Council Meeting June 17, 2026

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[9:59] Brother, I don't see the TV being on and all.
[10:04] We're good. >> Okay,
[10:08] it's 700 p.m. I call tonight's council meeting to order. Roll call.
[10:13] » Bennett >> here.
[10:15] » Leosa here. Mey >> here.
[10:17] » Sasso here. Skiara >> here.
[10:20] » WKI >> here.
[10:21] » Matthews >> here.
[10:23] » Please rise and join us in the pledge of >> allegiance.
[10:27] To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
[10:31] stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
[10:36] for all.
[10:40] » Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the annual schedule of
[10:43] regular meetings. Herefore, adopted and posted on the public bulletin board at
[10:46] the municipal building. posted on the official burough website and emailed to
[10:50] the Herald News, the record in the gazette and all persons who've requested
[10:54] the mailing of such since november 17, 2025.
[10:58] » Approval of the minutes. Have approval of the minutes for the regular meeting
[11:01] of May 20th 26. >> So moved.
[11:04] » Second. >> Motion by WKI, second by Sierra. Any
[11:07] comments?
[11:10] » Roll call. >> WKI.
[11:12] » Yes. >> Skiara,
[11:13] » yes. >> Sasso, abstain.
[11:16] » Mey, >> yes. Leosa,
[11:18] » yes. >> Bennett,
[11:18] » yes. >> Matthews,
[11:19] » yes. >> Motion carried.
[11:21] » Public comment. I now open the meeting to the public. If anyone desires to be
[11:23] heard on agenda items, come forward to the micro and state your name.
[11:28] » Seeing no one, I entertain a motion to close public portion of the meeting.
[11:31] » So move. >> Motion by Wii, second by Bennett.
[11:35] » Oh, I didn't get in. >> All in favor?
[11:39] » I. >> Motion carries. We now have a
[11:42] presentation for the 2026 annual June environmental program. Horth
[11:47] Environmental Commissioner Raina Leosa will take it from here.
[11:52] » Is she a commissioner? >> Well, I'll give her
[11:54] » Good evening everyone. Everyone can hear me.
[11:57] » Great. If I could just have Mary come up with me.
[12:02] » Oh, actually just going to put him right here.
[12:04] » He's there. >> It's okay.
[12:06] » He wanted to be a point. Come on. Hey Mary.
[12:12] » So we're doing a little bit different um this year for the annual June
[12:15] environmental program. We're changing the format. Um we will be doing our u
[12:20] recognition of our student here as well as our green business for 2026. And um
[12:26] with this program has been going on since 1988
[12:30] where it's really a partnership with the Horththornne school systems and the
[12:33] board of ed and and us the burrow. and it's really recognizing the students,
[12:39] teachers, and all the great environmental programs that and science
[12:42] programs, STEM that goes on in the schools. Um, this year we're doing a
[12:47] little bit different. We're going to recognize that person here at council.
[12:51] And we expanded the program to citizens and green businesses in 2010. And we
[12:57] have criteria for the green business um that we go through and the commission
[13:01] and green team we decide um what is the best fit for uh our green business for
[13:06] Hawthorne. Um so I do want to recognize we were at the board of ed Mary and I
[13:13] unfortunately the mayor had an EMT call so couldn't make it. We want to
[13:17] recognize Andrea Napano
[13:22] » Andrea Npalitano. Um she was a Lincoln Middle School um STEM teacher and we
[13:28] honored her for her time and effort at Cell Restoration and volunteers um at
[13:33] Lincoln Middle School. She coordinated that. She stayed with us the last
[13:37] several years and the kids did the tattoos and the games and we just
[13:41] couldn't appreciate her enough. And the other teacher that we recognized at the
[13:45] bordered um is Teresa Der Manimo. Um she was the library um media specialist at
[13:52] Hawthorne High School. huge supporter of environmental commission. She had a
[13:56] library crew and um several years ago her kids made uh a dress out of um old
[14:03] SAT booklets and discarded books. It was the upcycle refashion dress and is
[14:09] actually still in the library. And so we wanted to recognize her and um and wish
[14:14] her all the best in her retirement. So tonight what I would like to do is um
[14:21] we would like to recognize Emma Realage. Wait, hold on.
[14:28] Reg. How do you say?
[14:32] » You need the mayor to help you. >> I had so much practice and I knew I was
[14:36] going to mess up regal.
[14:41] » If Emma could come up. Um the school is so proud. Um, she has been selected to
[14:47] the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment hosted in partnership with
[14:52] the Sysmodian Sis Smithian National Zoo and Conservation Biological
[14:59] Institute, the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment on an interactive
[15:04] program that provides high achieving high school students with an interest in
[15:08] the environment, conservation, sustainability, and related fields with
[15:12] a unique experience exploring careers in areas. Emma will be representing
[15:17] Hawthorne High School selected students highly engaged in all 50 states and
[15:23] around the world. During the summit, Emmy Emma will gain in the trenches
[15:28] knowledge through hands-on research and site visits such as water sample testing
[15:33] and behind the scenes zoo access while learning directly from industry leaders,
[15:38] international conservation experts, and Washington insiders. Um, we just really
[15:43] want to honor uh Emma coming down. >> What was her last name?
[15:49] » Rick. >> Rick Leavage.
[15:52] » Rick. >> Okay, good.
[15:56] » I couldn't I couldn't pass that up. >> I know. Now we know.
[16:01] » So, we're just honored and proud that you're representing town of Hawthorne
[16:04] and the Hawthorne High School as she embarks on this once in a-lifetime
[16:08] experience. and we look forward to hearing about your experience next year.
[16:12] Um, so mayor, if you can come up.
[16:18] » Um, but it is at George Madison University, so she's going to go and for
[16:22] a week and um, I'll turn the floor if you want to say anything more.
[16:28] » I'm just really excited for this experience and I thank you so much for
[16:31] recognizing me for this award. Thank you so much.
[16:36] » Um, I need a photo.
[16:40] to hook you up. Okay.
[16:45] You're the only woman in New Jersey that doesn't have a phone.
[16:48] » Holly, can you take the photo cuz I am going to be doing a press release um in
[16:52] the papers.
[17:00] » She's a junior.
[17:08] Hey, Bruce.
[17:11] » Public safety. Are you gonna say something? Well, I can say a little
[17:15] something. >> Go ahead.
[17:16] » And then you follow up anything that I miss. Good.
[17:19] » Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you so much.
[17:28] » All right. So the um 2026 uh green business is going
[17:35] to go to structural um they've been created by Peter Emmens in 1976.
[17:41] Structural preservation systems LLC has been performing the restoration of
[17:46] concrete structures. The company opened an office in New Jersey in 1983 and
[17:52] moved to Horththornne in 2005 and which has been a proud community member for
[17:56] the last 21 years. structure embodies the message think
[18:01] locally act globally as the Hawthorne specific office has partaken in many
[18:06] community events with its build program as well as completing restoration
[18:10] projects throughout the country in regards to thinking locally. Structural
[18:15] has partnered with the township annually to perform both the restoration of the
[18:19] community garden as well as various trail cleanups throughout the years.
