1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,920 Okay. Good evening. I would like to introduce 2 00:00:03,440 --> 00:00:10,680 a very special guest this evening. Uh he is a fourth grader at the Lana 3 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:14,400 school and he is our 2026 mayor for the day. Cameron Trask, would you please 4 00:00:12,760 --> 00:00:18,600 come up and join me and would you please bring your parents forward with you so 5 00:00:16,960 --> 00:00:21,240 that I could swear you into the office of mayor. 6 00:00:31,440 --> 00:00:36,200 Okay. I have a Bible. 7 00:00:41,600 --> 00:00:44,560 All right, who's going to hold the Bible? 8 00:00:43,520 --> 00:00:48,400 I'll hold it for you. Who's going to hold the Bible? And which hand did I 9 00:00:46,200 --> 00:00:51,720 tell you? Um left. Left hand on the Bible, right hand up. 10 00:00:53,960 --> 00:00:58,480 And then All right, you're going to stand there. 11 00:00:56,880 --> 00:01:01,480 You got All right, that's perfect. All right, you're going to go like this, but 12 00:00:59,520 --> 00:01:05,680 I'm going to go like this so that you can also maybe read along if you need 13 00:01:03,320 --> 00:01:08,880 to, okay? Right. All right. Ready? Mhm. 14 00:01:07,120 --> 00:01:14,440 I I Cameron Trask do solemnly swear do 15 00:01:12,040 --> 00:01:18,120 solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the 16 00:01:16,920 --> 00:01:21,680 Constitution >> of the United States 17 00:01:19,360 --> 00:01:26,200 » United States and the Constitution of the state of New Jersey and the 18 00:01:23,440 --> 00:01:31,560 Constitution of the state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and that 19 00:01:28,960 --> 00:01:35,880 will bear true faith and allegiance >> and allegiance to the same to the same 20 00:01:33,720 --> 00:01:39,200 and to the governments and to the governments 21 00:01:36,640 --> 00:01:44,040 » established in the United States established to in the United States 22 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:47,560 » this state and in this state >> under the authority of the people under 23 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:53,840 the authority of the people >> so help me God so help me God I I 24 00:01:51,680 --> 00:01:58,960 Cameron Trask do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear that I will faithfully 25 00:01:56,680 --> 00:02:05,000 that I will faithfully impartially impartially and justly 26 00:02:01,920 --> 00:02:09,960 perform and justly perform all the duties of 27 00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:14,720 all the duties of mayor for the day mayor for the day of the Borough of 28 00:02:12,480 --> 00:02:19,000 Emerson of the Borough of Emerson >> according to the best of my ability. 29 00:02:16,959 --> 00:02:20,760 » according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. 30 00:02:19,920 --> 00:02:24,811 » So help me God. >> NOW SMILE. 31 00:02:22,791 --> 00:02:24,811 » [laughter] 32 00:02:25,160 --> 00:02:33,160 » YOU ARE THE NEW MAYOR. SHAKE MY HAND AND CONGRATULATE YOU. 33 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:37,240 WE'VE already signed our oath and Tricia will get you a copy of 34 00:02:35,280 --> 00:02:41,040 this. Uh and now we are going to I'm going to 35 00:02:39,600 --> 00:02:43,880 take all this and we're going to go back up [clears throat] and we're going to 36 00:02:41,560 --> 00:02:46,959 start the meeting, okay? You guys go sit down. 37 00:02:52,120 --> 00:02:56,320 Take your seat right next to Councilman Timmerman. 38 00:02:59,120 --> 00:03:02,440 Okay, and you're going to pick up 39 00:03:05,800 --> 00:03:08,640 Okay, you got 40 00:03:10,959 --> 00:03:19,040 Welcome to the meeting. Welcome to the May 19, 2026 meeting of 41 00:03:16,480 --> 00:03:24,720 the Emerson governing governing body. 42 00:03:21,480 --> 00:03:31,519 For those of you present, in case of a fire, follow the fire exit signs above 43 00:03:28,840 --> 00:03:35,360 the doors and exit calmly. Mom and Dad, please lead us in the 44 00:03:33,640 --> 00:03:40,519 Pledge of Allegiance. At the completion, we will remain 45 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:42,800 standing for a moment of silence. Thank you. 46 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:51,840 to the flag of the United States of America, and to 47 00:03:49,280 --> 00:03:58,680 the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with 48 00:03:54,760 --> 00:03:58,680 liberty and justice for all. 49 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:06,240 I would like to remember this evening and take a moment of silence 50 00:04:03,960 --> 00:04:11,360 for Emerson residents that passed away, Mr. Raymond Pacla, who I saw every month 51 00:04:09,280 --> 00:04:16,760 down at the senior center and you couldn't ask for a kinder, sweeter man. 52 00:04:14,360 --> 00:04:21,400 And for Marie Castrovalary. Marie was an Emerson treasure who spent every day of 53 00:04:19,079 --> 00:04:25,680 her life living and loving the community of Emerson. May they both rest in peace. 54 00:04:27,840 --> 00:04:30,320 Thank you. 55 00:04:35,640 --> 00:04:45,240 This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings 56 00:04:42,919 --> 00:04:50,600 and Laws and adequately noticed pursuant to the 57 00:04:48,880 --> 00:04:54,120 N.J.S.A. 10:4-10. 58 00:04:52,560 --> 00:05:01,640 This meet This meeting of May 19, 2026 59 00:04:58,120 --> 00:05:11,800 was noticed to the Record and The Virtual News on January 12, 2026 60 00:05:07,840 --> 00:05:16,000 and published in said newspapers, posted on the bulletin board 61 00:05:14,240 --> 00:05:21,680 in the municipal 62 00:05:17,600 --> 00:05:30,000 building and on the website and has remained continuously posted 63 00:05:25,280 --> 00:05:30,000 as required under the statute. 64 00:05:31,600 --> 00:05:41,160 Ms. DeSimone, please call the roll of the governing governing governing body. 65 00:05:39,360 --> 00:05:45,640 Mayor Travers? Here. 66 00:05:43,040 --> 00:05:48,800 Mayor DePaula? Present. Councilwoman Angelina? Here. 67 00:05:47,480 --> 00:05:52,360 Councilwoman Argenziano? >> Here. Councilman Ellis is absent this 68 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:55,880 evening. Council President Rey? 69 00:05:53,520 --> 00:06:00,000 » Here. Councilman Timmerman? Here. Councilwoman Sayers? Here. 70 00:05:58,240 --> 00:06:04,040 May I have a motion to excuse Councilman Ellis from tonight's meeting? So moved. 71 00:06:01,760 --> 00:06:07,600 Second. All in favor? Aye. Okay. Oh, we need a roll call. Sorry. 72 00:06:05,640 --> 00:06:09,440 Um Councilwoman Celano? Yes. Councilwoman Argendzia? 73 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:13,000 » Yes. Um Council President Rey? 74 00:06:11,040 --> 00:06:16,200 » Yes. Councilman Timmerman? Yes. Councilwoman Sayers? Yes. Thank you. 75 00:06:14,840 --> 00:06:19,760 Thank you, Sierra. Okay. So, I'm going to read this 76 00:06:17,919 --> 00:06:22,480 proclamation while we're standing here, and then we're going to go down and ask 77 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:25,880 your parents to come back up and take some photos, and then the council's 78 00:06:24,240 --> 00:06:29,320 going to come down and take photos with us, okay? 79 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:33,040 All right. Proclamation, Office of the Mayor. Whereas Cameron Trass, a 80 00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:38,120 fourth-grade student at Patrick M. Valano School, won the 2026 Mayor for a 81 00:06:36,520 --> 00:06:40,760 Day contest. Look at the camera and smile. 82 00:06:39,120 --> 00:06:46,840 Through a drawing sponsored by the Emerson PTA, and whereas Cameron Trass 83 00:06:43,880 --> 00:06:51,280 loves dogs. Lucky day for you. And enjoys playing soccer and video games, 84 00:06:49,560 --> 00:06:56,080 and whereas the governing body of the Borough of Emerson supports the 85 00:06:53,000 --> 00:07:00,080 initiative of introducing youngsters to and engaging them in the democratic 86 00:06:57,880 --> 00:07:05,960 process of local government, providing them with a hands-on experience of an 87 00:07:02,760 --> 00:07:10,840 acting policy and conducting business on behalf of the for the goodwill of the 88 00:07:08,560 --> 00:07:15,840 residents of Emerson. Whereas Cameron Trass, as Mayor for the Day, will gain 89 00:07:13,560 --> 00:07:20,080 insight as to what elected leaders are asked to do, the difficult decisions 90 00:07:18,160 --> 00:07:24,400 that they must make, and the procedures they must follow to ensure that Emerson 91 00:07:22,560 --> 00:07:29,800 residents' rights and freedoms are protected and valued. Now, therefore, I, 92 00:07:27,440 --> 00:07:36,040 Danielle De Paola, Mayor of the Borough of Emerson, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, 93 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:41,400 May 19th as Cameron Trass Mayor for the for the Day, 2026. 