were in our neighborhoods and look at the

[2:05:37] statements that they made and see how they did things with class and poise.

[2:05:42] And then I want you to look at the advocates that we have today. And that's

[2:05:48] all I'm going to end with that. Um to Councilwoman Een, you are

[2:05:53] definitely going to be missed, but you know, I will come over there to your

[2:05:57] house and we will sit in that backyard and sit on that front porch and talk

[2:06:02] about um good times and bad times. I know that you are solid cuz you are a

[2:06:07] woman of God and you know God places you certain places in your life. So, and he

[2:06:13] doesn't make any mistakes. So, I know that you're all good with that. You are

[2:06:18] definitely definitely definitely going to be missed and thank you for all your

[2:06:21] service to the city of Orange Township. That's from me and my family and anybody

[2:06:27] else who wants to tag along. But thank you so much. You're going to be missed.

[2:06:35] We'll move the agenda. Ordinance on second reading.

[2:06:42] Ordinance 11-2026. It's an ordinance to amend the code of

[2:06:46] the city of Orange Township chapter 200 section 200-10.2

[2:06:53] entitled residential permit parking zone A to update the hours of parking on

[2:06:59] Nassau Street sponsored by council member Jamie B. Summers Johnson. Are

[2:07:04] there any citizens who wish to comment?

[2:07:10] today. >> Motion to close.

[2:07:15] » Second. >> Okay.

[2:07:17] » Second. >> Motion to close. Citizens comments were

[2:07:21] m was made by councilwoman Een. Second by council president Wooten. All those

[2:07:27] in favor by saying I. >> I.

[2:07:29] » I. >> Anyh

[2:07:34] » on the motion? >> Nope. Not yet. Motion to adopt.

[2:07:38] » Move is uh since the comments is closed now. Is there a motion

[2:07:44] » on motion to adopt? Motion to adopt or or whatever or postpone. Do you want to

[2:07:48] postpone it? >> I would like to postpone it because I

[2:07:51] know um that's Nassau Street and Councilwoman Summers Johnson was going

[2:07:56] back and forth with the residents regarding the time. Some people wanted

[2:08:00] to change the time to 3 pm. Some people didn't want to change it to 3 pm. I

[2:08:05] think she was talking about us changing whatever time we're going to change it

[2:08:09] to to make like one time across the board so we don't have the police

[2:08:13] officers jumping over here at 4:00, here at 3, here at 2. So, um, if we could

[2:08:18] just postpone it and then bring it back next week.

[2:08:22] » So, can we have a motion? Wouldn't it be a motion to table?

[2:08:26] » Most motion to postpone till the next meeting.

[2:08:29] » Okay. [cough]

[2:08:32] » All right. So, we we were in a motion. Are we

[2:08:36] » Yeah, cuz I was >> That's what I'm saying. She has to to

[2:08:39] resend her. I'll resend my motion and make a motion to postpone this.

[2:08:46] » Attorney, you don't need to do that. Just It's a mot. There's a motion on the

[2:08:49] table, right? Just change it to You want to postpone it?

[2:08:51] » Just change the motion. >> Just postpone. Just make a mo. Yeah.

[2:08:54] Vote to postpone it. >> She just did. Yep. Okay. Now I need a

[2:08:57] second. >> Second.

[2:09:00] » Motion by Councilwoman E. Second by Council Vice President Monica the third

[2:09:05] to postpone to the next meeting. On the motion. Roll call. Councilman Coley.

[2:09:11] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Een.

[2:09:12] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council

[2:09:14] Vice President Monica the third. Yes. >> Counciloman Ross. Yes. Councilwoman

[2:09:17] Summers Johnson is absent. Council President Wooten.

[2:09:20] » Yes. >> That's five yays, two absent. This is

[2:09:22] approved is postponed to the next meeting.

[2:09:26] Ordinance 13-2026, an ordinance to exceed the municipal

[2:09:30] budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank in accordance with

[2:09:35] NJSA4A 4-45.14

[2:09:40] for the calendar year 2026 budget. Are there any citizens who wish to comment?

[2:09:48] » Yes. What does this cap budget actually do if

[2:09:52] we don't have a budget yet? How are we I mean, maybe I'm just not understanding

[2:09:55] the ordinance appropriately, but it's hard to understand how we are

[2:10:00] establishing a cap to go above our allowed amount, but we have no budget

[2:10:05] yet. So, I'm confused. Maybe I'm just not understanding the ordinance.

[2:10:08] » Before we respond, and I didn't want to interrupt, just put your name and

[2:10:10] address on the record. >> Alicia, 47 Mountain View.

[2:10:14] » Good evening. So, this ordinance does two things. one, it increases the total

[2:10:20] appropriation uh limit to 3.5% which is standard but then the municipality has

[2:10:24] to opt in and in addition to you're referencing the CAT bank. So on that

[2:10:30] 3.5% say that we have $100,000 that we're allowed to appropriate and we

[2:10:36] don't that goes into our CAT bank and it's allowed to be used in a future

[2:10:40] year. So, this gives the municipality the option to use that 100,000 whatever

[2:10:45] that difference is in between where we land and where [clears throat] we

[2:10:49] appropriate in a future year. This is done before the uh budget is adopted on

[2:10:55] an annual basis. Uh it's been sent to the state so that they can review to

[2:10:59] know where you land as far as the appropriation uh limits. So, it has to

[2:11:04] be done before the budget is adopted. So, if I'm understanding correctly, what

[2:11:08] you're saying is, yeah, that's confusing. Sorry. So, this

[2:11:12] has nothing to do with us exceeding the allowed budget that we're allowed to

[2:11:16] exceed. You don't have some we have to submit an application to the state. If

[2:11:19] you go over the allowed amount that you can increase, this has nothing to do

[2:11:22] with that. This is just saying if you have extra money, you could put it away

[2:11:26] somewhere. I'm sorry. >> Correct. This allows you to bank the

[2:11:29] difference of where your budget finishes for appropriations and where you're

[2:11:33] allowed to appropriate, >> but it doesn't reflect it doesn't

[2:11:37] actually reflect how much we're actually going to go over yet.

[2:11:40] » No, that's in the adopted budget. >> Okay. Thank you.

[2:11:43] » Yes, ma'am.

[2:11:47] Anyone else? Motion to close citizens comments.

[2:11:52] » Motion to close. >> Second Coley.

[2:11:54] » Motion to close citizens comments was made by Councilwoman East. Second by

[2:11:57] Councilman Coley. All those in favor by saying I. I.

[2:12:00] » Any opposed? Citizens comment is closed. Is there a motion on the floor?

[2:12:05] » Move. Wooten. >> Second.

[2:12:07] » Motion by Council President Wooten. Second by Council Vice President Moner

[2:12:11] the third on the motion. Roll call. Councilman Coley.

[2:12:14] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Een.

[2:12:15] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Hillbot is absent. Council

[2:12:17] Vice President Moni. >> Yes.

[2:12:19] » Counciloman Ross. >> Yes. Counciloman Summers Johnson is

[2:12:22] absent. Council President Wooden. >> Yes. That's five yays, two absence. This

[2:12:25] is approved.

[2:12:29] Resolution, I'm sorry. Ordinance 15-2026,

[2:12:33] an ordinance of the municipal council of the city of Orange Township, Essis

[2:12:36] County, New Jersey, amending chapter 210 of the municipal code of the city of

[2:12:41] Orange Township, entitled development regulations to revise off- streetet

[2:12:45] parking, space, size, and access in accordance with the residential site

[2:12:50] improvement standards codified under the title 5, chapter 21 of the New Jersey

[2:12:54] administrative code. Sponsored by council member Welen Montigue the third.

[2:12:59] Are there any citizens who wish to comment?

[2:13:06] » State your name and address. >> Aisha Samuel 401 Highland Terrace. What

[2:13:11] exactly is this for? Because we all know that Orange has parking issues. So what

[2:13:18] exactly is this about? because it's not very pro it's not very clear like what

[2:13:25] this is for. >> So there's a state statute called the

[2:13:28] residential site improvement standards and it sets forth requirements for the

[2:13:34] size of parking spaces. Um our ordinance is not in conformity with

[2:13:40] that statute. So this ordinance brings us into conformity with the statute.

[2:13:45] » Okay. Does that mean that now we're going to have parking spaces painted or

[2:13:50] something or is it just like some legal lease that has to be changed?

[2:13:56] » Well, eventually you'll have painted parking spaces and they'll have to

[2:13:59] comply with this ordinance. >> Okay. Thank you.

[2:14:04] » Anyone else?

[2:14:08] Is a motion to close? >> Motion to close. Ross,

[2:14:12] » second, Eston. >> Motion to close. Citizens comments was

[2:14:14] made by Councilman Ross, second by Councilwoman Een. All those in favor by

[2:14:18] saying I. >> I. Any oppose? Citizen comments is

[2:14:22] closed. Is there a motion on the floor? >> Motion to adopt.

[2:14:26] » Second, Coley. >> Motion to adopt made by Councilwoman

[2:14:29] Een, second by Councilman Coley. On the motion, roll call. Councilman Coley.

