1 00:00:01,680 --> 00:00:08,520 This conference will now be recorded. >> controversies were non-existent and 2 00:00:05,920 --> 00:00:13,120 shown disdain and disrespect for fellow council members, even those from his own 3 00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:18,360 political party. Most of the issues he introduces at 4 00:00:15,560 --> 00:00:22,800 public meetings are so hyper-partisan, extreme, and inappropriate for local 5 00:00:20,680 --> 00:00:27,520 government discourse that it's crystal clear to anyone paying attention that 6 00:00:25,560 --> 00:00:31,400 the only thing he's interested in is promoting himself. 7 00:00:29,440 --> 00:00:36,240 Municipal officials have an ethical obligation to act in ways that promote 8 00:00:33,800 --> 00:00:40,640 public confidence in government. This means making decisions based on the best 9 00:00:38,520 --> 00:00:46,360 interests of the community, not on personal or political motivations. 10 00:00:43,920 --> 00:00:51,600 Sadly, he's not using his position to benefit the community, but rather just 11 00:00:49,240 --> 00:00:56,880 using all of us to advance his own personal and political agenda. 12 00:00:55,080 --> 00:01:01,640 He likes to assert that he's defending our community's values and representing 13 00:00:59,160 --> 00:01:06,560 residents who elected him, but I feel confident that the majority of his 14 00:01:03,880 --> 00:01:11,880 constituents are not in favor of the division, conflict, and disruption he's 15 00:01:09,240 --> 00:01:16,280 brought to the council. His behavior has been a costly distraction from the 16 00:01:13,680 --> 00:01:21,120 important work our community deserves from its elected officials. 17 00:01:19,040 --> 00:01:24,800 For the almost 13 years I've lived in Peapack-Gladstone, I've been impressed 18 00:01:22,960 --> 00:01:29,760 by how well our local government functioned, with one's political party 19 00:01:27,040 --> 00:01:34,480 affiliation presenting no obstacle to cooperation and mutual respect, with 20 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:38,360 room for healthy discussions and disagreements. 21 00:01:36,160 --> 00:01:42,920 That all changed when Councilman Sweeney joined the council. 22 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:47,760 I don't expect this statement to have any impact on him, well, he's not here 23 00:01:45,200 --> 00:01:47,760 to hear it. 24 00:01:48,360 --> 00:01:55,920 But to the rest of the council members, I urge you to do whatever you can to 25 00:01:53,040 --> 00:02:00,840 rein in the unproductive and that dialogue that has pervaded the council 26 00:01:58,080 --> 00:02:07,479 since January and get back to doing what you were all elected to do, take care of 27 00:02:03,240 --> 00:02:11,560 our welcoming and wonderful town. >> Uh thank you, Ms. Simon, for your 28 00:02:09,600 --> 00:02:16,959 well-thought-out comments. I appreciate them. Um while everyone on the council 29 00:02:14,640 --> 00:02:20,959 is here tonight hears your words real very clearly 30 00:02:18,760 --> 00:02:25,600 as well as those attending the meeting, perhaps the person who most should hear 31 00:02:23,520 --> 00:02:29,320 them is not here. I'd like to invite you back the next meeting to perhaps repeat 32 00:02:27,760 --> 00:02:31,360 them. >> Okay. 33 00:02:30,360 --> 00:02:35,959 » Okay. Um thank you again. Sujan, you're next. 34 00:02:39,080 --> 00:02:47,000 » Hi, Sujan Backerman, Tiger Hill Drive, Gladstone. I spoke at the last meeting 35 00:02:43,480 --> 00:02:52,720 and unfortunately it looks like after my comments, Connor Sweeney still went on 36 00:02:49,720 --> 00:02:56,880 to be undiplomatic and his usual disruptive self. So, unfortunately, I 37 00:02:55,200 --> 00:03:01,880 guess my words did not land or he did not listen, but tonight I'm just 38 00:02:58,840 --> 00:03:06,760 speaking very quickly about my support of the library. Just want to 39 00:03:04,760 --> 00:03:11,920 share again, I've lived here 23 years with my family. My kids have enjoyed 40 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:17,000 growing up at that library as is starting as toddlers at Ms. Jenna's 41 00:03:13,840 --> 00:03:21,160 story times, renting books and videos, attending special programming there, and 42 00:03:19,440 --> 00:03:25,680 then studying there for, you know, after school. And not to mention that they use 43 00:03:23,840 --> 00:03:30,720 that space for story summer rec, which is, you know, a 44 00:03:27,040 --> 00:03:34,880 valuable space to have. Um unfortunately, Mr. Sweeney's not here to 45 00:03:32,640 --> 00:03:40,519 listen to it, but I will speak again if if need be. I'm just very curious to see 46 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:46,080 who on this council will support this ridiculous initiative that he's brought 47 00:03:43,360 --> 00:03:50,440 up to dismantle our current library. It's a valuable resource again, and it's 48 00:03:48,360 --> 00:03:55,400 a cherished part of this town. And I hope uh the rest of the council 49 00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:59,880 members listen to the constituency here and it's important to us. Thank you. 50 00:03:57,920 --> 00:04:07,120 » Thank Thank you, Sujan. Carolyn Campion, you're next. 51 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:12,040 » Hello. Hello. Carolyn Campion, 32 Old Chester Road. Um you know, I was also am 52 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:15,800 still going to speak on the library issue. Um I understand what the mayor is 53 00:04:14,200 --> 00:04:19,640 saying that there's going to be time hopefully to further discuss this, but I 54 00:04:18,200 --> 00:04:23,520 have to be honest, I don't find that incredibly reassuring. I feel like how 55 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:27,840 things have been handled lately with the town council that I would like to feel 56 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:31,120 that that is some sort of reassurance, but I don't I don't understand why an 57 00:04:29,600 --> 00:04:35,640 issue as large as this wouldn't go to the town for a vote or town for 58 00:04:32,800 --> 00:04:40,560 referendum. I don't know why one council person who claims to be offended by a 59 00:04:37,560 --> 00:04:45,200 pride exhibit can now um put us all into this situation. So, I did have a longer 60 00:04:43,680 --> 00:04:49,480 speech to say, but I'm going to just abbreviate it cuz I honestly cannot 61 00:04:47,200 --> 00:04:54,800 believe we're all here. I cannot believe after how many years of hard work to get 62 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:58,520 that library so beautifully renovated, that now we're taking time away from 63 00:04:56,520 --> 00:05:03,040 serious issues in this town, real issues, and instead we're all stressed 64 00:05:01,080 --> 00:05:07,080 because one person wants to rip this town apart. And I feel like before we 65 00:05:05,800 --> 00:05:10,880 readdress this, whether it's in September or the next meeting in 66 00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:15,480 September, I think everyone here in this entire town deserves to know where does 67 00:05:13,040 --> 00:05:18,960 everyone on this town council stand. Whether you're at the meetings or not at 68 00:05:17,320 --> 00:05:21,800 the meetings, where do you stand on this issue? Do you really understand it? Do 69 00:05:20,480 --> 00:05:25,360 you understand our contract with the county? Do you understand what we would 70 00:05:23,240 --> 00:05:28,680 lose if we go out of that contract? I feel like it's all a little bit of a 71 00:05:26,440 --> 00:05:31,360 mystery where people on this council stand, and I think this town deserves to 72 00:05:30,520 --> 00:05:34,600 know. You know, it's is are you okay with 73 00:05:32,880 --> 00:05:38,360 closing the library for good? Is that the ultimate plan? Because I can tell 74 00:05:36,600 --> 00:05:41,880 you I believe the majority of the residents in this town do not want that 75 00:05:40,200 --> 00:05:45,520 to happen. So, are we talking to the residents? Are we listening to the 76 00:05:43,600 --> 00:05:49,040 residents? Are we just following one person's path? 77 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:51,640 That's what I want to know. Thank you. 78 00:05:50,080 --> 00:05:55,560 » Yeah, you're welcome and thank you for speaking. 79 00:05:52,920 --> 00:06:01,280 And Carolyn, I would tell you that you so to reassure you somewhat, 80 00:05:58,360 --> 00:06:04,600 one council member on their own cannot close or disband our library. It's not 81 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:09,920 that easy. A one council member can propose a 82 00:06:07,320 --> 00:06:14,640 resolution. Two council members can propose a resolution, but you can't get 83 00:06:12,440 --> 00:06:19,800 rid of our library with a resolution. Okay? A resolution doesn't do it. I 84 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:25,760 believe it would require at minimum an ordinance. Most definitely preferably a 85 00:06:23,280 --> 00:06:31,160 referendum. It's that big an issue. And I promise you that I would push for 86 00:06:28,600 --> 00:06:35,840 a matter resolution, a referendum. I would push for a referendum if it ever 87 00:06:33,840 --> 00:06:40,760 went that far. And I I'll tell you right now, I'll underline that and say again, 88 00:06:38,200 --> 00:06:44,720 if it ever went that far. I really don't believe it will, and I 89 00:06:42,880 --> 00:06:48,919 don't think you need to worry about the our library ever being shuttered. There 90 00:06:46,600 --> 00:06:51,560 will be a library here for a very long time after this. I can assure you of 91 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:54,800 that. Okay? 92 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:58,800 One council member is allowed to say whatever they want. It doesn't mean 93 00:06:56,760 --> 00:07:02,120 that's what the borough wants or what the council wants. 94 00:07:00,360 --> 00:07:06,200 And unfortunately, we have no control over that. That individual is an elected 95 00:07:04,600 --> 00:07:11,240 official, and they have the right to do that as much as 96 00:07:08,440 --> 00:07:15,280 some or all of the rest of us don't like it. 97 00:07:12,280 --> 00:07:18,600 Okay? And that is unfortunate. 