94 00:07:38,560 --> 00:07:45,880 And in witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the great seal of 95 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:52,400 the Borough of Emerson in the state of New Jersey to be affixed on this day, 96 00:07:48,480 --> 00:07:56,720 the 19th of May in the year 2026. So, now we're going to get up and we're 97 00:07:53,920 --> 00:08:01,200 going to go take a picture. And then I'm going to need that, right? 98 00:07:59,480 --> 00:08:04,480 And then where's the Yoshi? All right, let's go take a picture. 99 00:08:06,680 --> 00:08:12,760 Let's do a picture first and then your parents will come up and then the 100 00:08:10,080 --> 00:08:16,280 council will come down. So, here's the proclamation. 101 00:08:15,120 --> 00:08:18,800 All right, Michael's going to take our picture. 102 00:08:22,480 --> 00:08:28,640 Now your parents are going to come up. And your brother. 103 00:08:35,039 --> 00:08:39,960 Anywhere you want. So, get in here. 104 00:08:48,680 --> 00:08:54,486 And now the council can come down for a quick photo. 105 00:08:51,960 --> 00:08:56,506 Cuz I know they just love photos. Not. [laughter] 106 00:08:59,480 --> 00:09:03,440 Uh you can do one with you, one without you. How about that? All right, 107 00:09:02,040 --> 00:09:06,680 everybody get in. Emerson, we're all family. 108 00:09:13,760 --> 00:09:19,360 Thank you parents for coming up. Council, stay here and we'll do one just 109 00:09:16,800 --> 00:09:23,720 with our little mayor. All right, stand right here. You can 110 00:09:21,040 --> 00:09:26,839 come in a little bit tighter. And one more photo shot. 111 00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:35,720 All right, awesome. All right, now we are going to move on 112 00:09:34,440 --> 00:09:39,720 to one of your favorite things, remember? 113 00:09:36,880 --> 00:09:43,120 We're going to tell a story. Come here. Tonight, I have a beautiful story to 114 00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:47,440 share about resident Annie Der Ohannessian's 115 00:09:45,960 --> 00:09:51,920 dog Yoshi. This past December, on the evening 116 00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:56,760 before a major snowstorm, Annie's neighbor, Kathy Frost, who's also a dear 117 00:09:54,440 --> 00:10:01,200 friend, had a serious fall in her backyard in the dark 118 00:09:59,560 --> 00:10:05,960 and broke her hip. Unable to get up on her own, she was 119 00:10:03,080 --> 00:10:11,320 left in a very vulnerable situation. Annie let Yoshi out and quickly noticed 120 00:10:08,360 --> 00:10:15,880 he was barking with an unusual urgency that immediately caught her attention. 121 00:10:14,560 --> 00:10:20,200 She opened the door to see what was going on and heard Kathy calling her 122 00:10:17,920 --> 00:10:24,360 name. I'm going to cry. Annie had her sons run over while she got dressed and 123 00:10:22,280 --> 00:10:28,760 they all ran to help Kathy. Because of this chain of events, Kathy 124 00:10:26,160 --> 00:10:33,720 was able to receive medical care without delay. She has since undergone hip 125 00:10:31,400 --> 00:10:37,560 replacement surgery and is continuing to recover. 126 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:41,800 At 76 years young, she has always carried herself with independence and 127 00:10:39,320 --> 00:10:45,680 pride and she continues to approach this new chapter with resilience and 128 00:10:43,440 --> 00:10:50,680 strength. Kathy shared how meaningful that night was to her and always refers 129 00:10:47,800 --> 00:10:55,600 to Yoshi as her hero. Kathy mentioned to Annie that she wanted 130 00:10:52,400 --> 00:11:00,000 Yoshi recognized for his heroic efforts and this evening we are doing just that. 131 00:10:58,080 --> 00:11:04,720 Tonight, we honor Yoshi. Bring him on up. Everybody come on up. 132 00:11:02,400 --> 00:11:04,720 FOR HIS 133 00:11:08,760 --> 00:11:14,240 HOW OLD WAS YOSHI? HE JUST HE TURNS TWO IN APRIL. 134 00:11:15,560 --> 00:11:22,800 SO, tonight we honor Yoshi for his heroic efforts in assisting a neighbor 135 00:11:20,120 --> 00:11:27,200 in need. Yoshi and Kathy's story is a reminder that even in difficult moments, 136 00:11:25,200 --> 00:11:30,000 there is a connection and care within the Emerson community. And we have a 137 00:11:29,320 --> 00:11:32,720 little gift for Yoshi. 138 00:11:33,000 --> 00:11:38,947 I'm going to open it up for him so that he can see. Little American Idol. 139 00:11:36,927 --> 00:11:38,947 » [laughter] 140 00:11:43,640 --> 00:11:49,960 » Excellent choice. All right, let's get a picture with 141 00:11:47,400 --> 00:11:49,960 Yoshi. 142 00:11:54,760 --> 00:12:00,960 Come over here, Kathy, what do you want? I didn't want her to trip on Yoshi, so 143 00:11:59,320 --> 00:12:04,160 why don't Why don't you come on this side, Beth? 144 00:12:02,160 --> 00:12:07,600 I I trust you to walk beside the dog better than I trust Kathy. And then 145 00:12:05,400 --> 00:12:12,080 we'll all get in here. You can't see the dog at all? All right, 146 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:12,080 let's move in the front. 147 00:12:14,520 --> 00:12:17,840 You know what? Maybe we'll do a group picture. 148 00:12:19,200 --> 00:12:23,760 Come over here, you get up in front with the dog. 149 00:12:22,240 --> 00:12:26,360 Get over here, everybody get in the picture. 150 00:12:30,240 --> 00:12:37,640 Let's hold on to Yoshi. Good boy. 151 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:37,640 Yoshi is here. Good. 152 00:12:38,520 --> 00:12:42,200 Does someone want to shake? Yoshi. 153 00:12:42,428 --> 00:12:44,448 » [laughter] 154 00:12:50,760 --> 00:12:55,560 » That's awesome. Kathy, we're so happy. Yes, thank you. 155 00:12:56,280 --> 00:13:04,098 Best dog in Emerson today. Congratulations on the Thank you, Yoshi. 156 00:13:02,078 --> 00:13:04,098 » [laughter] 157 00:13:09,080 --> 00:13:13,080 » I think we're going to need to back up. Good boy. 158 00:13:18,560 --> 00:13:26,320 That was the first commendation for a dog, I believe, in Emerson history. 159 00:13:22,720 --> 00:13:30,840 And it was, I believe, duly uh appropriate. 160 00:13:29,160 --> 00:13:33,880 And now we're off going to mention that it is What do you want to help me with 161 00:13:32,520 --> 00:13:37,160 this? Say these things. 162 00:13:35,520 --> 00:13:40,240 Tell everybody what week it is. Here, follow my follow my 163 00:13:42,040 --> 00:13:51,800 National Police Week, May 15th, 2026 to May 21st, [clears throat] 164 00:13:49,480 --> 00:14:00,800 2026. National Public Works, May 165 00:13:55,480 --> 00:14:04,880 uh week one, May 17th, 2026 to May 166 00:14:02,160 --> 00:14:09,240 23rd, 2006. 167 00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:15,320 26. National 168 00:14:11,560 --> 00:14:25,000 EMS. EMS Week, May 17th, 169 00:14:18,920 --> 00:14:30,960 2026. 2026 to May 23rd, 2026. Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15th, 170 00:14:29,440 --> 00:14:34,680 2026. And all of those proclamations are 171 00:14:32,640 --> 00:14:42,320 listed on the borough website as well as in borough hall. 172 00:14:36,760 --> 00:14:42,320 Okay. And now we are going to go on to 173 00:14:42,560 --> 00:14:48,120 Cameron, could you tell us what you did today? 174 00:14:46,480 --> 00:14:52,040 Speak into the mic. Tell us some of the stuff you did today. 175 00:14:50,280 --> 00:14:56,480 Um Today 176 00:14:53,680 --> 00:15:03,280 I got picked up from Emerson Borough School 177 00:14:58,280 --> 00:15:05,480 at 11:00. 11:45. 11:45. All right. 178 00:15:04,760 --> 00:15:10,800 Who picked you up? >> Um 179 00:15:06,560 --> 00:15:18,680 uh the mayor and the chief of police picked me up in his vehicle 180 00:15:15,560 --> 00:15:21,800 and drove over here to the Emerson Borough. 