[18:24] Structure also hosts an annual blood drive in which both company employees
[18:27] and community members attend to support others in need. Structure frequently
[18:32] utilizes local businesses for company outings, in-house events, and recently
[18:37] renovated our office. Through the renovation of our office on a structure,
[18:42] they're on Utter. They utilize Fifth Avenue landscaping to create green areas
[18:47] in front of our property, which the paved areas pitch towards acting as a
[18:51] rain garden. Structural renovation also included the installation of motion
[18:56] sensor energy efficient light fixtures in 120th Avenue building to reduce the
[19:02] electronic draw. And I just really want to welcome um Tony Ferrer who's the
[19:06] regional administrative manager and Eric Larson, division manager to come on up
[19:12] for your award.
[19:25] Okay. And I would like to have Tony and and and Eric speak about a case study
[19:30] that they shared with me as well. So >> So before I hand it over to Eric, I just
[19:37] want to say thank you to the Hawthorne Environmental Commission for this
[19:40] recognition. On behalf of everyone at structural, we are honored to be
[19:43] recognized as a green business in our community. We believe that being
[19:47] environmentally responsible is not only good for the planet, but also as an
[19:51] important part of being a good neighbor and a community partner. We are grateful
[19:54] for the work the commission does to promote sustainability throughout
[19:58] Hawthorne and we are proud to play a small part in those efforts. Thank you
[20:02] again for the recognition. We truly appreciate it. I'll hand it over to Eric
[20:05] now. >> Thank you everyone. Thank you board. We
[20:09] appreciate it. I'm going to talk a little bit just quickly about a case
[20:12] study that we did on Eisenhower barracks which is part of the West Point
[20:16] University. So the work we did at Eisenhower Barracks along with Lean
[20:20] Sherman as well as Bradley Barracks involved the restoration. So instead of
[20:25] knocking down historical landmarks, the company performed restoration of these
[20:28] buildings. The reason we bring this up as a green initiative was because the
[20:33] amount of CO produced from the restoration opposed to knocking down and
[20:37] rebuilding was drastically less. And on top of that, the case study as well as
[20:41] the work performed had lead initiatives, meaning it was to use local businesses
[20:45] to the West Point area to reduce carbon footprint, local concrete manufacturing
[20:50] plants, as well as low VOCC coatings and waterproofings on the structure itself
[20:55] to once again prevent as much emissions as possible into the environment.
[20:59] structural itself has also worked on projects throughout the country in which
[21:03] they've done research towards the restoration such as the World Trade
[21:07] Center uh condo buildings and garages of the effects of being able to restore and
[21:12] preserve for communities opposed to knocking down and building buildings.
[21:16] Thank you so much again.
[21:46] had to chirp a little.
[21:52] » I got one. should have gone with a tic tac.
[22:08] » Thank you, Reena. Um, the adoption of ordinances. We have none tonight. All
[22:13] business. Joe will start your way. >> Mike,
[22:18] » no old business.
[22:21] Bruce. >> Um, yeah, just uh update on the pan
[22:25] chemical site. The heavy equipment has been removed, but there's still one or
[22:30] two piles of rubble left there. So, that's the latest status as of this
[22:37] morning. Okay, Anna Marie,
[22:40] » just wondered if we had an update on Franklin Field,
[22:45] » the improvements that we >> Okay, they have it in my report.
[22:49] » Under your report? >> I have it in my report.
[22:51] » No problem. Thank you. >> And um if I may, uh Councilman Bennett,
[22:56] the uh on the pan chemical site, I'm working with uh Michael. We had a
[23:02] meeting just a little while ago about reaching out to the LSRP and the
[23:06] developer and trying to find out what's going on there. Okay, good. Look forward
[23:11] to hearing your schedule.
[23:17] » Uh Dominic. >> Dominic, I have nothing.
[23:21] How about new business? >> My Oh, new. Yeah. Michael, any any
[23:26] update? This is old business on Diamond Bridge. I'm sorry. Old business. I have
[23:31] really no update. We have uh gotten everything set so that there will be
[23:36] scheduled court dates. I don't know if they're on the books yet or not, but the
[23:41] matters will be tried here before Judge Miola.
[23:44] » Oh, good. >> And uh we're going to line up and try
[23:47] all of them uh that were originally sent to Prospect Park and then we're going to
[23:52] try all the ones that we issued as well. Um, we took a brief moratorum on the
[23:59] issuance of tickets to get dispatched scheduled and then we go back to ticket
[24:04] writing because the situation there is of course not getting better and Mr.
[24:10] Spoiler doesn't do anything to voluntarily comply. So, we will keep
[24:14] prosecuting and prosecuting and prosecuting.
[24:18] » Thank you. Ironically, I was covering a race in Bealsville, Pennsylvania last
[24:24] night. And who do I run into but his former nextdoor neighbor who was was
[24:31] asking >> was asking about, you know, why it's
[24:35] taking so long and why it's getting worse. And I told him that's the court
[24:41] system. We're doing whatever we can and it's just got to take place. But he's a
[24:45] very happy camper that he's moved. Yeah, he has a string of ex neighbors who uh
[24:52] many of whom moved out of the neighborhood because of him. He somehow
[24:55] doesn't believe that to be a true statement, but I know that to be true
[24:59] from having spoken to a number of them. So,
[25:03] » I'm sorry, Michael. I'm sure the residents are concerned. We know that we
[25:07] had to send this out of the town for a very specific reason. Is that no longer
[25:12] on the table? Because that's certainly our prayer. I know.
[25:15] » We believe that there's no reason why the cases cannot be tried here.
[25:18] » Wonderful. Thank you.
[25:23] » I have no new. >> You have no new.
[25:25] » I'm good. Thank you. >> Not tonight.
[25:30] » Nope. >> Joe,
[25:31] » not tonight. >> Okay, we're moving on. Turn to
[25:35] administrative agenda presented by Mayor Lane.
[25:40] » Thank you, Mr. President. Um, we have uh a reappoint and and an and an
[25:46] appointment uh tonight for advice and consent.
[25:51] » Uh well, can I have a motion for Chris Deella? A motion to approve.
[25:56] » So move. >> Motion by Bennett, second by Sasso.
[26:02] Any discussion? >> Roll call.
[26:05] » Bennett, >> yes.
[26:06] » Leosa, >> yes.
[26:07] » Mey, >> yes.
[26:08] » Sasso, >> yes.
[26:10] » Skiara, >> yes. WKI
[26:12] » H. >> Yes.
[26:15] » Matthews. >> Yes.
[26:16] » Motion carries. >> And can I have a uh motion to record for
[26:20] deployment of Gary Montroy as our housing code official?
[26:23] » So move. >> Motion by WKI.
[26:25] » Second. >> Second by Leosa. Any discussion?