98 00:07:17,040 --> 00:07:24,160 But that is what we're dealing with dealing with and whether you know it or 99 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:29,040 not, we are actually working very hard in between council meetings to try to 100 00:07:26,600 --> 00:07:33,280 address that as best we can. Valerie, could you mute your microphone, 101 00:07:30,840 --> 00:07:33,280 please? 102 00:07:35,480 --> 00:07:42,320 Valerie, could you mute your microphone, please? 103 00:07:39,560 --> 00:07:47,640 Thank you. Thank you. So so that So everyone knows. Please don't think this 104 00:07:44,840 --> 00:07:51,080 is doom and gloom because one council member comes forward with a statement, 105 00:07:49,240 --> 00:07:58,000 "I want to get rid of the library." Don't read into it. It is not that easy. 106 00:07:54,560 --> 00:08:02,240 So, let me reassure you of that. All right. Uh Jackie Braun, you're next. 107 00:08:05,800 --> 00:08:09,520 You're muted. We can't hear you. 108 00:08:09,960 --> 00:08:13,000 Still can't hear you. 109 00:08:15,280 --> 00:08:21,000 We see you talking, but we can't hear you. 110 00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:24,520 Your microphone on your computer is not on or your phone is not on. 111 00:08:26,480 --> 00:08:33,240 Now Now you've muted yourself on the app, but your microphone's not on. 112 00:08:37,039 --> 00:08:40,440 No, it's not yet. 113 00:08:43,240 --> 00:08:49,720 Well, I'll I'll move on to somebody else, Jackie, if you want to disconnect 114 00:08:46,680 --> 00:08:53,160 and reconnect. Maybe that will help. Okay, and I'll come back to you. 115 00:08:53,480 --> 00:09:01,320 All right, let's move on. I I don't know what who GA is, but GA is next. 116 00:08:58,960 --> 00:09:04,600 » Hi. Thank you. My name is Jennifer from 500 Old Chester Road. 117 00:09:03,280 --> 00:09:08,080 » Last name, please. >> Abraham. 118 00:09:06,200 --> 00:09:13,400 A couple months ago, I stood up at your council meeting and I said a couple 119 00:09:10,400 --> 00:09:18,200 things. I put my support behind parental rights. I am a parent, so I don't think 120 00:09:15,600 --> 00:09:22,760 that's quite a big leap. And I let the council know what I had learned after 121 00:09:20,040 --> 00:09:28,839 speaking to some of the librarians when I went to visit the pride display. 122 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:35,800 When I left that meeting, I was met by a group of women very upset. They weren't 123 00:09:33,360 --> 00:09:41,320 happy with what I said, and they were pushing me on where I live. 124 00:09:38,360 --> 00:09:45,160 And the gist was you don't belong here. You don't even 125 00:09:43,640 --> 00:09:50,880 live in this town. And I said, "Well, I live 3 minutes down the road." And that 126 00:09:47,840 --> 00:09:54,960 didn't satisfy them. They kept pushing. They wanted to know where I lived. And I 127 00:09:53,680 --> 00:10:00,840 said, "I live in Chester." And they said, "Well, you don't even really 128 00:09:56,520 --> 00:10:08,120 belong here. Why are you here?" Uh deepen. And to that said to them 129 00:10:05,280 --> 00:10:12,600 I said, "We're all neighbors." And they looked at me and they said, 130 00:10:10,840 --> 00:10:19,360 "No." They said, "No, we are not neighbors." 131 00:10:17,760 --> 00:10:22,640 And then I listened to last month's meeting and I'm just going to quote a 132 00:10:20,960 --> 00:10:26,560 couple things that I heard some residents, 133 00:10:23,960 --> 00:10:31,760 who let's say have the same sentiment as the ones that were yelling at me. Um 134 00:10:29,280 --> 00:10:37,480 I heard and I'm quoting here, "We find ways to respect one another even when we 135 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:42,800 disagree." It's disappointing to see Sweeney and 136 00:10:39,920 --> 00:10:47,880 those supporting him choose division over unity. 137 00:10:44,400 --> 00:10:52,560 We support our LGBTQ neighbors because they are our neighbors. 138 00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:58,480 There was mention of bringing neighbors together. And quote, "What really 139 00:10:55,360 --> 00:11:03,520 matters is supporting our community and working together." 140 00:11:00,839 --> 00:11:08,839 So, what's happening here? I mean, either this is a huge case of 141 00:11:06,160 --> 00:11:12,040 not practicing what you preach. Or 142 00:11:10,520 --> 00:11:16,680 this has nothing to do with being neighborly. 143 00:11:14,080 --> 00:11:21,280 Maybe this is all about control dressed up as empathy. 144 00:11:19,560 --> 00:11:24,320 The questions that some residents are asking 145 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:30,560 are "Your library has five displays. 146 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:33,960 Why put questionable material, I'll say questionable, likely it's not for the 147 00:11:32,640 --> 00:11:39,440 littles. Why put it closest to the littles room 148 00:11:36,920 --> 00:11:44,600 and on a table with crayons versus the other one? 149 00:11:41,560 --> 00:11:49,560 Who's their audience? Why am I not their neighbor? Because I'm 150 00:11:46,680 --> 00:11:55,280 trying to protect my child innocence. What would we call those not trying to 151 00:11:51,720 --> 00:12:01,960 protect the innocent? If this is about pride which 152 00:11:58,080 --> 00:12:09,480 I'm loosely going to suggest is for the LGBTQ community to be accepted. 153 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:16,640 Um I know anti-bullying and inclusion come up with that with the pride issue. 154 00:12:14,400 --> 00:12:22,000 Maybe what we're missing is to demonstrate and show the kids that 155 00:12:20,120 --> 00:12:25,640 they live in the best country >> I'm sorry. I have to interrupt you. You 156 00:12:23,720 --> 00:12:28,200 reached your 3-minute limit. I'm sorry. 157 00:12:26,080 --> 00:12:33,720 » I have one more one more thing. I really hope you 158 00:12:30,480 --> 00:12:38,520 I'd like to compliment all of you. I would like to say that there's examples 159 00:12:36,920 --> 00:12:42,000 all over. God bless them. 160 00:12:39,839 --> 00:12:47,160 » Thank you. >> You're welcome, Sergeant Tom. 161 00:12:44,920 --> 00:12:50,280 » Please respect the limit, please, or else we have 162 00:12:47,760 --> 00:12:52,800 » problem. I just want to compliment >> We're going to mute you if you don't 163 00:12:51,360 --> 00:12:55,880 stop. So, please. >> I read it was 5 minutes on the 164 00:12:55,080 --> 00:12:59,640 paperwork. >> 3 minutes. 3 minutes. 165 00:12:57,800 --> 00:13:01,600 » 3 minutes. Um Okay. 166 00:13:00,600 --> 00:13:06,600 Thank you. >> Thank you. 167 00:13:02,560 --> 00:13:06,600 Uh next person, Bob Baker. 168 00:13:07,839 --> 00:13:12,520 Bob Baker. >> Hi. Bob Baker from uh 100 Bender Road, 169 00:13:11,320 --> 00:13:17,120 Gladstone. Um first of all, is are is our town 170 00:13:14,600 --> 00:13:19,800 meetings open to people from any town or are they just people allowed to speak 171 00:13:18,560 --> 00:13:24,960 just from our town? >> No. Our public comment session is open 172 00:13:22,280 --> 00:13:27,800 to any citizen of any any any area. >> Understood. 173 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:33,680 Um you know, I was going to I had a whole thing prepared and and I I 174 00:13:30,640 --> 00:13:37,760 I'm just going to sideline that and I just sort of echo what Carolyn said. I 175 00:13:35,960 --> 00:13:44,760 think that uh you know, I don't feel confident that 176 00:13:40,120 --> 00:13:48,120 this is going to be um handled properly. Uh I'm not sure that people aren't going 177 00:13:46,840 --> 00:13:52,080 to try to you know, is there any way that people 178 00:13:49,240 --> 00:13:55,960 could do like sneaky votes or if if all the council is not present? 179 00:13:54,760 --> 00:13:59,880 You know, we need some we need more reassurance, Mark. 180 00:13:57,720 --> 00:14:03,840 Mayor and um you know, I'll I'll leave all my 181 00:14:01,080 --> 00:14:08,400 prepared comments aside, but uh this is a really big issue that has a 182 00:14:05,880 --> 00:14:12,600 lot of people really upset. >> Um you I would say the issue has a lot 183 00:14:10,720 --> 00:14:14,840 of council members upset as well. >> Okay. 184 00:14:13,200 --> 00:14:19,200 » Because we feel the Let me speak Let me speak for myself. I 185 00:14:16,960 --> 00:14:23,240 can't speak for anybody else. I'm upset by it. I think it's ridiculous 186 00:14:21,920 --> 00:14:27,720 and silly. Okay, I think the Somerset County 187 00:14:24,960 --> 00:14:32,839 Library System does a fine job managing our library. That's how I feel about it. 188 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:37,040 Okay? And I know a number of other council members feel the same way as I 189 00:14:34,680 --> 00:14:37,040 do. 190 00:14:37,760 --> 00:14:44,280 I will fight to ensure that the Somerset County I will I have I'm sorry, I should 191 00:14:41,600 --> 00:14:48,600 speak only for myself. I will fight to ensure the Somerset County Library 192 00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:52,400 System keeps its place. Um as I know some others likely will as 193 00:14:51,520 --> 00:14:58,240 well. So, I can't offer you any assurances 194 00:14:55,040 --> 00:15:01,040 because it is a council and I don't know how the council members will vote. 195 00:15:00,400 --> 00:15:05,000 Um but I but I would like to think that 196 00:15:02,839 --> 00:15:09,400 most council members shove this issue aside very quickly. 197 00:15:07,080 --> 00:15:13,160 » It would be helpful for us to know what some of the other council members think. 198 00:15:12,200 --> 00:15:16,720 » And you'd have to You'd have to poll them individually. I 199 00:15:14,880 --> 00:15:19,640 can't ask them I can't ask them to get their opinion 200 00:15:18,480 --> 00:15:22,120 right now. I'm sorry, that would be inappropriate. 201 00:15:22,320 --> 00:15:27,520 » Mayor, I I think uh uh 202 00:15:24,800 --> 00:15:29,720 Ms. Braun's has her volume working, but it might be working a little too good 203 00:15:28,880 --> 00:15:30,400 right now. >> Okay. 204 00:15:29,960 --> 00:15:33,520 » And >> Okay. 205 00:15:31,400 --> 00:15:36,920 Um to Bob, thank you for your comments. Are you done? 206 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:40,320 » Yeah, I'm done. Thank you, Mr. >> Okay, Jackie, we're back to you. Jackie 207 00:15:39,120 --> 00:15:43,440 Braun. >> Okay, I think Am I on now? 208 00:15:42,440 --> 00:15:48,360 » You're on. >> Yes, thank you. Jacqueline Braun, 63 209 00:15:46,360 --> 00:15:52,960 Main Street. Uh we moved here, I think 22 years ago we bought our house. 