[2:14:35] » Yes. >> Councilwoman E.

[2:14:37] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council

[2:14:38] vice president Monty the third. >> Yes.

[2:14:40] » Counciloman Ross, >> yes. Counciloman Sus Johnson is absent.

[2:14:43] Council President Wooten. >> Yes.

[2:14:44] » That's five years, two absence. This is approved. Ordinance 16-2026,

[2:14:51] an ordinance amending chapter 18, fire department and chapter 26 police

[2:14:55] department of the revised code of the city of Orange Township by creating the

[2:14:59] department of public safety and providing for the appointment of a

[2:15:02] public director amended. Is are there any citizens who wish to comment?

[2:15:12] Motion to close. >> No, we have someone. She's getting here.

[2:15:16] » I'm coming. It takes me a little longer, but I'm coming. Gloria Boseman, 345

[2:15:21] Alcott Street, Orange. Um, first, a couple of things uh I want to address,

[2:15:26] but first I want to say to our police and fire community and the last

[2:15:31] community meeting that they had. Um, the difference between going to those

[2:15:35] meetings, well, let me put it this way. Those meetings we ask the same tough

[2:15:40] questions but we get answers. Those meetings no matter how difficult the

[2:15:45] experience might be they entertain it try to try to help us clarify certain

[2:15:50] issues and I just want to say I appreciate them and I appreciate the way

[2:15:53] they receive the community and I appreciate the way that they've

[2:15:56] enlightened me on a number of instances. I want to say to those people who come

[2:16:00] to this podium don't be discouraged. uh Frederick Douglas added to those said

[2:16:05] power doesn't concede without a demand. Power doesn't concede without a

[2:16:09] struggle. Power does not concede unless it is confronted. So the fact is that we

[2:16:14] have that opportunity in this free world to come before. But the public safety

[2:16:18] director I spoke to be I've spoken to that position before. Let me speak on

[2:16:23] that issue very briefly because my brother here gave such a detailed and

[2:16:27] informed question experience with regard to that. I'm hoping those questions

[2:16:32] which will will be answered which will solve mine. But I want us to make

[2:16:36] certain that we stop ignoring the comments of people from this community

[2:16:40] including mine with regard to looking at the public safety director. I don't

[2:16:44] speak from opinion. Everything I want to find out about I try to go to either

[2:16:49] authorities or to the research to ex to probably give me some information that I

[2:16:54] may not have had before because I'm not an expert on all things. A lot of things

[2:16:58] but not on all things. It represents two departments. We want to be careful. I

[2:17:02] heard you talk about the job description. I'm going to be looking

[2:17:05] carefully at that job description because I've looked at other job

[2:17:08] descriptions. Someone told me the reason this is happening because that these

[2:17:11] positions exist in comparable communities. Well, sometimes we come to

[2:17:16] the podium and you ask us not to compare ourselves to other communities. So, when

[2:17:19] it's convenient, we should compare ourselves to the community. But I want

[2:17:23] to get to the job description that I had an opportunity to look at because the

[2:17:26] only thing that I heard today is 10 years of law enforcement experience. The

[2:17:30] descriptions I looked at were so much more and so broad that it allowed for

[2:17:35] people who had expertise not only with regard to that but with regard to all of

[2:17:40] the disciplines that they represented as well as the experience of administration

[2:17:44] and the ability to look at issues from a variety of sides. So I'm going to be

[2:17:48] looking at that. But I'm particularly going to be looking because once I was

[2:17:51] on a board and they asked me if I would leave because they perceived that other

[2:17:55] boards that I was on may have a conflict of interest. It did not. But they did

[2:18:00] not want the community to get the perception that there could be bias

[2:18:04] introduced. They did not want the community to get the perception of

[2:18:07] impropriy. And as a result of that they said we'll bring you at another time.

[2:18:12] And unfortunate unfortunately I have been brought back to that board as I

[2:18:16] have relinquished other board positions. So, I'm going to be looking carefully at

[2:18:20] this to make certain that the same things that we say exist in other

[2:18:24] communities will be fairly represented by the public and the public I keep

[2:18:28] saying that incorrectly the public safety director here.

[2:18:36] » Darnell gives one hope drive.

[2:18:41] » I'm good to go. Cool. So, I I had a question in reference to

[2:18:47] like in reference to actually doing hiring. Only reason I say that is

[2:18:51] because there's already been studies where they say officers who are actually

[2:18:55] part of the community, i.e. live in the community, do a better job within the

[2:18:58] community. So, with this position that we're proposing, my question is to you,

[2:19:03] would it even be entertained to possibly let

[2:19:09] one of officers who already worked for our great city, perhaps in a rank of

[2:19:13] sergeant or above, to actually apply for this position without the need to

[2:19:17] actually resign from the Orange Police Department? That's my question.

[2:19:21] » It's possible. >> Possible. Fair enough.

[2:19:25] Anyone else? Can I have a motion to close?

[2:19:31] Move. Wooten. >> Second. Was

[2:19:34] » motion to close. Citizen comments was made by Council President Wooten. Second

[2:19:37] by Councilman Ross. All those in favor by saying I.

[2:19:41] » Any oppose? >> So moved. Can I get a motion on the

[2:19:45] floor? >> Move. Wooten.

[2:19:49] » Second. Een. >> Moved by Council President Wooten.

[2:19:53] Second by Councilwoman Een. On the motion. Roll call. Counciloman Coley.

[2:19:58] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Een.

[2:20:00] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council

[2:20:01] Vice President Moni. Yes. >> Counciloman Ross.

[2:20:04] » Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent. Council President Wooten.

[2:20:07] » Yes. >> That's five years to nos. This has two

[2:20:11] absences. This has been approved. Ordinance 18-2026.

[2:20:18] A bond ordinance providing for issuance of redevelopment area bonds to finance

[2:20:23] infrastructure improvements to a redevelopment project located at 330

[2:20:27] Main Street, 98 Oakwood Avenue, 50 Main Street, 18 Oakwood Avenue, 12 Oakwood

[2:20:33] Avenue, and 28 Main Street in the city of Orange Township in the county of

[2:20:36] Essex, state of New Jersey, the city appropriating 150,000 therefore and

[2:20:42] authorizing the issuance of 150,000 bonds or notes of the city to finance

[2:20:48] the cost thereof. Are there any citizens who wish to comment?

[2:20:54] » Alicia 487 Mountain View. These are questions I asked earlier, but since

[2:20:58] it's relevant, I'm going to ask them again. Hopefully, I don't have to email

[2:21:00] them. Um, what is other related improvements projects quote unquote

[2:21:05] entail? Does this refer to streets, sidewalks, upkeep, replacements, and

[2:21:09] improvement to which Laauana Best would be responsible for making these

[2:21:12] determinations and suggestions based on the language in the document. If in this

[2:21:18] because she's a planning um the planning person, if in this agreement, the

[2:21:22] investor is required and responsible to do improvements, why are we taking out

[2:21:27] an additional $150,000? it. In this specific agreement, it says

[2:21:32] that they're responsible to provide improvements to the road, improvements

[2:21:36] [snorts] to the sidewalks, and add additional things. So, why the extra

[2:21:41] 150? Um, was there a specific improvement that needed fixing that was

[2:21:46] determined by Orange and the investor?

[2:21:51] » There are two reasons. Um the first is that um there are specific improvements

[2:21:59] related to the main street street design that um we're adding comp some

[2:22:06] contribution to for the main street street design to make sure that it's

[2:22:10] complete and consistent. Um and the second reason is that um we often

[2:22:17] include RABS um because the inclusion of a RAB allows for the aggregate annual uh

[2:22:29] the minimum annual service charge to go below 10%.

[2:22:34] Without the RAB, the minimum annual service charge can't go below 10% under

[2:22:38] the statute. So if you have a a project that doesn't support a 10% minimum

[2:22:46] annual service charge then you can include a RAB to get it under the

[2:22:51] minimum annual service charge. >> So the purpose of the bonds probably all

[2:22:55] three bonds is so that then you guys can collect up to that 10%. It gives the

[2:22:59] ability that's the only I guess the main benefit

[2:23:02] » below the 10%. Yes. It has to be below or at sorry

[2:23:06] » the the inclusion of the RAB allows you to go below the 10% annual minimum

[2:23:13] service charge that the statute requires >> of the bond

[2:23:17] » of the minimum service charge under the pilot

[2:23:20] » for whom for the message >> the pilot that's being paid by the

[2:23:24] project >> sorry I don't understand the lingual so

[2:23:27] I I don't mean to be redundant um I think that was the last question oh yes

[2:23:31] and can you explain what substantial completion is so So, do they have to pay

[2:23:35] a year after their substantial completion? And then is it what do they

[2:23:40] pay now or until the construction is done?

[2:23:43] » They pay taxes until the pilot kicks in. Um, whatever the taxes are on the

[2:23:48] property, that's what they pay. Um, and substantial completion is a defined term

[2:23:53] under the agreement. It's somewhat complicated, but basically you have to

[2:23:58] have either a temporary CO or a CO >> livable.