[26:31] » Roll call. >> MKI.
[26:32] » Yes. >> Skiara.
[26:33] » Yes. >> Sasso.
[26:34] » Yes. Mey >> abstain.
[26:37] » Leosa. >> Yes.
[26:38] » Bennett. >> Yes.
[26:39] » Matthews. Yes. >> Motion carries.
[26:42] » Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to wish
[26:46] Cora Vandenberg a happy 104th birthday today. Today's her birthday. I remember
[26:53] going there when she was uh when her when she reached a hund and I gave her a
[26:58] proclamation in her home and uh this very uh very touching because she goes
[27:04] back a long long way in the burrow of Horththornne with her entire family and
[27:09] Ka enjoy your day today uh and stay healthy.
[27:15] Uh the enforcement on Fairview Avenue has been updated and there is more
[27:20] enforcement now than there has been in the past for the trucks coming down
[27:25] Fairview A. I would like to thank our neighbors nor North Hilden Police
[27:29] Department for stopping the trucks in their community and issuing summones to
[27:33] the trucks and the drivers so that they do not continue into Horththornne by
[27:38] going down a hill. The collaboration of both departments is helping our
[27:42] community and our neighbors for their safety.
[27:46] I'd like to share a report by officer in charge Captain Joe Carr regarding
[27:50] Fairview Avenue. Following the tragic fatal motor vehicle
[27:56] crash on on Fairview A last year, the Horththornne Police Department has
[28:01] continued to take proactive steps to address traffic safety concerns in the
[28:05] area. Since that incident, additional traffic control measures have been
[28:10] implemented, including the installation of new signage. These improvements were
[28:15] made to enhance traffic control and to increase driver awareness throughout the
[28:20] corridor. From an enforcement perspective, the police department has
[28:24] conducted numerous targeted traffic enforcement detail focused on commercial
[28:29] trucks and overweight trucks violation. These enforcement efforts occurred at
[28:35] various times throughout the day with a particular emphasis on the morning rush
[28:40] hour period when commercial vehicles actively
[28:44] is most prevalent. In April, officers conducted 29 dedicated enforcement
[28:50] details in that area followed by 33 additional details in May. These
[28:56] enforcement initiatives resulted in enforcement action being taken against
[29:00] violate violators through the issuance of summons and warnings. In addition to
[29:05] these dedicated enforcement details, officers assigned to the west west
[29:11] patrol zone have been directed to monitor truck traffic as part of their
[29:17] regular patrol responsibilities throughout the entire west side of the
[29:21] burrow. As a result of these ongoing efforts, officers have reported a
[29:26] noticeable reduction in the frequency of overweight trucks utilizing the area.
[29:31] The traffic bureau has also provided guidance and training to patrol officers
[29:36] regarding commercial motor vehicle enforcement, ensuing that officers are
[29:41] fairly are fair with both applicable state statutes and local bureau
[29:47] ordinances that can be utilized to address truck related violations. The
[29:52] Hawthorne Police Department remains committed to monitoring conditions in
[29:56] the area and utilizing the combination of engineering, education, and
[30:00] enforcement measures to promote the safety of all the motorists and
[30:04] residents. Now that the summer months are here, I
[30:08] just want to remind everyone of your just a couple of things regarding air
[30:14] conditioners. Plug in air conditioner units directly into the dedicated wall
[30:19] outlet. Avoid using extension cords if possible. Keep area clean and do not
[30:25] store combustible materials per ha paper products, books, anything that can be
[30:30] easily burned or catch fire close to the air conditioning unit. Examine wiring.
[30:36] Check for frayed wires or loose connections. And if you smell any type
[30:41] of burning, shut off the unit immediately and call the fire
[30:44] department. Also, please ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
[30:50] are working properly by testing units. It this is easily done by pushing the
[30:55] test button on the unit. I want to thank Valley Health for
[31:00] hosting a free familyfriendly health fair at our library last Saturday, June
[31:05] 6th, as part of the mayor's wellness c uh program.
[31:10] We we are so thankful that over 300 people were able to attend and get
[31:15] information on their health from the doctors and nurses from Valley. At the
[31:20] request of many of our residents, we will be we will partner once again with
[31:24] Valley Health in the fall to bring another fair to the residents.
[31:29] Congratulations to our seniors at Horththornne High School, Hawthorne
[31:33] Christian Academy, and P County Technical Institute who are graduating.
[31:37] We are all very proud of you and wish you the best in the future endeavors.
[31:43] Beginning Friday, the pool will be open full-time on weekdays 10:00 a.m. to 8:00
[31:48] p.m. The first hour is adult swim and on weekends 11 to 8 8:00 p.m.
[31:55] The Horththornne Fire Department ladies auxiliary are doing a fundraiser. Let's
[31:59] turn Hawthorne red, white, and blue. Order orders are due by June 25th. So
[32:05] you can call 973-670382
[32:09] for details and these are flags regarding the cars parking in the pool
[32:14] parking lot. Cars have been ticketed and there and cars have been towed. The
[32:20] burrow offices will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observation of Junth. Junth
[32:26] known as Junth was officially recognized as a federal holiday by President Biden
[32:32] in 2021. The state of New Jersey observes Junth as an official state and
[32:37] public holiday. And that concludes my report and I'll
[32:42] turn it over to Michael, our our uh attorney.
[32:45] » Thank you, Mayor. Uh much of what I was going to speak about has already been
[32:49] spoken of to spoil the matter. I have nothing to report on affordable housing
[32:54] because guess what? We concluded and got our certificate that we are immune from
[33:00] liability for any builder's remedy lawsuits for the next 10 years. Um, good
[33:06] news for those who were following. You know that we uh passed a resolution
[33:10] opposing a Senate bill that would have created a new category of affordable
[33:17] housing uh for which would allow nonprofits
[33:22] and uh religious organizations to build affordable housing.
[33:29] uh one story higher than the zones permit at densities from 39 units to an
[33:36] acre on up. Just a an insanely un uh thoughtout bill. The good news is it has
[33:45] not made it way to the agenda for the exterm that ends uh the next couple of
[33:52] weeks. So, good news there and everybody will continue to oppose that kind of
[33:58] legislation which is reckless. Um, Banshell. But first of all, before I get
[34:04] to the Banshell, I don't know you're going to speak about this Joe. I know
[34:07] you will, but I I just want everybody to know Joe will speak about the St.
[34:11] Anony's feast. I just want to talk about Joe because Joe
[34:15] » We talk about him all the time. >> Yeah, I know. And it's time somebody
[34:18] says something good about him. So Joe shows up at the St. Anony's feast every
[34:26] single morning, 8:00. He makes breakfast for everyone who's
[34:31] there. He cooks all the food that we're going to serve that night. He then works
[34:36] in the kitchen until 11:00 or midnight every night. He works takes off from
[34:42] work the whole week and works four 16-hour days. It's amazing to watch.