210 00:15:51,320 --> 00:15:59,120 And I am kind of surprised at the unfair 211 00:15:56,120 --> 00:16:04,200 bashing of Councilman Sweeney that I'm seeing on social media pegging him as 212 00:16:02,640 --> 00:16:12,080 homophobic, racist, everything is unjust to him. And 213 00:16:08,800 --> 00:16:14,680 I was trying to educate myself on the display that has 214 00:16:14,040 --> 00:16:20,200 uh been at the library for Pride Month. So, 215 00:16:17,320 --> 00:16:23,760 I did take out one of the books that was in question. 216 00:16:21,880 --> 00:16:28,560 And I guess my question is is it really appropriate 217 00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:33,880 to have a book where children can access it that 218 00:16:31,280 --> 00:16:42,000 involves a sexual relationship between a 19-year-old and a 15-year-old, whether 219 00:16:37,240 --> 00:16:47,400 they be same sex or opposite sex. I just don't think that that is appropriate in 220 00:16:44,080 --> 00:16:51,680 our library. And I think uh Councilman Sweeney also was quoted saying that he 221 00:16:51,040 --> 00:16:57,320 uh wouldn't care if it was heterosexual or 222 00:16:54,000 --> 00:17:02,920 homosexual, that it involves children, and that should not be accessible to 223 00:17:00,960 --> 00:17:08,360 preteens. So, I just think he's being unfairly 224 00:17:05,000 --> 00:17:08,360 bashed about that. 225 00:17:09,000 --> 00:17:17,040 And I guess my question is at you had mentioned on the 11th, this is going to 226 00:17:14,280 --> 00:17:21,319 be brought up more in person about that display. Is that I guess I will come in 227 00:17:19,880 --> 00:17:26,360 person as well? >> No, what I said was at the one of the at 228 00:17:23,959 --> 00:17:31,160 the at the meeting it's likely going to occur on the meeting of September 22nd 229 00:17:29,560 --> 00:17:36,000 when this will be discussed cuz that's the next meeting that I know of when the 230 00:17:33,360 --> 00:17:39,120 entire council will be present. >> Okay. All right, very good. I 231 00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:41,200 appreciate. Thank you for letting me speak. 232 00:17:39,960 --> 00:17:45,000 » Uh, you're welcome. >> Thank you. 233 00:17:42,640 --> 00:17:48,760 » Uh, you're welcome. Um, Heather S, which I believe is Heather 234 00:17:46,840 --> 00:17:54,560 Heather Santoro, you're next. >> Hi, thank you. Um, yes, my name is 235 00:17:51,400 --> 00:17:59,520 Heather Santoro. I live at 3 Louise Lane in Gladstone. 236 00:17:56,480 --> 00:18:04,320 Um, I am speaking as a private citizen this evening and not 237 00:18:01,840 --> 00:18:10,120 um, in my capacity of a board of ed member. My statements do not reflect the 238 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:16,600 board on which I sit. Um, I just I I appreciate um, Mr. Mayor that there will 239 00:18:13,920 --> 00:18:22,560 be further discussion on this. This is obviously a very serious and concerning 240 00:18:19,800 --> 00:18:27,640 issue to so many of us. I just wanted to point out one thing as you guys move 241 00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:31,400 forward with council conversation on this. Um, 242 00:18:29,480 --> 00:18:35,600 I I just want to ask you to take your responsibility as council people very 243 00:18:33,760 --> 00:18:40,080 seriously. Um, the thought of removing our library 244 00:18:38,040 --> 00:18:46,000 from a county system that has been serving us 245 00:18:41,560 --> 00:18:52,600 well for over 40 years without any level of consideration for what that looks 246 00:18:47,800 --> 00:18:58,280 like, the impact on our community um, a fiscal perspective as well as a 247 00:18:55,240 --> 00:19:01,960 social perspective is really quite frightening to me. There needs to be 248 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:06,200 some serious discussions and considerations 249 00:19:03,480 --> 00:19:13,720 if there was ever even a thought of removing us from the system. So, I do 250 00:19:10,320 --> 00:19:18,080 hope that our council members take this very very seriously going forward. 251 00:19:16,680 --> 00:19:22,080 Um having said that, I believe our library is working. Our librarians are 252 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:26,760 excellent. Our residents use it. We just invested heavily into it. And I would 253 00:19:24,840 --> 00:19:33,000 just like to note with a very simple phone call today within 5 minutes, I was 254 00:19:30,480 --> 00:19:36,560 able to determine that there is a process 255 00:19:34,560 --> 00:19:43,360 through the county library system. If somebody objects to a book, it is a very 256 00:19:39,360 --> 00:19:48,360 easy process. There is um our steps lined out, a form to fill out, and all 257 00:19:46,000 --> 00:19:55,080 you need to do is implement that process for any book to be considered. So, I'm 258 00:19:52,160 --> 00:20:00,960 just curious if Councilman Sweeney ever implemented that process instead or or 259 00:19:58,640 --> 00:20:05,280 if he's implemented that process rather than leaping to removing something that 260 00:20:03,160 --> 00:20:10,920 has been serving this community for over 40 years, an invaluable resource, 261 00:20:09,160 --> 00:20:14,720 and taking it away from the residents he serves. So, I I would like to consider 262 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:18,840 that that process is available for everybody. It literally took me one 263 00:20:17,160 --> 00:20:23,600 phone call, a 2-minute conversation, and I had the 264 00:20:20,760 --> 00:20:28,720 form in my email box. So, I presume that anybody on this call, in our town, in 265 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:33,120 our county can avail themselves of that process as well. So, that is all I would 266 00:20:31,560 --> 00:20:36,640 like to say this evening. I thank you very much for your time. 267 00:20:35,280 --> 00:20:41,640 » You're welcome. Thank you for your comments, um Heather. 268 00:20:39,200 --> 00:20:47,080 Um seeing no one else on the list, does anybody else wish to speak on a 269 00:20:44,160 --> 00:20:47,080 non-agenda item? 270 00:20:48,200 --> 00:20:54,880 Seeing Seeing none, I'm going to close the 271 00:20:52,320 --> 00:20:59,320 public comment portion non-agenda items of the meeting. 272 00:20:56,640 --> 00:21:02,800 And we're going to move on. Uh again, thank you everyone for your 273 00:21:01,160 --> 00:21:06,880 comments. Moving on, we have no old business on 274 00:21:04,800 --> 00:21:12,400 the agenda tonight. We move on to new business. Uh the gypsy moth moth survey 275 00:21:10,480 --> 00:21:16,560 uh Council President Murphy, will you speak to that, please? 276 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:23,720 » Sure. So, we got a letter from the Department of Agriculture that um the 277 00:21:20,200 --> 00:21:29,640 gypsy moth has been identified in our area in our county and they um requested 278 00:21:27,360 --> 00:21:34,320 that they did a survey basically looking for egg mass um and evidence of gypsy 279 00:21:32,360 --> 00:21:40,080 moth. So, it's just something that's going to be occurring um this fall. Um 280 00:21:38,360 --> 00:21:42,760 and so, if you see individuals from the Department of Agriculture, you'll know 281 00:21:41,760 --> 00:21:51,000 that's what they're doing. They're assessing how this highly injurious um 282 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:53,840 insect is affecting um our trees. So, pretty straightforward. 283 00:21:52,680 --> 00:21:57,960 » Okay. Thank you and then we are responding 284 00:21:55,480 --> 00:22:00,320 positively to that re- uh we are supplying positively that we want that 285 00:21:59,560 --> 00:22:04,520 done. >> So, absolutely. 286 00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:08,680 Can I talk for a second um about this? Um so, yeah, we got our our packet for 287 00:22:07,320 --> 00:22:13,000 the council. So, if everyone in the community knows, we get our packet of 288 00:22:10,880 --> 00:22:18,520 all the resolutions to look at on Friday before the meeting. Um and then in that 289 00:22:15,480 --> 00:22:22,720 packet, we got a letter from the state of New Jersey and then attention 290 00:22:20,680 --> 00:22:27,200 municipal clerk. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture regrets to 291 00:22:24,440 --> 00:22:31,560 inform you that the defoliation caused by the gypsy moth has been detected in 292 00:22:29,880 --> 00:22:37,120 your municipality. Um the gypsy moth is a highly injurious 293 00:22:34,040 --> 00:22:40,760 forest insect that feeds on severely defoliates many species of trees 294 00:22:39,040 --> 00:22:45,280 normally found in forested residential areas. And then it So, so they detected 295 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:48,800 it, but then they go on to say the Department of Agriculture has developed 296 00:22:47,080 --> 00:22:54,400 an integrated pest management system which utilizes aerial sprays 297 00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:58,080 with the biological insecticide bacillus thuringiensis 298 00:22:56,280 --> 00:23:02,480 when residential and recreational forests are threatened with heavy 299 00:22:59,520 --> 00:23:06,920 defoliation in adjacent uninhabited woodlands, natural control agents such 300 00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:11,800 as parasites, predators, and diseases of the gypsy moth are encouraged. Um then 301 00:23:10,200 --> 00:23:16,280 it goes on to read, "If your council wishes the department to conduct the egg 302 00:23:14,480 --> 00:23:20,840 mass surveys in your municipality, please contact our office. There is no 303 00:23:18,760 --> 00:23:25,200 charge for these inspections. However, you're required to supply copy of your 304 00:23:23,000 --> 00:23:28,520 municipal map to the inspector for the survey. Initially, the survey will be 305 00:23:27,160 --> 00:23:33,080 conducted to the residential and recreational areas of your municipality. 306 00:23:30,960 --> 00:23:37,560 If time permits, the more uninhabited areas also will be inspected." 