181 00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:25,080 And what's the first thing we showed you, the minute books? Yeah. And how 182 00:15:23,880 --> 00:15:28,400 long do we have to keep the minute books? Forever. Forever. 183 00:15:27,490 --> 00:15:32,440 » [laughter] >> And how What's the oldest book we looked 184 00:15:30,160 --> 00:15:36,960 at? 1903. 1903. So, he looked at some minutes from 185 00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:43,280 1903. And then what else did we do today? 186 00:15:38,440 --> 00:15:43,280 Um We had lunch. We had lunch. 187 00:15:44,280 --> 00:15:50,400 And What did we do at DPW? We went to the DPW. 188 00:15:50,560 --> 00:15:59,800 And what did you like at the DPW? Um we liked the salt. 189 00:15:57,560 --> 00:16:06,240 So, a lot of salt. There was 300 tons of salt that he got to see in a pile. 190 00:16:02,320 --> 00:16:11,440 And then after the DPW, we went where? Um To firehouse? 191 00:16:07,960 --> 00:16:16,040 » To the firehouse and we got to ride in a fire truck. 192 00:16:14,280 --> 00:16:20,440 And we beep beeped all around town, right? With the sirens. All right. And 193 00:16:18,080 --> 00:16:26,600 then after the firehouse, we went back to Borough Hall. Mhm. And then what did 194 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:30,839 we do? We put you in the cage? Yeah. We explored the 195 00:16:28,760 --> 00:16:37,760 police station. And you met Sergeant Rizza. Yeah. Right? 196 00:16:34,040 --> 00:16:40,720 Yeah. And then did we do anything else? We did a lot of stuff in between. It was 197 00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:43,560 a long day and I think you had a lot Did you have fun? 198 00:16:41,360 --> 00:16:46,091 » Yeah. Yeah? And was it worth it? Yeah. Was it worth every penny your mother 199 00:16:44,960 --> 00:16:48,111 paid FOR THOSE TICKETS? >> [laughter] 200 00:16:48,880 --> 00:16:53,240 » PROBABLY. >> GOOD. 201 00:16:50,160 --> 00:16:57,000 ALL RIGHT. SO, now I want to ask you if you have any motions to make. 202 00:17:01,400 --> 00:17:12,079 Yes, may I have a motion to get the entire fourth grade no rain homework on 203 00:17:07,600 --> 00:17:15,760 a date chosen by Miss Vitali. Can he get that motion? 204 00:17:13,160 --> 00:17:20,160 » So Second. And he's got it and you need a second. 205 00:17:17,160 --> 00:17:22,959 And now like all in favor. All in favor. And now's 206 00:17:21,360 --> 00:17:27,480 And then ask for a roll call just for fun. Roll call, please. 207 00:17:25,120 --> 00:17:30,440 Councilwoman Celina? Yes. Councilwoman Argenzia? 208 00:17:28,280 --> 00:17:33,400 » Yes. Council President Reyes? He will be very happy, yes. 209 00:17:32,080 --> 00:17:39,400 Councilwoman Zimmerman? >> Yes, absolutely. Councilwoman Sayers? 210 00:17:35,600 --> 00:17:41,960 Yes. That passes 5-0, Mayor. Okay. Now, these are the passes that you're going 211 00:17:40,640 --> 00:17:45,920 to bring to school and you're going to pass out to your friends and Mrs. Vitali 212 00:17:44,080 --> 00:17:49,320 will tell you when everybody could use them. Okay? 213 00:17:47,800 --> 00:17:54,360 And then we are going to You're going to have another Now, you're going to read 214 00:17:50,840 --> 00:17:54,360 this proclamation. 215 00:17:55,280 --> 00:18:04,520 I, Cameron Trask, fourth grader at Patrick M. Villano School and Mayor for 216 00:18:01,160 --> 00:18:10,520 a Day in the Borough of Emerson by the powers vested in me 217 00:18:07,160 --> 00:18:16,520 by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Emerson do hereby have authority to 218 00:18:13,960 --> 00:18:24,000 grant grant permission for a free homework pass for all fourth grade 219 00:18:20,760 --> 00:18:30,320 fourth graders at Villano School in the Borough of Emerson, County of Bergen, 220 00:18:28,400 --> 00:18:34,200 and the State. State of New Jersey. 221 00:18:35,120 --> 00:18:39,462 There. THAT'S A LAW NOW. >> [laughter] 222 00:18:41,720 --> 00:18:47,120 » ALL RIGHT, AND BEFORE WE SEND YOU OFF TO BED, IS there anything else that you 223 00:18:44,560 --> 00:18:47,120 want to say? 224 00:18:50,360 --> 00:18:55,840 Really thank the Mayor. >> [laughter] 225 00:18:54,080 --> 00:18:58,880 » No thanks is necessary. It was a lot of fun. 226 00:18:56,920 --> 00:19:04,400 Well, I'll say I had a great time with Cameron and we did do a lot of stuff, a 227 00:19:01,200 --> 00:19:08,840 lot of walking today in the heat. Um and we he we were very happy because when I 228 00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:12,840 picked him up what was the unusual thing? There were two other mayors in 229 00:19:10,320 --> 00:19:16,080 your class, right? So, two of our past mayors were in the class, so when he 230 00:19:14,320 --> 00:19:20,720 goes in tomorrow, there will be three mayors in Mrs. Kelly's class. 231 00:19:18,840 --> 00:19:24,480 Which I think is also a record for the town. 232 00:19:21,680 --> 00:19:29,720 So, you guys are the three amigos now, and you could show him them what you got 233 00:19:27,280 --> 00:19:34,680 as your gifts. And I also wanted to thank Corrine at Neenie and Company, who 234 00:19:32,920 --> 00:19:39,120 is one of our very talented Emerson residents who graciously donated 235 00:19:36,480 --> 00:19:42,440 personalized gift items for our mayor for the day. We always order them and 236 00:19:40,880 --> 00:19:46,600 expect to pay, and she always says, "No, no, no. I'd like to donate them." So, we 237 00:19:44,320 --> 00:19:49,600 appreciate that, Corrine. Thank you. And thank you for making this day extra 238 00:19:48,160 --> 00:19:54,480 special for the mayor with all of the goodies. All right, do you have anything 239 00:19:51,200 --> 00:19:54,480 else to say before you go? 240 00:19:55,200 --> 00:20:02,200 No? All right. Well, today's 2026 mayor for 241 00:19:59,440 --> 00:20:06,523 the day, Cameron Trask, is in the book, okay? 242 00:20:04,720 --> 00:20:10,000 All right. GOOD JOB. >> [applause] 243 00:20:07,520 --> 00:20:13,920 » YOU CAN TAKE THIS ONE. THIS ONE, YOU CAN TAKE THAT. 244 00:20:12,600 --> 00:20:17,400 TAKE THIS. Take your homework passes. 245 00:20:17,680 --> 00:20:23,000 I'm going to make a copy of this, and then we'll send the original to your 246 00:20:20,760 --> 00:20:27,320 house, okay? Cameron, it's been a pleasure. 247 00:20:24,880 --> 00:20:30,104 We'll see you soon, okay? Trask family, thank you for playing 248 00:20:29,160 --> 00:20:32,124 along. >> [laughter] 249 00:20:33,560 --> 00:20:40,960 » Now, go play soccer and hit some goals. Get some goals. 250 00:20:37,800 --> 00:20:40,960 Bye. Thank you. 251 00:20:42,640 --> 00:20:48,800 All right, that brings us to appointments and 252 00:20:46,960 --> 00:20:51,880 resignations, of which there are none this evening. Minutes for approval by 253 00:20:50,360 --> 00:20:57,320 Kathy. Bye, everyone. Thank you. Bye, Yoshi. Thanks for bringing Yoshi in. 254 00:20:55,240 --> 00:21:00,360 Do you have the eagle? Yeah, he's going to tear that up when he 255 00:20:58,560 --> 00:21:05,280 gets home. Uh we have to 256 00:21:02,400 --> 00:21:05,280 Yeah, do you mind? 257 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:14,200 Okay. May I have a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of May 5th, 258 00:21:11,200 --> 00:21:14,200 2026? 259 00:21:14,600 --> 00:21:17,640 Roll call, please. 260 00:21:19,520 --> 00:21:23,080 Councilwoman Celina? 261 00:21:24,120 --> 00:21:29,480 Councilwoman Arganzia? Council President Wright? 262 00:21:39,240 --> 00:21:46,560 He might have had to run down the steps. What do we do since he walked up the 263 00:21:43,600 --> 00:21:50,840 dais for half a second to bring me uh You have enough. 264 00:21:47,560 --> 00:21:54,520 Okay, so we he doesn't need to vote. Uh Councilwoman Sayers? 265 00:21:52,880 --> 00:21:58,960 Okay, and may I have a motion to approve the closed session meeting minutes of 266 00:21:56,000 --> 00:22:05,080 May 5th, 2026, which are not for release to the public at this time? 267 00:22:02,160 --> 00:22:11,080 And a roll call, please. Uh Councilwoman Celina? 268 00:22:08,320 --> 00:22:14,200 Councilwoman Arganzia? Council President Wright? 269 00:22:15,800 --> 00:22:22,760 Off the dais for the moment. Um Councilwoman Sayers? 