[34:49] It's my privilege to be his uh second in command because the hours he puts in as
[34:55] a volunteer in this town. Uh forgetting about the other work he does as a
[35:00] volunteer. What he does at the church is amazing. Um we raise an awful lot of
[35:05] money. We serve 5,000 people a night and it's all Joe. So you all should
[35:11] recognize him for the outstanding work he does. So thank you Joe.
[35:15] » Thank you. Um it really is well done. Um July 11th, big day, opening day at the
[35:23] band show. We have a patriotic themed music presentation, food trucks, and
[35:29] courtesy of our good friend Dominic Millie, council member and shadow member
[35:34] of the committee. It looks like we're going to have some afterhour
[35:39] entertainment as well. will be lighting up the skies with a laser show that will
[35:46] also honor our 250th anniversary in this country. So, it's a big night. We're
[35:52] really looking forward to ringing in the cesa centennial and celebrating 250
[36:01] years in this great nation with again a band that will be performing American
[36:07] classic standards and patriotic themed music followed by a laser light show. Uh
[36:13] because we did hear from Frank Riley, by the way, Dominic. Um trying to get
[36:18] drones or fireworks is absolutely impossible for the 11th, but the laser
[36:24] show is going to be awesome. So, we look forward to that. We have a full
[36:29] schedule. I told Lee Sloopmaker, who will be celebrating a milestone birthday
[36:36] uh between now and our next meeting along with uh well, Bruce's got a
[36:40] birthday coming up, too. Um but uh we will be posting the official schedule
[36:46] for the band shell tomorrow so that everybody will be able to see the
[36:51] schedule of events. Basically though after the concert on July 11th every
[36:57] Sunday there'll be a different show all the way to the end of August. So be
[37:02] there. Thank you. That concludes my report. Mayor,
[37:05] » there was a number of people on Facebook looking for the schedule and someone
[37:09] seems to posted something. So, I don't know where they got that from if you
[37:12] didn't release it, whether it's old or or not.
[37:15] » They may have made their own up. I don't know.
[37:17] » No, it was it was your normal flyer. So, I have a feeling it might be an old one.
[37:21] » It could be, but we're going to get the official one out
[37:23] » on the Burough Banshell site and the Burough website.
[37:26] » We will have it on the burrow website. We will have it on the Banshell site,
[37:30] and we will get it out everywhere. We will uh also print copies for
[37:35] distribution at the library, at some of the local delies, uh restaurants. I
[37:40] usually go around and uh put stacks of them in different places
[37:45] um where people can pick them up. That'll be in my Friday letter.
[37:49] » Can I may I also make a suggestion? Uh we have a relationship with tap into uh
[37:53] put a press release out for it. >> We will.
[37:59] » Okay, >> that concludes my report. Mayor,
[38:01] » I'll turn it over to P10K, our engineer. >> Thank you, mayor, and good to see
[38:05] everybody on the council. Um I'll give a brief report from Joe that the um regard
[38:11] to the 202425 local aid uh road program which is Hawthorne and a half a
[38:16] Westervelt north watch Grand View. Uh as you're aware uh there's a we found a gas
[38:22] man underneath the guide rail and North Watches Wong Avenue. Uh public service
[38:27] has logged that in and their engineering uh department is working on that uh
[38:32] relocating that gas man. Paving along Westervelt um is scheduled to begin
[38:38] after school ends which is shortly and we're scheduling a date with a
[38:42] contractor to have them start work. The galvanized service line removal phase 4
[38:47] project is completed with the accept of some restoration of driveways and
[38:51] sidewalks at certain properties. uh the public service gas and service
[38:56] line project. Um they're planning their uh paving the timeline or the paving
[39:02] operations to finalize the the project. Um the full width of Keith Court will be
[39:08] paved using u uh the credit because we traded streets with them as you're
[39:12] aware. Uh it'll hopefully be paved this summer to complete the local aid
[39:17] project. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Peter. And now I'll turn it
[39:21] over to our administrator, Vince Cerso. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, first up, uh,
[39:27] regarding Franklin Field, uh, Bill Hafler, our DPW director, will be
[39:33] starting SAD replacement on, uh, June 25th. Um, so next week we're going to
[39:39] start replacing the SAD as a uh, a measure to get the field ready. Uh we've
[39:45] met with the recreation sports leaders and developed a plan to avoid using the
[39:50] field before the start of football. Um so we're going to try real hard to get
[39:57] uh the grass in good shape for the football season to start. Um, I've also
[40:02] started soliciting some concept designs for potential turnover to a synthetic
[40:08] turf field and we met with one company this past week, myself, the mayor, DPW,
[40:14] and uh, head of recreation. Uh, the preservation program. I met with
[40:20] the community this past week and we're moving forward with the new pavilion uh,
[40:24] project at the library. We also made some selections and amenities such as
[40:28] benches and tables to accompany the pavilion area. Uh the pavilion itself is
[40:34] currently in the manufacturing stage and site preparation should start sometime
[40:40] uh within the next couple weeks or midsummer.
[40:44] Jennifer and I met with the uh VA agency regarding our GIF renewals for our
[40:48] insurance for our liability. Um, we completed inventory of our facilities
[40:53] and equipment as well as the staffing um getting ready for our new policy.
[40:58] Uh, as you know, our labor contracts all expire at the end of this year, and I've
[41:03] started early negotiations with the unions, myself and the mayor, uh, which
[41:08] includes the PBA just this past week, and we've been in contact with the white
[41:13] collar and DPW union labor negotiations representative as well, trying to get a
[41:18] head start on working to get them settled by the end of the year prior to
[41:21] their expiration. And last but not least, um today I was
[41:27] just telling the mayor we had a um pretty significant water main issue at
[41:33] uh the corner the intersection of Florence and Second Avenue. I know
[41:38] Councilman Mey was there as well as the mayor stopped there today. Um, I've
[41:45] all the years that I've been in this business, most of the time you see uh
[41:50] those type of things dealt with as emergency work and there, you know, it's
[41:55] done with a contractor um, you know, coming in and charging emergency rates
[42:00] to get that done. And I have to say the entire project from start to finish was
[42:05] all inhouse. Our DPW, our water department, they did everything. Um they
[42:11] had all all their new equipment out there that we you guys have given them.
[42:15] Um the new excavator, another new truck was out there and um you know as as
[42:20] Dominic was there, he he knows they uh they did a really good job. So kudos to
[42:25] them and and Doug and uh I'm sorry, Dave and uh and Bill. They did a really good
[42:32] job and it's it's great to see that a municipality can save a lot of money
[42:38] doing something like that. So, it's it's all it's all good and that's my
[42:41] environment party. >> Thank you. Now, we'll answer any
[42:44] questions the council may have. >> Questions? Joe, we'll start your way.
[42:48] » Just one. Uh, is there a plan I know I brought this up in the past for the
[42:52] trees in the beautifification of downtown area. They're now touching the
[42:57] wires and I'm just concerned that as Blunt's going to come in and because
[43:01] they're touching the wires, do something horror. Yeah, we I've we
[43:08] had a meeting with Kevin Alberta um and I asked him to go down Lafayette Avenue
[43:15] to look at all the trees that were planted uh and come back with a report.