307 00:23:35,480 --> 00:23:40,800 And then it goes on, "But you must complete the department is pleased to be 308 00:23:38,960 --> 00:23:44,920 able to offer these services once again, but you must complete and return the 309 00:23:42,160 --> 00:23:51,040 enclosed request form to this office by August 15th, 2020 to be eligible." 310 00:23:48,640 --> 00:23:55,920 Now, this was not put before council. Why such a quick time 311 00:23:53,280 --> 00:24:02,040 lapse? And then I see as part of our packet that we were not voting on this. 312 00:23:58,440 --> 00:24:07,240 Nancy Bresner already Yes, please survey for the gypsy moth. And it succeeded 313 00:24:05,440 --> 00:24:11,360 8-3. So, I'm actually 314 00:24:09,240 --> 00:24:16,400 um pretty upset about this. Why wasn't this 315 00:24:13,800 --> 00:24:20,720 put to a vote or even shown to any of us prior to Friday? 316 00:24:19,320 --> 00:24:24,080 And and and I under understand they've already detected 317 00:24:22,680 --> 00:24:28,280 you know, this um gypsy moth. 318 00:24:26,320 --> 00:24:32,560 Is this another communities, you know, why is it why wasn't a county vote? Is I 319 00:24:31,040 --> 00:24:37,040 mean there's there's a lot of questions here that I have and it's it feels like 320 00:24:34,560 --> 00:24:40,640 this is slammed in my face and we I was not given my due right to vote on this 321 00:24:39,160 --> 00:24:44,520 as a council member. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm missing 322 00:24:42,360 --> 00:24:48,960 something from you, Jill. What it was the harm of having a survey done? 323 00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:53,280 » The harm is I don't know what this is a spray of of aerial spray that could 324 00:24:51,520 --> 00:24:57,760 possibly happen. That's just >> Jill, Jill, this is a request to have a 325 00:24:55,360 --> 00:25:00,600 survey done. No spray is being done. >> But if a survey's already been done, if 326 00:24:59,400 --> 00:25:03,720 they've already detected it in our community. 327 00:25:01,040 --> 00:25:07,760 » No. No, this is a request to have them do a survey. They're not doing any 328 00:25:05,880 --> 00:25:10,240 spraying. This all they're going to do is come in and survey. 329 00:25:09,320 --> 00:25:14,880 » Well, my question is >> So, they've detected it and now they 330 00:25:12,040 --> 00:25:17,640 want to know how it how invasive it is. They want to know 331 00:25:16,040 --> 00:25:22,800 » We want to know is this just our community? Is it cuz we we are a town, 332 00:25:20,520 --> 00:25:26,160 right? We There's other farm communities from more forested communities. Have 333 00:25:24,560 --> 00:25:30,800 they gotten this letter, too? Why the deadline of August 15th? And yeah, it's 334 00:25:28,840 --> 00:25:34,680 a survey, Mark and Jamie, but why weren't we asked to also weigh in on 335 00:25:33,080 --> 00:25:38,560 this? >> I think as chair of property in and in 336 00:25:37,040 --> 00:25:41,600 discussion with the mayor, we we just thought this would seem like a a 337 00:25:40,160 --> 00:25:45,640 reasonable thing to help the Department of Agriculture assess an invasive bug 338 00:25:43,720 --> 00:25:51,040 and we didn't think it was necessary to involve the entire council. 339 00:25:47,800 --> 00:25:54,600 Um and again, it's just a survey. Um with your feedback, when we get this 340 00:25:52,960 --> 00:25:58,920 information, we'll obviously bring it to a vote if we decide to move ahead with 341 00:25:57,240 --> 00:26:03,280 um any of the insecticides. I mean, they're biologic, which are typically 342 00:26:00,360 --> 00:26:08,520 the safest type. Um but you know, we'll make sure to do a vote um after the 343 00:26:05,560 --> 00:26:13,520 survey if we decide to treat. >> So, I did also some background 344 00:26:10,560 --> 00:26:18,560 information on this and um one of the things that I found out is that um 345 00:26:16,840 --> 00:26:24,200 well, one question The first question that I have is that have they detected 346 00:26:21,440 --> 00:26:28,440 it if they haven't done a survey? So, that's the first question. And the 347 00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:34,120 second thing that I wanted to mention, I did some research on this and 348 00:26:31,480 --> 00:26:38,240 Peapack-Gladstone has never ever experienced a critical severe 349 00:26:36,080 --> 00:26:43,800 infestation. I understand that's not to say that it couldn't happen, but um 350 00:26:41,480 --> 00:26:51,000 this is normally found in like the pine barren areas, in areas of high um you 351 00:26:47,760 --> 00:26:56,320 know, forestation. You see some of it up in Chester and forest. You wouldn't 352 00:26:53,360 --> 00:26:59,880 really see it on farmland. Um, it would be very unusual for you to 353 00:26:58,320 --> 00:27:06,960 see it there. In order to actually qualify for the 354 00:27:04,120 --> 00:27:10,280 state to pick it up, you have to have like they have measurements that they go 355 00:27:09,040 --> 00:27:17,960 through. Um, where it has to be, you know, 500 356 00:27:13,960 --> 00:27:25,160 egg mass per acre over a 40 50 acre size. So, I mean this to me seems like 357 00:27:22,520 --> 00:27:29,440 and there's all kinds of repercussions where okay, it's it's found in dense oak 358 00:27:27,400 --> 00:27:36,520 forest. Well, where do we have dense oak forest? And you have to, you know, 359 00:27:33,240 --> 00:27:40,760 the egg the egg survey done in the fall and then if you're treating, you have to 360 00:27:38,040 --> 00:27:44,920 treat in the spring. And you have to make sure that the caterpillars are less 361 00:27:42,560 --> 00:27:48,520 than a half inch long and there's all kind of 362 00:27:46,040 --> 00:27:53,720 things that you need to file file as far as protocol goes, but the thing that 363 00:27:51,120 --> 00:27:58,840 really stood out to me the most is that this is not typically a hotspot for any 364 00:27:56,000 --> 00:28:04,040 type of infestation. Historically, there it's very common up in Sussex County. 365 00:28:01,440 --> 00:28:08,480 It's common in the Pine Barrens. Um, they said that in Somerset County, 366 00:28:05,720 --> 00:28:11,280 it's it's always remained too low to treat. 367 00:28:09,640 --> 00:28:15,880 » Yeah, and that's, you know, that's why that's why, you know, they count on park 368 00:28:13,160 --> 00:28:20,120 rangers and and county employees to monitor various areas. And so my my 369 00:28:18,480 --> 00:28:24,280 guess, although they didn't inform us in the letter of who identified it, it's 370 00:28:22,080 --> 00:28:28,600 very likely a county employee who identified it and hence the survey. 371 00:28:26,480 --> 00:28:31,440 Because the reality is is all of these invasive species, you know, whether 372 00:28:30,160 --> 00:28:35,480 you're talking about the gypsy moth or the lantern fly or, you know, the the 373 00:28:34,040 --> 00:28:39,560 stink bug, I'm sorry, I don't remember the scientific name for it. You know, 374 00:28:37,280 --> 00:28:43,440 those all started in one location and spread. And so basically that's the 375 00:28:41,640 --> 00:28:48,640 role, one of the many roles of the Department of Agriculture, is is 376 00:28:45,120 --> 00:28:53,360 identify spreading invasive species and stop that spread. There's a real serious 377 00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:57,320 spread of disease down in Texas right now of the screwworm. I don't know how 378 00:28:55,560 --> 00:29:00,320 it seems like, you know, you're reading up on the Department of Agriculture. 379 00:28:58,760 --> 00:29:05,720 Like that is the role of this department, and I think it's our role as 380 00:29:03,800 --> 00:29:10,040 council people to ensure that they get the help that they 381 00:29:07,400 --> 00:29:13,360 need to identify these these invasives because they can do serious damage to 382 00:29:11,720 --> 00:29:16,240 our forest, and we do have forests in PG. 383 00:29:14,880 --> 00:29:20,880 » Well, >> I I I have a question for Jill Jill 384 00:29:18,960 --> 00:29:26,320 and/or Julie. Are you suggesting we should have 385 00:29:22,760 --> 00:29:31,200 responded, "No, don't do the free survey for us." So, we might have a reassurance 386 00:29:29,400 --> 00:29:34,840 one way or another that we either do have a problem or we don't have a 387 00:29:32,760 --> 00:29:37,160 problem. Why not? Why are you 388 00:29:35,760 --> 00:29:39,080 » Why are you yelling? Why are you yelling at us? 389 00:29:38,120 --> 00:29:41,360 » I'm sorry. >> Why are you raising your tone and 390 00:29:40,240 --> 00:29:45,000 yelling at us? We're having >> I'm not yelling. I'm not yelling. 391 00:29:43,160 --> 00:29:48,760 » You just yelled, "No." two times. >> I'm just curious. Why would we not do 392 00:29:47,000 --> 00:29:53,400 it? We're not paying for it. It's being done as a courtesy. 393 00:29:50,400 --> 00:29:58,120 » we're not refuting the fact that you're we're looking at it. We're looking at 394 00:29:55,920 --> 00:30:02,560 one, not being consulted on this, and two, really like they sent you this 395 00:30:00,920 --> 00:30:07,200 letter. It's a form letter. It's not even addressed to us, and I would want 396 00:30:04,960 --> 00:30:10,480 more information on why they think that we have a potential infestation. 397 00:30:08,760 --> 00:30:13,440 » And may I also add, if I'd gotten a letter like this, I would have asked, 398 00:30:12,440 --> 00:30:16,160 "Hey, let's call you you talk Mark to the 399 00:30:15,120 --> 00:30:20,840 other mayors in the other towns. Hey, did you guys get this letter, too? Did 400 00:30:17,640 --> 00:30:26,040 you Did you Nancy or whoever else was privy to seeing this? 401 00:30:22,800 --> 00:30:26,040 Ask those questions?" 402 00:30:27,160 --> 00:30:32,160 » No, I didn't. I don't think it's necessary. When the Department of 403 00:30:30,440 --> 00:30:36,760 Agriculture thinks there's a risk of an invasive species and all they want to do 404 00:30:34,200 --> 00:30:40,080 is a survey that is no cost to the bureau whatsoever, no harm to the 405 00:30:38,160 --> 00:30:43,560 bureau, I say go ahead and move forward. My guess is 406 00:30:41,320 --> 00:30:46,360 » a fear of not questioning the Department of Agriculture. Let's just put it that 407 00:30:45,400 --> 00:30:50,120 way. >> Who are you questioning then? That's 408 00:30:47,640 --> 00:30:52,840 where the letter came from. >> I said you have a history of not 409 00:30:51,520 --> 00:30:57,360 questioning the Department of Agriculture. 