1 00:00:06,080 --> 00:00:07,040 Mayor, are you ready to be ready? 2 00:00:07,040 --> 00:00:09,200 >> I'm ready. 3 00:00:09,200 --> 00:00:10,840 >> What is your pleasure for keeping the 4 00:00:10,840 --> 00:00:11,080 minutes? 5 00:00:11,080 --> 00:00:13,280 >> All right. Good evening, everyone, and 6 00:00:13,280 --> 00:00:15,520 welcome to the Borough of Ramsey Mayor 7 00:00:15,520 --> 00:00:17,080 and Council meeting for Wednesday, 8 00:00:17,080 --> 00:00:18,880 August 26th. 9 00:00:18,880 --> 00:00:20,720 This meeting is also being conducted 10 00:00:20,720 --> 00:00:22,270 telephonically with the dial-in number 11 00:00:22,270 --> 00:00:25,950 [clears throat] 425-436-6365, 12 00:00:25,960 --> 00:00:28,680 access code 213-563, 13 00:00:28,680 --> 00:00:30,400 and the meeting may also be viewed on 14 00:00:30,400 --> 00:00:32,320 the Ramsey YouTube channel, which can be 15 00:00:32,320 --> 00:00:34,880 accessed through the borough website. 16 00:00:34,880 --> 00:00:36,560 Okay. Roll call, please. 17 00:00:36,560 --> 00:00:37,600 >> Mayor Dillon. 18 00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:38,160 >> Here. 19 00:00:38,160 --> 00:00:39,560 >> Councilwoman Cusick. 20 00:00:39,560 --> 00:00:40,080 >> Here. 21 00:00:40,080 --> 00:00:41,560 >> Councilman Grisanti. 22 00:00:41,560 --> 00:00:41,960 >> Here. 23 00:00:41,960 --> 00:00:43,400 >> Councilman Gotwetter. 24 00:00:43,400 --> 00:00:43,960 >> Here. 25 00:00:43,960 --> 00:00:45,200 >> Councilman Kilman. 26 00:00:45,200 --> 00:00:45,960 >> Here. 27 00:00:45,960 --> 00:00:47,880 >> Councilman Capparelli is not here. 28 00:00:47,880 --> 00:00:49,160 Councilwoman Poppy. 29 00:00:49,160 --> 00:00:51,000 >> Here. 30 00:00:51,000 --> 00:00:54,160 >> Thank you. We'll have flag salute. 31 00:00:54,160 --> 00:00:55,640 Mr. Capparelli, would you like to lead 32 00:00:55,640 --> 00:00:58,150 us? 33 00:00:58,160 --> 00:01:00,480 » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the 34 00:01:00,480 --> 00:01:02,760 United States of America, and to the 35 00:01:02,760 --> 00:01:05,760 republic for which it stands, one nation 36 00:01:05,760 --> 00:01:08,520 under God, indivisible, with liberty and 37 00:01:08,520 --> 00:01:12,270 justice for all. 38 00:01:12,280 --> 00:01:14,280 » The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law 39 00:01:14,280 --> 00:01:16,040 was enacted to ensure the right of all 40 00:01:16,040 --> 00:01:18,560 citizens to have advanced notice of and 41 00:01:18,560 --> 00:01:20,400 to attend all meetings of public bodies 42 00:01:20,400 --> 00:01:22,520 at which any business affecting the 43 00:01:22,520 --> 00:01:25,000 public is discussed or acted upon. In 44 00:01:25,000 --> 00:01:26,400 accordance with the provisions of this 45 00:01:26,400 --> 00:01:28,160 act, notice of this meeting of the Mayor 46 00:01:28,160 --> 00:01:29,760 and Council was published in the Bergen 47 00:01:29,760 --> 00:01:31,640 Record and the Suburban News on 48 00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:34,600 Wednesday, January 15th, 2020, 49 00:01:34,600 --> 00:01:36,680 and is posted on the public notices page 50 00:01:36,680 --> 00:01:40,750 at www.ramseynj.com. 51 00:01:40,760 --> 00:01:42,880 Okay. Approval of minutes, please. 52 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:44,880 >> Yes, Madam Mayor, I make the motion to 53 00:01:44,880 --> 00:01:47,240 receive and file the minutes for July 54 00:01:47,240 --> 00:01:50,120 22nd, 2020. 55 00:01:50,120 --> 00:01:51,680 >> Thank you. Are there any comments on the 56 00:01:51,680 --> 00:01:53,280 minutes? 57 00:01:53,280 --> 00:01:54,560 Okay. Do we have a second? 58 00:01:54,560 --> 00:01:57,280 >> Madam, this is Judy, Council President, 59 00:01:57,280 --> 00:01:58,280 and I second. 60 00:01:58,280 --> 00:01:59,840 >> Right. Okay, are there any comments or 61 00:01:59,840 --> 00:02:02,040 changes to the minutes? 62 00:02:02,040 --> 00:02:03,960 Not hearing any, roll call, please. 63 00:02:03,960 --> 00:02:05,080 >> Councilwoman Cusack? 64 00:02:05,080 --> 00:02:05,600 >> Yes. 65 00:02:05,600 --> 00:02:07,200 >> Councilman Grissoni? 66 00:02:07,200 --> 00:02:07,680 >> Yes. 67 00:02:07,680 --> 00:02:09,000 >> Councilman Gutwetter? 68 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:09,479 >> Yes. 69 00:02:09,479 --> 00:02:10,560 >> Councilman Kilman? 70 00:02:10,560 --> 00:02:10,880 >> Yes. 71 00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:12,760 >> Councilwoman Poppie? 72 00:02:12,760 --> 00:02:16,520 >> I abstain as I was absent. 73 00:02:16,520 --> 00:02:18,840 >> Thank you. Communications. 74 00:02:18,840 --> 00:02:20,000 >> I make a motion to accept the 75 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:22,360 communications as listed in the agenda. 76 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:23,320 >> I'll second. 77 00:02:23,320 --> 00:02:24,440 >> Thank you. Any comments on the 78 00:02:24,440 --> 00:02:26,760 communications? 79 00:02:26,760 --> 00:02:28,520 Not hearing any, roll call, please. 80 00:02:28,520 --> 00:02:29,880 >> Councilwoman Cusack? 81 00:02:29,880 --> 00:02:30,320 >> Yes. 82 00:02:30,320 --> 00:02:31,520 >> Councilman Grissoni? 83 00:02:31,520 --> 00:02:31,959 >> Yes. 84 00:02:31,959 --> 00:02:33,240 >> Councilman Gutwetter? 85 00:02:33,240 --> 00:02:33,640 >> Yes. 86 00:02:33,640 --> 00:02:34,760 >> Councilman Kilman? 87 00:02:34,760 --> 00:02:35,120 >> Yes. 88 00:02:35,120 --> 00:02:36,280 >> Councilwoman Poppie? 89 00:02:36,280 --> 00:02:37,400 >> Yes. 90 00:02:37,400 --> 00:02:38,800 >> Thank you. We'll move on to public 91 00:02:38,800 --> 00:02:40,640 comment. Anyone wishing to address the 92 00:02:40,640 --> 00:02:42,600 governing body, please give your name, 93 00:02:42,600 --> 00:02:44,440 spell out the last name, and address. 94 00:02:44,440 --> 00:02:46,040 Please speak in an audible tone and 95 00:02:46,040 --> 00:02:48,000 address your comments to the chair. 96 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:49,560 There will be a 5-minute time limit per 97 00:02:49,560 --> 00:02:51,520 speaker unless reduced because of the 98 00:02:51,520 --> 00:02:53,920 volume of business on the agenda. Please 99 00:02:53,920 --> 00:02:56,800 note public comment is your time. 100 00:02:56,800 --> 00:02:58,880 Out of respect and fairness to all, 101 00:02:58,880 --> 00:03:00,120 there will be no interruption or 102 00:03:00,120 --> 00:03:02,280 questions answered during your time. No 103 00:03:02,280 --> 00:03:04,200 time shall be seated to anyone else, and 104 00:03:04,200 --> 00:03:05,920 no time shall be saved for later in the 105 00:03:05,920 --> 00:03:08,200 use. Any responses may be given during 106 00:03:08,200 --> 00:03:10,080 the governing body's comments later in 107 00:03:10,080 --> 00:03:12,160 the meeting or as directed by the chair. 108 00:03:12,160 --> 00:03:13,440 The Borough Clerk is the official 109 00:03:13,440 --> 00:03:15,360 timekeeper. 110 00:03:15,360 --> 00:03:17,120 If you're here to comment on any of the 111 00:03:17,120 --> 00:03:18,600 ordinances that are public hearing 112 00:03:18,600 --> 00:03:21,160 tonight, now is not the time to comment. 113 00:03:21,160 --> 00:03:22,680 will be when we have 114 00:03:22,680 --> 00:03:24,640 the public hearing. 115 00:03:24,640 --> 00:03:27,990 Hold on. 116 00:03:28,000 --> 00:03:29,400 Thank you. Okay, is there anyone that 117 00:03:29,400 --> 00:03:31,400 wishes to make a public comment 118 00:03:31,400 --> 00:03:33,440 on anything other than the ordinances 119 00:03:33,440 --> 00:03:36,949 that are having public hearing tonight? 120 00:03:36,959 --> 00:03:38,800 I don't see anyone in the Council 121 00:03:38,800 --> 00:03:40,760 Chambers. Is there anyone on the line 122 00:03:40,760 --> 00:03:42,320 that would like to to make a public 123 00:03:42,320 --> 00:03:46,030 comment? 124 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:50,150 Second call for public comment. 125 00:03:50,160 --> 00:03:52,080 Third and final call for public comment. 126 00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:55,120 All right, I will close public comment. 127 00:03:55,120 --> 00:03:57,760 We will now move on to advertised public 128 00:03:57,760 --> 00:03:59,360 hearing for final consideration of 129 00:03:59,360 --> 00:04:04,160 ordinances. Ordinance 15-2026, please. 130 00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:06,320 >> I thank you, Madam Mayor. 