[2:24:03] » Thank you. >> Anyone else?

[2:24:12] » Good evening everyone. Tanya Chamaro for 409 Minton please.

[2:24:16] » Say that one more time. I didn't hear you. I'm sorry.

[2:24:18] » I said good evening everyone. 409 Minton please New Jersey.

[2:24:22] » And your name? Tamaro. >> Thank you.

[2:24:25] » You're welcome. Um, so, uh, when it comes to this, I'm sorry, I just lost

[2:24:30] it. What exactly are we improving in these areas in Oakwood?

[2:24:40] » The funds will be used for sidewalks, curbs, and street improvements.

[2:24:45] » Okay. Um when you do do we have like a specific um time period once this gets

[2:24:52] approved of how long it would take? >> It's done at the conclusion of

[2:24:56] construction so that the improvements aren't damaged.

[2:25:00] » Okay. So we we don't have approximately time.

[2:25:03] » Just the construction schedule that's all.

[2:25:05] » Okay. Do you do you happen to know how long that would take? So they have to

[2:25:10] commence construction within 12 months of the signing of their documents.

[2:25:15] » Uhhuh. >> Um and construction usually takes about

[2:25:18] 24 to 26 months. >> Okay. That's quite a long time. Okay.

[2:25:25] Thank you.

[2:25:29] » Anyone else?

[2:25:35] » Are any of these buildings? State your name.

[2:25:38] » Aisha Samuel 401 Highland Terrace. Are any of these buildings along the

[2:25:44] scattered sites or the main street uh replanning

[2:25:50] or whatever y'all want to call it? >> Redevelopment.

[2:25:53] » Redevelopment. Thank you. >> These are all part of the

[2:25:59] the Main Street redevelopment plan. >> Okay. So, if it's a part of the Main

[2:26:03] Street Redevelopment Plan, isn't there supposed to be a grant for that

[2:26:08] » or a partial grant for that? >> For the Main Street redevelopment plan,

[2:26:13] » correct? >> No,

[2:26:17] » I think you're confusing it with the Main Streetscape

[2:26:20] plan, >> which is the renovation of Main Street

[2:26:24] from Scotland Road to the East Orange border.

[2:26:28] And yes, we've applied for grants for that.

[2:26:32] » So, this is on the other side of Main Street.

[2:26:38] » It's down, this particular project is from

[2:26:43] uh Wendy's to Oakwood.

[2:26:48] » So, that should be among the property that would be a part of that grant.

[2:26:54] the the public improvements in that area will be a part of the grant. That's what

[2:26:59] some of this funding would go to to make sure that it's consistent because they

[2:27:03] won't be done at the same time. >> So, will this be done before the grant

[2:27:09] time? >> Depends.

[2:27:16] » Okay. Cuz uh like this is confusing. So, you don't really have a start date

[2:27:23] for when this is getting done, but you also don't really have a start date for

[2:27:29] the redevelopment of Main Street, but you do have some money for the

[2:27:34] redevelopment of Main Street, but this won't be a part of that redevelopment

[2:27:39] money for Main Street. Is that correct? >> Yes.

[2:27:43] » Okay. Ain't that

[2:27:48] » anyone else?

[2:27:52] Motion to close. Move. Wooten.

[2:27:57] » Motion to close. Citizen comments made by Councilwoman E. Second by Council

[2:28:00] President Wooten. All those in favor vote by saying I.

[2:28:03] » Any objections? So carried. Is there a motion?

[2:28:08] » Motion to adopt. >> Second, Ross.

[2:28:12] » Motion to adopt. Adopt was made by Councilwoman Een. Second by Council Men

[2:28:17] Ross. On the motion. Roll call. Counciloman Kohley.

[2:28:20] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Eastston.

[2:28:22] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council

[2:28:24] Vice President Monica the third. >> Yes.

[2:28:26] » Councilwoman Councilman Ross. >> Yes.

[2:28:28] » Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent. Council President Wooten.

[2:28:31] » Yes. >> That's five years, two absence. This has

[2:28:34] been approved. Ordinance 20-2026, a bond ordinance providing for the

[2:28:39] issuance of redevelopment area bonds to finance infrastructure improvements to a

[2:28:43] redevelopment project located at 410 Main Street and 15-17

[2:28:49] Lincoln Avenue in the city of Orange Township in the county of Essex, state

[2:28:52] of New Jersey, the city appropriating 150,000 therefore and authorizing the

[2:28:56] issuance of 150,000 bonds or notes to the city to finance the cost thereof.

[2:29:02] Are there any citizens who wish to comment?

[2:29:07] Is there a motion to close? Move. Wooten.

[2:29:10] » Second. Ros. >> Motion to close made by Council

[2:29:13] President Wooten. Second by Councilman Ross. All those in favorable vote by

[2:29:16] saying I. >> Citizens comments closed. Is there a

[2:29:20] motion? >> Motion to adopt.

[2:29:23] » Second. >> Motion by Councilwoman Een. Second by

[2:29:26] Council Vice President Monica the third. On the motion. Roll call. Councilman

[2:29:31] Coley. >> Yes. Councilwoman Eastston, yes.

[2:29:33] Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council Vice President Moni, yes. Councilman

[2:29:37] Ross, Councilwoman Summit Johnson is absent. Council President Wooten,

[2:29:40] » yes. >> That's five years, two absent. This has

[2:29:44] been approved. Ordinance 23-2026,

[2:29:49] Ordinance of the Municipal Council of the City of Orange Township to approve a

[2:29:53] tax exemption for a 23-year period and authorizing the execution of a financial

[2:30:00] agreement between the city and VA 50M Urban Renewal LLC for the property

[2:30:05] located at 30 Main Street, block 3104, lot 8, 98 Oakwood Avenue, block 3104,

[2:30:13] lot 1, 50 Main Street, block 310 3104 lot 7 18 Oakwood Avenue block 3104 lot 4

[2:30:22] 12 Oakwood Avenue block 3104 lot 5 28 Main Street block 3104 lot 9 are there

[2:30:30] any citizens who wish to comment

[2:30:36] » Darnell Gibbs one hope drive cuz I asked BA earlier um in open

[2:30:42] comments so with this particular project meas is going to get back to me in

[2:30:46] reference to uh this particular developer if they did the workshop and

[2:30:51] if they hired any residents. Just was curious if you had an answer for that

[2:30:53] one. >> Sorry, I couldn't hear you.

[2:30:56] » I was asking with this particular developer

[2:31:00] as per all the pilots, they state that they have to host with the assistance of

[2:31:04] the township a workshop to hire local residents. So remember earlier I asked

[2:31:09] you if it was done, what day was it and how many residents was hired? You said

[2:31:13] you look into it. wasn't sure if it would be answered now or later. So

[2:31:16] that's what I was asking. That's my first question.

[2:31:19] » You trailed off at the end. I still couldn't hand

[2:31:22] » I'm asking with this particular developer.

[2:31:25] » Yes. >> On their last project, it was

[2:31:32] 66 2023. They were supposed to hopes uh job fair. When was the job fair? How

[2:31:40] many of our great residents were hired? if you're

[2:31:43] » get you the information. >> Okay, cool. No problem. I wanted to do a

[2:31:46] quick quote >> and I know Council Member Culie, prior

[2:31:51] service. Yes. >> Okay. No problem.

[2:31:54] » Councilman Coley, >> I'll still say the quote. You prior

[2:31:57] service. Yes. >> Yes.

[2:31:58] » NCO officer, if you don't mind me asking.

[2:32:01] » NCO. >> NCOs's lead the way. Who? So, I'm in my

[2:32:04] 18th year in the military. All right. I've been deployed to maybe 17 different

[2:32:08] countries with four different combat com conflicts. All right. During my

[2:32:15] development as a NCL, I came across a great mentor. And this

[2:32:21] mentor, I had to text him to get the quote, find out who actually said it.

[2:32:24] So, I'm going to read it to you real fast. It says, "The trouble with most of

[2:32:27] us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism."

[2:32:34] And I only say that is because with being critiqued, you become a better

[2:32:39] version of yourself. I've always critiqued my children, all

[2:32:44] four of them, to be a better version of himself. Throughout my military career,

[2:32:48] I've always been critiqued to be a better NCO than the day I was before. I

[2:32:53] never took any one critique as a personal attack on me. I took that

[2:32:57] critique as the person giving me tools and suggestions to be a better NCO, a

[2:33:06] better leader. If anyone feels that any citizen that they supposed to represent

[2:33:12] critiquing them is a personal attack, that is not. It's just simply the

[2:33:16] citizen asking for clarity and understanding. That's all.

[2:33:33] » [snorts] >> That's hard to follow because it's so

[2:33:36] appropriate, but I will. Nevertheless, I'm I am urging

[2:33:40] » Name and address. I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Gloria Boseman,

[2:33:44] forgive me. 345 Oak Street where the tree fell, but not on my house.