410 00:30:54,480 --> 00:30:57,360 » Oh, I don't. 411 00:30:57,800 --> 00:31:02,280 » Correct. >> I don't I don't understand where that's 412 00:31:00,280 --> 00:31:06,160 coming from. Is it something to 413 00:31:04,040 --> 00:31:08,040 to do with I I don't understand where that's coming 414 00:31:07,360 --> 00:31:11,680 from, Joe. >> Yeah, see now the way I see it is if if 415 00:31:10,040 --> 00:31:16,560 they do a survey and they send us a report, the survey will answer your 416 00:31:13,720 --> 00:31:22,080 questions. It will say, "Oh, we we detected this because it came from here. 417 00:31:19,240 --> 00:31:25,320 We've we've followed these gypsy moths." Well, why do we need to know it before 418 00:31:23,440 --> 00:31:30,680 the survey is done? Let the survey answer the answer your questions. 419 00:31:27,920 --> 00:31:30,680 It's a survey. 420 00:31:31,360 --> 00:31:37,440 I'm not I'm not following why you're >> It just seems suspicious. 421 00:31:36,640 --> 00:31:40,880 » I I don't like >> I don't like aerial I use the word 422 00:31:39,120 --> 00:31:44,520 aerial spraying and it just gets me nervous. 423 00:31:41,840 --> 00:31:48,360 » They're not doing aerial spraying. >> It says in the letter that the survey 424 00:31:46,720 --> 00:31:51,840 says that they're there. It says aerial spraying. 425 00:31:49,280 --> 00:31:57,720 » No, what No, what it says in the letter is it's treated by aerial spreading 426 00:31:55,200 --> 00:32:02,760 spraying if there's an infestation. >> Right, but it says aerial spraying. 427 00:31:59,640 --> 00:32:05,080 » This is a survey. It's It's not saying, "We're going to survey and then we're 428 00:32:03,800 --> 00:32:09,000 going to come in and spray." It doesn't say that. It says, "We're going to We're 429 00:32:07,360 --> 00:32:12,360 offering you a free survey." That's all it says. 430 00:32:10,520 --> 00:32:15,040 » Maybe our town should do our own survey before trusting the federal government 431 00:32:14,280 --> 00:32:18,600 to do it. >> It's It's not the federal government. 432 00:32:16,800 --> 00:32:22,160 This is the state government. This is the state Department of Agriculture. 433 00:32:21,080 --> 00:32:25,160 It's not the federal. It has nothing to do with federal. 434 00:32:23,760 --> 00:32:28,840 » All right, well then maybe we should do our own survey first. 435 00:32:26,560 --> 00:32:34,680 » So So what you're suggesting is that we hire a professional, contract with them, 436 00:32:32,240 --> 00:32:39,160 and let them do a gypsy moth survey rather than experts at the state who 437 00:32:36,520 --> 00:32:41,920 know about this do it for free. That's what you're suggesting. 438 00:32:40,200 --> 00:32:45,760 » Well, nothing's for free. Our taxpayers pay for them as well. 439 00:32:43,200 --> 00:32:49,120 » No billable No No No billable cost to the bureau and no 440 00:32:47,960 --> 00:32:52,120 billable cost. Is that what you're asking suggesting? 441 00:32:50,720 --> 00:32:56,160 » I'm suggesting we should have talked to the other towns and see if they got the 442 00:32:54,360 --> 00:33:00,120 same letter and just kind of talked about it first and kind of questioned 443 00:32:58,480 --> 00:33:03,560 it. Maybe instead of signing this letter, did someone call the state 444 00:33:01,960 --> 00:33:07,440 Department of Agriculture? Did anyone talk to them? We just 445 00:33:06,160 --> 00:33:10,800 piece of paper saying, "Yeah, come on. Do a survey." 446 00:33:08,600 --> 00:33:12,840 » It's a form letter. It's just a form letter. 447 00:33:11,320 --> 00:33:16,720 » That's all we're questioning. I'm not saying, "Oh, we should pay for it 448 00:33:15,000 --> 00:33:22,280 ourselves." I'm just questioning was this questioned? I just see a paper of 449 00:33:18,800 --> 00:33:27,080 slapped in my inbox at 5:00 or whatever time Sorry, 1:30 or whatever time it was 450 00:33:24,680 --> 00:33:30,600 on Friday and I and it's signed and it wasn't There was Was it questioned? 451 00:33:29,560 --> 00:33:33,640 » And you didn't Friday and tonight 452 00:33:32,120 --> 00:33:36,840 Friday and tonight you didn't pose that question to Nancy or Jamie or Jamie or 453 00:33:35,760 --> 00:33:39,880 somebody else? >> Well, I was away. 454 00:33:38,240 --> 00:33:42,680 » Oh, okay. >> Okay. 455 00:33:41,200 --> 00:33:46,600 » And I don't I just didn't think it was enough time to review it anyway, but 456 00:33:47,400 --> 00:33:49,480 » Okay. 457 00:33:49,640 --> 00:33:55,200 » I'm just questioning that these things that are handled are just not really 458 00:33:53,440 --> 00:33:58,640 brought up to the whole council. It seems like it should That should have 459 00:33:56,840 --> 00:34:01,320 been brought up to the whole council. >> It is being brought up to the whole 460 00:33:59,800 --> 00:34:03,960 council. That's why Jamie put it on the agenda. 461 00:34:02,520 --> 00:34:07,800 » And that but why was it signed and sent back? 462 00:34:05,400 --> 00:34:11,159 » Because it's a survey. So, they're doing a report. They're going to come look 463 00:34:09,040 --> 00:34:15,800 around and go and write a report and send it to us. 464 00:34:13,879 --> 00:34:18,560 I'm not sure what the damage is. I'm not sure what you're worried about. 465 00:34:17,320 --> 00:34:22,600 » And what if the authority What if they do find something and then they suddenly 466 00:34:20,159 --> 00:34:25,679 have the authority to do aerial sprays? >> They don't have any authority to do it. 467 00:34:24,280 --> 00:34:29,560 They'd have to come to the bureau and they get that authority. They'd have to 468 00:34:26,919 --> 00:34:32,960 go to a council for a vote. >> Okay, well, I don't I don't doesn't say 469 00:34:31,399 --> 00:34:35,280 that on this letter, but was it a question 470 00:34:33,720 --> 00:34:39,240 » Actually, let's stop this conversation. Let's bring Steven to the picture. Steve 471 00:34:37,800 --> 00:34:43,280 Steve Warner, Esquire, can you please elaborate on this conversation and give 472 00:34:41,760 --> 00:34:48,159 us your perspective from a legal point of view, please? 473 00:34:45,960 --> 00:34:54,080 » Certainly, I'm not an expert on gypsy moth spraying, uh but from the letter 474 00:34:52,440 --> 00:34:57,400 uh that I read uh 475 00:34:55,159 --> 00:35:01,440 I would have to research to I got it probably the same time 476 00:34:59,560 --> 00:35:04,200 everybody else did uh or at least the governing body 477 00:35:02,720 --> 00:35:09,120 members did. Um but from the letter I read uh I could 478 00:35:07,600 --> 00:35:14,960 not tell uh whether doing the survey or not doing 479 00:35:12,320 --> 00:35:19,160 the survey one way or the other had any impact on whether aerial spraying would 480 00:35:17,200 --> 00:35:25,280 or would not occur in our bureau or the uh a control over 481 00:35:22,840 --> 00:35:30,760 that happening that we would have. So, I would have to look into it myself uh and 482 00:35:28,280 --> 00:35:35,760 do my own research. Uh if someone authorized to do so to try to to to make 483 00:35:33,120 --> 00:35:40,280 that determination. I'm not an expert on on the state Department of Agriculture's 484 00:35:37,720 --> 00:35:44,520 authority to spray or not spray uh 485 00:35:41,160 --> 00:35:49,320 and the impact of agreeing or not agreeing to have an 486 00:35:46,680 --> 00:35:54,400 initial survey done on that. It's possible It's possible if we didn't do 487 00:35:51,800 --> 00:35:58,520 the survey, they might still spray. It's possible that if we did do the survey, 488 00:35:56,840 --> 00:36:02,600 we might have the authority to say yes or no to spraying uh depending upon what 489 00:36:01,040 --> 00:36:08,120 they find or regardless of what they find. So, I'm just pointing out I don't 490 00:36:05,280 --> 00:36:11,360 have that answer if that is the answer you're looking for. I'd have to do my 491 00:36:09,800 --> 00:36:16,000 own research on that. >> Okay, but you you did enlighten us on we 492 00:36:13,640 --> 00:36:20,080 we may not have we may or may not have the authority to vote on this cuz Mayor 493 00:36:18,720 --> 00:36:23,320 Mark just said we would have the authority. He assured 494 00:36:20,880 --> 00:36:27,520 » All I'm saying is I personally have not done the research, so I do not know for 495 00:36:25,280 --> 00:36:30,400 a fact one way or the other. That's all I am saying. 496 00:36:29,000 --> 00:36:34,640 » Mark, do you know for a fact that we'd have the authority to vote on it if they 497 00:36:32,000 --> 00:36:39,040 decided if they found that these were harmful insects in our area and would we 498 00:36:37,080 --> 00:36:45,720 have the authority to vote on this? >> I I would think that if the if the 499 00:36:42,680 --> 00:36:51,160 Department of Agriculture found a large gypsy moth infestation and they wanted 500 00:36:49,280 --> 00:36:56,200 to spray P Palak Limestone and they wrote us a report suggesting that that 501 00:36:54,360 --> 00:36:59,640 that is an important enough issue that it would come to council for 502 00:36:57,360 --> 00:37:01,320 concurrence. Absolutely. >> All right, that makes me feel better 503 00:37:00,840 --> 00:37:06,080 about the possibility. >> my decision for property to make or any 504 00:37:03,880 --> 00:37:09,080 other chair to make or for myself to make for that matter or the 505 00:37:07,400 --> 00:37:12,240 administrator to make. That is a council decision. Hands down. 506 00:37:10,680 --> 00:37:14,640 » makes me feel better. Okay. >> Hands down. 507 00:37:13,240 --> 00:37:17,760 » for engaging in the discussion. This that makes me feel much better. 508 00:37:16,520 --> 00:37:21,800 » Absolutely. >> If you could let us know your findings 509 00:37:20,280 --> 00:37:25,520 concur like if your your findings are the same as 510 00:37:24,000 --> 00:37:29,600 what Mark's saying then I'll feel much better about this whole thing. 511 00:37:26,760 --> 00:37:32,800 » No, no, no. Survey Survey's one thing. Come coming with a helicopter and 512 00:37:31,120 --> 00:37:35,480 spraying the chemical over the town is another thing. 