[43:20] He did that and he also did the last No, this is the first the the first phase of
[43:26] trees. They were straight up trees as opposed
[43:31] to trees that blossomed. And those especially if you look uh by if you look
[43:37] especially by the movie theater. >> That's what I'm getting at.
[43:40] » Those were those were two times ago. >> The new ones are right here.
[43:44] » That's what I'm getting at. >> Okay.
[43:46] He went down Lafayette Avenue all the way to when the project started and put
[43:53] down the trees that were trees and the trees that were bushes, not trees
[44:00] because and he also took some major pictures with regard to vehicles parked
[44:07] at the curb legally and the branches are right into the vehicle or into a car or
[44:13] into a truck, a van or whatever. So, we're going to be meeting with
[44:18] Boswell to find out what's going on and uh have it corrected. Uh take the the
[44:24] the bushes out because there's there's not one stalk coming up and then it it
[44:31] it blossoms out. It's many different stalks coming up and the leaves are on
[44:37] it. Uh and and it's it's it's not right. It's going to we're going to have a
[44:42] problem with it uh very very soon if not now because of the ones that were
[44:48] planned last year and the year before that. So that's already been worked on
[44:54] Joe and we we have a report and we're going to be meeting with Boswell uh B
[44:59] Joe Burns on vacation as soon as he comes back on Monday. Then we're going
[45:03] to meet and and go over everything and, you know, get the contractor back here
[45:07] because there's a lot of them where the the the water bags are empty. The
[45:13] contractor is supposed to fill them. He's not or they're not. And the trees
[45:17] are dying and it we're not going to tolerate it. I held back Boswell's
[45:22] bills. We're not paying them until the project is correct.
[45:26] » All right, you're on it. I got nothing else,
[45:28] » Mike. Thank you. Um, couple things. First, I want to thank Vinnie for at
[45:33] least giving us a nice update on the the issue that we had and also kudos.
[45:38] Excellent job by our DPW uh the whole the whole kitten
[45:43] kaboodleoodle. Thank you so much. Great job. Um couple other things, Michael,
[45:46] let me ask you on this bill that is pending on this rel now is that anybody
[45:52] that is, you know, has a religious group can now claim this if the bill
[45:58] goes through? I mean, obviously >> it's it's not just religious, it's
[46:01] nonprofits, >> but just a nonprofit.
[46:04] » Yeah. It's >> it's and oddly, they're allowed to build
[46:09] 80% market rate, 20% affordable, which, you know, begs a question, how is a
[46:15] nonprofit making profit to begin with? So, there's so many flaws with this
[46:22] bill. It's really hopeful that our people in Trenton thought to to say this
[46:29] goes too far. >> Yeah.
[46:31] » Yeah. And >> let's hope that it
[46:32] » I hope that it does. This this one this is not the kind of bill where you know
[46:37] you could fix this little thing here and that thing there. This one you take a
[46:41] sledgehammer to not a scapula. There is a um a a property development in
[46:49] Belleville that had nonprofit and they've been doing it for 5 years. It's
[46:54] not complete yet. So, it's it's a mess. It's a mess. So, let's just hope that
[46:58] this doesn't go through. Thank um the other thing um the pool park. Uh Mayor,
[47:03] thank you for giving us an update. I want to share with you something that
[47:06] was told to me over the weekend. a resident of Hedges
[47:12] um shared what his what the problem is. He goes, "There's two issues. The the
[47:17] the overflow from the gym, they're taking residence parking spaces."
[47:24] So, a resident said, "I park in the pool parking lot to 9:00 and then I go bring
[47:30] my car back because then it's empty enough to go." And they also told me
[47:34] that transfer people that taking the trains, they don't want to pay you the
[47:38] commuter parking. True. >> So they're parking there, too. So I
[47:42] don't know if there's anything we can do cuz it is private property. But I want
[47:46] to at least give you that information that that's what's going on that it's
[47:50] the overflow from the gym. They're taking, you know, residents from hedges
[47:55] parking spaces. They have nowhere to go. And then also commuters are also taken
[48:00] out so they don't have to pay for you know the small fee we charge for out of
[48:04] town is or you know even people in town it's ridiculous but um that's some of
[48:09] the things little more information and I don't know if you can do anything about
[48:12] it but at least there it is. Well, we I believe we can we can contact the owner
[48:18] of the property and tell them that uh if there's cars parked
[48:24] uh in the in his lot or their lot uh that is not uh their residence or
[48:31] someone visiting one of their stores or the gym. Uh they should be a we should
[48:36] be able to give them tickets under under him under the owner,
[48:40] » right? Um or I don't know how he code if he has signs that say, you know, tenant
[48:46] parking only. >> Well, doesn't he have planning board
[48:48] approval for x amount of parking spaces? >> He he does. He he he's
[48:53] » No, no, no. For the residents, not the gym.
[48:56] » No, >> no, it's all combined.
[48:57] » It's all combined. >> All combined.
[48:59] » Yeah. There was there was more people using the gym than I guess they
[49:02] » they anticipated. They thought >> we may want to implement a resident
[49:07] sticker to differentiate the two parkers. If you go down there like 8:00,
[49:13] 9:00, you can't there's not not a not a
[49:16] parking space to be had, >> right?
[49:19] » And you know, I will I will I'll I'll talk to the own to the owners,
[49:24] » right? I'm just making you aware because it's going to be a shame that a resident
[49:28] of Hawthorne that rents out of Hedges cannot park in in his space uses the
[49:34] pool parking lot >> temporarily and then has to leave there
[49:37] and know he has to move the car when it becomes available. I It's disappointing
[49:42] that you know and let's see if uh if the you know the owner of the property was
[49:48] willing to do something with it cuz it's disappointing for
[49:50] » I'm sure he will. Mayor, I'll give you one more misuse of the property. I spoke
[49:55] to somebody this weekend who is a patient at the PT place next to the gym.
[50:00] A Hawthorne resident uh that goes to the PT facility can't
[50:06] find parking over there, so they park over in the pool parking lot. I said,
[50:09] "Well, you might not want to do that." She goes, "But there is no place to park
[50:13] to go to PT." So throw that on the list of So maybe like Ann Marie said, uh
[50:20] maybe we need to think about a Horththornne resident sticker or
[50:24] something. >> Well, that would hedge your sticker.
[50:26] » Yeah, that would be on the property owner, but also those tenants can have
[50:30] » going to PT there, >> right?
[50:32] » And they can't find parking in the facility for the PT area. So
[50:39] » John had originally said, "Well, we want to make sure we try to don't give people
[50:42] from Horththorn the ticket if, you know, they're using it inadvertently for
[50:45] sleepover or somebody, you know, doing their driveway.