[2:33:48] Hallelujah. >> Um, for months, citizens have been

[2:33:53] coming to this podium and coming to these chambers. They've submitted

[2:33:57] petitions. They've repeatedly asked about these developments and the

[2:34:02] financial strain on our community and the impact on our community with regard

[2:34:06] to quality of life, infrastructure, and other things. Yet, we feel as though

[2:34:10] these voices are being ignored. These tax abatements and long-term tax

[2:34:14] shelters for developers who may be wealthy are at the direct expense of our

[2:34:19] community. Under this agreement, what contributions are actually made to us

[2:34:25] that are that are other than the community development funds which we are

[2:34:29] having some difficulty kind of deciding where they should go. What developer

[2:34:33] locks in a stable discounted rate for de decades? And while they do this, regular

[2:34:39] homeowners and small business owners are forced to shoulder the rising cost via

[2:34:45] our rising taxes. If this project is a sound investment, let the developer pay

[2:34:51] standard property taxes just like the rest of us. Listen to your constituents.

[2:34:57] Respect the consistent public opposition. And finally, say no. I say

[2:35:04] we are continuously approving these developers, handing out ex even over and

[2:35:09] above the explicit objections of members of this community. Taxpayers should be

[2:35:16] driving these developments. I know that you love Orange. I love Orange. But

[2:35:21] gentrification is on the way. I've seen it in DC. I know it in Harlem. I saw it

[2:35:26] in Jersey City and we saw it in Hobok. And if a developer needs both an LTE tax

[2:35:33] exemption, which I had to look up, and an RA bond to make a profit in this

[2:35:38] thriving real estate market. It is a bad project and it is a bad deal for our

[2:35:45] community. The community has demonstrated that they want to be heard

[2:35:50] and we will continue to do that in whatever way we have to do it. And I

[2:35:55] apologize if you consider and that was so excellent. I got to get that quote.

[2:35:59] If you consider our coming to this podium negative, this is not the

[2:36:03] position you need to have.

[2:36:13] Just say no. We grew up listening to that.

[2:36:17] » Oh, Aisha Samuel, 401 Highland Terrace. We grew up listening to that. We grew up

[2:36:22] watching that. I'm telling y'all, just say no. I've been telling y'all to say

[2:36:26] no to pilots for the last five years or however long I've been attending these

[2:36:32] meetings. There is no need for any company who is making an apartment

[2:36:38] building an apartment building to need a a pilot. If they have to have Okay, let

[2:36:45] me slow down. If they have to make money and have to have a pilot to do so, they

[2:36:54] do not need to build in orange. Period. Just say no.

[2:37:05] Alicia 487 Mountain View. Um, how much is the cost of this project? And is

[2:37:10] there a >> Hold on one second.

[2:37:16] » Go ahead. >> And is there affordable housing included

[2:37:19] in this project?

[2:37:24] » And oh, sorry. Um, do we have legislation to establish what affordable

[2:37:28] is in Orange? So there's no affordable included in the

[2:37:33] project. There are 457 units. The project costs

[2:37:39] approximately $200 million and a little more than that actually.

[2:37:45] And um the definition of affordable is set by the state. Is it possible for

[2:37:52] Orange to set their own >> like so that for us to make legislation

[2:37:57] then to establish what affordable housing is, you know, to probably

[2:38:00] protect ourselves from? >> I'll defer to the lawyers, but I think

[2:38:03] it's probably um superseded by state statute.

[2:38:10] » Agreed. >> What does that mean, supersede by state

[2:38:13] statute? >> The state once the state speaks, the

[2:38:15] municipality can't. >> Gotcha. So then we um council can't make

[2:38:19] legislation to establish that in orange. >> Right. Correct.

[2:38:23] » Got it. Thank you.

[2:38:32] » Fear spends 357. Um, so I just want to just inform you

[2:38:39] guys um that the average income household in the city

[2:38:44] of Orange is about 43 to $52,000 a year. [clears throat] And um with the

[2:38:52] redevelopment that is going up in this city

[2:38:55] uh you know it's starting at 22 $2500 a month. So what happens to these

[2:39:04] residents that's been living here for over the past 25 years is

[2:39:10] you displace them and then the people that wants to live

[2:39:14] in this city can't even afford it because they are making the average of

[2:39:18] anywhere from 55 you know to $70,000 a year. So what you guys should really be

[2:39:26] looking at is what does the demographic of people and

[2:39:30] where you guys want these people to come from

[2:39:34] because the closer and closer you guys get uh you know to developing these

[2:39:38] projects in this 2.2 square mile radius the more and more crucial it gets for

[2:39:45] you guys too as well. So you just have to understand what the end results are,

[2:39:49] right? Because uh you know this is a community that uh you know that is

[2:39:56] familiar with everybody. If you go in any of our neighboring cities right now,

[2:40:00] South Orange Maplewood, I mean Milbour, I mean Livingston,

[2:40:05] I not tolerating that stuff, man. They're not tolerating that. So I think

[2:40:11] you know council I mean we should look into that stuff too man. I mean we just

[2:40:15] need to be a little bit more considerate. I mean all of our residents

[2:40:19] I mean especially the lifelong residents we should be a little bit more

[2:40:21] considerate about this and I mean we should start talking I mean to the state

[2:40:26] too as well and we need to implement more of our own legislations in place

[2:40:30] with this. That's what the council body is here for. I mean not just I mean the

[2:40:34] BA the BA makes a lot of sounds decisions but the council has to get

[2:40:39] engaged with this. You can't let this like you just can't let the BA answer

[2:40:42] all these questions and do everything itself. You know, that's not the way

[2:40:46] this should work. All right. Thank you.

[2:40:57] » Tanya Chamar 49, please Orange, New Jersey.

[2:41:03] Um, when we talk about a 23-year exponential

[2:41:09] for the taxes, I think that's just crazy. Um, if the developers have money

[2:41:15] and investors and everything like that, so why do we need to give them such a

[2:41:19] big amount of time for a tax exemption at that point? It makes us the residents

[2:41:26] feel like we should get one, too. We also need the help. So like I don't

[2:41:31] understand that and we don't have any help. We have to go outside. We have to

[2:41:35] work and make it happen to pay our taxes to pay our bills and to be able to live

[2:41:40] in this community. Also following what um this sir just said um talking about

[2:41:47] the approximately um what is it um what the minimum wage is for Orange, New

[2:41:54] Jersey. Um I come from I came here when I was 7 years old. I come from Peru. I

[2:41:59] want to be here to retired. I want my kids to look at orange and look at it

[2:42:05] like I want to be here as well as my mother and so for I don't want them to

[2:42:11] have to look for an apartment or a housing. Well, one we're having so many

[2:42:17] new builds. There's not enough houses in New Jersey. And if they are, they're

[2:42:22] uprising because of these new bills are also uprising their rents. Like he said,

[2:42:27] apartments are going up starting at what, maybe 1,800 and so on and for

[2:42:31] more. Young kids who come out as 21 or 22 from college and they have debts with

[2:42:39] college can't afford that right now. The prices of um food is going up. The

[2:42:44] prices of taxes is going up. Everything is going up. Can we really look at the

[2:42:49] future kids that they can afford this type of like housing in Orange? I feel

[2:42:54] like we're at we're getting at a certain point that you're going to push us the

[2:42:58] residents out that have been living here for x amount of time to look into

[2:43:02] somewhere else. And then who was going to stay in Orange is going to be new

[2:43:06] members, not the old ones that were here from a long time ago, not I who was here

[2:43:11] when I was 7 years old. And like I said, I want to be here until I retired. I

[2:43:16] love Orange. I feel like there's so many possibility in Orange. Orange has

[2:43:20] progressed throughout all these years since I've been here and I would like to

[2:43:25] continue like that. But if we have new developments that are asking for 23

[2:43:30] years for a tax exemption, I just don't see that. And also no affordable

[2:43:35] housing. It's how is that fair to the residents here? How is that fair to our

[2:43:41] future children that want to move out of our homes and stay in Orange? So, I just

[2:43:47] wish the council people would take that in consideration. Thank you.

[2:43:57] » Is there a motion to close? >> Motion to close.

[2:44:00] » Is there a second? >> Second. Ross.

[2:44:03] » Motion to close. Citizens comments made by Councilwoman E. Second by Councilman

[2:44:07] Ross. All those in favor by saying I. I. >> Any oppose? Citizens comments is closed.

[2:44:12] Is there a motion on the floor? >> Move. Wooten. Second. Een.

[2:44:17] » Motion by Council President Wooten. Second by Councilwoman Een. On the

[2:44:21] motion, roll call. Councilman Coley. >> Yes.

[2:44:23] » Councilwoman Eston. >> Yes.

[2:44:24] » Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council Vice President Marita the third. Yes.

[2:44:28] » Counciloman Ross. Yes. >> Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent.