513 00:37:35,520 --> 00:37:37,920 » Yeah, but I am >> And I am 514 00:37:36,560 --> 00:37:42,360 » just to I have not researched it and I don't 515 00:37:40,400 --> 00:37:48,120 consider artificial intelligence with all due respect to be the same as 516 00:37:46,080 --> 00:37:53,800 human intelligence. I hope it never surpasses that. But but 517 00:37:51,200 --> 00:37:57,800 the the the but what it is quickly telling me is it 518 00:37:55,600 --> 00:38:03,880 appears as if it would be a I'm I'm seeing the words voluntary cooperative 519 00:38:00,920 --> 00:38:10,320 suppression program using biological insecticides. So I myself am becoming 520 00:38:07,400 --> 00:38:17,520 more comfortable that the ultimate conclusion may be that we would have 521 00:38:13,720 --> 00:38:21,680 some say perhaps you know all the say if you will as to whether or not 522 00:38:20,040 --> 00:38:26,280 uh we're sprayed so to speak. But again, 523 00:38:24,040 --> 00:38:30,800 that that's just a um it's a a preliminary 524 00:38:28,720 --> 00:38:34,796 opinion, not a legal opinion, and not a definitive opinion. 525 00:38:33,600 --> 00:38:37,720 » Thank you. That's That's helpful. [laughter] 526 00:38:35,520 --> 00:38:40,920 » Everyone, everyone, I think we beat this up enough. Let's move on. 527 00:38:40,640 --> 00:38:46,520 Um >> Before we move on, is is Ste- uh is uh 528 00:38:44,480 --> 00:38:50,320 Esquire Warner allowed to do further research on this? 529 00:38:51,320 --> 00:38:57,840 » I'm sorry, say that again? >> Uh before we move on, uh is Steven 530 00:38:55,600 --> 00:39:01,480 Warner approved to do further research on this? 531 00:38:58,800 --> 00:39:05,200 » Well, um I'm sorry, research for what? >> To make sure it's going to be a 532 00:39:02,360 --> 00:39:09,760 municipal decision on whether or not this is a spray- this can just be done 533 00:39:07,280 --> 00:39:14,200 by the state Department of Agriculture, or will we have a say? 534 00:39:11,920 --> 00:39:17,520 » He doesn't have to do research. If for some reason they come back and say we 535 00:39:16,720 --> 00:39:21,960 should you have an infestation, your town has 536 00:39:19,120 --> 00:39:25,280 to be sprayed. When Nancy already knows from our 537 00:39:23,280 --> 00:39:30,440 conversation tonight, it has to be put on the agenda for her concurrence. 538 00:39:27,920 --> 00:39:34,520 » But was the signing of this approval of this letter that was not approved by any 539 00:39:32,560 --> 00:39:39,440 of council, are we going to have the right to vote on if this is going to be 540 00:39:37,200 --> 00:39:43,920 sprayed or not, if they find in this research that 541 00:39:42,040 --> 00:39:48,560 there is >> has nothing to do with that, Jill. 542 00:39:47,000 --> 00:39:51,720 The letter has no The letter has no control over how this council operates. 543 00:39:50,520 --> 00:39:55,040 It's our decision. >> has a signature on it, and we were not 544 00:39:53,560 --> 00:39:59,600 told we were not allowed to vote on that. It has a signature. 545 00:39:56,600 --> 00:40:03,600 » signature to approve a survey. It's a survey. That's all it's doing. 546 00:40:01,840 --> 00:40:09,160 It's saying, yes, come in and take a look around. That's what it's saying. 547 00:40:06,480 --> 00:40:12,920 » Jill, I just did some quick research as as everyone's arguing back and forth, 548 00:40:11,080 --> 00:40:17,080 and we need to be more cognizant of of professionalism amongst 549 00:40:15,560 --> 00:40:22,080 our town, but also we're here to represent our constituents. The state 550 00:40:19,920 --> 00:40:26,720 does not have unilateral decision make making decisions to spray without our 551 00:40:24,280 --> 00:40:32,840 approval. If that's the land is state owned then it does. But ultimately 552 00:40:30,600 --> 00:40:36,720 we what we what I just did I looked at it thoroughly I looked at it and 553 00:40:34,360 --> 00:40:40,400 ultimately we signed looks like approval to do a survey to figure out if there's 554 00:40:38,480 --> 00:40:45,520 a need to spray. If there is a need to spray the state does not have unilateral 555 00:40:42,720 --> 00:40:49,320 decision making to spray. Unless we approve it as a town or if it's land 556 00:40:47,880 --> 00:40:52,920 state land owned property. So ultimately and I'll 557 00:40:51,480 --> 00:40:56,120 do some more due diligence but at the end of the day 558 00:40:54,480 --> 00:41:00,400 there's a lot of tension here. And this is exactly what our town members are are 559 00:40:58,400 --> 00:41:05,160 are talking about and concerned about that we can't have a simple discussion 560 00:41:03,520 --> 00:41:08,360 and that goes for our constituents as well because right now we're fighting 561 00:41:07,000 --> 00:41:11,680 each other and I think we're setting a a poor 562 00:41:09,960 --> 00:41:15,120 example. We're setting a poor example with with some council members not 563 00:41:13,400 --> 00:41:18,640 currently here. But at the end of the day let's do what's right for the town 564 00:41:17,120 --> 00:41:22,840 with the best interest of the town in mind and the end goal being positive for 565 00:41:21,040 --> 00:41:27,480 everyone. Not everyone's going to see IDI but ultimately 566 00:41:25,240 --> 00:41:31,560 I think we all need to take a step back and do our due diligence educate 567 00:41:29,280 --> 00:41:36,240 ourselves in in in these programs and I truly believe everyone has a good 568 00:41:33,760 --> 00:41:41,600 heart but ultimately the state cannot spray without our approval and our 569 00:41:39,960 --> 00:41:45,440 signature. But I also understand your point 570 00:41:43,520 --> 00:41:50,960 that sometimes things do come across our desk that are ultimately last minute and 571 00:41:48,800 --> 00:41:56,600 we're kind of shocked by it. But that's again for us to discuss in terms of 572 00:41:53,120 --> 00:42:02,200 logistics and formalities. Just like now we can present earlier in the in the 573 00:41:58,960 --> 00:42:07,320 agenda as a public agenda. So with that said I think we need to move on and 574 00:42:03,400 --> 00:42:07,320 we've kind of beat this this enough. 575 00:42:07,960 --> 00:42:15,040 Are you good with that Joe? I'm good with that. Thank you Sergio. 576 00:42:12,360 --> 00:42:19,680 » All right. Thank you, Sergio, very much. Um moving on to miscellaneous blood 577 00:42:17,000 --> 00:42:26,400 drive, Council President. >> Uh so, this is me. So, I um organized a 578 00:42:22,640 --> 00:42:31,000 blood drive for Thursday, September 10th with the New York Blood Center. There is 579 00:42:28,600 --> 00:42:36,400 currently a crisis um need for blood and platelet products. 580 00:42:34,080 --> 00:42:41,120 Um and so, I was giving blood and I was speaking with an individual who helps 581 00:42:38,320 --> 00:42:45,520 organize these functions and um identified a date and then I did reach 582 00:42:43,320 --> 00:42:49,840 out to our previous chief of police and previous mayor, Greg Skinner, um hoping 583 00:42:47,800 --> 00:42:57,360 that we could um kind of incorporate into um a memorial for it's 25 years um 584 00:42:54,960 --> 00:43:03,480 this year for 9/11, uh the attacks on 9/11. And so, we um I planned it for 585 00:43:00,720 --> 00:43:06,800 September 10th, the day before, um and we'll be doing a memorial on September 586 00:43:05,440 --> 00:43:10,520 11th. We're going to be doing it in the evening this year 587 00:43:08,640 --> 00:43:16,680 um on Friday evening um because it is a Friday this year. Um so, um I will be 588 00:43:13,720 --> 00:43:23,200 posting around town paperwork and I really hope that um any councilperson, 589 00:43:19,400 --> 00:43:27,920 any resident who is able uh will donate um whatever they can that day. So, 590 00:43:24,800 --> 00:43:33,200 again, um the afternoon 12:30 to 6:30 Thursday, September 10th. Thank you. 591 00:43:31,520 --> 00:43:36,000 » Thank thank you. >> posted? 592 00:43:34,600 --> 00:43:40,360 Uh Jamie, do you have flyers that you would like posted for the town? 593 00:43:38,360 --> 00:43:42,400 » I got some paperwork and I'm going to um hand them out next week. 594 00:43:42,080 --> 00:43:46,320 » Okay. >> I'll get some from you then. 595 00:43:44,680 --> 00:43:49,560 And I'll post them at church and other places. Happy to do that. 596 00:43:47,800 --> 00:43:53,360 » Perfect. I appreciate that. That'd be great. If anyone else needs 597 00:43:51,160 --> 00:43:55,880 paperwork for, you know, a relatively, it doesn't have to be an in-town 598 00:43:54,400 --> 00:43:59,200 location, but something relatively nearby that they think that individuals 599 00:43:57,800 --> 00:44:03,240 might be interested, please let me know and I'll make sure you get what you 600 00:44:00,120 --> 00:44:09,040 need. I I have electronic QR codes and um physical paperwork. 601 00:44:06,160 --> 00:44:12,360 » Okay. Thank you. Let's um move on to minutes. 602 00:44:10,200 --> 00:44:17,040 Um so we have two sets of minutes. We can do a consent vote for both. The 603 00:44:14,600 --> 00:44:23,520 regular meeting minutes of July 21st, 2026 and the executive session meeting 604 00:44:19,840 --> 00:44:29,720 minutes of July 21st, 2026. May I have a motion second uh 605 00:44:26,080 --> 00:44:32,240 to approve both sets of minutes, please? >> So moved. 606 00:44:30,000 --> 00:44:37,040 » And Mayor, just to note, we do have one of we should have one abstention for 607 00:44:34,840 --> 00:44:39,880 both sets of minutes, and that council member, of course, should not make the 608 00:44:38,520 --> 00:44:42,840 motion or second. >> Yep. 609 00:44:41,160 --> 00:44:45,880 Thank you, Steve. >> Second. 610 00:44:44,160 --> 00:44:49,280 » Jamie was second. Who was first? >> Jill. 611 00:44:47,000 --> 00:44:54,240 » Jill, okay. So Jill and Jamie. Uh any any discussion, council members? 612 00:44:52,520 --> 00:44:57,520 Hearing none, a roll call vote, please, Nancy. 613 00:44:55,640 --> 00:45:01,320 » Council President Murphy. >> Yes. 614 00:44:59,760 --> 00:45:04,400 » Councilman Silva. >> Abstain. 615 00:45:02,960 --> 00:45:07,920 » Councilwoman Sweda. >> Aye. 616 00:45:06,520 --> 00:45:10,360 » Councilwoman Wyville. >> Aye. 617 00:45:13,880 --> 00:45:19,400 » Okay. Um 618 00:45:17,040 --> 00:45:24,600 moving on, we move to ordinances. So tonight we have a second reading of an 619 00:45:21,000 --> 00:45:29,200 ordinance is 1171-26 2026, and I'll read it. An ordinance of 620 00:45:27,640 --> 00:45:33,320 the mayor and council of the Borough of Peapack and Gladstone, Chapter 23, to 621 00:45:31,240 --> 00:45:38,480 designate data centers as a non-permitted use in all zones within 622 00:45:35,560 --> 00:45:42,480 the borough, and to provide application requirements for any variance requests. 