270 00:22:21,160 --> 00:22:26,680 All right, there was no Thank you. There is no correspondence this evening. 271 00:22:24,920 --> 00:22:32,920 Financial business, may I have a motion to approve resolution 150-26, 272 00:22:29,960 --> 00:22:37,440 approval of the May 19th, 2026 bills list. Sorry about that, Mike. 273 00:22:35,080 --> 00:22:41,680 Roll call, please. Councilwoman Celina? 274 00:22:39,160 --> 00:22:46,280 Councilwoman um Arganzia? Council President Wright? 275 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:49,040 Uh Councilman He doesn't even know Hold that vote cuz 276 00:22:47,920 --> 00:22:55,400 you don't even know what we're voting on yet. We'll do the next one. 277 00:22:51,560 --> 00:22:57,960 So um Councilwoman Sayers? Yes. 278 00:22:56,680 --> 00:23:02,680 May I have a motion to approve resolution 151-26, 279 00:23:00,640 --> 00:23:09,400 certify the annual report of audit the year ending December 31st, 2025. 280 00:23:06,640 --> 00:23:12,480 Roll call, please. Councilwoman Tolentino? Yes. 281 00:23:11,320 --> 00:23:16,680 Councilwoman Argenziano? >> Yes. Council President Ray? Yes. 282 00:23:14,440 --> 00:23:19,960 Councilman Timmerman? Yes. Councilwoman Sayre? Yes. 283 00:23:18,120 --> 00:23:26,080 Motion passes. Very good. And may I have a motion to approve resolution 152-26, 284 00:23:23,440 --> 00:23:28,520 approval of the corrective action plan for the audit. 285 00:23:27,520 --> 00:23:32,720 So moved. Second. And a roll call, please. 286 00:23:30,960 --> 00:23:36,640 Councilwoman Tolentino? Yes. Councilwoman Argenziano? Yes. Council 287 00:23:34,680 --> 00:23:42,040 President Ray? Yes. Councilman Timmerman? Yes. Councilwoman Sayre? Yes. 288 00:23:39,480 --> 00:23:42,040 Motion passes. 289 00:23:43,600 --> 00:23:49,600 Okay. We Can we just have a motion for the minutes that says that Councilman 290 00:23:47,440 --> 00:23:54,480 Timmerman left the dais at 8:33 and returned at 8:35 to assist our mayor for 291 00:23:52,320 --> 00:23:59,000 the day. So moved. Second. Okay. All in favor? Aye. Okay. 292 00:23:57,240 --> 00:24:03,000 So, that'll be in the minutes now. Thank you, John. 293 00:24:00,040 --> 00:24:08,800 Um and unfinished business, there is no unfinished business. New business, 294 00:24:04,600 --> 00:24:12,400 discussion of pickleball fees. So, um 295 00:24:09,640 --> 00:24:18,000 last year we introduced an ordinance and adopted an ordinance um that we were 296 00:24:14,880 --> 00:24:23,760 going to charge for the pickleball fees, and it was suggested to me by the school 297 00:24:20,600 --> 00:24:27,520 that it is just way too difficult um to figure out how to 298 00:24:28,160 --> 00:24:35,280 put lock them and then have a swipe card with all of the children they need to to 299 00:24:32,960 --> 00:24:40,400 have access to the pickleball courts, and that it was suggested by the um 300 00:24:38,600 --> 00:24:44,480 administration at the school that we not charge any fees, and I think when having 301 00:24:42,200 --> 00:24:48,800 just some sidebar conversations with council members, everyone's in favor of 302 00:24:46,320 --> 00:24:51,680 that as well. Um it's for the community, it's for the children. We want everybody 303 00:24:50,280 --> 00:24:57,320 out there playing pickleball, not worrying about how much they have to 304 00:24:53,240 --> 00:24:59,880 pay. Uh it was only a nominal $25, but um 305 00:24:58,080 --> 00:25:04,040 we need to rescind that ordinance. Is everyone okay with that? Absolutely. 306 00:25:02,280 --> 00:25:07,400 Okay, I am too. Everyone good down there? Now, do we have to do any kind of 307 00:25:06,000 --> 00:25:10,600 formal motion? I've never just rescinded, so we did we just do it? 308 00:25:09,200 --> 00:25:16,120 » Just do it. All right, so I'm going to make a motion to rescind ordinance 309 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:20,000 number 1706-25. So moved. 310 00:25:17,560 --> 00:25:23,320 And a roll call. Um Councilwoman Tulinello? Yes. 311 00:25:22,160 --> 00:25:27,000 Councilwoman Argenzia? >> Yes. Council President Brinke? Yes. 312 00:25:25,400 --> 00:25:29,520 Councilwoman Timmerman? Yes. Councilwoman Sayers? 313 00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:33,800 » Yes. Council Vice President Brinke? Okay, tennis and pickleball court fees 314 00:25:32,080 --> 00:25:37,520 are now waived. Get out there and have some fun, Emerson. 315 00:25:35,320 --> 00:25:41,680 Okay, and that brings us to our next piece of business, which is welcome to 316 00:25:39,360 --> 00:25:45,040 Emerson signs. Michael. Thank you, Mayor. 317 00:25:42,640 --> 00:25:50,400 Uh yes, so tonight discussion will ensue. This has been a project that I've 318 00:25:47,640 --> 00:25:55,520 been working on since coming on board. So the intent at least 319 00:25:53,320 --> 00:26:00,240 you know, back to last year was to install new welcome to Emerson signs. 320 00:25:58,280 --> 00:26:05,280 Both the pedestal signs and the larger signs that you would typically see in 321 00:26:02,560 --> 00:26:09,320 some of our surrounding communities. So I did work with Perry, our 322 00:26:06,720 --> 00:26:14,600 superintendent of public works, to come up with some suggested locations. 323 00:26:12,400 --> 00:26:18,040 So locations have been produced in your meeting packets. We have seven 324 00:26:16,520 --> 00:26:22,080 locations. Forest Ave at Soldier Hill Road, 325 00:26:20,000 --> 00:26:27,800 Ackerman Ave at Woodside Ave, Lincoln Boulevard west of Hillcrest Ave. We have 326 00:26:25,400 --> 00:26:34,920 Kinderkamack Road at the Dairy Queen, Kinderkamack Road at Stop & Shop. Old 327 00:26:30,800 --> 00:26:40,680 Hook Road leaving Harrington Park, and Main Street north of Ridge Road. And we 328 00:26:38,360 --> 00:26:46,360 did break down our suggestions in terms of pedestal signs and large signs at all 329 00:26:43,760 --> 00:26:52,720 of those locations. We have large sign locations at Forest Ave at Soldier Hill 330 00:26:49,520 --> 00:26:58,200 Road, uh, Kinderkamack Road at Dairy Queen, Kinderkamack Road at Stop & Shop, 331 00:26:55,840 --> 00:27:02,840 and Old Hook Road leaving Harrington Park. So, those are the suggestions that 332 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:06,320 we've come up with. I don't believe that we have signs at all of those locations 333 00:27:04,920 --> 00:27:11,000 right now. If we do, they are deteriorated and past their youth useful 334 00:27:09,880 --> 00:27:15,960 life. Um, so the second phase of this project 335 00:27:14,120 --> 00:27:20,200 was obviously to figure out how we would pay for those. Um, the governing body 336 00:27:18,360 --> 00:27:26,080 could choose to fund it in a subsequent budget year, but typically, uh, most 337 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:30,760 municipalities that I've seen, uh, do this type of program, uh, do have 338 00:27:28,320 --> 00:27:35,760 some sort of sponsorship program where applicable business owners could sponsor 339 00:27:33,440 --> 00:27:40,280 the signs at the cost of the sign. We're not looking to make any money on this. 340 00:27:37,920 --> 00:27:44,560 We're simply just looking, uh, to beautify the Borough of Emerson through 341 00:27:42,080 --> 00:27:48,160 this program. So, again, this is the season, uh, the the 342 00:27:47,320 --> 00:27:53,720 uh, signs typically take about 6 to 10 weeks 343 00:27:50,720 --> 00:27:59,800 to manufacture and have installed. And then, I did produce a sample sponsorship 344 00:27:57,080 --> 00:28:07,200 application for the governing body. Uh, so the pedestal signs are priced at 345 00:28:03,560 --> 00:28:13,120 uh, $1,500 per sign, and the large signs are $4,500 per sign. Um, so I was 346 00:28:10,440 --> 00:28:17,960 talking with Perry of the DPW. I think the strategy would be to 347 00:28:15,040 --> 00:28:22,560 approach the business owners that in which storefronts are where the sign 348 00:28:20,120 --> 00:28:27,160 proposed location is, such as Dairy Queen or Stop & Shop, or you know, 349 00:28:25,040 --> 00:28:32,280 whatever other locations we have, and give them the first opportunity to 350 00:28:29,760 --> 00:28:36,440 produce a sponsorship. Um, but in the same breath, the uh, program must be 351 00:28:34,440 --> 00:28:40,920 open to the public, uh, so we must advertise to the public, and it's a 352 00:28:38,360 --> 00:28:46,240 first come, first serve basis. So, if anyone has any objections, questions, or 353 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:50,840 concerns, uh, please let us know, and we're looking for support for the 354 00:28:47,600 --> 00:28:54,000 project. Okay. So, if somebody wanted to sponsor one of the big signs, it's 355 00:28:52,480 --> 00:28:57,680 $4,500. >> Correct. And if they want to do one of 356 00:28:55,800 --> 00:28:59,920 the smaller post signs, it's how much? $1,500. 