[2:44:31] Council President Wooten. >> Yes. That's 5 years, two absence. This

[2:44:34] has been approved. Ordinance 24-2026. Ordinance of the municipal council of

[2:44:41] the city of Orange Township to approve a tax exemption for the 23year period and

[2:44:49] authorizing the execution of a financial agreement between the city and NJT

[2:44:54] 2022-0509

[2:44:57] Urban Renewal LLC for the property located at 410 Main Street, block 2603,

[2:45:04] lot 8 and 15-17 Lincoln Avenue, block 2603, lot 10. Are there any citizens who

[2:45:13] wish to comment? >> Alicia, 487 Mountain View. Just one

[2:45:18] question. Um, what is this property contributing toward taxes right now?

[2:45:23] Maybe Niles could look that up.

[2:45:29] » What's your next question? >> That's my question.

[2:45:32] » Oh, so we wait for business to come back.

[2:45:40] H >> Niles can't see it.

[2:45:43] » Niles, can you see what the what the taxes are on this property currently?

[2:45:50] » 20

[2:45:53] » and the address is 410 Main Street.

[2:46:18] 2025 they paid $90,876 for property taxes.

[2:46:23] » Thank you.

[2:46:30] » Darno gives one hope drive. Mr. be a Would you happen to know the

[2:46:37] cost for this particular build for a 23 uh 24-2026?

[2:46:44] » The estimated cost? I know it's not exact.

[2:46:48] » Uh I think we're looking at about 27 to $29 million.

[2:46:53] » 27 we we going to make it 30 million. >> Fine.

[2:46:57] » Okay. So, I just want to make sure I'm I'm clear.

[2:47:03] The previous project 23-2026 is approximately $200 million and

[2:47:10] they're getting a 23-year tax abatement. This project 24-2026

[2:47:18] is $30 million and they're getting the same 23-year tax abatement. Not sure how

[2:47:24] that math adds up. Cool. But anyway, we talked earlier,

[2:47:30] council member Kulie uh talked earlier about the residents illegally parking. I

[2:47:34] agree with him. No one should have to illegally park for somewhere they live.

[2:47:39] However, the parking issue has been raised by many residents as we started

[2:47:45] to adopt these pilot programs to build these

[2:47:50] luxury apartment buildings. We kept saying over and over the amount of units

[2:47:54] that they're offering versus the parking doesn't match. And we kept telling being

[2:47:59] told over and over, parking is not an issue. And here we are in reference to

[2:48:05] the great council member stating that people are legally parking on a

[2:48:08] sidewalk. >> Excuse me, Mr. Gibbs.

[2:48:11] » The comments during a public hearing on an ordinance have to relate to the

[2:48:15] ordinance >> specifically. Okay, fair enough. No

[2:48:18] problem. I apologize.

[2:48:23] That was it cuz I was going to say something else but it's not related.

[2:48:26] That was it. So I just want to make sure I'm clear so everybody know.

[2:48:32] 2326 $200 million 23 year tax abatement 2024 2026 $30 million same 23 year tax

[2:48:41] abatement.

[2:48:51] Aisha Samuel, 401 Highland Terrace. Just say

[2:48:58] no to tax abatements.

[2:49:01] Period. End the story. We should not have to pay not one dime towards these

[2:49:08] builders at all towards these developers.

[2:49:12] They already make too much money. Why are we giving them a tax abatement?

[2:49:18] Why are we lowering our standards for somebody else to make money off of

[2:49:26] this town?

[2:49:29] How does that make sense? How do you guys keep on voting for this?

[2:49:35] How do you keep saying yes to this and then expect us to pat you on the back

[2:49:41] like you did good? because you ain't doing good.

[2:49:46] Because I really would God, let me calm down. Calm down.

[2:49:52] I really want to understand what goes on in your mind because it absolutely does

[2:49:58] not make sense at all.

[2:50:03] Y'all don't give tax abatements to homeowners.

[2:50:07] Why should a builder, a developer get a tax abatement?

[2:50:12] Homeowners are the ones who actually run this town. All the money comes from the

[2:50:17] homeowners and y'all giving them money.

[2:50:24] And the CBAs, they not worth anything because it's a $200 million project and

[2:50:31] y'all getting $100,000. That's a CBA. How does that make sense?

[2:50:40] And nowhere on God's green earth would that make sense.

[2:50:46] But somehow here in orange, that's okay. We've been telling you for years, just

[2:50:54] say no. And yet y'all keep saying yes.

[2:51:00] Y'all just said yes. And I'mma tell y'all again, say no. And

[2:51:06] I know y'all gonna still say yes, but I'mma keep on telling y'all no. Y'all

[2:51:10] want somebody to pat you on the back? Start saying no.

[2:51:20] Is there a motion? Oh, sorry. >> Motion to close.

[2:51:23] » No, no, no. Sorry. I have one more. >> I'm sorry.

[2:51:28] » Tanya Chamar 4 and I mentioned Police New Jersey. Is there any way that we can

[2:51:34] like maybe meet halfway instead of like 23? Can we do 15 18 something? Ba help

[2:51:42] us out. >> We went from 30 to 23. So fairly

[2:51:46] substantial negotiating process over a course of several months, actually a

[2:51:53] couple years, the projects don't work >> at less than these numbers. So at all

[2:52:00] » if if you want to come in and go through the numbers in my office, I'm happy to

[2:52:05] do that with you instead of standing here and and guessing about costs and

[2:52:11] revenues. >> Mhm.

[2:52:12] » But the numbers at 23 years barely work. >> Okay.

[2:52:17] » They work. >> So with this, we are profiting from

[2:52:23] this. That's what you're telling me. We're getting far more revenue out of

[2:52:28] the properties that are being developed than they're generating currently in

[2:52:32] taxes. >> Okay. And this is all on paper. If we

[2:52:36] were to look it up if we come to your office and Okay. What time are you here

[2:52:41] tomorrow? >> I'm going to look it up.

[2:52:45] » You can call and make an appointment. >> I can call and make an appointment. Got

[2:52:49] it. Um, but in the future, please council members, please. We're try,

[2:52:55] we're letting you guys know, there's plenty of us here right now that we

[2:52:59] don't want this anymore in our community. 23 years is extremely too

[2:53:04] long. 30 years is I'm 30. Sheesh. Like, it's ridiculous.

[2:53:11] We work so hard to keep our homes, to get our homes. Especially as an

[2:53:16] immigrant myself, we work so hard. We start from nothing, from scratch. We

[2:53:22] don't have investors. We make our own money and we try to make our own homes

[2:53:26] and keep our own homes. We don't get any any tax advances. We don't get any tax

[2:53:31] cuts. That is just not it just doesn't seem fair to us at all. And like I said,

[2:53:37] I'm also thinking about my kids. I want our kids. I know you guys have home

[2:53:41] here. I know you guys also want your kids possibly to stay here, too. and

[2:53:46] your grandkids. Is this really reasonable?

[2:53:50] And I'm looking at all of y'all. Is this really reasonable?

[2:53:56] Please, guys. Please. I have three kids. I want them here. I'm a mother. I don't

[2:54:01] want my kids to go to another state, to another city. Please.

[2:54:06] Thank you.

[2:54:12] Is there anyone else? Is there a motion to close?

[2:54:17] » Motion. >> Motion to close.

[2:54:18] » Second, Ross. >> Motion to close made by Councilwoman E.

[2:54:22] Second by Councilman Ross. All those in favor by saying I.

[2:54:25] » I. Oppose. Citizen comments is closed. Is there a motion on the floor?

[2:54:29] » Motion to adopt. Second. W. >> Motion to adopt made by Councilwoman E.

[2:54:34] Second by Council President Wooten. On the motion. Roll call. Councilman

[2:54:37] Kohley. >> Yes.

[2:54:38] » Councilwoman Eston. >> Yes.

[2:54:40] » Councilwoman Hillwood is absent. Council Vice President M. Yes. Counciloman Ross.

[2:54:45] Yes. >> Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent.

[2:54:47] Council President Wooten, >> yes.

[2:54:48] » That's five years, two absence. This has been approved.

[2:54:54] Um, ordinance 25-2026, an ordinance of the municipal council of

[2:55:00] the city of Orange Township, county of Essex, state of New Jersey, correcting

[2:55:05] triveners errors within the main street redevelopment and rehabilitation plan in

[2:55:11] accordance with the local redevelopment and housing law NJSA48

[2:55:15] col2A-1. Are there any citizens who wish to

[2:55:21] comment? >> Alicia, 487 Mountain View.

[2:55:24] [clears throat] So, can you explain what significant

[2:55:27] change this will have on the plan when it comes to setbacks, restrictions, or

[2:55:30] permitted uses? What is it allowing or not allowing right now that a change was

[2:55:35] requested?

[2:55:43] » All this is doing is correcting a minor scrivener's error.

[2:55:46] » Yeah. What is that? the writer wrote it wrong.

[2:55:51] In other words, the planner said something and when they drafted the

[2:55:55] document, they drafted it not in accordance with what the planner said,

[2:55:59] » which was >> it has to do with

[2:56:04] use of a facility on the first floor and having something above it. So it it

[2:56:13] basically said, if I remember correctly, that you couldn't have, for example, a

[2:56:19] restaurant on the first floor if there were second and third stories above the

[2:56:24] above the restaurant, and that was not what was intended by the planner. Right.