623 00:45:40,960 --> 00:45:45,720 May I have a motion second, please, to open the public hearing for this 624 00:45:44,000 --> 00:45:47,960 ordinance? >> So moved. 625 00:45:46,680 --> 00:45:50,960 » Second. >> And all in favor, please. 626 00:45:50,480 --> 00:45:54,840 » Aye. >> Aye. 627 00:45:52,080 --> 00:46:00,080 » Okay. Um May Does anyone from the public wish to 628 00:45:57,280 --> 00:46:05,520 comment on this ordinance? Now, I see three people have raised their hands so 629 00:46:02,280 --> 00:46:11,040 far, so we'll start with that. Uh we'll start with Carolyn. Uh Carolyn, 630 00:46:08,000 --> 00:46:16,960 would you uh go first, please? And just turn your um unmute your 631 00:46:13,320 --> 00:46:16,960 microphone and turn your camera on. 632 00:46:21,680 --> 00:46:25,400 » I think she might have had her hand up from previously and never took it back 633 00:46:24,800 --> 00:46:29,280 down again. >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry. That's that's 634 00:46:27,120 --> 00:46:34,200 that's probably the case. Um Uh that that that it's only Don uh 635 00:46:31,480 --> 00:46:38,520 Donald Lemmer. Uh Donald Lemmer, are you on the line? 636 00:46:35,320 --> 00:46:42,160 » I am uh Mayor, thank you. Um so, uh my name is Donald Lemmer. I live on Minden 637 00:46:40,360 --> 00:46:46,720 Road in Gladstone. Uh I wanted to provide comments for your consideration. 638 00:46:44,600 --> 00:46:50,200 Um I have a great deal of experience in this area and expertise, and I know all 639 00:46:48,720 --> 00:46:53,760 of your intentions are to do what's best for our residents and community. So, 640 00:46:52,040 --> 00:46:57,720 I'll try to be as succinct as possible and hope you'll find my perspective 641 00:46:55,280 --> 00:46:59,920 useful in your deliberations. Um 642 00:46:58,320 --> 00:47:03,960 but, I'm asking that you not approve the ordinance uh with the restrictions that 643 00:47:01,840 --> 00:47:08,240 come with it. By way of background, I have more than 30 years of experience 644 00:47:05,600 --> 00:47:11,920 and expertise in the IT field, hold a PhD in computer science, and managed the 645 00:47:10,360 --> 00:47:15,120 largest scientific database in the world, and one of the largest data 646 00:47:13,680 --> 00:47:18,760 centers in the world in my previous capacity as director of computing and 647 00:47:16,880 --> 00:47:22,600 CIO at one of our federal government's national laboratories. Among other 648 00:47:20,920 --> 00:47:27,600 things, the ordinance states the reasons advocating for its passage relate to 649 00:47:24,360 --> 00:47:31,200 noise, air quality, water use, and references 3 to 5 million gallons of 650 00:47:29,720 --> 00:47:36,240 water usage a day. This is preposterous. IT cooling systems 651 00:47:33,960 --> 00:47:41,480 use, in simplified terms, a radiator to expel heat, recycling and not consuming 652 00:47:39,760 --> 00:47:46,000 any water to cool the systems. It would be like saying your car uses 100 gallons 653 00:47:43,560 --> 00:47:49,800 of water to drive to ShopRite. It's the car's radiator that cools it down, 654 00:47:47,800 --> 00:47:52,920 recirculates it, and consumes no water or coolant at all, and that was my 655 00:47:51,120 --> 00:47:56,800 experience in these very large, massive data centers. Computer systems don't 656 00:47:55,080 --> 00:48:01,480 create any noise. There's no moving parts, and um within the service 657 00:47:59,480 --> 00:48:05,080 themselves, there's zero impact on air quality as the data centers themselves 658 00:48:03,080 --> 00:48:08,120 do not generate any pollutants. Regarding community character, they're 659 00:48:06,520 --> 00:48:10,880 housed in normal-looking buildings, no different in external design than any 660 00:48:09,760 --> 00:48:14,680 other building you would find in the borough, and certainly more attractive 661 00:48:12,880 --> 00:48:19,440 than heavy manufacturing facilities, which are permitted in the borough. 662 00:48:16,760 --> 00:48:23,000 Also, I'd like to address the issue of the consumption of electricity. Now, I 663 00:48:21,400 --> 00:48:27,920 would proffer that the power grid in town is so unstable, and my power's gone 664 00:48:25,840 --> 00:48:31,440 out twice in the last weeks, that no company at present would want to 665 00:48:29,760 --> 00:48:35,360 construct a purpose-built data center in the borough. However, if they did, it 666 00:48:33,720 --> 00:48:39,040 would be highly likely that they would make substantial investments in 667 00:48:36,840 --> 00:48:43,560 stabilizing and creating redundancies in our power grid. And as we've seen with 668 00:48:41,240 --> 00:48:47,840 PG's successful participation in the 100 and energy aggregation program, the 669 00:48:45,520 --> 00:48:51,400 economies of scale actually reduce electric costs for our residents. 670 00:48:49,800 --> 00:48:55,080 Lastly, if a corporate entity were considering purchasing the space and 671 00:48:53,000 --> 00:48:58,720 investing in the building, um, a low-impact corporate presence, the 672 00:48:57,000 --> 00:49:02,400 desirability of the building and the price they would pay within our borough 673 00:49:00,440 --> 00:49:05,800 would be vastly diminished since this new regulation would add costs or limit 674 00:49:04,280 --> 00:49:10,040 flexibility that they would have to their property. This would negatively 675 00:49:07,680 --> 00:49:13,000 impact the future tax base. So, let me close with this. 676 00:49:11,520 --> 00:49:17,400 The outcomes of the data center and computing resources that I've worked 677 00:49:14,880 --> 00:49:20,760 with have decoded the human genome, done remarkable work in the field of 678 00:49:18,640 --> 00:49:24,600 proteomics, astro particle physics, and medicine. This type of 679 00:49:22,720 --> 00:49:28,480 science and use serves a noble purpose benefiting all of us. This ordinance, 680 00:49:26,560 --> 00:49:32,880 although well-intentioned, appears to be a solution seeking a problem that simply 681 00:49:30,360 --> 00:49:37,200 does not exist. Thank you. >> Thank you, Don. 682 00:49:34,480 --> 00:49:39,920 Um, anyone else wish to comment on this ordinance? 683 00:49:41,120 --> 00:49:47,080 I don't see any hands up. Oh, 684 00:49:44,480 --> 00:49:52,240 Miss or Mrs. Nolan, you are you just raised your hand, so go ahead. 685 00:49:49,120 --> 00:49:55,640 » Hi, I'm Jean Nolan. I live at 4 Hunt Lane. 686 00:49:53,200 --> 00:49:59,880 And I also didn't run a major data center, but I worked in the IT industry 687 00:49:57,720 --> 00:50:05,160 for 45 years. And I just think there's a big 688 00:50:02,240 --> 00:50:10,080 difference between the enormous server farms we're seeing 689 00:50:07,680 --> 00:50:15,000 spring up now with the lowest cost point that you can possibly have 690 00:50:12,120 --> 00:50:19,280 versus what Don probably had in a major data center that was running mainframes 691 00:50:17,920 --> 00:50:23,680 and very engineering scientific oriented 692 00:50:21,160 --> 00:50:28,720 computing that probably had closed loop water chillers and some other very 693 00:50:26,600 --> 00:50:32,400 efficient capabilities that we're not seeing in these server farms. So, I 694 00:50:30,720 --> 00:50:37,400 think there'd have to be a lot better understanding of what maybe 695 00:50:34,800 --> 00:50:43,680 a water cooled rack is versus the systems he was managing when he was 696 00:50:39,680 --> 00:50:47,760 doing the human genome. Uh and I think there's nothing wrong with us having 697 00:50:45,120 --> 00:50:51,440 this ordinance because let's face it, hardware has not kept up with software. 698 00:50:50,040 --> 00:50:55,320 And there's not a lot of money going into 699 00:50:52,520 --> 00:51:01,520 really creating efficient systems that run at the best 700 00:50:57,240 --> 00:51:05,360 uh peak usage of electricity as well as um 701 00:51:02,760 --> 00:51:09,920 best cooling technologies. And that's that's all I wanted to add. 702 00:51:07,960 --> 00:51:15,280 » All right, thank you Ms. Nolan or Mrs. Nolan or whatever. 703 00:51:11,800 --> 00:51:15,280 » It's [laughter] It's my It's my time. 704 00:51:16,240 --> 00:51:21,040 » Okay, Jean. Thank you, Jean. Okay. Um 705 00:51:19,200 --> 00:51:25,640 I don't see anybody else. I don't see any more raised hands. Is there anyone 706 00:51:23,400 --> 00:51:30,160 else? Seeing none, may I have a motion second 707 00:51:27,840 --> 00:51:34,080 to close the public hearing for this ordinance? 708 00:51:31,600 --> 00:51:36,560 » So moved. >> Second. 709 00:51:36,960 --> 00:51:42,320 » Second. >> Okay, that was Jill and Jamie Nancy. Uh 710 00:51:40,560 --> 00:51:43,480 all in favor? >> I. 711 00:51:42,920 --> 00:51:46,880 » I. >> I. 712 00:51:44,320 --> 00:51:49,960 » All right, anybody doing Anyone opposed? Okay, we move on. 713 00:51:48,720 --> 00:51:53,440 Um Um 714 00:51:51,720 --> 00:51:57,360 May I have a motion and second, please, to adopt ordinance 1171-2026? 715 00:52:01,000 --> 00:52:04,760 » So moved. >> Second. 716 00:52:03,040 --> 00:52:09,560 » Okay, so moved by Nancy, Jill, and Jamie. 717 00:52:06,040 --> 00:52:14,840 And a roll call vote, please, Nancy. >> Council President Murphy. 718 00:52:12,400 --> 00:52:14,840 » Yes. 719 00:52:14,880 --> 00:52:20,840 » Councilman Silva. >> Yes. 720 00:52:19,160 --> 00:52:23,360 » Councilwoman Sweda. >> Yes. 721 00:52:23,560 --> 00:52:30,760 » Councilwoman Wyble. >> Aye. 722 00:52:27,080 --> 00:52:35,560 » Okay. Ordinance 1171-2026 is now adopted and shall be published by 723 00:52:33,680 --> 00:52:41,040 title only on the borough website in accordance with the law. 724 00:52:38,360 --> 00:52:44,960 Okay, so we have a new law. Right, let's go to resolutions. I would 725 00:52:43,240 --> 00:52:48,640 like all the council members to please take a moment and look at where the 726 00:52:46,280 --> 00:52:54,760 resolutions listed on the resolution list. That's 147-26 727 00:52:52,560 --> 00:52:59,160 through 152-26 and 154-26. 