131 00:04:06,320 --> 00:04:08,320 Uh this is the final reading of 132 00:04:08,320 --> 00:04:11,000 ordinance number 15-2026, 133 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:12,720 an ordinance amending chapter 10 of the 134 00:04:12,720 --> 00:04:14,200 code of the Borough of Ramsey, Bergen 135 00:04:14,200 --> 00:04:15,280 County, New Jersey, and more 136 00:04:15,280 --> 00:04:18,640 specifically section 10-23 compensation. 137 00:04:18,640 --> 00:04:19,959 Having been brought up for public 138 00:04:19,959 --> 00:04:21,280 hearing, and all persons interested 139 00:04:21,280 --> 00:04:22,760 having been given an opportunity to be 140 00:04:22,760 --> 00:04:25,080 heard, has final reading by title, and 141 00:04:25,080 --> 00:04:26,800 that said ordinance be adopted as an 142 00:04:26,800 --> 00:04:28,760 ordinance of the Borough of Ramsey, and 143 00:04:28,760 --> 00:04:30,440 be it further resolved that the Borough 144 00:04:30,440 --> 00:04:33,080 Clerk be, and she hereby is directed to 145 00:04:33,080 --> 00:04:34,640 cause a copy of the title of said 146 00:04:34,640 --> 00:04:35,640 ordinance to be published in the 147 00:04:35,640 --> 00:04:37,680 official newspaper of the Borough in the 148 00:04:37,680 --> 00:04:39,280 manner provided by law, together with 149 00:04:39,280 --> 00:04:40,800 the notice of the date of introduction 150 00:04:40,800 --> 00:04:44,390 and adoption of said ordinance. 151 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:48,230 Do we have a second? 152 00:04:48,240 --> 00:04:49,440 » I'll second, Madam Mayor. 153 00:04:49,440 --> 00:04:51,640 >> Thank you. Um any comments from the dais 154 00:04:51,640 --> 00:04:54,240 before I open this up to public comment? 155 00:04:54,240 --> 00:04:56,320 Mr. Bosak? Sure. 156 00:04:56,320 --> 00:04:59,640 >> Um ordinance 15 amends 157 00:04:59,640 --> 00:05:01,320 the Borough salary ordinance. The 158 00:05:01,320 --> 00:05:03,360 Borough salaries are set based on 159 00:05:03,360 --> 00:05:05,000 collective bargaining agreements with 160 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:06,520 those employees covered under those 161 00:05:06,520 --> 00:05:08,600 applicable agreements, and by resolution 162 00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:10,840 for those non-union employees. 163 00:05:10,840 --> 00:05:12,760 We do, however, maintain by ordinance a 164 00:05:12,760 --> 00:05:14,520 salary range for certain positions, 165 00:05:14,520 --> 00:05:16,480 which is updated periodically. The last 166 00:05:16,480 --> 00:05:18,320 update to the salary range ordinance was 167 00:05:18,320 --> 00:05:20,080 in 2022. 168 00:05:20,080 --> 00:05:22,120 This ordinance tonight updates salary 169 00:05:22,120 --> 00:05:24,040 ranges for some positions consistent 170 00:05:24,040 --> 00:05:25,760 with the salary increases that are in 171 00:05:25,760 --> 00:05:27,600 line with the changes to the union labor 172 00:05:27,600 --> 00:05:29,520 agreements, similarly applied to the 173 00:05:29,520 --> 00:05:31,960 non-union employees. To reiterate, this 174 00:05:31,960 --> 00:05:33,640 is not setting salary levels for 175 00:05:33,640 --> 00:05:35,440 non-union employees, which are done by 176 00:05:35,440 --> 00:05:38,680 resolution. It just adopts a range for 177 00:05:38,680 --> 00:05:40,760 those salaries in this ordinance. 178 00:05:40,760 --> 00:05:43,680 >> Thank you. Anyone else on the dais? 179 00:05:43,680 --> 00:05:45,520 Not hearing anyone. Sir, anyone in the 180 00:05:45,520 --> 00:05:47,240 public who would like to comment on 181 00:05:47,240 --> 00:05:49,560 ordinance 15-2026, 182 00:05:49,560 --> 00:05:50,960 now would be the time during the public 183 00:05:50,960 --> 00:05:54,670 hearing. 184 00:05:54,680 --> 00:05:56,360 Not seeing anyone in chambers, I'll ask 185 00:05:56,360 --> 00:05:58,000 is there anyone on the line who would 186 00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:03,470 like to comment on ordinance 15-2026? 187 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:07,070 Second call for comments. 188 00:06:07,080 --> 00:06:08,760 Third and final call for comments. I 189 00:06:08,760 --> 00:06:11,080 will now close the public hearing. 190 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:12,360 We have roll call, please. 191 00:06:12,360 --> 00:06:13,560 >> Councilwoman Cuseck? 192 00:06:13,560 --> 00:06:13,880 >> Yes. 193 00:06:13,880 --> 00:06:15,200 >> Councilman Grisanti? 194 00:06:15,200 --> 00:06:15,600 >> Yes. 195 00:06:15,600 --> 00:06:16,760 >> Councilman Gotwetter? 196 00:06:16,760 --> 00:06:17,200 >> Yes. 197 00:06:17,200 --> 00:06:18,160 >> Councilman Kilman? 198 00:06:18,160 --> 00:06:18,640 >> Yes. 199 00:06:18,640 --> 00:06:19,919 >> Councilwoman Poppie? 200 00:06:19,919 --> 00:06:21,600 >> Yes. 201 00:06:21,600 --> 00:06:23,440 >> Thank you. Let's move on to ordinance 202 00:06:23,440 --> 00:06:25,560 16-2026. 203 00:06:25,560 --> 00:06:28,000 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. 204 00:06:28,000 --> 00:06:29,440 Ordinance 205 00:06:29,440 --> 00:06:32,560 16-2026 to authorize the undertaking of 206 00:06:32,560 --> 00:06:34,280 construction phase of the fire 207 00:06:34,280 --> 00:06:36,840 department rescue squad and emergency 208 00:06:36,840 --> 00:06:40,000 management station complex project in, 209 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:42,080 by, and for the Borough of Ramsey in the 210 00:06:42,080 --> 00:06:44,640 County of Bergen, State of New Jersey 211 00:06:44,640 --> 00:06:49,080 to appropriate the sum of $15,050,000 212 00:06:49,080 --> 00:06:51,320 to pay the cost thereof, to make a down 213 00:06:51,320 --> 00:06:52,280 payment, 214 00:06:52,280 --> 00:06:54,360 to authorize the issuance of bonds to 215 00:06:54,360 --> 00:06:56,720 finance such appropriation, 216 00:06:56,720 --> 00:06:58,600 and to provide for the issuance of a 217 00:06:58,600 --> 00:07:01,680 bond anticipation notes in anticipation 218 00:07:01,680 --> 00:07:04,160 of the issuance of such bonds, having 219 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:05,800 been brought up for public hearing and 220 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:07,840 all persons interested having been given 221 00:07:07,840 --> 00:07:09,919 an opportunity to be heard, 222 00:07:09,919 --> 00:07:12,080 pass final reading by title, and that 223 00:07:12,080 --> 00:07:13,919 said ordinance be adopted as the 224 00:07:13,919 --> 00:07:16,120 ordinance of the Borough of Ramsey, 225 00:07:16,120 --> 00:07:17,560 and be it further resolved that the 226 00:07:17,560 --> 00:07:20,360 Borough Clerk be, and she hereby is, 227 00:07:20,360 --> 00:07:22,760 directed to cause a copy of the title of 228 00:07:22,760 --> 00:07:24,400 said ordinance to be published in the 229 00:07:24,400 --> 00:07:26,720 official newspaper of the Borough 230 00:07:26,720 --> 00:07:29,160 in the manner provided by law, together 231 00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:30,440 with a notice of the date of 232 00:07:30,440 --> 00:07:32,960 introduction and adoption of said 233 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:34,800 ordinance. 234 00:07:34,800 --> 00:07:36,600 >> This is Councilwoman Cuseck, and I 235 00:07:36,600 --> 00:07:37,919 second. 236 00:07:37,919 --> 00:07:39,200 >> Thank you. Is 237 00:07:39,200 --> 00:07:40,919 anyone on the dais like to have any 238 00:07:40,919 --> 00:07:42,600 comments before I open this up for 239 00:07:42,600 --> 00:07:43,880 public hearing? 240 00:07:43,880 --> 00:07:45,400 >> I'd like to refer to a bureau 241 00:07:45,400 --> 00:07:48,360 administrator Luis Vazquez who has 242 00:07:48,360 --> 00:07:50,640 very detailed explanation. 243 00:07:50,640 --> 00:07:52,320 >> Thank you, Mr. Vazquez. 244 00:07:52,320 --> 00:07:53,760 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. 245 00:07:53,760 --> 00:07:56,200 Uh this bond ordinance is introduces the 246 00:07:56,200 --> 00:07:57,800 funding for the demolition the current 247 00:07:57,800 --> 00:07:59,800 fire department rescue squad building on 248 00:07:59,800 --> 00:08:01,560 South Island Ave and construction of a 249 00:08:01,560 --> 00:08:03,720 new public safety complex to include the 250 00:08:03,720 --> 00:08:06,160 office of emergency management. 251 00:08:06,160 --> 00:08:07,880 Councilman Kilmer has commented and 252 00:08:07,880 --> 00:08:09,560 updated the public at each mayor and 253 00:08:09,560 --> 00:08:11,200 council meeting over the last few years. 254 00:08:11,200 --> 00:08:13,480 This this project has been developing, 255 00:08:13,480 --> 00:08:16,200 been revised, and now finalized. This 256 00:08:16,200 --> 00:08:17,680 ordinance authorized the amount of 257 00:08:17,680 --> 00:08:20,919 funding at $15,050,000. 