[2:56:28] » So that was corrected. >> No, that answers my question. The word

[2:56:32] the whole thing didn't have any explanations. Thank you.

[2:56:37] » Any other citizens? Is there a motion to close citizen

[2:56:42] comments? >> Motion second.

[2:56:45] » Motion to close citizens comments was made by council vice president Matthew

[2:56:50] the third. Second by councilwoman Een. All those in favor vote by saying I.

[2:56:55] » Citizens comments closed. Is there a motion on the floor?

[2:56:59] » Move it. Ross. >> Second. Wooten.

[2:57:03] » Motion by Councilman Ross. Second by council president Wooten. On the motion.

[2:57:08] Roll call. Councilman Coley, >> yes.

[2:57:09] » Councilwoman N, >> yes.

[2:57:11] » Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council Vice President Mi Third,

[2:57:14] » yes. >> Councilwoman Ross, yes. Councilwoman

[2:57:16] Summers Johnson is absent, and Council President Wooten.

[2:57:22] » Mhm. Council President Wooten. >> Yes.

[2:57:24] » Thank you. That's five years, two absence. This has been approved.

[2:57:30] Ordinance on introduction. First reading. Ordinance 27-2026.

[2:57:35] an ordinance amending ordinance number 21-20 2017 and an ordinance number

[2:57:40] 15-2020 relating to the salaries and certain

[2:57:45] employees of the city of Orange Township uh sponsored by council member Clifford

[2:57:49] RS amended is there a motion >> move Wooten second

[2:57:56] » there motion by council president Wooten second by council vice president Mer the

[2:58:01] third on the motion roll call council manoli Yes.

[2:58:06] » Councilwoman Eastston. >> Yes.

[2:58:07] » Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council Councilman Margie the third. Yes.

[2:58:11] » Councilman Ross. Yes. >> Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent.

[2:58:14] Council President Wooten. >> Abstain.

[2:58:17] » Abstain.

[2:58:21] That is four years. One abstain, two absence. This is approved.

[2:58:27] Consent agenda. All items listed with an asterisk are

[2:58:33] considered to be routine by the city council and will be enacted by one

[2:58:38] motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a

[2:58:41] council member so request in which event the item will be removed from the

[2:58:45] general order of business and consider in its normal sequence of on the agenda.

[2:58:51] Are there any council members who wish to remove a resolution for a separate

[2:58:55] vote? >> I do.

[2:58:57] » Yes, ma'am. 319

[2:59:03] 329

[2:59:06] 332

[2:59:10] might be it

[2:59:25] 328 Anyone

[2:59:29] else? >> Yes. Um, council president.

[2:59:33] » Okay. >> I'm sorry, Councilman Ross.

[2:59:35] » 320. >> 320.

[2:59:38] » Um, did you say 332? >> Yes.

[2:59:47] » Anyone else? >> Okay. The consent agenda consists of

[2:59:53] 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 330, 331, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339,

[3:00:05] 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, and 349. Is there a motion to adopt

[3:00:14] the consent agenda? >> Motion to adopt the consent agenda.

[3:00:18] » Second, Coley. Motion by Councilman Maru the third. Second by Councilman Coley.

[3:00:23] On the motion. Roll call. Councilman Coley.

[3:00:26] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Een. Yes.

[3:00:28] » Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Councilman Mu the third. Yes.

[3:00:31] » Councilman Ross. Yes. >> Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent.

[3:00:34] Council President Wooten. >> Yes.

[3:00:36] » That's five years, two absence. The consent agenda has been approved. We

[3:00:41] will go back to resolution 319-2026. A resolution of the municipal council of

[3:00:47] the city of Orange Township recognizing and honoring deputy fire chief Nelson

[3:00:53] Rivera tour to city of Orange Township Fire Department and his outstanding

[3:00:57] generosity and dedicated service to the to the residents of Orange Township.

[3:01:02] Introduced by Council President Adrien Wooten. Is there a motion? Move Wooten.

[3:01:08] » Second Ross. >> Motion by Council President Wooten.

[3:01:12] Second by Councilman Ross. on the motion.

[3:01:15] » I just stand with what I said earlier about him giving and always giving to

[3:01:20] our town. Um, and I just want to thank him and his family and his daughter for

[3:01:25] it. Um, I know it takes a lot to be a fireman, fire official, and a police

[3:01:29] officer. And they give a lot of time in his job as well as outside of his job

[3:01:34] for the city of Orange Township. So, I just want to say thank you. Anyone else

[3:01:38] on the motion? Roll call. Councilman Coley.

[3:01:43] » Yes. Councilwoman E. >> Yes.

[3:01:45] » Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. >> Councilman

[3:01:50] Monu the third. >> Councilman Ross. Yes.

[3:01:53] » Councilman Summons Johnson is absent. And council president Wooten.

[3:01:57] » Yes. >> That's five years, two absence. This

[3:01:59] passes. Resolution 320-2026, a resolution of the municipal council of

[3:02:04] the city of Orange Township honoring and celebrating the class of 2026 introduced

[3:02:08] by council president Adrien Wooten. Is there a motion?

[3:02:12] » Motion. Second, Wooten. >> Motion by Council Vice President Muy the

[3:02:18] Third. Second by Council President Wooten. On the motion,

[3:02:21] » on the motion, >> Councilman Ross.

[3:02:24] » Yeah. I just um would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the

[3:02:29] graduating class of 2026 for their hard work, their dedication,

[3:02:34] and perseverance. um as they begin to meet the the next

[3:02:40] chapter of their journey, I wish them much success, happiness, and endless

[3:02:46] opportunities, and may their futures be bright and filled with great

[3:02:50] accomplishments. Congratulations to all the graduates. Thank you, Council

[3:02:54] President. >> Uhhuh.

[3:02:56] » Anyone else on the motion?

[3:03:00] » Roll call. Councilman Coley, >> yes.

[3:03:02] » Councilwoman Eston, >> yes.

[3:03:04] » Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council me the third.

[3:03:08] » Yes. >> Councilman Ross,

[3:03:10] » yes. >> Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent.

[3:03:12] Council President Wooten, >> yes.

[3:03:15] » That's five days to absence. This passes.

[3:03:21] Uh resolution 328-206.

[3:03:27] The amendment needs to state that uh Dr. Fatima Turner will be fulfilling

[3:03:34] the unexpired term of Ashanti Connor expiring on February 14th, 2029. Is

[3:03:42] there a motion to accept the resolution as amended?

[3:03:46] » Motion. >> Second.

[3:03:50] » Motion by Councilman Moni the third, second by Council President Wooten. On

[3:03:55] the motion, roll call. Councilman Coley, >> yes.

[3:03:58] » Councilwoman Een, >> yes. Yes. Councilwoman Hilbert is

[3:04:01] absent. Cap. >> Councilman Ross. Yes. Councilwoman

[3:04:05] Summers Johnson is absent. Council President Wooten.

[3:04:07] » Yes. >> That's five years to absence. This

[3:04:10] passes resolution 329-2026 resolution in support of full and

[3:04:16] expanded funding for the New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program NJCCAP

[3:04:23] sponsored by Council Member Quantavia El Hilbert and the Municipal CL Council. on

[3:04:28] the mo uh is there a motion? >> Move it. Ross

[3:04:31] » second. Wooten. >> Moved by Councilman Ross, second by

[3:04:36] Council President Wooten. on the motion. >> I just um wanted to say to the families

[3:04:43] like this is a very important um deal and I totally um am honored to support

[3:04:52] this legislation and I hope that it um is raised and I hope um that nothing

[3:05:01] happens where it's stalled. So, >> Council President,

[3:05:06] » Councilwoman East. >> Yeah. I And I also want to say to each

[3:05:10] of you, if you have not done so, please reach out to your legislators, your

[3:05:15] congressmen, your senators, even the governor, write them letters and let

[3:05:20] them know that you want this because you need that reduction, the extra money for

[3:05:25] child care. So, make sure you have your community write letters and flood them

[3:05:30] because then they will pay attention to what you're trying to do.

[3:05:36] » Anyone else on a motion? Roll call. Council Kohley.

[3:05:40] » Yes. >> Councilwoman N.

[3:05:41] » Yes. >> Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Council

[3:05:43] Vice President Monica the third. >> Yes.

[3:05:46] » Councilman Ross. Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent. Council President

[3:05:50] Wooten. >> Yes.

[3:05:52] » That's five yays, two absences. This passes resolution

[3:05:58] » 3

[3:06:01] uh resolution 332-2026

[3:06:05] a resolution of the municipal council of the city of Orange Township, Essex

[3:06:09] County, New Jersey, appointing Christopher L. Murray as municipal tax

[3:06:14] assessor for the city of Orange Township. Is there a motion?

[3:06:18] » Motion Coley. >> Second, Wooten.

[3:06:22] Motion by Councilman Coley, second by Council President Wooten. On the motion,

[3:06:27] » is it all right if if um Mr. Murray comes up and makes a statement to us?