[50:50] It's not as simple and cut and dry as saying it's just a hedges problem now,
[50:55] » right? Well, the hedges can attack it from two different avenues. Perhaps
[50:59] residents of Hedges can have a parking sticker in their car. And then um Hedges
[51:03] may want to consider having designated parking spots for each business that's
[51:08] there so that anybody going to the PT place, there's three spots with signs in
[51:13] front of I have a tenant that asked that. So anybody visiting that business,
[51:17] there's spots open and anybody else that's not visiting that business will
[51:21] get towed. So, um I think if we talk to the
[51:26] property owner, have a meeting of the minds, we can be helpful in giving some
[51:29] suggestions because obviously it's spilling over to the town now and we
[51:33] don't want to hurt anybody that lives here.
[51:35] » No, you don't you don't really want people crossing the street, too.
[51:38] » No, of course not. It's very busy. Very busy. So,
[51:40] » that's the biggest crossing. >> But as a property owner, he's got a
[51:43] couple different avenues in which he can address his issue.
[51:47] » Yep. >> Right. If I could just add, Michael and
[51:50] Dominic, I promised you at the feast I would not bring up the pool parking lot
[51:54] and I didn't
[51:59] » just as another alternative, if there is like an overflow and they need to use
[52:05] the pool parking lot because the residents don't have, do you think maybe
[52:09] we should possibly entertain about renting spaces in the pool parking lot
[52:14] and designated? Well, it's just that you you do have the intersection. and you're
[52:17] going to have to do a crosswalk or something. But
[52:21] » the problem that could arise from that is what about the people who are going
[52:24] to the pool? >> Well, that's in the summer. So,
[52:29] » well, yeah. >> Well, then yeah, you do the fire
[52:32] department. But I'm just saying it sounds like the businesses there are
[52:38] taking more spaces than when they thought. So now, I mean, do they need to
[52:43] do a parking garage? I don't think the gym anticipated this many people signing
[52:48] up for that gym >> and they were undersized for parking on
[52:52] the original application. They didn't count on them as the need in the parking
[52:54] calcs. >> So, we knew they were short to begin
[52:57] with. >> Well, maybe they need to think about
[53:00] some alternatives. Like I know about the designation, but I mean
[53:04] » the problem is one for the property owner to solve, not for us to solve.
[53:09] Right. >> Um the only thing we can do is make sure
[53:13] that we don't become the solution to his problem by saying go park across the
[53:20] street. We can't allow that. Um it is not only used for the pool, but it's a
[53:25] safety issue. So the issue has to be you need to fix your problem because it's
[53:32] now becoming our problem. And that's the that's it. And if he has to find a way
[53:37] to create more parking, if he has to find a way to designate, as Anna said,
[53:43] um, designate spaces for certain businesses, there are ways to solve it.
[53:49] Um, it's going to cost him some money, but he needs to do it. So,
[53:52] » I agree 100% with you, Michael. >> Okay,
[53:56] » good. Thank you. >> Any other questions for administration?
[53:59] Um Pete, I I know you're you're not the person, but um I just want to make sure
[54:05] that um we addressed all the concerns that we had two weeks ago about the
[54:09] sidewalks and the assessments. >> I was going to ask Vinnie the same
[54:13] question because Joe wasn't here. >> Okay. Well, I'll go to Vince then. Um
[54:17] because I know that one of the residents um the one who kept saying her emails
[54:22] were not getting through, well, they were being blocked by Boswell. And so
[54:27] actually Boswell had to talk to their IT people. So some of the emails were
[54:32] getting blocked to Boswell, especially the one resident.
[54:37] » Did anyone get back to us and say that we didn't have a meeting with the
[54:41] engineer like we had asked for that to occur?
[54:45] » No, not that I'm aware of. I mean, we've um we had Chris Casey on some of the
[54:50] cases um as well as Joe. everything that uh that person that came here and that
[54:57] they wrote the thing, they've all been followed up on.
[54:59] » Um and as I as of right now, I think there's solutions to every one of them.
[55:04] But, you know, of course, we'll get continued calls.
[55:07] » Make sure we address them. You know, even if they didn't like your answer, at
[55:10] least we did give them an answer. >> Well, there there when Chris Casey went
[55:13] out there, there was a number of sidewalks that he said there's actually
[55:18] nothing wrong with them. >> Okay. Well, that's great then because
[55:20] that's what the people were concerned >> and that uh
[55:24] » okay I know some had some spalling or the aggregate was starting to get
[55:27] exposed or in a perfect world >> well there was there was there was one
[55:30] when the lady was here that you know all the
[55:34] » excuse me all of the um cement is like worn down the rocks that are in the
[55:41] cement aggregate there's nothing wrong with them they're they're flush with the
[55:45] with the sidewalk there's no tripping hazard at all And um you know, so I mean
[55:51] I went out there and looked at at it and Chris Casey went out and he told the
[55:55] lady basically the same thing I did that there's no there's no reason for that.
[56:00] The apron that's different, but the sidewalk, no.
[56:04] » Okay, great. Now, I just wanted to make sure know cuz I was working with some of
[56:07] the residents, but there was an issue with the email.
[56:11] » I'm getting blocked. Thanks, >> Bruce.
[56:14] » No, Marie. >> Just a um clarification, please. And
[56:18] Pete, it's probably unfair to you because you're not here all the time.
[56:20] Maybe um mayor or or Vinnie will have the answer. The road work that's
[56:24] happening on Waguar Road. I don't believe that's the town, but would you
[56:28] have any information on that? And >> public service is putting in a new gas
[56:32] man. >> That's what I heard.
[56:34] » And and they're they're they're going down Wagawa Road. I think the most most
[56:39] of the main is in but uh then I assume that they're going to come back and
[56:44] start the laterals into the homes or into the businesses.
[56:48] » It's been painful for the residents and traffic is horrendous. So do do they I'm
[56:53] sure they notified the town, right, that this was happen.
[56:55] » They have they notified the town. They notified the police department for cars
[57:00] to be there to block traffic. They try to have one lane open at a time.
[57:04] Sometimes it's difficult, but they they're they're doing their best. I I
[57:08] think what compounds it is that our town or PS&G is doing a gas line. Fairlon is
[57:14] doing a water line on River Road and then River Street is being repaved. So
[57:19] they're written that up. >> So you're right there in that triangle.
[57:22] It It's a T where you can't >> I actually took 208 today because I sat
[57:28] in traffic forever. So to get to Route 20,
[57:33] it's it I don't know who planned this, but it's the perfect trifecta of water,
[57:40] gas, paving, so it's bad. >> I blame the state.
[57:45] » Um, and it's just a hard for everybody. Do we have any idea when it will end? I
[57:51] know the answer, but I just have to ask for anybody listening.
[57:54] » I know the answer. I don't know. >> I know. I know. And it's not us. But
[57:58] residents, if you're listening, it's not us. So sorry.
[58:03] » We >> What the heck?
[58:07] » So So for the >> I'm going to be quiet.
[58:10] » Could I just jump on this? >> It's your turn.