258 00:08:20,919 --> 00:08:22,320 However, the bureau will not borrow the 259 00:08:22,320 --> 00:08:24,080 full amount immediately. We'll match its 260 00:08:24,080 --> 00:08:25,840 borrowing over the construction period 261 00:08:25,840 --> 00:08:27,600 to the schedule values and timing of 262 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:30,320 contract payments over the anticipated 263 00:08:30,320 --> 00:08:33,719 18-month construction timeline. 264 00:08:33,719 --> 00:08:36,599 The bureau is also making a $720,000 265 00:08:36,599 --> 00:08:38,479 down payment from its budgeted capital 266 00:08:38,479 --> 00:08:39,919 improvement fund account which will 267 00:08:39,919 --> 00:08:43,440 reduce the maximum future debt amount. 268 00:08:43,440 --> 00:08:44,800 During the construction period as 269 00:08:44,800 --> 00:08:46,440 previously discussed, the fire 270 00:08:46,440 --> 00:08:47,960 department rescue squad will be 271 00:08:47,960 --> 00:08:49,640 operating out of the West Side garage 272 00:08:49,640 --> 00:08:52,560 adjacent to the DPW. Additionally, as 273 00:08:52,560 --> 00:08:53,760 has been discussed, the bureau's 274 00:08:53,760 --> 00:08:55,720 constructing a prefabricated garage 275 00:08:55,720 --> 00:08:57,960 behind the existing DPW which will house 276 00:08:57,960 --> 00:08:59,520 the fire and rescue apparatus and 277 00:08:59,520 --> 00:09:01,120 equipment during the construction of the 278 00:09:01,120 --> 00:09:03,040 Island Ave complex. 279 00:09:03,040 --> 00:09:04,680 This new building at the 280 00:09:04,680 --> 00:09:06,800 DPW already has funding in place. We've 281 00:09:06,800 --> 00:09:08,600 awarded couple contracts for material 282 00:09:08,600 --> 00:09:10,080 and construction. Should be breaking 283 00:09:10,080 --> 00:09:11,480 ground shortly. 284 00:09:11,480 --> 00:09:12,880 We look to have this complete in the 285 00:09:12,880 --> 00:09:14,720 next couple months so as to coincide the 286 00:09:14,720 --> 00:09:16,080 timing of the completion of this 287 00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:17,800 building with the timing of the contract 288 00:09:17,800 --> 00:09:19,600 award for the demolition and 289 00:09:19,600 --> 00:09:21,600 construction of the new South Island Ave 290 00:09:21,600 --> 00:09:23,320 complex. 291 00:09:23,320 --> 00:09:25,680 We anticipate the public bid process for 292 00:09:25,680 --> 00:09:27,240 the construction project for the new 293 00:09:27,240 --> 00:09:29,520 South Island building to be advertised 294 00:09:29,520 --> 00:09:31,000 in the early fall and then have about a 295 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:32,960 30 to 40-day period for the bidders to 296 00:09:32,960 --> 00:09:34,560 do their due diligence and prepare the 297 00:09:34,560 --> 00:09:36,720 sealed bids for submission. 298 00:09:36,720 --> 00:09:38,480 The bids will be thoroughly reviewed at 299 00:09:38,480 --> 00:09:40,240 that point by both borough officials and 300 00:09:40,240 --> 00:09:43,320 NET Architects who is the borough's 301 00:09:43,320 --> 00:09:44,920 professional representatives on the 302 00:09:44,920 --> 00:09:47,360 project prior to any contract award. As 303 00:09:47,360 --> 00:09:49,360 this is a public bid under the public 304 00:09:49,360 --> 00:09:51,240 contract laws, the contract award will 305 00:09:51,240 --> 00:09:53,080 ultimately be made to the low bid as 306 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:55,200 long as the bidder is qualified. The 307 00:09:55,200 --> 00:09:57,080 contract award will be done by a joint 308 00:09:57,080 --> 00:09:59,080 resolution at a future mayor council 309 00:09:59,080 --> 00:10:01,510 meeting. 310 00:10:01,520 --> 00:10:02,880 That would conclude my comments. 311 00:10:02,880 --> 00:10:04,000 >> Thank you. 312 00:10:04,000 --> 00:10:05,800 Well, I'll now open this up for public 313 00:10:05,800 --> 00:10:07,400 hearing. Is there anyone in council 314 00:10:07,400 --> 00:10:09,600 chambers who would like to comment on 315 00:10:09,600 --> 00:10:17,150 ordinance 16-2026? 316 00:10:17,160 --> 00:10:18,680 Please state your name and address. 317 00:10:18,680 --> 00:10:20,800 >> Good evening. Jonathan Criel, 306 318 00:10:20,800 --> 00:10:23,080 Elizabeth Ave. 319 00:10:23,080 --> 00:10:24,760 Former fire chief of the Ramsey Fire 320 00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:26,160 Department and former chief of the 321 00:10:26,160 --> 00:10:28,520 rescue squad. I'm currently a deputy 322 00:10:28,520 --> 00:10:30,880 coordinator for emergency management. 323 00:10:30,880 --> 00:10:32,240 I'm here on behalf of emergency 324 00:10:32,240 --> 00:10:33,720 management this evening to express our 325 00:10:33,720 --> 00:10:35,840 support for the South Island Ave. 326 00:10:35,840 --> 00:10:37,400 fire department, rescue squad, and 327 00:10:37,400 --> 00:10:38,800 emergency management facility 328 00:10:38,800 --> 00:10:40,680 construction project. 329 00:10:40,680 --> 00:10:43,520 State State OEM directive 7 requires 330 00:10:43,520 --> 00:10:45,760 municipalities to maintain both a prior 331 00:10:45,760 --> 00:10:48,280 a primary emergency operations center 332 00:10:48,280 --> 00:10:49,960 and a designated backup emergency 333 00:10:49,960 --> 00:10:51,400 operations center. 334 00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:53,480 Our current facility no longer meets the 335 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:55,400 reliability, accessibility, or 336 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:57,280 resiliency standards outlined in these 337 00:10:57,280 --> 00:10:59,320 directives. 338 00:10:59,320 --> 00:11:01,120 Within the proposed emergency operations 339 00:11:01,120 --> 00:11:03,480 center, there will be a dedicated 340 00:11:03,480 --> 00:11:05,640 communications area. The space will 341 00:11:05,640 --> 00:11:07,680 serve as backup communications for the 342 00:11:07,680 --> 00:11:09,839 system for the Ramsey Police Department, 343 00:11:09,839 --> 00:11:11,960 which currently provides both Ramsey 344 00:11:11,960 --> 00:11:14,240 services for Ramsey and Allendale. 345 00:11:14,240 --> 00:11:16,040 Establishing this redundant capability 346 00:11:16,040 --> 00:11:17,600 in it is a critical component of 347 00:11:17,600 --> 00:11:19,720 operational readiness and community 348 00:11:19,720 --> 00:11:21,280 resilience, ensuring an essential 349 00:11:21,280 --> 00:11:23,080 communications remain reliable during 350 00:11:23,080 --> 00:11:24,920 emergencies and system or system 351 00:11:24,920 --> 00:11:26,640 disruptions. 352 00:11:26,640 --> 00:11:28,280 The facility will also incorporate the 353 00:11:28,280 --> 00:11:30,800 necessi- necessary security features to 354 00:11:30,800 --> 00:11:32,440 comply with all the 355 00:11:32,440 --> 00:11:35,080 with all required security regulations. 356 00:11:35,080 --> 00:11:37,840 It's design follows applicable 357 00:11:37,840 --> 00:11:39,880 Homeland Security and FEMA guidelines 358 00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:41,560 supporting both operational security 359 00:11:41,560 --> 00:11:44,240 needs and facilities eligibility for 360 00:11:44,240 --> 00:11:46,560 future grant funding. 361 00:11:46,560 --> 00:11:50,440 In preparing our request for your 362 00:11:50,440 --> 00:11:52,360 continued support, we consulted with 363 00:11:52,360 --> 00:11:54,000 partner agencies including New Jersey 364 00:11:54,000 --> 00:11:56,360 State Police who emphasized the critical 365 00:11:56,360 --> 00:11:58,800 importance of this initiative stating 366 00:11:58,800 --> 00:12:00,560 the Ramsey Emergency Operations Center 367 00:12:00,560 --> 00:12:02,240 will provide centralized location 368 00:12:02,240 --> 00:12:04,320 situational awareness interagency 369 00:12:04,320 --> 00:12:07,240 coordination and resource management. 370 00:12:07,240 --> 00:12:09,840 This project will save lives, property 371 00:12:09,840 --> 00:12:11,400 and property through more timely and 372 00:12:11,400 --> 00:12:14,200 effective emergency response decisions. 