[3:06:32] Can we do that on the motion? >> Sure.

[3:06:35] » Yeah. >> But also, could I just say something

[3:06:38] first? Mr. Murray, would you approach the

[3:06:40] » up to the podium?

[3:06:47] I just want to say thank you for everything you do and for always

[3:06:51] returning phone calls >> and when you in the office you always

[3:06:55] answer your phone. So thank you for supporting the city of Orange and and

[3:06:59] still being here. Thank you. >> I enjoy being with you. Really love it.

[3:07:03] » I want to say the same thing like thank you for whenever there's a question for

[3:07:07] a senior freeze or anchor or anything like that and a resident sends us sends

[3:07:11] us an email and I email you. Thank you for emailing me back with all of the

[3:07:16] attachments that we can also send out to the residents. I really really

[3:07:21] appreciate it. And I see the work the work that y'all do um with the state

[3:07:26] when it um as it pertains to the school board um those taxes. I don't know the

[3:07:31] exact name of it, but I see the work that you and a city attorney does and

[3:07:34] totally appreciate that too. So, thank you so much for that. You're

[3:07:38] » welcome. Appreciate it. >> Um yes. on the motion.

[3:07:42] » Um Chris, you've been doing a great job. I

[3:07:47] appreciate everything you've done and will continue to do. But um for full

[3:07:52] transparency, you know, for folks that don't know you, you know, could you just

[3:07:56] tell us a little bit about what a tax assessor does and what your department

[3:08:00] does? Um what accomplishments you have made and what compliments you attend to

[3:08:06] fulfill in the future? >> Of course. So the role

[3:08:09] » step up to the mic because can't hear you.

[3:08:12] » Sorry. Uh the role of the tax assessor is we're we determine um assessments for

[3:08:17] property tax. So in the state of New Jersey, we have an advorum tax system.

[3:08:20] So you're basically taxed based on property value. So when we determine an

[3:08:25] assessment, we have to do a market analysis. So we look at sales in a

[3:08:28] particular sampling period and and basically comp it out just like an

[3:08:30] appraisal. And also which complicates the issue a little bit more is we have a

[3:08:35] um a ratio to deal with. So we have to kind of keep our assessments in uniform

[3:08:39] because we don't reassess every year. So if we determine an assessment

[3:08:43] hypothetically in 2026, we have to kind of keep it in line with when we did the

[3:08:46] reval in 2022. So we have to apply the ratio to that market value. Um regarding

[3:08:52] accomplishments, um council president touched on it. Our biggest uh feats that

[3:08:57] we've done was uh successfully sue the division of taxation and get um

[3:09:02] overrides in our ratio. those increases in the the ratio help save um the

[3:09:08] residents here in county taxes towards the county and it's it's pretty

[3:09:12] substantial the four times we've done it accumulatively if we've saved roughly $3

[3:09:18] million but that's just based off of the the first year you have to keep in mind

[3:09:22] when we do um a county aortionment it kind of like we we're resetting it back

[3:09:28] to the base hypothetically if we have to contribute $10 million to the county um

[3:09:32] we challenge the ratio we bring it down 85 so like $8 million just for their

[3:09:36] example like that would be our new base versus not challenging it then our

[3:09:40] county aortionment would be 10 million so every year it keeps going up we're

[3:09:44] kind of like delaying like that increase um future goals for the department it's

[3:09:50] just you know transparency and just giving um the residents you know

[3:09:55] information about the real estate market I'm really real estate based I really

[3:09:58] don't do too much with like property taxes but if anybody has any questions

[3:10:01] about the real estate market, you know, um sales in their neighborhood or what's

[3:10:06] just going on across the the board. Like I'm a really good source of information

[3:10:10] for and I can give spreadsheets. I love spreadsheets. I give spreadsheets to

[3:10:13] everybody. Um if they just, you know, just ask for it, I'll give it to them.

[3:10:17] Yeah. >> Thank you. And you have my full support.

[3:10:21] » Thank you. >> Absolutely.

[3:10:24] » Anyone else on a motion? >> Roll call. Councilman Coley.

[3:10:29] » Yes. >> Councilwoman E.

[3:10:30] » Yes. Councilwoman Hbert is absent. Council Vice President Wati,

[3:10:35] » yes. >> Counciloman Ross, yes.

[3:10:36] » Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent. Councilwoman, Council President Wooten,

[3:10:40] » yes. >> That's five years, two absent

[3:10:44] » and another from the audience. This passes. Thank

[3:10:49] you so much, >> Council Councilwoman E. It was a

[3:10:53] pleasure working with you and I hope you have, you know, enjoy the next chapter

[3:10:56] of your life and travel. Travel as much as you can. [laughter]

[3:10:59] » Absolutely. Thank you. >> Okay, council members, on your desk, you

[3:11:07] have uh three walk-ons.

[3:11:12] Three out of order here. Got my out of order.

[3:11:18] One sec. Okay.

[3:11:24] Resolution 350-2026 WOO. A resolution honoring the life and

[3:11:29] legacy of David Marshall, sponsored by council member Welen and Maru thei and

[3:11:34] the city of Orange Township Municipal Council. Um, resolution 351-2026WO,

[3:11:42] a resolution allowing the city of Orange Township to deposit 446,000

[3:11:48] into an A NJ Transit building department escrow account for payments that will be

[3:11:54] due to NJ Transit for their work on the city of

[3:12:00] Orange Township's Highland Avenue train station. Resolution 352-2026

[3:12:07] WO, a resolution of the municipal council at the city of of the city of

[3:12:11] Orange Township, county of Essex, state of New Jersey, authorizing and directing

[3:12:15] the planning board to study the scatter sites redevelopment area in order to

[3:12:19] determine whether it should remain designated as an area in need of

[3:12:23] redevelopment and further directing the planning board to hold a public hearing,

[3:12:28] report to the municipal count municipal council and prepare any proposed

[3:12:33] amendments. ments to the scattered sites redevelopment plan as deemed

[3:12:37] appropriate. Can I get a motion to walk these three resolutions on to the

[3:12:42] agenda? >> Motion

[3:12:45] » to walk these on. >> Motion to walk on these three

[3:12:49] resolutions to the agenda was made by council vice president Migu the third.

[3:12:53] Second by council president Wooten. On the motion

[3:12:57] all those in favor vote by saying I. >> I.

[3:13:00] » Any opposed? This has been adopted. The three

[3:13:04] resolutions have been walked onto the agenda. I'm going to take one vote to

[3:13:10] I'll read them again to the record so we can take a vote on them.

[3:13:17] » Yeah, I need to talk. >> Okay, no problem. We'll do them. We'll

[3:13:22] do them separately. Yes, ma'am. >> No problem. Okay. Uh resolutions

[3:13:29] 350-

[3:13:36] Motion

[3:13:41] » Monty >> and second

[3:13:44] » Een. >> Thank you. Motion by Council Vice

[3:13:46] President Mu. Second by Councilwoman Een. On the motion.

[3:13:50] » Roll call. Councilman Coley. >> Yes.

[3:13:52] » Councilman Councilwoman Een. >> Yes.

[3:13:55] » Councilwoman Hilbert is absent. Councilman Maria the third.

[3:13:58] » Yes. >> Counciloman Ross. Yes. Councilwoman

[3:14:00] Summers Johnson is asking. Council President Wooten,

[3:14:03] » yes. >> That's five years, two absences. This

[3:14:06] has been approved. Resolution 351-2026WO.

[3:14:16] a resolution allowing the city of Orange Township to deposit $46,000 into a New

[3:14:21] Jersey Transit building department escrow account for payments that will be

[3:14:25] due to New Jersey Transit for their work on the city of Orange Township's

[3:14:29] Highland Avenue train station. Is there a motion?

[3:14:32] » Movement Ross. >> Second, E.

[3:14:35] » Moved by Councilman Ross, second by Councilwoman Een on the motion. Roll

[3:14:40] call. Counciloman Coley, >> yes.

[3:14:42] » Councilwoman Een, >> yes. Yes. Councilwoman Hill Hilbert is

[3:14:45] absent. Councilman Mari the third. Yes. Councilman Ross. Yes.

[3:14:49] » Councilwoman Summers Johnson is absent. Council

[3:14:53] » Council Council President Wen. >> Yes. Thank you, ma'am. That's five

[3:15:00] years, two absences. I got hot. This passes. Resolution

[3:15:06] 352-2026 WOO. a resolution of the municipal

[3:15:10] council of the city of Orange Township, County of Essex, state of New Jersey,

[3:15:13] authorizing and directing the planning board to study the scatteriz

[3:15:16] redevelopment area in order to determine whether it should remain designated as

[3:15:20] an area in need of redevelopment and further directing the planning board to

[3:15:24] hold a public hearing, report to the municipal council, and prepare a any

[3:15:29] proposed amendments to the scattered sites redevelopment plan as deemed

[3:15:33] appropriate. Is there a motion? >> Move it.