357 00:28:58,520 --> 00:29:03,920 » Okay. And we're going to give right a first refusal to the business owners 358 00:29:01,640 --> 00:29:07,960 whose property or whose vicinity it is. >> Right. Cuz, you know, typically in my 359 00:29:05,560 --> 00:29:12,520 experience, you don't want to upset the business owner. Say, you know, 360 00:29:10,680 --> 00:29:17,120 you know, ShopRite for instance, and put a Stop & Shop sign in front of ShopRite. 361 00:29:15,040 --> 00:29:19,440 Um you know, it might cause some controversy. 362 00:29:17,360 --> 00:29:23,160 » Controversy. So, we just want to give uh opportunities to those uh 363 00:29:20,880 --> 00:29:26,840 » reach out to those seven businesses where the signs are first, and then if 364 00:29:25,280 --> 00:29:30,840 for some reason they're not able to do that, [clears throat] then we will open 365 00:29:27,960 --> 00:29:34,880 it up. Now, one one other point uh I'd like to make is the sponsorship 366 00:29:32,440 --> 00:29:40,880 application. In my experience in the past, maybe the verbage that I've 367 00:29:37,160 --> 00:29:45,840 included was too vague, but I did put uh I did put a clause in that individuals, 368 00:29:43,720 --> 00:29:50,960 families, nonprofits, and/or political associations are not eligible to apply. 369 00:29:49,000 --> 00:29:55,760 I've had local clubs try to apply in the past. I've had council members apply and 370 00:29:53,560 --> 00:29:59,640 subsequently leave office. Uh so, you have a donation plaque with a former 371 00:29:57,240 --> 00:30:02,920 council person's name on it, or a family and they move out of town. So, I think 372 00:30:01,240 --> 00:30:07,840 we're just The suggestion would be to keep it to businesses. 373 00:30:04,720 --> 00:30:10,000 Um but, it's open for discussion. So. 374 00:30:08,400 --> 00:30:13,680 » go get in the businesses to purchase the signs or to to sponsor, 375 00:30:11,840 --> 00:30:19,160 and then if a family wants to do it, We could perhaps amend the program and 376 00:30:15,800 --> 00:30:24,520 open it up to families at that point. Um but I guess we'd have to see, you know, 377 00:30:21,000 --> 00:30:24,520 what type of response we get. 378 00:30:24,560 --> 00:30:28,960 I hate to say it, but the same thing could happen with a business. A business 379 00:30:27,400 --> 00:30:34,676 might move out of town, change their location, or retire, ultimately close. 380 00:30:32,120 --> 00:30:37,920 So, I think we just take one step [clears throat] at a time, start with 381 00:30:35,680 --> 00:30:41,480 the businesses, and then keep rolling with it. 382 00:30:39,280 --> 00:30:46,440 Right. And the program does call for the borough reserves the right to remove the 383 00:30:44,080 --> 00:30:52,160 donation plaque should the business leave Emerson. Um so we could do that 384 00:30:49,440 --> 00:30:55,200 for families, individuals, or clubs if the borough wishes. 385 00:30:53,520 --> 00:30:57,880 » even if they paid for the sign, if they leave Emerson, we would remove the 386 00:30:56,640 --> 00:31:01,360 plaque but leave the sign. >> We have the discretion to do so. I don't 387 00:30:59,680 --> 00:31:04,800 know that we would do that, but we reserve the right to do that. 388 00:31:02,680 --> 00:31:09,320 » Okay. Um So that's such a That's the suggestion, 389 00:31:06,800 --> 00:31:13,440 excuse me. Um should there be no objection, we would have a resolution 390 00:31:11,160 --> 00:31:18,400 memorializing the program at the next meeting. Anyone have any comments or 391 00:31:15,200 --> 00:31:22,240 concerns other than Councilwoman Genzia? Did we approve before anything was 392 00:31:20,880 --> 00:31:25,000 awarded when the applications come in? Did we look 393 00:31:23,440 --> 00:31:29,680 you know, what it will know before it gets to families or political things or 394 00:31:27,720 --> 00:31:32,200 whatever you said we didn't want that. If 395 00:31:30,440 --> 00:31:36,640 I'm just a little confused. Did we say we are allowing that over just the seven 396 00:31:34,960 --> 00:31:40,400 businesses? Go ahead, Michael. I would suggest we stick to businesses first and 397 00:31:38,680 --> 00:31:43,960 see where we go with the whole thing. >> And they have to be Emerson businesses. 398 00:31:41,840 --> 00:31:47,960 Emerson-based businesses. It can be an at-home business. 399 00:31:45,840 --> 00:31:50,840 You know, working out of your home, but Emerson-based 400 00:31:49,120 --> 00:31:55,880 » or a doctor's office or something that's working out of their home. Okay. 401 00:31:53,520 --> 00:31:59,880 But but we're going to first offer them to the closest business to where we're 402 00:31:57,800 --> 00:32:03,800 going to place the sign. It's like he said, we don't want a Stop 403 00:32:01,600 --> 00:32:07,800 & Shop sign in front of ShopRite and a ShopRite sign in front of Stop & Shop. 404 00:32:08,200 --> 00:32:11,960 Okay. Okay. Does anyone else have any 405 00:32:10,440 --> 00:32:15,720 comments? No? I think it's a good idea. Um is 406 00:32:14,200 --> 00:32:18,800 there an update on the electronics sign on when that's going to come? I'll 407 00:32:17,200 --> 00:32:21,160 address it in my report. Yeah. 408 00:32:22,240 --> 00:32:27,640 Okay. That brings us to adoption of ordinances. This is the second reading 409 00:32:26,040 --> 00:32:31,000 and public hearing of ordinance number 1720-26. 410 00:32:29,680 --> 00:32:35,040 Mr. De Simone, would you please read the title of this ordinance? 411 00:32:32,800 --> 00:32:39,040 An ordinance amending the salary ranges for certain employees of the borough of 412 00:32:36,800 --> 00:32:43,080 Emerson. May I have a motion to open the meeting for public comment on this and 413 00:32:40,920 --> 00:32:46,840 only this ordinance? Second. All in favor? Aye. All right, 414 00:32:45,320 --> 00:32:51,000 we're open to the public. Seeing that everybody left, including the dog, uh 415 00:32:49,200 --> 00:32:55,240 may I have a motion to close this portion of the meeting to public comment 416 00:32:52,800 --> 00:33:01,320 on this ordinance? Second. All in favor? Aye. Okay, uh we're closed. May I have a 417 00:32:57,600 --> 00:33:07,680 motion to adopt ordinance number 1720-26 on second reading? I'll move. Second. 418 00:33:04,040 --> 00:33:10,680 And a roll call, please. Councilwoman Celina? Yes. Councilwoman Argenzia? 419 00:33:10,160 --> 00:33:13,960 » Yes. Council President Reyes? 420 00:33:11,840 --> 00:33:16,960 » Yes. Councilwoman Timmerman? Yes. Councilwoman Sayers? 421 00:33:14,960 --> 00:33:21,920 » Yes. Passes by zero. All right, good. This is the second reading and public 422 00:33:18,520 --> 00:33:26,160 hearing of ordinance number 1721-26. Ms. De Simone, would you please read the 423 00:33:23,560 --> 00:33:31,080 title of this ordinance? An ordinance to amend chapter 132-3, 424 00:33:28,720 --> 00:33:34,320 construction codes, uniform fees. May I have a motion to open the meeting for 425 00:33:32,520 --> 00:33:37,600 public comment on this and only this ordinance? I'll move. Second. 426 00:33:36,760 --> 00:33:41,080 All in favor? >> Aye. Okay, we're open to the public. 427 00:33:39,360 --> 00:33:45,040 Seeing no hands, may I have a motion to close the portion of the meeting of 428 00:33:42,560 --> 00:33:49,320 public comment on this ordinance? Second. All in favor? Aye. Okay, we're 429 00:33:47,440 --> 00:33:54,360 closed. May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 1721-26 430 00:33:52,040 --> 00:33:57,960 on second reading? Second. And a roll call, please. 431 00:33:56,840 --> 00:34:01,080 Councilwoman Celina? >> Yes. Councilwoman Argenzia? 432 00:33:59,440 --> 00:34:04,480 » Yes. Council President Reyes? >> Yes. Councilwoman Timmerman? Yes. 433 00:34:03,440 --> 00:34:09,240 Councilwoman Sayers? >> Yes. Passes by zero. Okay, uh 434 00:34:07,120 --> 00:34:13,399 introduction of ordinances. There are no ordinances to introduce this evening. 