373 00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:16,040 Additionally, the New Jersey Office of 374 00:12:16,040 --> 00:12:18,240 Homeland Security and Preparedness which 375 00:12:18,240 --> 00:12:19,600 serves as the state administrative 376 00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:21,720 agency for FEMA has expressed their 377 00:12:21,720 --> 00:12:24,240 support in this project noting 378 00:12:24,240 --> 00:12:25,840 the initial the initiative aligns with 379 00:12:25,840 --> 00:12:27,400 New Jersey Office of Homeland Security 380 00:12:27,400 --> 00:12:29,200 and Preparedness mission to strengthen 381 00:12:29,200 --> 00:12:30,800 the emergency preparedness and response 382 00:12:30,800 --> 00:12:33,640 frameworks both locally and regionally. 383 00:12:33,640 --> 00:12:35,400 Modern Emergency Operations Center is 384 00:12:35,400 --> 00:12:37,160 essential to ensuring 385 00:12:37,160 --> 00:12:38,839 the safety, resilience, and preparedness 386 00:12:38,839 --> 00:12:40,480 of the Ramsey community. 387 00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:41,960 Thank you for your ongoing support in 388 00:12:41,960 --> 00:12:43,680 the bureau's emergency services and this 389 00:12:43,680 --> 00:12:45,520 vital assistance to provide for that we 390 00:12:45,520 --> 00:12:47,720 provide to our residents. Thank you. 391 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:50,320 >> Thank you, Mr. Creel. 392 00:12:50,320 --> 00:12:51,600 Is there anyone else that would like to 393 00:12:51,600 --> 00:12:57,910 comment? 394 00:12:57,920 --> 00:12:59,520 » Chris [clears throat] Kiosi in 115 East 395 00:12:59,520 --> 00:13:00,720 Crescent. 396 00:13:00,720 --> 00:13:02,880 So, good evening every 397 00:13:02,880 --> 00:13:03,280 Sorry. 398 00:13:03,280 --> 00:13:04,040 >> Ramsey or Mahwah? 399 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:04,480 >> Mahwah. 400 00:13:04,480 --> 00:13:04,920 >> Okay. 401 00:13:04,920 --> 00:13:06,880 >> Thank you. Um for those who don't know 402 00:13:06,880 --> 00:13:08,480 me, my name is Chris Kiosi and I'm the 403 00:13:08,480 --> 00:13:09,920 chief of the Ramsey Rescue Squad and 404 00:13:09,920 --> 00:13:12,920 I've been in this spot since 2021. 405 00:13:12,920 --> 00:13:15,160 Back in October of that year, the chiefs 406 00:13:15,160 --> 00:13:16,560 came to this council and asked for a 407 00:13:16,560 --> 00:13:18,520 study. We knew how it would sound 408 00:13:18,520 --> 00:13:20,560 arguing for our own station, so we asked 409 00:13:20,560 --> 00:13:22,240 the council to hire a neutral third 410 00:13:22,240 --> 00:13:24,480 party to assess the complex and they 411 00:13:24,480 --> 00:13:27,240 did. In February of '22, the engineers 412 00:13:27,240 --> 00:13:29,560 came back and concluded there was little 413 00:13:29,560 --> 00:13:31,080 practical benefit to keeping the 414 00:13:31,080 --> 00:13:32,920 existing structure. 415 00:13:32,920 --> 00:13:35,000 The bay doors at Island Ave are 10 ft 416 00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:37,920 and modern apparatus needs 14. The 417 00:13:37,920 --> 00:13:39,560 report states that new fire trucks would 418 00:13:39,560 --> 00:13:41,160 require custom fabrication at 419 00:13:41,160 --> 00:13:44,080 significant cost premiums. Additionally, 420 00:13:44,080 --> 00:13:45,880 several rescue trucks sit outside in the 421 00:13:45,880 --> 00:13:47,800 weather all year since there is no room 422 00:13:47,800 --> 00:13:50,440 for them inside the existing bays. 423 00:13:50,440 --> 00:13:52,160 Moving on to the rescue building, the 424 00:13:52,160 --> 00:13:54,120 crawl space underneath they found 425 00:13:54,120 --> 00:13:56,320 temporary jacks being used as permanent 426 00:13:56,320 --> 00:13:59,000 support columns. Temporary jacks holding 427 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:01,440 up the floor our members stand on. 428 00:14:01,440 --> 00:14:03,480 They also noted that the truck bays 429 00:14:03,480 --> 00:14:05,000 across 430 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:06,680 both firehouses and rescue have no 431 00:14:06,680 --> 00:14:09,320 dedicated exhaust system, which OSHA 432 00:14:09,320 --> 00:14:11,680 requires. And our gear hangs in open 433 00:14:11,680 --> 00:14:14,320 lockers, some near 22 in from running 434 00:14:14,320 --> 00:14:16,680 diesel trucks. There is no clean side 435 00:14:16,680 --> 00:14:18,320 and dirty side in that building. There's 436 00:14:18,320 --> 00:14:20,840 just one side. And that's the part that 437 00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:23,000 I think about most. Every one of our 438 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:25,480 members is a volunteer. They have jobs 439 00:14:25,480 --> 00:14:27,160 and families, and they come out at 2:00 440 00:14:27,160 --> 00:14:28,600 in the morning for people they have 441 00:14:28,600 --> 00:14:30,480 never met, and then hang their gear 442 00:14:30,480 --> 00:14:33,120 besides truck exhaust cuz it's the only 443 00:14:33,120 --> 00:14:36,160 place we currently have. 444 00:14:36,160 --> 00:14:38,320 The new station is designed and solves 445 00:14:38,320 --> 00:14:40,760 all of this. And tonight is the meeting 446 00:14:40,760 --> 00:14:42,920 where we decide if that gets funded. And 447 00:14:42,920 --> 00:14:44,960 for all three volunteer departments, 448 00:14:44,960 --> 00:14:46,760 that is the town saying we are worth 449 00:14:46,760 --> 00:14:48,360 doing right by. 450 00:14:48,360 --> 00:14:50,360 We understand that $15 million is real 451 00:14:50,360 --> 00:14:52,120 money in Ramsey, and we won't pretend 452 00:14:52,120 --> 00:14:54,520 otherwise. But this the building 453 00:14:54,520 --> 00:14:57,400 committee brought this new 454 00:14:57,400 --> 00:14:59,960 devised plan because we fully understood 455 00:14:59,960 --> 00:15:01,680 what we were asking this town to carry 456 00:15:01,680 --> 00:15:04,240 out. 5 years ago we asked the council 457 00:15:04,240 --> 00:15:06,120 for truth about our current building. 458 00:15:06,120 --> 00:15:07,680 They went and got it. Tonight we're 459 00:15:07,680 --> 00:15:09,040 asking to finish what that answer 460 00:15:09,040 --> 00:15:10,680 started. Thank you. 461 00:15:10,680 --> 00:15:13,240 >> Thank you, Mr. Kiosi. 462 00:15:13,240 --> 00:15:14,760 Is there anyone else that would like to 463 00:15:14,760 --> 00:15:21,190 comment on ordinance 16-2026? 464 00:15:21,200 --> 00:15:23,520 » Hi, James Doherty, 75 North Spruce 465 00:15:23,520 --> 00:15:25,600 Street, Ramsey. Currently the assistant 466 00:15:25,600 --> 00:15:27,520 chief, past chief, been a member of the 467 00:15:27,520 --> 00:15:29,920 fire department for 45 years. 468 00:15:29,920 --> 00:15:31,680 I have no written 469 00:15:31,680 --> 00:15:33,800 statements. I just want to say 470 00:15:33,800 --> 00:15:36,720 everything that they said is well beyond 471 00:15:36,720 --> 00:15:38,520 needed. We've been in this firehouse for 472 00:15:38,520 --> 00:15:40,040 years. We've renovated it multiple 473 00:15:40,040 --> 00:15:41,160 times. 474 00:15:41,160 --> 00:15:43,920 Um the trucks, the bays, everything. 475 00:15:43,920 --> 00:15:47,440 This will be a a very nice um 476 00:15:47,440 --> 00:15:49,240 facility. I would like to thank you for 477 00:15:49,240 --> 00:15:51,960 your continued support. And as we move 478 00:15:51,960 --> 00:15:54,000 forward, we can all work together. Thank 479 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:54,760 you. 480 00:15:54,760 --> 00:15:56,680 >> Thank you, Mr. Doherty. 481 00:15:56,680 --> 00:15:58,680 Is there anyone else in Council Chambers 482 00:15:58,680 --> 00:16:00,680 that would like to comment on Ordinance 483 00:16:00,680 --> 00:16:05,950 16-2026? 484 00:16:05,960 --> 00:16:06,790 » Um 485 00:16:06,791 --> 00:16:06,800 » [clears throat] 486 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:08,720 >> excuse me, Gregory Hewitt, 78 West Oak 487 00:16:08,720 --> 00:16:10,600 Street, Ramsey, New Jersey. 488 00:16:10,600 --> 00:16:12,800 Bear with me for a second here. 489 00:16:12,800 --> 00:16:14,720 I'll read a statement that I have. 490 00:16:14,720 --> 00:16:16,440 Madam Mayor, Council President, Council 491 00:16:16,440 --> 00:16:17,840 members, 492 00:16:17,840 --> 00:16:19,240 as I said earlier, my name is Gregory 493 00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:21,000 Hewitt. I'm a former fire chief here in 494 00:16:21,000 --> 00:16:22,920 Ramsey Fire Department, currently serve 495 00:16:22,920 --> 00:16:25,040 as the department's president. 496 00:16:25,040 --> 00:16:26,240 I've been a member of the Ramsey Fire 497 00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:28,600 Department since 2004, 498 00:16:28,600 --> 00:16:30,040 representing more than 22 years of 499 00:16:30,040 --> 00:16:32,160 service to the Ramsey community. 