728 00:52:57,360 --> 00:53:02,800 Take a minute. Let me know if you'd like to pull any one of those for an 729 00:53:00,680 --> 00:53:06,440 individual vote or discussion. Otherwise, we'll do a and we'll do a 730 00:53:04,120 --> 00:53:10,200 consent vote for all the rest. >> Uh Mayor, 731 00:53:07,960 --> 00:53:15,480 can I please just make a suggestion that resolution 147-26 732 00:53:13,600 --> 00:53:21,520 on the person-to-person transfer for the liquor license be pulled. Um there is 733 00:53:18,240 --> 00:53:25,600 somebody on the um call tonight on the meeting tonight um 734 00:53:23,880 --> 00:53:29,600 to speak on the the buyer's behalf. 735 00:53:27,400 --> 00:53:32,280 » Okay, very good. And that's fine. I'll pull that one. 736 00:53:35,760 --> 00:53:41,120 Now, well, when you're ready, council members, just give me a 737 00:53:38,320 --> 00:53:41,120 I I yeah I yeah I yeah. 738 00:53:41,480 --> 00:53:45,920 » I'm ready. >> Jamie's good. 739 00:53:44,760 --> 00:53:48,960 » Good. Good. >> Jill's good. Julie's good. 740 00:53:47,920 --> 00:53:52,800 » I'm good. >> Sergio, you're good. Okay, we can move 741 00:53:50,520 --> 00:53:56,840 on. So, let's start with let's start with the consent vote. So, may I have a 742 00:53:55,000 --> 00:54:02,120 motion and a second for a consent vote to approve resolutions 148-26 743 00:54:00,280 --> 00:54:07,360 through 1 52-26 and resolution 154-26. 744 00:54:07,800 --> 00:54:10,160 Motion and a second. >> Motion. 745 00:54:09,840 --> 00:54:12,640 » Second. >> Second 746 00:54:11,280 --> 00:54:17,040 by Jill. Okay, Nancy, roll call, please. 747 00:54:15,200 --> 00:54:20,440 » Council President Murphy. >> Yes. 748 00:54:18,080 --> 00:54:23,360 » Councilman Silva. >> Yes. 749 00:54:21,840 --> 00:54:26,040 » Councilwoman Sweda. >> Aye. 750 00:54:24,600 --> 00:54:28,960 » Councilwoman Weibel. >> Aye. 751 00:54:27,880 --> 00:54:32,080 » Okay. And [clears throat] now, let's go to 752 00:54:29,680 --> 00:54:35,800 resolution number 147-26. This is a resolution authorizing a 753 00:54:33,640 --> 00:54:39,560 person-to-person transfer of a liquor license. 754 00:54:38,160 --> 00:54:44,320 Um Motion and second for this resolution, 755 00:54:41,800 --> 00:54:44,320 please. 756 00:54:46,160 --> 00:54:51,360 » So moved. >> Second. 757 00:54:48,800 --> 00:54:56,360 » Okay, and that was Sergio, right? Was that you, Sergio? Okay, great. Um 758 00:54:54,440 --> 00:55:02,720 okay, discussion and then we can hear from the applicant. 759 00:54:58,720 --> 00:55:02,720 Any discussion amongst council? 760 00:55:03,680 --> 00:55:09,440 » None. >> Okay, hearing none, Nancy, tell us who 761 00:55:07,240 --> 00:55:12,120 the applicant is who is present tonight to talk about this. 762 00:55:10,800 --> 00:55:16,240 » Um I don't 763 00:55:13,920 --> 00:55:20,400 I know they were coming on, but I'm not sure where. 764 00:55:17,160 --> 00:55:25,280 » Okay, applicant applicant um would you please unmute your 765 00:55:21,640 --> 00:55:25,280 microphone and tell us who you are? 766 00:55:25,920 --> 00:55:29,320 » I do not 767 00:55:29,560 --> 00:55:34,000 Jay Krawl is on here. 768 00:55:34,040 --> 00:55:37,120 But I don't 769 00:55:37,160 --> 00:55:42,440 » Mr. Krawl, can you if you can hear us Oh, yeah, you just unmuted your 770 00:55:40,680 --> 00:55:46,880 microphone. If you could turn your camera on so we could see you and talk. 771 00:55:54,120 --> 00:55:57,360 Wait, we can't hear you. 772 00:56:00,720 --> 00:56:06,120 » They are unmuted. I don't see that. >> see that. 773 00:56:07,080 --> 00:56:13,800 Mr. Crow, can can you uh 774 00:56:10,720 --> 00:56:13,800 attempt to speak? 775 00:56:22,480 --> 00:56:29,960 Mr. Crow, please try to speak if you wish to talk about this. 776 00:56:27,720 --> 00:56:32,640 I'll give you another 30 seconds to try to fix it. 777 00:56:45,760 --> 00:56:48,280 » He cannot. 778 00:56:52,880 --> 00:56:55,480 » Um 779 00:56:55,680 --> 00:57:00,200 Mr. Crow, are you still there? >> He's I 780 00:57:02,280 --> 00:57:06,240 » I think he disconnected or she disconnected or whatever. 781 00:57:05,200 --> 00:57:08,560 » Yes. >> I know he's connected. I see him I see 782 00:57:07,920 --> 00:57:11,120 him still. >> Uh 783 00:57:09,040 --> 00:57:14,160 » I apologize. I cannot get my microphone to work. 784 00:57:13,000 --> 00:57:18,320 » I'm sorry, sir. >> We have a message from Jay Crow. I 785 00:57:16,360 --> 00:57:20,440 apologize. I cannot get my microphone to work. 786 00:57:18,680 --> 00:57:25,720 » All right, Mr. Crow, would you like would you like to make a statement on 787 00:57:21,920 --> 00:57:25,720 the chat and I'll read it to everybody? 788 00:57:29,000 --> 00:57:34,880 I'll give you a minute to type something or 30 seconds to type something and I'll 789 00:57:32,720 --> 00:57:38,400 read it. As a courtesy to you. And if not, just 790 00:57:37,280 --> 00:57:43,560 tell me you're not going to say something. 791 00:57:40,040 --> 00:57:43,560 Again, through typing on the chat. 792 00:57:52,520 --> 00:57:58,120 If the council has any questions regarding the application, we would be 793 00:57:55,440 --> 00:58:02,400 happy to answer them. Does the council have any questions regarding this 794 00:57:59,520 --> 00:58:02,400 application? 795 00:58:03,880 --> 00:58:09,920 Um seeing none from the council. No, no, 796 00:58:07,480 --> 00:58:13,440 Mr. Crowell, um there are no questions for you. Uh thank you for being on the 797 00:58:11,880 --> 00:58:15,880 call with us. Uh 798 00:58:14,040 --> 00:58:21,080 Nancy, would you please uh roll call vote, please? 799 00:58:17,800 --> 00:58:21,080 » Council President Murphy. 800 00:58:24,520 --> 00:58:27,200 » Muted. 801 00:58:30,920 --> 00:58:34,720 » Sorry about that, computer issue. Uh yes. 802 00:58:33,600 --> 00:58:37,360 » Okay. >> Councilman Silva. 803 00:58:36,000 --> 00:58:40,560 » Yes. >> Councilwoman Sweda. 804 00:58:38,720 --> 00:58:44,080 » Yes. >> Councilwoman Waibel. 805 00:58:41,880 --> 00:58:49,280 » I. >> Okay, thank you, council members. Um 806 00:58:46,800 --> 00:58:54,040 let's move on to the bill payment list, resolution 153-26. 807 00:58:52,600 --> 00:58:57,560 Um Does any council member have any bill 808 00:58:55,640 --> 00:59:00,880 that wish to be wish they wish to have hold for discussion this evening? 809 00:59:02,040 --> 00:59:10,240 Seeing none. Uh Nancy, will you please to read the total amount of bills to be 810 00:59:06,480 --> 00:59:13,240 paid uh on this vote on this resolution. >> $175,535.73. 811 00:59:15,760 --> 00:59:22,080 » May I have a motion and second, please, to approve the resolution for the 812 00:59:18,920 --> 00:59:22,080 payment of these bills? 813 00:59:22,800 --> 00:59:27,840 » So moved. >> Second. 814 00:59:26,080 --> 00:59:30,640 » Okay, got Sergio with second. And I'm sorry, who was first? 815 00:59:29,480 --> 00:59:34,080 » It was Jamie. >> Jamie, okay. Jamie and Sergio, Nancy. 816 00:59:32,840 --> 00:59:37,400 And a roll call vote when you're ready, Nancy. Nancy. 817 00:59:35,400 --> 00:59:40,000 » Council President Murphy? Yes. 818 00:59:38,720 --> 00:59:42,640 Councilman Silva? >> Yes. 819 00:59:41,000 --> 00:59:45,600 » Councilwoman Sweda? >> Yes. 820 00:59:43,960 --> 00:59:48,400 » Councilwoman Wyvel? >> I. 821 00:59:47,440 --> 00:59:52,520 » Okay. It is a little slow time of the year, 822 00:59:50,160 --> 00:59:55,960 but some of our council members may have reports from their respective 823 00:59:53,800 --> 01:00:00,040 committees. Does any council member have a committee report they wish to share 824 00:59:57,360 --> 01:00:04,640 with us tonight? >> No. 825 01:00:01,840 --> 01:00:09,040 » Seeing a no from Jill. Anyone else? 826 01:00:06,440 --> 01:00:13,560 I think we covered some earlier, and I have nothing outstanding at the moment. 827 01:00:11,920 --> 01:00:17,840 Uh Steve, do you have anything from our legal on us? 828 01:00:15,360 --> 01:00:20,840 » No. No uh no report this evening. Thank you, Mayor. 829 01:00:18,880 --> 01:00:24,360 » And Nancy, do you have anything for us? >> Uh no, not this evening. 830 01:00:22,800 --> 01:00:28,520 » Okay, very good. Um executive summary, I have nothing 831 01:00:26,400 --> 01:00:34,000 from the meeting to recap that it needs to be followed on. So, let's go to 832 01:00:30,920 --> 01:00:38,120 public comments on agenda items. So, these are comments regarding items 833 01:00:36,280 --> 01:00:42,480 that were on the agenda. Uh again, same process as before, please 834 01:00:40,200 --> 01:00:47,240 raise your hand if you wish to comment and address the council on agenda items, 835 01:00:45,200 --> 01:00:51,960 and I will call on you. Uh name and address, please. Um 3 minutes per 836 01:00:49,440 --> 01:00:51,960 person. 837 01:00:55,040 --> 01:00:59,480 I'm not seeing anybody. Could that be? 838 01:01:03,600 --> 01:01:09,800 Seeing no one. Let me just scan it again. 839 01:01:12,640 --> 01:01:21,000 Seeing no one, I'm going to close the uh public comment on agenda items. 840 01:01:18,440 --> 01:01:25,880 Let me just take a look. Okay. Um adjournment. Is there anything 841 01:01:24,080 --> 01:01:29,000 further that any council member wishes to bring up or discuss? 842 01:01:29,200 --> 01:01:32,960 » No. >> Okay, seeing none. 843 01:01:32,080 --> 01:01:37,880 Um, I would like to thank everybody who 844 01:01:35,160 --> 01:01:40,560 signed on tonight and for the those of you who expressed your opinions on 845 01:01:39,520 --> 01:01:44,440 things. Um, 846 01:01:41,680 --> 01:01:48,000 I I regret that it got a little heated amongst us, but um, 847 01:01:46,160 --> 01:01:52,120 uh, sometimes we agree to disagree and we have to work it out and uh, 848 01:01:50,760 --> 01:01:54,920 and that does take some time unfortunately. 849 01:01:53,800 --> 01:02:01,320 Um, our next meeting is on Tuesday, 850 01:01:57,360 --> 01:02:05,560 September 8th, 2026. Our two uh, go-to electronic meetings are over 851 01:02:03,680 --> 01:02:09,920 for the summer, so we go back to in-person meetings at Borough Hall. That 852 01:02:08,120 --> 01:02:14,440 meeting on Tuesday, September 8th is at 7:00 at the Borough Hall meeting meeting 853 01:02:12,480 --> 01:02:18,600 in the Borough Hall in the meeting council room council room meeting room. 854 01:02:17,280 --> 01:02:22,160 Um, may I have a motion and a second to 855 01:02:19,960 --> 01:02:25,600 return this meeting, uh, >> So moved. 856 01:02:24,320 --> 01:02:29,320 » Second. >> Jill and Sergio. 857 01:02:27,680 --> 01:02:31,160 Uh, all in favor? >> I. 858 01:02:29,840 --> 01:02:36,000 » I. >> Okay, meeting is adjourned and again, 859 01:02:32,960 --> 01:02:38,480 thank you everyone for being online Good night.