[58:14] » Well, I asked. >> It's his turn.
[58:16] » So, uh, mayor, the question either you or Vinnie might know the answer. Um, how
[58:22] much advanced notice does public service give us? because someone whispered in my
[58:27] ear. It's like you get like a day or two notice like what this no
[58:31] » no it's sometimes. >> So we knew about
[58:33] » about two weeks sometimes. >> Yeah. Sometimes even
[58:36] » okay that we knew about >> on the type of project
[58:39] » now and um in its infinite wisdom the county decided to close Ray Avenue. It
[58:46] is a county road. Um >> what happened there?
[58:52] » Yeah. So please share. No, they they notified us of the original date and the
[58:58] day that the day the day that the was of the original date it rained so they
[59:05] canled it. Now they they did it here this last week. They put a sign I call
[59:11] it a sandwich board in front of the ray house saying that it's going to be
[59:15] closed, but they never notified us. So I called the administrator of the county
[59:20] and spoke with him and he said, "Didn't we notify you?" I said, "To me to my
[59:25] knowledge, not the second time. The first time you did, but not the second
[59:28] time." >> Right.
[59:29] » So that's where I >> all the confusion came in.
[59:33] » No, I I I it's nothing on Hawthorne. Nothing on you on the administration at
[59:38] all. I just don't understand. have art in a park and they have a huge beautiful
[59:44] park that they have to now take up one of the roads and I'm struggling to
[59:49] understand that >> there was no need to take the road.
[59:51] » Yeah. This this you could have just put that this has never happened before.
[59:54] Correct. In one of the first time ever we all were like had
[59:58] » a a stage uh at least the last time they had it.
[1:00:03] It was on the other side of the Ray House on that long stretch of of park.
[1:00:08] » That makes sense to me. And they had they had a stage they had the stage
[1:00:10] there too and they didn't close any streets.
[1:00:13] » It makes no sense. Um maybe I if you think this is this would work call them
[1:00:19] and say do we really need to cut down cut off the street when you have such a
[1:00:23] big beautiful park to put >> we'll definitely try to make sure that
[1:00:26] doesn't happen again next year. >> That would be the only thing because it
[1:00:29] it's their road. I understand but I mean it's our community. So thank you.
[1:00:33] » You're welcome. >> Anything else?
[1:00:35] » No thank you. I'm good. >> No I'm fine. Okay. Uh, Reena mentioned
[1:00:40] mine. So, any other things you want to bring up?
[1:00:43] » That's that's the report on administration.
[1:00:45] » Could I have a motion to record the administrative move?
[1:00:48] » Motion by Sierra, second by WKEI. All in favor? I.
[1:00:52] » Motion carries. Introduction of ordinances. We have none for this
[1:00:55] evening. Resolutions. We have consent agenda R90-26 through R94-26.
[1:01:02] R90-26 is a liquor license renewals for 2026 2027 term. R91-26 is authorize a
[1:01:09] grant application and contract for the 2027 NJ dot local aid for first a grand
[1:01:15] and North 17th Street. R92-26 is professional services contract with
[1:01:20] Millennium Services Grant Writers. R93-26 is a disabled veteran tax
[1:01:26] exemption. R94-26 is another disabled veteran tax exemption. You have a
[1:01:31] motion. >> Motion by Millie, second by uh BKI. Any
[1:01:36] discussion? >> No.
[1:01:39] » Roll call. >> Bennett.
[1:01:40] » Yes. >> Leosa,
[1:01:42] » yes. Mey, >> yes.
[1:01:44] » Sasso, >> I recuse abstain from R9026 and yes on
[1:01:49] all others. >> Skiara,
[1:01:51] » yes. >> Yes.
[1:01:52] » Matthews, >> yes.
[1:01:54] » Motion carries. >> Courts of special council committees.
[1:01:57] Joe, we'll start your way. >> I only have one committee to report on.
[1:02:00] It's not really even a a true committee. It's the St. Anony's feast. It was a
[1:02:04] huge huge success. The pounds and pounds of ziti and sausage and eggplant and and
[1:02:13] I cannot thank enough. I'm going to start with Chris Debella, the fire
[1:02:17] inspector. We had a gas leak in the kitchen. Chris came in with his
[1:02:21] detector, identified where the gas leak was. We were able to uh secure the gas
[1:02:27] leak and the feast continued. Then I want to go to let me start with Dominic
[1:02:34] Mey. Amazing Dominic. You wowed me even with your Macaloo chef jacket on at
[1:02:42] 100°. You worked tirelessly.
[1:02:47] » Animeie, >> I can't thank you enough. It was a
[1:02:50] pleasure working with you Saturday night. You made it so enjoyable and very
[1:02:55] talented, I might add. >> And then lastly, I can't thank Michael
[1:02:59] Pasqual, the sue chef of sue chefs, >> with his Fred Flintstone apron. You were
[1:03:06] amazing and I can't thank you enough. Thank you all for coming and supporting
[1:03:12] the St. Anony's feast. Thank you. >> Thank Thank you. Um, I will also offer
[1:03:19] congratulations to Councilman WKI, Councilwoman uh Sasso, and Councilman
[1:03:24] Mey, as well as our burough attorney Michael Wasqual, as well as all the
[1:03:29] volunteers that helped out at St. Anony's. Job well done. I did indulge in
[1:03:33] quite a few meals this uh last week. Um, also I'd like to congratulate all the
[1:03:39] Hawthorne graduates from all the schools. um
[1:03:45] Hispanic Heritage uh committee. We are having a watch party for the uh USA
[1:03:54] Australia down at Pagra on Friday. Party starts at 2:00. Game starts at 3.
[1:04:00] There'll be a discount buffet if you so uh so choose to have it. Uh also you can
[1:04:06] order off the menu and a cash bar. Uh but uh Robert's been great to work with
[1:04:11] and he's been a pleasure and uh very very helpful for us to pull off this
[1:04:17] event. Um let's see what else we have. We had a public safety meeting. Uh
[1:04:22] Dominic Mill, you know, was hard at work behind the uh behind the stove and the
[1:04:28] grill >> is prove it. So, uh, myself and
[1:04:31] Councilman Bennett did attend, um, and it was very, very nice to get some
[1:04:36] updates from our police department about some of the things that they have going
[1:04:40] on. First of all, um, one thing they shared from from the end of May to from
[1:04:46] January to the end of May, they had 3,700 summones issued and 208 arrest.
[1:04:53] Um they also talked about their preparation
[1:04:58] um with the additional um expectations of manpower needed because the 250th
[1:05:04] anniversary, the watch parties that are in town for the FIFA Cup um uh July 4th
[1:05:10] and things like that and how they plan to manage and and have the manpower for
[1:05:15] that. And I was very impressed with this. They also talked about the Fair
[1:05:18] View Avenue like the mayor did. Um they uh quite a bit of a decrease in our
[1:05:25] overloaded uh overweight truck traffic. Um and it just goes to show you with um
[1:05:32] it's just not a sign because we realize that people don't read signs as though
[1:05:35] we much the best of intentions but with better signs and better enforcement uh
[1:05:41] we're we're getting to where we need to be. So great job by them also and
[1:05:46] administration. And I think that concludes my report. Yes, it does. Thank
[1:05:50] you.