435 00:34:11,280 --> 00:34:17,040 That brings us to reports. Um Councilwoman Celina, do you have a 436 00:34:15,280 --> 00:34:21,800 report for us this evening? Yes, a report. 437 00:34:19,200 --> 00:34:24,520 I will start with the short one. Just make sure you're talking to your 438 00:34:22,960 --> 00:34:27,858 microphone. It's awfully far away. >> Sorry. Thanks. 439 00:34:26,040 --> 00:34:29,919 Uh from >> [clears throat] 440 00:34:27,879 --> 00:34:33,760 » um the DPW, uh they helped out the Environmental 441 00:34:31,679 --> 00:34:38,840 Commission with such a truck on Earth Day, which was a huge success. The kids 442 00:34:35,760 --> 00:34:42,879 loved it. Uh DPW did a cleanup and some minor repairs of community garden beds. 443 00:34:41,440 --> 00:34:45,760 Uh they worked with the Shade Tree Commission 444 00:34:44,200 --> 00:34:49,960 planting a tree for Arbor Day and Memorial Day tree plantings. 445 00:34:47,919 --> 00:34:53,399 Uh they created some garden beds around the train station in preparation of the 446 00:34:51,679 --> 00:34:57,000 Grow South planting beautiful flowers around the building. 447 00:34:55,040 --> 00:35:01,920 And they're in the process of putting up uh the military banners and getting the 448 00:34:58,560 --> 00:35:01,920 monument ready for Memorial Day. 449 00:35:02,560 --> 00:35:07,720 And then for fire, from the fire chief. 450 00:35:08,920 --> 00:35:11,160 Uh >> [clears throat] 451 00:35:09,240 --> 00:35:14,640 » sorry, it's in small print. Uh during the month of April, the department 452 00:35:12,280 --> 00:35:19,360 responded to 19 calls for service, which included vehicle 453 00:35:17,360 --> 00:35:24,280 accidents, fire, activated fire alarms, gas leak emergencies, 454 00:35:21,280 --> 00:35:28,720 mutual aid fire structure responses. Uh in total, department members contributed 455 00:35:26,120 --> 00:35:32,800 264 hours of service encompassing emergency 456 00:35:30,920 --> 00:35:36,320 response, apparatus and equipment maintenance, training, and community 457 00:35:34,160 --> 00:35:39,120 activities. Amongst the calls responded to in April, the month began with a 458 00:35:37,640 --> 00:35:42,960 significant vehicle accident that underscored both the 459 00:35:41,720 --> 00:35:46,360 dedication of our members and the far-reaching impact of a single incident 460 00:35:44,920 --> 00:35:50,080 that can have that can happen upon our community. 461 00:35:48,480 --> 00:35:54,760 Upon arrival, crews were met with a serious accident scene on Elm Avenue 462 00:35:51,880 --> 00:35:59,280 that required an extended response and a coordinated effort to mitigate the 463 00:35:56,760 --> 00:36:03,600 situation safely. The incident resulted in the closure of Elm Avenue for 464 00:36:01,880 --> 00:36:08,920 a sub- substantial period of time due to the loss of power in the affected area. 465 00:36:06,000 --> 00:36:12,600 Uh ultimately led to the closure of our uh schools. 466 00:36:10,760 --> 00:36:17,520 Our members worked diligently alongside Emerson Police, Emerson DPW, PSE&G to 467 00:36:14,960 --> 00:36:20,800 stabilize the scene and restore normal restore normalcy to the neighborhood as 468 00:36:18,840 --> 00:36:23,880 quickly as possible. Uh the department also responded to 469 00:36:22,200 --> 00:36:27,440 mutual aid for structure fire during the month, supporting a neighboring uh 470 00:36:25,600 --> 00:36:30,720 community in time of need. These responses as a reminder of the strong 471 00:36:29,080 --> 00:36:33,680 partnerships that exist between our surrounding fire departments and the 472 00:36:32,000 --> 00:36:37,040 importance in helping to protect the lives and property of all 473 00:36:35,520 --> 00:36:39,640 our residents. Uh, department members continue to 474 00:36:38,440 --> 00:36:43,360 demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and commitment 475 00:36:41,840 --> 00:36:46,560 whether it's responding to emergencies, maintaining apparatus and equipment, or 476 00:36:45,160 --> 00:36:49,960 training to sharpen their skills. The Emerson Fire Department is dedicated to 477 00:36:48,520 --> 00:36:54,280 providing this community with the best possible coverage and response. 478 00:36:52,120 --> 00:36:58,040 And we are so grateful for the continued support of the Borough 479 00:36:56,280 --> 00:37:00,440 Council and residents that they have provided. 480 00:37:01,280 --> 00:37:07,320 Very good. And just let the record reflect that Councilwoman Alice joined 481 00:37:04,120 --> 00:37:09,760 us at 8:48 p.m. Um, 482 00:37:08,480 --> 00:37:14,200 Councilwoman Argenzia, do you have a report for us? No, I do not. Okay, 483 00:37:12,280 --> 00:37:18,360 Councilwoman Council President Rice, do you have a report for us this evening? 484 00:37:16,120 --> 00:37:22,680 No, I'll just uh, share that the last Board of Ed meeting for the academic 485 00:37:20,080 --> 00:37:26,720 school year is June 15th. Oh, that's early. Yeah, in the 486 00:37:24,360 --> 00:37:29,760 summertime the last one is May's done for June. 487 00:37:28,200 --> 00:37:33,920 Yeah, but that's really early usually in the 20s. Um, Councilwoman Alice, do you 488 00:37:32,000 --> 00:37:37,120 have a report this evening? Yes, I'd like to share on from the Shade Tree 489 00:37:35,960 --> 00:37:41,160 Committee that [clears throat] um, 490 00:37:38,480 --> 00:37:45,440 DPW cut down four dead and dying trees around town including the Chris- the 491 00:37:42,920 --> 00:37:50,256 Christmas tree at Borough Hall which had a fungal disease. 492 00:37:47,520 --> 00:37:54,040 DPW planted a red oak tree >> [clears throat] 493 00:37:50,320 --> 00:38:00,280 » at Rosengard Park as as a memorial for all the residents who we lost last year. 494 00:37:56,320 --> 00:38:05,760 DPW planted a new Norway spruce tree at Borough Hall to replace the old 495 00:38:01,720 --> 00:38:09,400 Christmas tree. DPW grounded uh, ground eight stumps 496 00:38:07,240 --> 00:38:13,960 with the new stump grinder purchased last year. This saved the town roughly 497 00:38:11,640 --> 00:38:19,800 $1,800. PSEG will be in town at the end of May 498 00:38:17,120 --> 00:38:24,640 or beginning of June to trim trees away from the wires. This will take place in 499 00:38:22,440 --> 00:38:29,320 the Soldier Hill area of town. And the next DPW Shade Tree Committee 500 00:38:26,960 --> 00:38:32,200 meeting is tomorrow night. Okay, good. Thank you. 501 00:38:30,720 --> 00:38:36,320 Um Councilman Timmerman, do you have a report this evening? Sure, yeah. Uh from 502 00:38:34,360 --> 00:38:41,720 recreation, uh fall sports registrations, uh early registrations 503 00:38:38,480 --> 00:38:46,000 are open for flag football, cheer, football, um recreation soccer will be 504 00:38:44,360 --> 00:38:51,520 opening shortly. Um the recreation commission also 505 00:38:49,200 --> 00:38:55,160 started uh a new event this year. They'll be hosting a seventh grade 506 00:38:53,240 --> 00:38:58,560 social. They do the fourth and fifth grade 507 00:38:56,280 --> 00:39:01,360 social. The sixth graders and eighth graders have their school dances, so 508 00:39:00,080 --> 00:39:05,480 they decided to open one up for the seventh graders. It's cool. Uh you can 509 00:39:03,200 --> 00:39:09,120 see it on Emerson Recreation Facebook page. 510 00:39:06,520 --> 00:39:13,240 There's a QR code with more information, uh and I think there's a 511 00:39:10,920 --> 00:39:15,560 small fee at the door for that. Um 512 00:39:14,600 --> 00:39:20,560 Again, Emerson Summer Kickoff is Saturday, June 513 00:39:17,800 --> 00:39:23,040 13th at Hillman Field. Uh there'll be a lot of activities 514 00:39:21,520 --> 00:39:26,840 throughout the day. Uh look for some more information on 515 00:39:24,960 --> 00:39:30,640 maybe some additional activities this year. And again, it all wraps up with 516 00:39:29,120 --> 00:39:33,360 the fireworks display at the end of the night. 517 00:39:31,760 --> 00:39:36,760 And the rain date? The rain date? June 14th. It's the 14th, 518 00:39:35,640 --> 00:39:39,200 yeah, the next day. Sunday. 519 00:39:39,720 --> 00:39:44,240 Councilwoman Sears, do you have a report this evening? 