500 00:16:32,160 --> 00:16:33,640 I've also served as a volunteer fire 501 00:16:33,640 --> 00:16:36,400 depart- firefighter since 1981, 502 00:16:36,400 --> 00:16:39,400 totaling more than 45 years of service. 503 00:16:39,400 --> 00:16:40,600 We are here tonight to thank the Mayor 504 00:16:40,600 --> 00:16:42,600 and Council for recognizing that the 505 00:16:42,600 --> 00:16:44,120 aging infrastructure our department 506 00:16:44,120 --> 00:16:45,800 currently occupies is no longer 507 00:16:45,800 --> 00:16:48,400 adequately serving either the department 508 00:16:48,400 --> 00:16:50,839 or more importantly the community. 509 00:16:50,839 --> 00:16:52,440 Fire headquarters, 510 00:16:52,440 --> 00:16:54,160 located on Island Avenue, across from 511 00:16:54,160 --> 00:16:55,360 the high school, 512 00:16:55,360 --> 00:16:56,880 has served as the department's primary 513 00:16:56,880 --> 00:16:59,800 fire station for more than 70 years. 514 00:16:59,800 --> 00:17:01,920 During that time, the fire service has 515 00:17:01,920 --> 00:17:04,079 undergone tremendous changes. Modern 516 00:17:04,079 --> 00:17:05,959 fire apparatus no longer fits safely 517 00:17:05,959 --> 00:17:07,360 within the building. 518 00:17:07,360 --> 00:17:09,120 Members responding to emergencies put on 519 00:17:09,120 --> 00:17:11,079 their turnout gear just inches from 520 00:17:11,079 --> 00:17:13,439 moving apparatus, while being exposed to 521 00:17:13,439 --> 00:17:16,560 diesel exhaust year after year. 522 00:17:16,560 --> 00:17:17,920 It is remarkable that we have not 523 00:17:17,920 --> 00:17:20,640 experienced a catastrophic injury 524 00:17:20,640 --> 00:17:22,560 and long-term effects of exposure to 525 00:17:22,560 --> 00:17:24,480 exhaust fumes throughout the building 526 00:17:24,480 --> 00:17:26,360 remain unknown. 527 00:17:26,360 --> 00:17:28,000 The building is also a focal point for 528 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:29,200 our community. 529 00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:31,280 It hosts events such as Home for the 530 00:17:31,280 --> 00:17:32,480 Holidays, 531 00:17:32,480 --> 00:17:34,600 Breakfast with Santa, Breakfast with the 532 00:17:34,600 --> 00:17:36,520 Easter Bunny, and numerous public 533 00:17:36,520 --> 00:17:38,280 education programs. 534 00:17:38,280 --> 00:17:40,040 It serves as a gathering place during 535 00:17:40,040 --> 00:17:42,800 natural disasters and severe storms, 536 00:17:42,800 --> 00:17:44,800 and has even provided refuge for 537 00:17:44,800 --> 00:17:46,440 students from the high school during 538 00:17:46,440 --> 00:17:48,280 emergencies. 539 00:17:48,280 --> 00:17:50,480 In addition, the building lacks an 540 00:17:50,480 --> 00:17:52,000 elevator and does not provide the 541 00:17:52,000 --> 00:17:53,840 accessibility for restroom facilities 542 00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:57,320 expected for modern municipal building. 543 00:17:57,320 --> 00:17:59,000 Recognizing these shortcomings and the 544 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:00,680 fact that the facility has exceeded its 545 00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:02,000 useful life, 546 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:03,280 the governing body together with the 547 00:18:03,280 --> 00:18:05,000 building committee, which includes 548 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:06,600 representatives from the fire 549 00:18:06,600 --> 00:18:08,600 department, the rescue squad, and the 550 00:18:08,600 --> 00:18:10,600 office of emergency management, has 551 00:18:10,600 --> 00:18:13,040 spent nearly 5 years planning a facility 552 00:18:13,040 --> 00:18:14,160 that will serve the community for 553 00:18:14,160 --> 00:18:15,880 decades to come. 554 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:18,160 Hundreds of hours have been invested in 555 00:18:18,160 --> 00:18:20,080 the logistics and the design of this new 556 00:18:20,080 --> 00:18:22,440 building in the heart of Ramsey that 557 00:18:22,440 --> 00:18:24,440 will allow us to continue protecting and 558 00:18:24,440 --> 00:18:25,800 serving our residents safely and 559 00:18:25,800 --> 00:18:27,440 effectively. 560 00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:29,040 We fully understand what this project 561 00:18:29,040 --> 00:18:30,640 means to the community and do not take 562 00:18:30,640 --> 00:18:32,520 lightly the support provided by the 563 00:18:32,520 --> 00:18:35,040 governing body and our residents. 564 00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:36,600 The facility will house the fire 565 00:18:36,600 --> 00:18:38,640 department, rescue squad, and the office 566 00:18:38,640 --> 00:18:40,400 of emergency management, 567 00:18:40,400 --> 00:18:42,000 while also serving as a backup 568 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:43,400 communication center for the Ramsey 569 00:18:43,400 --> 00:18:45,280 Police Department. 570 00:18:45,280 --> 00:18:47,200 It is a critical investment in ensuring 571 00:18:47,200 --> 00:18:48,680 that public safety remains a top 572 00:18:48,680 --> 00:18:51,120 priority in Ramsey. 573 00:18:51,120 --> 00:18:53,040 I would like to acknowledge the 574 00:18:53,040 --> 00:18:54,800 council's dedication to public safety 575 00:18:54,800 --> 00:18:56,480 and its commitment to the volunteers who 576 00:18:56,480 --> 00:18:58,000 selflessly 577 00:18:58,000 --> 00:19:01,240 serve this community each and every day. 578 00:19:01,240 --> 00:19:03,040 Many residents may not realize that 579 00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:05,520 Ramsey operates a 100% volunteer fire 580 00:19:05,520 --> 00:19:07,720 department. The men and women in this 581 00:19:07,720 --> 00:19:09,720 room who respond to emergencies at all 582 00:19:09,720 --> 00:19:12,480 hours of the day and night, on weekends, 583 00:19:12,480 --> 00:19:15,240 holidays, or your friends, neighbors, 584 00:19:15,240 --> 00:19:16,760 and family members. 585 00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:18,680 After responding to calls, 586 00:19:18,680 --> 00:19:20,560 they they return home to care for their 587 00:19:20,560 --> 00:19:22,520 families, get their children ready for 588 00:19:22,520 --> 00:19:24,840 school, go to work, prepare meals, and 589 00:19:24,840 --> 00:19:26,560 fulfill their responsibilities of daily 590 00:19:26,560 --> 00:19:28,120 life. 591 00:19:28,120 --> 00:19:29,640 It is not uncommon for a volunteer 592 00:19:29,640 --> 00:19:31,680 firefighter to go to bed at night, be 593 00:19:31,680 --> 00:19:33,960 awakened by a pager, spend hours 594 00:19:33,960 --> 00:19:36,320 battling a fire, return home early in 595 00:19:36,320 --> 00:19:38,280 the morning, and then begin a full work 596 00:19:38,280 --> 00:19:39,320 day. 597 00:19:39,320 --> 00:19:41,440 Others leave holiday dinners, family 598 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:43,520 celebrations, and important personal 599 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:45,640 moments to answer calls for help. 600 00:19:45,640 --> 00:19:47,480 They do this willingly because they care 601 00:19:47,480 --> 00:19:49,680 deeply about this community. 602 00:19:49,680 --> 00:19:51,400 The members in this room love Ramsey, 603 00:19:51,400 --> 00:19:52,920 and we are grateful for the support and 604 00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:55,240 appreciation this community continues to 605 00:19:55,240 --> 00:19:56,680 show us. 606 00:19:56,680 --> 00:19:59,160 Again, I would like to thank the mayor 607 00:19:59,160 --> 00:20:01,360 and council for supporting this project, 608 00:20:01,360 --> 00:20:02,840 and thank the residents of Ramsey for 609 00:20:02,840 --> 00:20:04,240 their trust. 610 00:20:04,240 --> 00:20:06,240 This is your fire department, your 611 00:20:06,240 --> 00:20:09,080 emergency services complex, your fire 612 00:20:09,080 --> 00:20:11,320 apparatus, and your neighbors who stand 613 00:20:11,320 --> 00:20:14,160 ready to serve whenever they are needed. 614 00:20:14,160 --> 00:20:15,920 I would especially like to thank Mayor 615 00:20:15,920 --> 00:20:17,120 Dillon, 616 00:20:17,120 --> 00:20:19,400 Council President Cusack, Councilman 617 00:20:19,400 --> 00:20:21,520 Peter Kilman, and Borough Administrator 618 00:20:21,520 --> 00:20:23,720 Bruce Vozeh for their continued support 619 00:20:23,720 --> 00:20:25,240 and guidance over the past several 620 00:20:25,240 --> 00:20:26,480 years. 