[3:15:36] » Second. >> Second to you. Moved by Councilman Ross,

[3:15:39] second by Council Vice President Marty the third. On the motion.

[3:15:42] » On the motion. >> Just me.

[3:15:47] » Yeah. Um I'm fully in agreement with this u Mr. BA, but can we put some time

[3:15:52] restrictions on this? >> Well,

[3:15:56] [clears throat]

[3:15:59] it has to be directed to the planning board and there are certain procedures

[3:16:02] they have to follow. So, I can ask them to move it as quickly as possible, but I

[3:16:07] don't think you can put time restrictions on another body's um

[3:16:12] deliberations.

[3:16:15] » Okay. And and I only say that because, you know, we had a conversation today.

[3:16:19] You know, there's other properties that's on this list that, you know, is

[3:16:24] trying to do development as we speak. And, you know, I'm trying to avoid that.

[3:16:28] So that's [clears throat] why I asked for some time frame or some time

[3:16:32] restrictions so that this can get you know um done.

[3:16:36] » Yeah. I think um what we'll do is for any that have not already gone

[3:16:44] through the TRC process. Um, we will probably discourage people who

[3:16:51] come in with proposals to develop before they go through the process and let them

[3:16:58] know that we're looking at making amendments to the plan.

[3:17:02] » Okay. Okay. But we you so you we can't put like 60

[3:17:07] days 90 days on >> Okay. Thank you.

[3:17:14] So my question is, and this is a BA question. It might be um attorney

[3:17:20] Montilus's question. So I'm along with some of my colleagues

[3:17:27] proposing an ordinance to look at the setbacks

[3:17:33] um as they relate to all development, but specifically scattered sites.

[3:17:40] So how would that coincide? because this is a resolution and I know once I do the

[3:17:45] ordinance, the planning board will have to get back to me in about 35 days with

[3:17:50] an answer and they're going to look to see if it's

[3:17:53] » at the um the um what's [cough and clears throat] the big plan?

[3:17:57] » M >> the master plan, right? So,

[3:18:01] how would that ordinance coincide or be affected with this if

[3:18:07] they're already going to be looking at scattered sites?

[3:18:11] because we we don't want anyone to have a piece of property where the setbacks

[3:18:17] are zero and a high-rise building is built zero

[3:18:22] at someone's property. So, we want to possibly change the setbacks, but we

[3:18:29] looking at doing it like percentage-wise instead of saying like 20 ft or 10 ft.

[3:18:35] Cuz if you do percentage wise, then you can give the property owner the best

[3:18:42] outcome. Does it make sense?

[3:18:48] » [laughter] >> I I've never seen setbacks set by

[3:18:53] percentage. So, I'd have to look into that.

[3:18:56] » I can come to your office and explain it. Okay. You're probably going to make

[3:18:59] all >> I mean,

[3:19:00] » um, but we just don't want like what happened on Lindsley place to happen

[3:19:05] again. So, we probably are going to look at changing the setbacks, but also like

[3:19:12] for example, say you have a house on ABC Street and

[3:19:18] and a house that lives said Daffy Duck lives here and Donald Duck lives right

[3:19:24] beside Daffy and something happens to Donald Duck's house. We don't want a

[3:19:29] developer to buy that as a scattered site and then come and build a fourstory

[3:19:34] building when all of the houses on the streets are two stories.

[3:19:39] » So, we want to do an ordinance to minimize those things, but how would

[3:19:46] that coincide or how would that affect this

[3:19:51] or how would this affect an ordinance which will be ready for the next council

[3:19:55] meeting? So, um,

[3:20:01] if you're looking solely at scattered sites,

[3:20:05] » you won't look at all >> and you want to look at all the

[3:20:07] redevelopment claims. >> It's not going to be as simple as doing

[3:20:11] an ordinance. >> Um, because that would be an amendment

[3:20:16] to each redevelopment plan going forward,

[3:20:20] » right? But it would still be an amendment to each redevelopment plan.

[3:20:23] » Um, >> and a master plan possibly.

[3:20:27] » I don't even think you can amend the master plan.

[3:20:29] » Chris, Chris, >> can we quick question based on and I

[3:20:34] guess Mont I don't know. I think I understand what you understand what

[3:20:39] council Wooten is saying but in all of the experiences of being I think that

[3:20:43] needs to be discussed with the planning board of attorney because of the simple

[3:20:49] reason that there are variances that you can request that can be approved. So I

[3:20:56] think that should something that should be brought up to the planning board have

[3:21:00] their attorney in land use and zoning to look at that to see if it's possible for

[3:21:06] the council to legislate that because keep in mind land use comes from the

[3:21:10] state. So I think you might want to get that

[3:21:15] question offer that question to that or Mr. Hazel who is

[3:21:22] but Mr. Hazel probably could give you some guidance on that also.

[3:21:26] » So this is what I would I would recommend. Um

[3:21:32] you move forward with this resolution and I huddle up with the law department

[3:21:38] and the planning board attorney and the planning department to see how we best

[3:21:42] accomplish what you want to accomplish which is a revisitation of all of the

[3:21:48] setback requirements in every redevelopment plan. Can can So at that

[3:21:54] some point could councilman Ross and I sit down with

[3:21:58] » Can't hear you. >> I said at some point would could

[3:22:01] councilman Ross and I sit down with I guess the planning board or whomever we

[3:22:05] need to sit down with regarding this is and another council member. So would it

[3:22:10] be three of us? >> Yeah. I think I I don't think it needs

[3:22:14] to be the planning board. I think it needs to be the internal working group

[3:22:19] that we put together so that we can come up with a process that will achieve what

[3:22:25] you want to achieve. >> Okay.

[3:22:28] » Cuz I think there's going to have to be a referral to the planning board.

[3:22:32] » Mhm. >> And there's going to have to be notice

[3:22:35] » to property owners for the change in zoning

[3:22:39] » if I'm remembering correctly. and and you know, don't take me at at

[3:22:46] gospel >> a week. [laughter]

[3:22:52] » So, that's how I think you should proceed

[3:22:55] » and we can set that meeting up, you know, this week if we need to.

[3:23:01] » What are you thinking, Council Ross? You look like you got

[3:23:05] » Yeah, I like the idea and we need to sit down and talk about it and hash this

[3:23:09] thing out so it can make we can make it happen. So, sure.

[3:23:14] » Okay. So, still go forward with the ordinance, but go forward with this

[3:23:18] tonight.

[3:23:22] » Go ahead. >> Okay.

[3:23:25] » Anyone else? >> Anybody else on the motion?

[3:23:28] » Roll call. Councilman Coley. >> Yes.

[3:23:30] » Councilwoman E. >> Yes. Councilwoman Hilbert is absent.

[3:23:34] Council Vice President Moni, >> yes.

[3:23:36] » Councilman Ross, >> yes.

[3:23:38] » Councilwoman Summer Johnson is absent. Council President Wooten,

[3:23:42] » yes. >> That's five years, two absences. This

[3:23:46] passes. There are there's no old business. Is there anything else for the

[3:23:50] record for? >> Okay.

[3:23:53] » Before you close, >> one one second. Councilman Ross

[3:23:57] » was first. I'm sorry. Just want to say again thanks to all of you. Um

[3:24:02] appreciate you and I want to let them know our CFO that we appreciate him

[3:24:06] also. Thank you for always being there that I come sit in your office and and

[3:24:12] to our business administrator. It's been great working with you. You

[3:24:18] know I'm not going away. So we'll be talking. And to

[3:24:23] turn my tell I think you play soccer today. You look like you played soccer.

[3:24:26] Did you? [laughter] What?

[3:24:29] » I didn't play. I just watched soccer court.

[3:24:31] » I just watched. >> Thank you for uh always taking my phone

[3:24:36] calls. Thank you also. Just continue to be a good team. Big good team.

[3:24:41] » Yeah. And I just wanted to give you this from the council. This is a small token

[3:24:46] of our appreciation for all that you have done for us. All you what you have

[3:24:51] done for the city and especially the north ward. You know we're going to miss

[3:24:55] your big mouth. Okay. So, we love you and we support you and best of luck in

[3:25:02] your next chapter of your life. >> And I have some cupcakes for everybody.

[3:25:07] So, don't leave. Have some cupcakes and you know, you can continue to say

[3:25:11] goodbye to her if you like to. >> Do we have champagne?

[3:25:14] » No. >> Call it chambers.

[3:25:22] » Anyone else? Is there a motion to adjurnn?

[3:25:26] » Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn by Councilwoman Een.

[3:25:30] Second by >> Second Coley.

[3:25:32] » Second by Councilman Kohley. On the motion, all those in favor vote by

[3:25:38] saying I. >> Any oppose? We stand adjourned at 9:41

[3:25:43] p.m. The next scheduled municipal council conference meeting and regular

[3:25:48] meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, following inauguration and

[3:25:52] reorganization meeting at Monte

[3:25:57] at the Monty Irving Comedy Community Center in Orange Park. Thank you and

[3:26:02] have a wonderful night.

June 16, 2026 - City of Orange Township Council Meeting

Transcript