520 00:39:41,840 --> 00:39:48,480 » I do not, thank you. Okay. Um I'll give a brief report. Um the borough in 521 00:39:46,240 --> 00:39:52,600 collaboration with the BCUA held another successful shredding day this past 522 00:39:50,000 --> 00:39:56,960 Saturday, recycling thousands of pounds of paper. Council 523 00:39:54,720 --> 00:40:01,240 Councilwoman Iannacone took advantage. Um one day I will, I haven't yet. 524 00:39:59,720 --> 00:40:05,720 Thank you to everyone who had a hand in getting it coordinated, especially Perry 525 00:40:03,280 --> 00:40:09,280 Salamondo and Tom Carlos. Uh we will keep you posted with more details about 526 00:40:07,360 --> 00:40:12,760 the next shredding event in the fall, which is right now scheduled for October 527 00:40:11,200 --> 00:40:17,400 24th. Um the next meeting of the uh 528 00:40:16,000 --> 00:40:22,960 well, no, that's not what I'm trying to say. The Memorial Day is this Monday, 529 00:40:20,200 --> 00:40:29,040 May 25th, and we will be having a ceremony at 9:00 a.m. at the monument. 530 00:40:26,680 --> 00:40:34,840 Uh, we will be joined by American Legion Post uh, across from the Lano school, 531 00:40:32,680 --> 00:40:38,600 and we are working on details that should it be raining because there is a 532 00:40:36,440 --> 00:40:42,880 lot of rain in the forecast, Michael will probably move over to the senior 533 00:40:40,120 --> 00:40:46,400 center. And if we're So, if you don't find us at the monument, we are probably 534 00:40:44,960 --> 00:40:50,880 at the senior Well, we we will be at the senior center. 535 00:40:47,840 --> 00:40:56,240 Um, we are holding a patriotic home front decorating contest. The page is 536 00:40:53,480 --> 00:40:59,240 live on our website. Please visit www.emersonnj.gov/250 537 00:41:02,120 --> 00:41:09,800 for contest details and the entry form. Uh, Councilman Timmerman already told us 538 00:41:08,160 --> 00:41:14,600 about the fireworks and the summer kickoff. Um, June 6th, the Emerson 539 00:41:12,440 --> 00:41:19,240 Chamber of Commerce Commerce is hosting their car show from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. in 540 00:41:17,080 --> 00:41:23,600 the parking lot at 800 Kinderkamack Road, just south of Dairy Queen. For 541 00:41:21,960 --> 00:41:26,600 more information, please visit www.emersonchamberofcommerce.org. 542 00:41:28,280 --> 00:41:35,040 Borough Hall offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day, 543 00:41:33,400 --> 00:41:40,600 and the next regular meeting of the governing body will take place Tuesday, 544 00:41:37,680 --> 00:41:42,920 June 9th at 7:30 p.m. Uh, Teresa, did you have a report this 545 00:41:42,520 --> 00:41:46,880 evening? >> I do. 546 00:41:44,520 --> 00:41:51,000 Um, I just wanted to say as we approach the primary election on June 2nd, uh, 547 00:41:49,560 --> 00:41:55,600 there's just some important information I wanted to highlight. Um, May 26th is 548 00:41:53,920 --> 00:42:01,000 the last day for the county clerk to receive vote-by-mail applications in the 549 00:41:57,760 --> 00:42:06,800 mail for the June primary election. The early voting period is from May 26th 550 00:42:04,240 --> 00:42:11,800 through May 31st. Polls will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday 551 00:42:09,080 --> 00:42:16,040 through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. 552 00:42:13,960 --> 00:42:22,360 The deadline to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot in person is June 1st, 2026 at 553 00:42:19,800 --> 00:42:27,600 3:00 p.m. And that would have to be at the county clerk's office in Hackensack. 554 00:42:25,120 --> 00:42:31,960 Um and election day is June 2nd. The polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 555 00:42:29,520 --> 00:42:36,680 8:00 p.m. And just a friendly reminder for Emerson District 6 voters, you will 556 00:42:34,960 --> 00:42:41,200 continue to vote at the high school cafeteria. This was a permanent change 557 00:42:38,920 --> 00:42:45,880 approved by the Board of Elections last year. There will be dedicated voter 558 00:42:43,360 --> 00:42:50,200 parking um right outside the door number six, which leads voters directly into 559 00:42:48,240 --> 00:42:53,440 the cafeteria. So, if you haven't voted in the last 560 00:42:51,800 --> 00:42:56,840 couple of elections when they've been there, you have to 561 00:42:54,960 --> 00:42:59,360 go to where you originally went to vote and then go around the back of the 562 00:42:58,080 --> 00:43:05,200 building so that you don't miss the cafeteria, just in case you don't know. 563 00:43:02,000 --> 00:43:10,520 So, the the cafeteria windows face Palisade Avenue behind the building. 564 00:43:07,680 --> 00:43:14,480 Um Mr. Corallo, do you have a report? Yes, thank you, Mayor. 565 00:43:13,040 --> 00:43:18,200 Please note that I met with the superintendent of public works and a 566 00:43:16,120 --> 00:43:22,320 contractor uh at the Department of Public Works for the salt bin project. 567 00:43:20,600 --> 00:43:25,560 The borough is investigating several options for the repairs to the 568 00:43:23,640 --> 00:43:30,480 structure, including capping the existing storage garage and constructing 569 00:43:28,200 --> 00:43:35,040 a new salt dome adjacent to the garage. This appears to be the cheapest option 570 00:43:32,920 --> 00:43:38,840 uh to ensure continuity of operations for the residents of Emerson. A 571 00:43:37,040 --> 00:43:43,240 construction cost estimate from our architectural engineers is pending, and 572 00:43:41,120 --> 00:43:48,040 we will circulate upon receipt. The borough will likely then phase in 573 00:43:45,000 --> 00:43:51,840 repairs to the garage structure in subsequent capital plans for the 574 00:43:49,680 --> 00:43:56,240 replacement of the roof, siding, garage doors, among other improvements. 575 00:43:54,360 --> 00:44:00,840 Um in addition, I did attend today a meeting with the Bergen County Community 576 00:43:58,560 --> 00:44:05,480 Development Block Grant Program, in which the allocation subcommittee 577 00:44:02,480 --> 00:44:10,320 approved funding in the amount of 52,000 for the renovations to the Emerson 578 00:44:07,800 --> 00:44:12,880 Senior Center kitchen project. Uh so we are looking forward to that. Uh we will 579 00:44:11,960 --> 00:44:17,760 be replacing >> Wait, I blinked. What did you say? 580 00:44:15,000 --> 00:44:20,360 Uh the whole thing? Just the that she got excited about. Oh, 581 00:44:20,000 --> 00:44:23,000 that's okay. >> You said we got approved for this. 582 00:44:21,520 --> 00:44:27,680 » Yes, so I attended a meeting with the Bergen Coun- Bergen County Community 583 00:44:25,080 --> 00:44:31,960 Development Block Grant Program in which the allocation subcommittee approved 584 00:44:29,360 --> 00:44:35,200 funding in the amount of 52,000 for the renovations to the Emerson Senior Center 585 00:44:34,120 --> 00:44:39,480 kitchen project. >> Awesome. Uh this project includes 586 00:44:36,800 --> 00:44:43,960 replacement of the refrigerator, stove, and other amenities to bring the kitchen 587 00:44:41,280 --> 00:44:47,720 up to modern standards for our seniors and community members. So we're looking 588 00:44:45,840 --> 00:44:50,920 forward to that. We're looking with uh Catherine and Dave's office on that 589 00:44:49,240 --> 00:44:55,040 project. So thank you. >> will be very happy about that. They also 590 00:44:52,720 --> 00:44:58,520 just got new brand new um electric electronic doors. And we did have our 591 00:44:57,400 --> 00:45:02,920 meeting on Thursday, [clears throat] and they are overjoyed because as we 592 00:45:00,680 --> 00:45:07,480 know, they are hands-free, and the seniors did sometimes walk with walkers 593 00:45:05,360 --> 00:45:10,320 or canes or carrying something, and they love that they're hands-free, and they 594 00:45:08,760 --> 00:45:14,680 could just walk right into the building now without having to deal with opening 595 00:45:12,160 --> 00:45:18,320 doors. Thank you. Uh please note that I'm in the process of meeting with the 596 00:45:16,120 --> 00:45:24,080 borough engineer and superintendent of public works to finalize the 2026 road 597 00:45:21,680 --> 00:45:29,440 resurfacing program uh now that the capital plan is in process, and we are 598 00:45:26,680 --> 00:45:34,480 working with Catherine and Dave on the FY 2027 599 00:45:31,640 --> 00:45:38,280 NJDOT municipal aid program. We have selected a candidate. Uh so we will 600 00:45:37,360 --> 00:45:42,520 uh more to come on that. Um in addition, 601 00:45:41,200 --> 00:45:48,080 Perry and I met with the borough's contractor MRC Recreation at Ackerman 602 00:45:45,640 --> 00:45:52,680 Park to take measurements for the Ackerman Park phase one and phase two 603 00:45:50,040 --> 00:45:57,360 improvements project. Uh we will convene with the Parks Committee in the next few 604 00:45:54,960 --> 00:46:01,960 weeks to finalize our plan before it is implemented. So I'll be reaching out to 605 00:45:59,600 --> 00:46:06,880 Council President Rice and Councilwoman Chelino on that and the mayor. And 606 00:46:04,480 --> 00:46:11,320 lastly, I did distribute uh new statistics from the Valley Hospital on 607 00:46:09,920 --> 00:46:16,920 the new agreement for ambulance services. Uh so, the hospital is going 608 00:46:13,680 --> 00:46:20,320 to send us a monthly recap of all of the calls for service. 