621 00:20:26,480 --> 00:20:28,760 Bringing this project to reality has not 622 00:20:28,760 --> 00:20:31,320 been an easy road, as we all know, 623 00:20:31,320 --> 00:20:32,480 and their dedication has been 624 00:20:32,480 --> 00:20:33,720 instrumental. 625 00:20:33,720 --> 00:20:35,080 I would also like to acknowledge and 626 00:20:35,080 --> 00:20:37,120 thank all current and former council 627 00:20:37,120 --> 00:20:38,840 members whose efforts over multiple 628 00:20:38,840 --> 00:20:41,840 terms helped move this project forward. 629 00:20:41,840 --> 00:20:43,480 Thank you for your time and for allowing 630 00:20:43,480 --> 00:20:45,000 me to speak on behalf of the Ramsey Fire 631 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:46,480 Department. Thank you. 632 00:20:46,480 --> 00:20:49,000 >> Thank you, Mr. Hewitt. 633 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:50,960 Is there anyone else in Council Chambers 634 00:20:50,960 --> 00:20:52,280 who would like to speak regarding 635 00:20:52,280 --> 00:20:57,190 Ordinance 16-2026? 636 00:20:57,200 --> 00:20:58,920 Seeing and not seeing anyone, I will ask 637 00:20:58,920 --> 00:21:00,320 is there anyone on the phone that would 638 00:21:00,320 --> 00:21:06,910 like to comment on Ordinance 16-2026? 639 00:21:06,920 --> 00:21:10,910 Second call for comments. 640 00:21:10,920 --> 00:21:12,760 Third and final call for comments. All 641 00:21:12,760 --> 00:21:14,320 right, I will now close the public 642 00:21:14,320 --> 00:21:15,320 hearing. 643 00:21:15,320 --> 00:21:17,080 And may we please have a roll call on 644 00:21:17,080 --> 00:21:19,400 ordinance 16-2026. 645 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:21,000 >> Councilwoman Cusack? 646 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:21,440 >> Yes. 647 00:21:21,440 --> 00:21:22,800 >> Councilman Grisanti? 648 00:21:22,800 --> 00:21:23,160 >> Yes. 649 00:21:23,160 --> 00:21:24,720 >> Councilman Gottwals? 650 00:21:24,720 --> 00:21:25,160 >> Yes. 651 00:21:25,160 --> 00:21:26,480 >> Councilman Kilmer? 652 00:21:26,480 --> 00:21:26,960 >> Yes. 653 00:21:26,960 --> 00:21:28,320 >> Councilwoman Poppy? 654 00:21:28,320 --> 00:21:30,560 >> Yes. 655 00:21:30,560 --> 00:21:33,680 >> Hey, thank you. Ordinance 16-2026 656 00:21:33,680 --> 00:21:49,550 HAS NOW PASSED. 657 00:21:49,560 --> 00:21:50,440 NOW, 658 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:52,635 I CERTAINLY WASN'T EXPECTING THAT. 659 00:21:52,635 --> 00:21:53,840 >> [laughter] 660 00:21:53,840 --> 00:21:55,000 >> SO, 661 00:21:55,000 --> 00:21:57,040 thank you for your very kind remarks, 662 00:21:57,040 --> 00:21:59,320 your very thoughtful remarks. And as you 663 00:21:59,320 --> 00:22:01,400 know, this project has been an absolute 664 00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:04,480 labor of love for many years. And thank 665 00:22:04,480 --> 00:22:06,280 you to everyone who has put the time in 666 00:22:06,280 --> 00:22:08,520 on it. Um, it it's 667 00:22:08,520 --> 00:22:10,120 definitely been a labor of love. So, 668 00:22:10,120 --> 00:22:12,440 thank you for your support. And I'm glad 669 00:22:12,440 --> 00:22:14,920 that the ordinance has passed. So, 670 00:22:14,920 --> 00:22:16,720 and if you want to stick around, you're 671 00:22:16,720 --> 00:22:18,600 more than welcome to, but if you don't 672 00:22:18,600 --> 00:22:21,000 want to, we won't be offended. 673 00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:22,760 Okay? So, have a nice evening. 674 00:22:22,760 --> 00:22:24,200 >> Thank you. 675 00:22:24,200 --> 00:22:25,800 so much. 676 00:22:25,800 --> 00:22:26,560 >> Of course, thank you. 677 00:22:26,560 --> 00:22:27,560 >> Thank you. 678 00:22:27,560 --> 00:22:29,800 >> Oh, welcome back, Jackie. 679 00:22:29,800 --> 00:22:35,750 How was Tuesday? 680 00:22:35,760 --> 00:22:37,760 Get home safely. 681 00:22:37,760 --> 00:22:39,360 Now, enjoy the evening. It's beautiful 682 00:22:39,360 --> 00:22:53,510 out. 683 00:22:53,520 --> 00:22:54,680 Okay, let's move on to ordinance 684 00:22:54,680 --> 00:22:58,710 17-2026. 685 00:22:58,720 --> 00:23:00,680 » Uh, thank you, Madam Mayor. 686 00:23:00,680 --> 00:23:02,400 Uh, this is the reading, final reading 687 00:23:02,400 --> 00:23:08,870 of ordinance 17-2026. 688 00:23:08,880 --> 00:23:29,990 » We'll wait till the door closes. 689 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:31,720 All right, here we go. Once again, let's 690 00:23:31,720 --> 00:23:34,920 do ordinance 17-20-26. 691 00:23:34,920 --> 00:23:36,560 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is the 692 00:23:36,560 --> 00:23:38,120 reading final reading of ordinance 693 00:23:38,120 --> 00:23:40,840 17-20-26, an ordinance amending chapter 694 00:23:40,840 --> 00:23:42,520 1 of the code of the Borough of Ramsey, 695 00:23:42,520 --> 00:23:44,760 County of Bergen, State of New Jersey 696 00:23:44,760 --> 00:23:46,720 so as to establish a local supplemental 697 00:23:46,720 --> 00:23:48,920 violations bureau schedule of designated 698 00:23:48,920 --> 00:23:50,280 offenses 699 00:23:50,280 --> 00:23:52,160 and payable amounts, as well as chapter 700 00:23:52,160 --> 00:23:54,120 7 traffic penalties and chapter 8 701 00:23:54,120 --> 00:23:56,280 municipal parking lots and off-street 702 00:23:56,280 --> 00:23:57,720 parking penalties, having been brought 703 00:23:57,720 --> 00:23:59,200 up for public hearing and all persons 704 00:23:59,200 --> 00:24:00,280 interested 705 00:24:00,280 --> 00:24:01,560 and been given an opportunity to be 706 00:24:01,560 --> 00:24:03,360 heard, pass final reading by title and 707 00:24:03,360 --> 00:24:04,840 that said ordinance 708 00:24:04,840 --> 00:24:06,480 that the adopted as an ordinance of the 709 00:24:06,480 --> 00:24:07,880 Borough of Ramsey and be it further 710 00:24:07,880 --> 00:24:10,120 resolved that the Borough clerk be and 711 00:24:10,120 --> 00:24:11,920 she hereby is directed to cause a copy 712 00:24:11,920 --> 00:24:13,280 of the title of said ordinance to be 713 00:24:13,280 --> 00:24:14,600 published in the official newspaper of 714 00:24:14,600 --> 00:24:16,720 the Borough in a manner provided by law, 715 00:24:16,720 --> 00:24:18,200 together with a notice of the date of 716 00:24:18,200 --> 00:24:19,640 production and adoption of said 717 00:24:19,640 --> 00:24:21,480 ordinance. 718 00:24:21,480 --> 00:24:22,480 >> I'll second. 719 00:24:22,480 --> 00:24:24,760 >> Thank you. Any comments from the dais 720 00:24:24,760 --> 00:24:28,120 before I open it up for public hearing? 721 00:24:28,120 --> 00:24:29,680 Mr. Bozack? 722 00:24:29,680 --> 00:24:31,280 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. This ordinance 723 00:24:31,280 --> 00:24:33,040 amends the Ramsey Municipal Court's 724 00:24:33,040 --> 00:24:35,040 violation schedule fees, which has not 725 00:24:35,040 --> 00:24:37,720 been updated since 2013. The court 726 00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:39,360 administrator municipal judge have 727 00:24:39,360 --> 00:24:41,200 recommended the updates. The changes 728 00:24:41,200 --> 00:24:43,840 basically impact violations, mostly 729 00:24:43,840 --> 00:24:46,120 parking, that have currently have a $50 730 00:24:46,120 --> 00:24:48,560 penalty, which will now move to a $75 731 00:24:48,560 --> 00:24:50,640 penalty. 732 00:24:50,640 --> 00:24:53,160 >> Thank you. Any other comments? 733 00:24:53,160 --> 00:24:55,200 Now, we'll now open it up for public 734 00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:56,880 hearing. Is there anyone in chambers who 735 00:24:56,880 --> 00:24:58,520 would like to comment on ordinance 736 00:24:58,520 --> 00:25:03,990 17-2026? 737 00:25:04,000 --> 00:25:05,680 Not seeing anyone, I will now open it up 738 00:25:05,680 --> 00:25:07,080 to public comments from anyone on the 739 00:25:07,080 --> 00:25:08,520 telephone line. Is there anyone on the 740 00:25:08,520 --> 00:25:10,520 telephone line who would like to comment 741 00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:15,550 on ordinance 17-2026? 742 00:25:15,560 --> 00:25:19,190 Second call for comments. 743 00:25:19,200 --> 00:25:21,120 Third and final call for comments. I 744 00:25:21,120 --> 00:25:23,080 will now close the public hearing. May 745 00:25:23,080 --> 00:25:24,760 we please have the roll call? 746 00:25:24,760 --> 00:25:26,160 >> Councilwoman Kucsik? 747 00:25:26,160 --> 00:25:26,360 >> Yes. 748 00:25:26,360 --> 00:25:27,600 >> Councilman Grisanti? 749 00:25:27,600 --> 00:25:28,040 >> Yes. 750 00:25:28,040 --> 00:25:29,720 >> Councilman Gotwetter? 