[1:05:53] » Um just thanking everyone who came out tonight for the annual June environment
[1:05:57] program. We'll be getting a press release out. Um we're actually going to
[1:06:01] be working on getting the green fair which is September 13th at the farmers
[1:06:05] market. Um so we'll be working on that. Thanks.
[1:06:11] I just to add to uh Mike's report, the most eye-opening statistic I found at
[1:06:17] the meeting was between January 1st and as he said May 31st,
[1:06:23] the police department answered a total of 17,367
[1:06:30] calls. So if you wonder what your tax dollars
[1:06:35] are doing in terms of protection for the community, there's your answer.
[1:06:42] Yeah, >> absolutely.
[1:06:45] Marie, >> I only have the board of ed this evening
[1:06:47] and they would like to wish all of their middle school graduates which took place
[1:06:51] this evening and tomorrow night is the high school graduation. They wish them
[1:06:55] all the best in their future endeavors and they know they're going to continue
[1:06:58] to make Horththornne proud. Um and to all the students that are just going
[1:07:03] from year to year, they want to wish them the best summer and uh they look
[1:07:07] forward to seeing them back again in September. And also to remind all the
[1:07:11] residents that you don't necessarily have to go if you don't have a graduate.
[1:07:14] Both um graduations are live stream on Horththornne Public Schools YouTube
[1:07:19] page. And I of course concur and reiterate those wonderful um wishes to
[1:07:24] all the graduates and students. And of course, I have to thank Chief Joe WKI
[1:07:30] and uh Mike Pasqual. They were wonderful leaders in the kitchen and I had a great
[1:07:35] time. It was really my honor to be able to um fill in for wonderful friends and
[1:07:40] I'm in next year, coach, if you want me. >> That concludes my report.
[1:07:47] » Thank you, Dominic. >> As usual, we talked about the DPW guys.
[1:07:54] They did a great job. Everybody had a job to do. Nobody runs around, you know,
[1:07:58] like their chicken head cut off. Everybody had a great job to do and they
[1:08:01] did it. And no overtime to the burrow, nothing. And that's the normal job. And
[1:08:06] the pipe was 100 years old and they they they fixed it. That's all I can say.
[1:08:10] They did a great job. And they deserve all the credit that they don't get all
[1:08:14] the time. Thank you. >> Okay. Well, let's put this thing.
[1:08:20] » My reports. The planning board meeting last evening was cancelled,
[1:08:24] but the chamber of commerce wants everyone to come celebrate 80 years of
[1:08:28] music with the Horththornne Cabillos. 80 years. Uh it'll be the Hawthornne
[1:08:33] Cabillos and the alumni corps. I've been asked to hold up their flyer. It's
[1:08:38] Saturday, June 20th at the Horththornne High School Field from 5 to 8. Flavio
[1:08:43] Romeo will be the MC. There's food available for purchase and
[1:08:49] I hope Lisa got that. And the next one is Chamber of Commerce. It's their
[1:08:56] market starts uh June 21st and the car show will be on August 16th. And there's
[1:09:01] multiple events on here for Find the Bee, the craft show, classic car show,
[1:09:06] the green fair as Raina mentioned, another craft show in the Halloween dog
[1:09:10] costume. So come on down until October 25th and that's all I have to report on
[1:09:19] correspondence. We have none but we have bills. Have a motion to approve the
[1:09:23] bills and forward them to the treasurer for payment.
[1:09:25] » So move. >> Motion by
[1:09:28] » not me. >> Skier. Second by me.
[1:09:31] » Any discussion? >> Roll call.
[1:09:34] » Wii. >> Abstain on the fire department. Yes. On
[1:09:37] all others. >> Skiara.
[1:09:38] » Yes. >> Sassa.
[1:09:39] » Yes. Mey. Yes. >> Leosa.
[1:09:42] » Yes. >> Bennett.
[1:09:43] » Yes. >> Matthews.
[1:09:44] » Yes. >> Motion carries.
[1:09:46] » Public comment. Now open the meeting to the public. Anyone desires to be heard?
[1:09:49] Come forward to state your names for the record.
[1:09:58] » Well, Mike, you do everything here tonight. You know, taking pictures, do
[1:10:02] this, vegetables,
[1:10:05] cooking, >> making omelets.
[1:10:11] Rocky Robert
[1:10:15] is my name. Um, Street 19 Van Winkle. Uh, I just want to
[1:10:21] say I'm very impressed with all the work that uh we've heard about tonight. Um,
[1:10:26] especially the work that's being done to make our streets safer. Um, I heard the
[1:10:32] mayor, I think it was, mention the tragic fatality that took place on Fair
[1:10:37] View. Yeah, that was about a year ago, the 13th, I think.
[1:10:40] » I just want to say there was a person there. It was Johnny Azar. I wanted to
[1:10:43] say his name here in front of us all. I don't know whether there's a a lawsuit
[1:10:48] involved that we can't say his name, >> but then I just want to say it was
[1:10:52] Johnny Azar whose life was lost there. And we've we've seen his family here uh
[1:10:56] sharing their grief. I'm sure it's not over yet. No.
[1:10:59] » Um so I'm I I know that the town shares that sense that it was tragic and we
[1:11:05] really do grieve with them. So that's why I'm here.
[1:11:08] » Okay. Thank you. Anyone else wish heard
[1:11:27] Kathy Sarapin 148 North? I just have a stupid question, but uh last weekend I
[1:11:34] asked the guy at pool, you know, that walks around with
[1:11:38] walk around the pool and I said, "Is the pool open next Friday because the kids
[1:11:41] don't have school?" No, I'm running to 10 minute dissertation by the pool going
[1:11:45] to be open on Friday. So, just want to make sure. Is the pool really open on
[1:11:49] Friday? >> Aler, I believe so.
[1:11:53] » Believe so, too.
[1:11:58] » That's who we're going to have to call. Yeah, I think it is open Friday.
[1:12:02] » Some of our teachers were still going to have work to do and blah blah blah. They
[1:12:05] don't come. They're not the lifeguards. >> No, because it opened usually the day
[1:12:09] after school after graduation. >> Yeah.
[1:12:13] » Thank you. >> Enjoy your pool day.
[1:12:17] » Seeing no one else, I entertain a motion to close the public portion of second.
[1:12:21] » Motion by Scar, second by WKI. All in favor?
[1:12:24] » I. >> Motion carries. Our next council meeting
[1:12:26] is Wednesday, July 8th at 2026 at 7 p.m. Have a motion to adjurnn. So moved.
[1:12:34] » Motion by WKI, second by Scara. All in favor?
[1:12:37] » I. >> Motion carries. We're journal.