609 00:46:18,680 --> 00:46:25,160 Uh so, I will be sending that as we receive those. And that is all I have. 610 00:46:22,800 --> 00:46:29,720 Thank you. Thank you very much. Um Katherine Orellano from uh Neglia is 611 00:46:28,080 --> 00:46:34,200 with us this evening. Welcome. Do you have a report for us? I did. 612 00:46:31,520 --> 00:46:38,480 » Okay. Um so, already mentioned by the mayor, but uh for the senior center 613 00:46:36,240 --> 00:46:41,800 doors, um with the effective Bergen County um 614 00:46:40,240 --> 00:46:46,360 community development grant, we did get the extension for that grant with 615 00:46:43,440 --> 00:46:50,480 assistance from uh Michael over here. Uh and then the doors were finally 616 00:46:47,960 --> 00:46:52,560 installed as of the first week of May. Uh 617 00:46:51,080 --> 00:46:56,800 they'll be coming back to complete the flooring after election day, you know, 618 00:46:54,520 --> 00:47:00,800 not to disrupt the polling location. So, they'll be in the week following uh to 619 00:46:59,200 --> 00:47:03,360 complete the flooring. We had to install the doors first to see how everything 620 00:47:01,960 --> 00:47:07,480 aligned before they could finish ordering the map parts. So, that will be 621 00:47:06,120 --> 00:47:12,200 shortly to come. Um following up with that, the Westside 622 00:47:09,440 --> 00:47:15,400 drainage project uh study was completed and finalized, and the plans and 623 00:47:13,800 --> 00:47:19,840 specifications are now in their final stages. Documents were submitted to the 624 00:47:17,920 --> 00:47:23,600 Department of Community Affairs for their review and approval. We got some 625 00:47:21,840 --> 00:47:27,040 comments back at the end of last week, and we've already resubmitted, so it's 626 00:47:25,000 --> 00:47:30,960 back in their court. Um we had our monthly meeting with DCA today. And that 627 00:47:29,280 --> 00:47:34,640 they advised us that um they'll most likely get the plans and comments back 628 00:47:32,800 --> 00:47:39,000 to us by tomorrow or the end of this week. So, we're looking to go out to bid 629 00:47:36,800 --> 00:47:44,280 and um pending advertisement and bid opening dates, we're coordinating with 630 00:47:40,920 --> 00:47:47,520 Michael and Teresa on those. So, that's to come. 631 00:47:45,280 --> 00:47:52,720 Uh looking to hopefully award that in the second June meeting. That's the 632 00:47:49,400 --> 00:48:00,080 timeline for that. Um for the 2026 road program as well as the 2027 fiscal year 633 00:47:57,440 --> 00:48:04,040 NJDOT grants. As Michael mentioned, we're coordinating with him and DPW as 634 00:48:02,520 --> 00:48:08,920 well on the selection of the roads for that. And then for the MS4 Tier A 635 00:48:06,880 --> 00:48:13,520 permitting and stormwater prevention plan updates, we 636 00:48:11,920 --> 00:48:17,360 were able to submit the annual report ahead of the May 1st deadline with the 637 00:48:15,640 --> 00:48:22,560 assistance of Department of Public Works. And we're working on completing 638 00:48:19,400 --> 00:48:27,120 the SP3 as well. Once that's finalized, we'll send it over to Alyssa so she can 639 00:48:24,040 --> 00:48:30,160 update the stormwater Emerson website. That's all. Very good. Thank you. 640 00:48:28,888 --> 00:48:33,720 » [cough and clears throat] >> Yes, of course. 641 00:48:31,680 --> 00:48:38,160 Uh just really quick on the digital sign project. Uh we did contract with an 642 00:48:36,520 --> 00:48:43,760 electrician from the Department of Public Works and we are under permit 643 00:48:41,000 --> 00:48:48,000 review through electrical subcode. Uh and this this sign is in the process 644 00:48:45,720 --> 00:48:50,200 of being ordered from the manufacturer. So, we hope to have that scheduled soon. 645 00:48:49,800 --> 00:48:53,000 So, thank you. >> Okay. 646 00:48:51,120 --> 00:48:55,743 So, just note even the bureau has to wait for a 647 00:48:54,400 --> 00:48:58,040 permit. >> [laughter] 648 00:48:56,360 --> 00:49:01,080 » Not just the residents, we have to wait, too. 649 00:48:59,080 --> 00:49:08,400 Um okay, John, any report this evening? Okay. Um moving on, we will 650 00:49:06,240 --> 00:49:12,040 go to public comment. Members of the public are welcome to speak on any topic 651 00:49:10,360 --> 00:49:16,480 by coming to the podium, stating your name for the record. In the interest of 652 00:49:14,000 --> 00:49:19,920 time, speakers are limited to 3 minutes. In consideration of all who may wish to 653 00:49:18,240 --> 00:49:24,160 speak, please keep your comments brief and concise. May I have a motion to open 654 00:49:22,080 --> 00:49:26,160 the meeting to public comment? So moved. 655 00:49:25,000 --> 00:49:31,240 » Second. All in favor? >> Aye. Okay, we are open to the public. 656 00:49:28,120 --> 00:49:36,320 Seeing no hands, may I have a motion to close the meeting to general comments 657 00:49:33,200 --> 00:49:40,680 from the public? So moved. All in favor? Aye. All right, we're now closed. That 658 00:49:38,000 --> 00:49:45,240 brings us to resolutions on consent. They are considered routine and will be 659 00:49:42,480 --> 00:49:48,880 enacted by one motion of the council and one roll call vote. There will be no 660 00:49:47,280 --> 00:49:54,040 separate discussion of these items unless a council member requests an item 661 00:49:51,400 --> 00:49:59,680 be removed for consideration. May I have a motion to approve consent agenda 662 00:49:55,960 --> 00:50:02,880 resolutions 153-26 through 164-26. 663 00:50:03,400 --> 00:50:09,759 So moved. Second. And a roll call, please. 664 00:50:07,280 --> 00:50:13,200 Councilwoman Celina? Yes. Councilwoman [clears throat] Argenzia? 665 00:50:10,680 --> 00:50:18,240 » Yes. Councilman Ellis? Yes. Council President Race? Yes. Councilman Sayers? 666 00:50:15,680 --> 00:50:20,240 I'm sorry, Councilman Timmerman? Yes. Councilwoman Sayers? 667 00:50:19,360 --> 00:50:24,200 » Yes. It passed with 6-0. 668 00:50:22,280 --> 00:50:30,080 Okay, very good. Um that brings us next to 669 00:50:27,600 --> 00:50:34,240 closed executive session. Um may I have a motion to go into closed executive 670 00:50:32,040 --> 00:50:40,240 session to discuss matters that are exempt from the public pursuant to NJSA 671 00:50:36,920 --> 00:50:44,000 10:4-1 et seq. and adequately noticed by resolution 165-26. 672 00:50:45,280 --> 00:50:50,480 Can I get a second? >> Second. And a roll call, please. 673 00:50:48,080 --> 00:50:55,840 Councilwoman Celina? Yes. Councilwoman Argenzia? Councilman Ellis? Yes. Council 674 00:50:54,000 --> 00:51:00,440 President Race? Yes. Councilman Timmerman? Yes. Councilwoman Sayers? 675 00:50:58,080 --> 00:51:04,160 Yes. It passed with 6-0. Very good. We are now going into closed session. 676 00:51:01,960 --> 00:51:09,000 Members of the public may remain on YouTube until we return to open session, 677 00:51:06,760 --> 00:51:14,600 at which time formal action may be taken. And we're live. May I have a 678 00:51:11,240 --> 00:51:18,200 motion to reconvene? So moved. Do we have any further 679 00:51:15,920 --> 00:51:21,320 All in favor? Aye. Okay, do we have any other business? 680 00:51:20,000 --> 00:51:29,600 Hearing no more business, may I have a motion to adjourn at 9:57 p.m. Second. 681 00:51:26,880 --> 00:51:32,840 Aye. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Thank you, Mayor Cameron, for joining 682 00:51:31,120 --> 00:51:36,120 us. Have a great school rest of the summer and school year.