751 00:25:29,720 --> 00:25:30,120 >> Yes. 752 00:25:30,120 --> 00:25:31,160 >> Councilman Kilman? 753 00:25:31,160 --> 00:25:32,040 >> Yes. 754 00:25:32,040 --> 00:25:33,200 >> Councilwoman Poppie? 755 00:25:33,200 --> 00:25:34,400 >> Yes. 756 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:35,560 >> Thank you. 757 00:25:35,560 --> 00:25:38,480 We'll now do ordinance 18-2026. 758 00:25:38,480 --> 00:25:40,160 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is final 759 00:25:40,160 --> 00:25:43,080 ordinance number 18-2026, an ordinance 760 00:25:43,080 --> 00:25:44,760 amending chapter 19 of the code of the 761 00:25:44,760 --> 00:25:46,880 Borough of Ramsey, Bergen County, New 762 00:25:46,880 --> 00:25:49,640 Jersey, and more specifically subsection 763 00:25:49,640 --> 00:25:52,240 19-2.1 764 00:25:52,240 --> 00:25:55,720 thereof entitled fees for water usage. 765 00:25:55,720 --> 00:25:56,960 Having been brought up for public 766 00:25:56,960 --> 00:25:58,920 hearing and all persons interested 767 00:25:58,920 --> 00:26:00,920 having been given an opportunity to be 768 00:26:00,920 --> 00:26:03,880 heard, pass final reading by title and 769 00:26:03,880 --> 00:26:05,920 that said ordinance be adopted as an 770 00:26:05,920 --> 00:26:08,600 ordinance of the Borough of Ramsey and 771 00:26:08,600 --> 00:26:10,680 be it further resolved that the Borough 772 00:26:10,680 --> 00:26:13,440 Clerk be and she hereby is directed to 773 00:26:13,440 --> 00:26:15,240 cause a copy of the title of said 774 00:26:15,240 --> 00:26:17,640 ordinance to be published in an official 775 00:26:17,640 --> 00:26:19,480 newspaper of the Borough in the manner 776 00:26:19,480 --> 00:26:22,160 provided by law together with a notice 777 00:26:22,160 --> 00:26:24,560 of the date of introduction and adoption 778 00:26:24,560 --> 00:26:27,640 of said ordinance. 779 00:26:27,640 --> 00:26:28,680 >> I second that. 780 00:26:28,680 --> 00:26:30,360 >> Thank you. Is there anyone on the dais 781 00:26:30,360 --> 00:26:31,800 who would like to make a comment on this 782 00:26:31,800 --> 00:26:33,560 ordinance before I open it up for public 783 00:26:33,560 --> 00:26:34,400 hearing? 784 00:26:34,400 --> 00:26:36,280 >> Madam, I would like uh 785 00:26:36,280 --> 00:26:38,080 Administrator Rosay please to to make 786 00:26:38,080 --> 00:26:39,640 some comments. Thank you very much. 787 00:26:39,640 --> 00:26:40,880 >> Thank you. Mr. Rosay? 788 00:26:40,880 --> 00:26:42,040 >> Sure. 789 00:26:42,040 --> 00:26:42,800 Uh 790 00:26:42,800 --> 00:26:44,440 the Board of Public Works has approved 791 00:26:44,440 --> 00:26:46,240 the recommendation to increase water 792 00:26:46,240 --> 00:26:49,080 usage fees in the Borough by 3.62% 793 00:26:49,080 --> 00:26:51,400 effective on September 1st. 794 00:26:51,400 --> 00:26:53,000 Uh with the enhanced 795 00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:54,960 on water quality, the cost of testing, 796 00:26:54,960 --> 00:26:56,520 monitoring, and treatment of drinking 797 00:26:56,520 --> 00:26:59,400 water continues to increase. As noted by 798 00:26:59,400 --> 00:27:01,360 Council President Cusick, Ramsey's water 799 00:27:01,360 --> 00:27:03,280 quality continues to meet all federal 800 00:27:03,280 --> 00:27:05,200 and state requirements. Ramsey's had no 801 00:27:05,200 --> 00:27:07,320 drinking water violations. 802 00:27:07,320 --> 00:27:09,040 And the bureau's annual water quality 803 00:27:09,040 --> 00:27:10,960 reports are available for review on the 804 00:27:10,960 --> 00:27:12,880 bureau website. 805 00:27:12,880 --> 00:27:13,880 >> Thank you. 806 00:27:13,880 --> 00:27:15,600 Is there anyone I'll now open it up for 807 00:27:15,600 --> 00:27:17,040 public hearing. Is there anyone in 808 00:27:17,040 --> 00:27:18,400 Council Chambers who would like to 809 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:20,560 comment on ordinance 18 810 00:27:20,560 --> 00:27:25,190 2026? 811 00:27:25,200 --> 00:27:26,600 Not seeing anyone. Is there anyone on 812 00:27:26,600 --> 00:27:28,360 the line who would like to comment on 813 00:27:28,360 --> 00:27:34,190 ordinance 18 2026? 814 00:27:34,200 --> 00:27:38,750 Second call for comments. 815 00:27:38,760 --> 00:27:40,920 Third and final call for comments. 816 00:27:40,920 --> 00:27:42,680 I will now close the public hearing. 817 00:27:42,680 --> 00:27:44,560 Would you please have a roll call? 818 00:27:44,560 --> 00:27:45,680 >> Councilwoman Cusick? 819 00:27:45,680 --> 00:27:46,040 >> Yes. 820 00:27:46,040 --> 00:27:47,360 >> Councilman Grisanti? 821 00:27:47,360 --> 00:27:47,800 >> Yes. 822 00:27:47,800 --> 00:27:49,360 >> Councilman Gutwetter? 823 00:27:49,360 --> 00:27:49,800 >> Yes. 824 00:27:49,800 --> 00:27:50,920 >> Councilman Kilman? 825 00:27:50,920 --> 00:27:51,480 >> Yes. 826 00:27:51,480 --> 00:27:52,720 >> Councilwoman Capi? 827 00:27:52,720 --> 00:27:54,200 >> Yes. 828 00:27:54,200 --> 00:27:55,840 >> Thank you. I hereby make the following 829 00:27:55,840 --> 00:27:58,160 appointments: Robert Navarro, Ramsey 830 00:27:58,160 --> 00:28:00,960 Rescue Squad; Frank Cristiano, Ramsey 831 00:28:00,960 --> 00:28:03,360 Rescue Squad; and Allison Altano as 832 00:28:03,360 --> 00:28:06,400 temporary tax collector. 833 00:28:06,400 --> 00:28:07,520 Let's now move on to consent 834 00:28:07,520 --> 00:28:10,280 resolutions. 835 00:28:10,280 --> 00:28:11,920 >> Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. 836 00:28:11,920 --> 00:28:14,920 Uh be it resolved that resolution 161 837 00:28:14,920 --> 00:28:16,440 2026 838 00:28:16,440 --> 00:28:19,680 through and including 171 2026 839 00:28:19,680 --> 00:28:22,720 have been considered by the governing body of the Borough of Ramsey 840 00:28:22,720 --> 00:28:27,350 be and are hereby passed and approved. 841 00:28:27,360 --> 00:28:29,960 Uh we have a special permit request of 842 00:28:29,960 --> 00:28:31,920 the Ramsey Public Education Foundation 843 00:28:31,920 --> 00:28:33,360 for special permission to hold their 844 00:28:33,360 --> 00:28:35,280 annual Spring for Schools 845 00:28:35,280 --> 00:28:38,640 5K Family Fun Run on Saturday May 20 846 00:28:38,640 --> 00:28:41,600 2027 beginning at 8:30 a.m. 847 00:28:41,600 --> 00:28:44,640 Uh couple of block party requests. 848 00:28:44,640 --> 00:28:46,840 Uh 234 Norman Drive has requested 849 00:28:46,840 --> 00:28:48,360 permission to hold a block party on 850 00:28:48,360 --> 00:28:51,440 Saturday, August 29th, 2026 from 4:00 to 851 00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:52,760 10:00 p.m. 852 00:28:52,760 --> 00:28:54,320 And Poplar Street has requested 853 00:28:54,320 --> 00:28:55,680 permission to hold a block party on 854 00:28:55,680 --> 00:28:58,960 Saturday, October 24th, 2026 from 10:00 855 00:28:58,960 --> 00:29:02,990 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 856 00:29:03,000 --> 00:29:04,320 » I'll second. 857 00:29:04,320 --> 00:29:06,120 >> Okay. Anybody have any comments on the 858 00:29:06,120 --> 00:29:09,750 consent resolutions? 859 00:29:09,760 --> 00:29:11,280 You want to cover any of them? Do you 860 00:29:11,280 --> 00:29:12,240 want to do them now? Sure. 861 00:29:12,240 --> 00:29:13,240 >> Yes, please. 862 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:14,320 >> Okay. 863 00:29:14,320 --> 00:29:15,080 Um 864 00:29:15,080 --> 00:29:18,320 Resolution 165 authorizes a change order 865 00:29:18,320 --> 00:29:20,240 number four to the Motorola Solutions 866 00:29:20,240 --> 00:29:22,480 contract. This change order is for 867 00:29:22,480 --> 00:29:25,080 $7,545.94 868 00:29:25,080 --> 00:29:26,760 for additional electric work needed for 869 00:29:26,760 --> 00:29:28,880 the backup power generator being put in 870 00:29:28,880 --> 00:29:31,680 place at the DPW tower site. 871 00:29:31,680 --> 00:29:34,760 Resolution 168 authorizes award of 872 00:29:34,760 --> 00:29:37,200 contract to RER Supply for removal and 873 00:29:37,200 --> 00:29:39,160 disposal of leaves. 874 00:29:39,160 --> 00:29:40,920 The borough went out to public bid for a 875 00:29:40,920 --> 00:29:42,680 two-year contract for the removal and 876 00:29:42,680 --> 00:29:44,560 disposal of leaves. 877 00:29:44,560 --> 00:29:46,560 Bids were opened on August 19th with 878 00:29:46,560 --> 00:29:48,280 three firms submitting bids. The low 879 00:29:48,280 --> 00:29:50,680 bidder was RER Riverdale 880 00:29:50,680 --> 00:29:53,000 with a bid of $9.13 881 00:29:53,000 --> 00:29:55,200 per cubic yard on an estimated quantity 882 00:29:55,200 --> 00:29:58,080 over the two-year period of 50,000 cubic 883 00:29:58,080 --> 00:29:59,600 yards of leaves. 884 00:29:59,600 --> 00:30:01,680 Also, a total contract for the two years 885 00:30:01,680 --> 00:30:04,830 of 456,500. 886 00:30:04,840 --> 00:30:06,600 Bids were reviewed by myself and the 887 00:30:06,600 --> 00:30:08,720 borough attorney Scandariato. We both 888 00:30:08,720 --> 00:30:10,640 recommend award to RER as the lowest 889 00:30:10,640 --> 00:30:13,240 responsible bidder. This contract is for 890 00:30:13,240 --> 00:30:15,520 removal of leaves from the Dam Ramsey 891 00:30:15,520 --> 00:30:17,800 DPW yard and transportation to an 892 00:30:17,800 --> 00:30:20,400 authorized and licensed disposal site. 893 00:30:20,400 --> 00:30:21,800 This is consistent with the current 894 00:30:21,800 --> 00:30:24,000 situation with the DPW performing the 895 00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:25,560 curbside collection and outside 896 00:30:25,560 --> 00:30:27,040 contractor 897 00:30:27,040 --> 00:30:29,160 then removes and disposes them from the 898 00:30:29,160 --> 00:30:33,640 DPW site to a licensed disposal site. 899 00:30:33,640 --> 00:30:36,240 Resolution 171 900 00:30:36,240 --> 00:30:38,360 authorizes change order number one to 901 00:30:38,360 --> 00:30:40,600 Musco Sports Lighting. Musco Sports 902 00:30:40,600 --> 00:30:43,120 Lighting was a authorized to contract 903 00:30:43,120 --> 00:30:46,360 under resolution 133 of 2026 for the 904 00:30:46,360 --> 00:30:48,440 court lighting at Finch Park. 905 00:30:48,440 --> 00:30:50,320 Uh this change order to that contract is 906 00:30:50,320 --> 00:30:53,800 for $7,700 $7,740 907 00:30:53,800 --> 00:30:55,920 for additional electric work to add 908 00:30:55,920 --> 00:30:58,520 requisite wiring and work needed to add 909 00:30:58,520 --> 00:31:00,560 power receptacles on the base of each of 910 00:31:00,560 --> 00:31:03,760 the new light poles being installed. 911 00:31:03,760 --> 00:31:04,880 That would be 912 00:31:04,880 --> 00:31:06,440 >> Thank you. Any other comments on the 913 00:31:06,440 --> 00:31:09,120 consent resolutions? 914 00:31:09,120 --> 00:31:11,240 Not hearing any, roll call, please. 915 00:31:11,240 --> 00:31:12,600 >> Councilwoman Kusiak? 916 00:31:12,600 --> 00:31:12,800 >> Yes. 917 00:31:12,800 --> 00:31:14,040 >> Councilman Ingrassia? 918 00:31:14,040 --> 00:31:14,440 >> Yes. 919 00:31:14,440 --> 00:31:15,760 >> Councilman Gutwetter? 920 00:31:15,760 --> 00:31:16,240 >> Yes. 921 00:31:16,240 --> 00:31:17,280 >> Councilman Kilman? 922 00:31:17,280 --> 00:31:18,120 >> Yes. 923 00:31:18,120 --> 00:31:19,440 >> Councilwoman Pappas? 924 00:31:19,440 --> 00:31:20,480 >> Yes. 925 00:31:20,480 --> 00:31:22,160 >> Thank you. Let's move on to community 926 00:31:22,160 --> 00:31:24,080 and liaison reports. Finance and 927 00:31:24,080 --> 00:31:29,150 Administration, Councilman Gutwetter. 928 00:31:29,160 --> 00:31:30,800 » Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. 929 00:31:30,800 --> 00:31:32,720 My report for this evening, 930 00:31:32,720 --> 00:31:33,520 uh 931 00:31:33,520 --> 00:31:34,840 the library has been actively 932 00:31:34,840 --> 00:31:36,760 participating in various outreach events 933 00:31:36,760 --> 00:31:37,920 throughout the community to spread 934 00:31:37,920 --> 00:31:40,000 awareness of services. 935 00:31:40,000 --> 00:31:42,120 On October 17th, the library held a 936 00:31:42,120 --> 00:31:44,120 small dedication ceremony to unveil the 937 00:31:44,120 --> 00:31:45,120 new 938 00:31:45,120 --> 00:31:47,440 Carolyn's Corner sign and designation of 939 00:31:47,440 --> 00:31:48,840 the teen room 940 00:31:48,840 --> 00:31:51,680 in memory of Carolyn Knott, a long-time 941 00:31:51,680 --> 00:31:53,800 member of the library Board of 942 00:31:53,800 --> 00:31:54,880 Trustees. 943 00:31:54,880 --> 00:31:56,720 The library's pavilion project is moving 944 00:31:56,720 --> 00:31:58,440 forward in the planning stage. The space 945 00:31:58,440 --> 00:32:00,680 will be open for general use for 946 00:32:00,680 --> 00:32:02,800 reading, studying, and relaxing, through 947 00:32:02,800 --> 00:32:04,600 meetups and more, and will also be an 948 00:32:04,600 --> 00:32:06,760 event space for outdoor events. 949 00:32:06,760 --> 00:32:08,240 Uh the library released its fourth 950 00:32:08,240 --> 00:32:10,560 quarterly newsletter uh to highlight our 951 00:32:10,560 --> 00:32:12,960 Boo-Z-Bash Halloween party, uh the 952 00:32:12,960 --> 00:32:15,440 Boo-Z-Dash, which will be a BYOB 953 00:32:15,440 --> 00:32:17,880 fundraiser for adults only, uh nature 954 00:32:17,880 --> 00:32:19,920 photography showcase, and a series of 955 00:32:19,920 --> 00:32:21,520 college planning sessions for students 956 00:32:21,520 --> 00:32:22,960 and families. 957 00:32:22,960 --> 00:32:24,000 The library has partnered with the 958 00:32:24,000 --> 00:32:25,320 Bergen County Division of Senior 959 00:32:25,320 --> 00:32:27,480 Services, as well as Alzheimer's New 960 00:32:27,480 --> 00:32:28,760 Jersey nonprofit, to become a 961 00:32:28,760 --> 00:32:30,400 dementia-friendly library. This is a 962 00:32:30,400 --> 00:32:32,280 program where our library now has a 963 00:32:32,280 --> 00:32:33,600 selection of books and materials that 964 00:32:33,600 --> 00:32:36,160 will be helpful for caregivers, 965 00:32:36,160 --> 00:32:37,640 and residents can check the library 966 00:32:37,640 --> 00:32:39,600 website for a full programming and any 967 00:32:39,600 --> 00:32:41,240 of the other items I discussed in my 968 00:32:41,240 --> 00:32:42,360 report. 969 00:32:42,360 --> 00:32:44,760 Uh for recreation commission 970 00:32:44,760 --> 00:32:46,760 registration for school sports or full 971 00:32:46,760 --> 00:32:48,080 sports are available on the Ramsey 972 00:32:48,080 --> 00:32:49,680 recreation website where there are links 973 00:32:49,680 --> 00:32:51,200 to the various sports. 974 00:32:51,200 --> 00:32:53,080 Ramsey Run is scheduled for Saturday 975 00:32:53,080 --> 00:32:55,320 morning, September 26th 976 00:32:55,320 --> 00:32:57,640 2026 and the recreation commission has 977 00:32:57,640 --> 00:32:59,720 started planning for this event with 978 00:32:59,720 --> 00:33:02,640 various tasks identified prior to the 979 00:33:02,640 --> 00:33:05,520 run, the day before, and day of the run. 980 00:33:05,520 --> 00:33:07,640 Registration has been open since August 981 00:33:07,640 --> 00:33:08,760 11th. 982 00:33:08,760 --> 00:33:10,680 The Ramsey Farmers Market market is open 983 00:33:10,680 --> 00:33:12,120 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through 984 00:33:12,120 --> 00:33:14,120 November. In December, the hours will 985 00:33:14,120 --> 00:33:16,480 change from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 986 00:33:16,480 --> 00:33:19,240 September 27th, the Apple Festival will 987 00:33:19,240 --> 00:33:21,240 take place sponsored by the Woman's Club 988 00:33:21,240 --> 00:33:23,560 of Ramsey. October 25th, the 989 00:33:23,560 --> 00:33:25,240 Touch-a-Truck event sponsored by the 990 00:33:25,240 --> 00:33:28,040 Ramsey Juniors. 991 00:33:28,040 --> 00:33:29,240 That concludes my report. 992 00:33:29,240 --> 00:33:31,800 >> Well, thank you. 993 00:33:31,800 --> 00:33:34,760 Public Safety Councilman Kilmartin. 994 00:33:34,760 --> 00:33:36,320 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. 995 00:33:36,320 --> 00:33:38,320 Uh first, I'd like to congratulate Tom 996 00:33:38,320 --> 00:33:39,480 Varro, 997 00:33:39,480 --> 00:33:41,960 Frank Cristiano, and Allison Antonucci 998 00:33:41,960 --> 00:33:44,040 on their appointments. 999 00:33:44,040 --> 00:33:47,080 And for my public safety report, 1000 00:33:47,080 --> 00:33:49,000 briefly, work continues to move forward 1001 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:51,000 on Ramsey's new state-of-the-art fire, 1002 00:33:51,000 --> 00:33:52,520 rescue, and office of emergency 1003 00:33:52,520 --> 00:33:54,320 management complex on South Central 1004 00:33:54,320 --> 00:33:55,400 Boulevard. 1005 00:33:55,400 --> 00:33:57,520 New facility will replace the existing 1006 00:33:57,520 --> 00:33:59,080 building. 1007 00:33:59,080 --> 00:34:00,000 Demolition 1008 00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:02,200 preparation for construction 1009 00:34:02,200 --> 00:34:04,600 work is also underway at the DPW 1010 00:34:04,600 --> 00:34:06,320 facility on West Crescent Avenue to 1011 00:34:06,320 --> 00:34:08,639 establish a temporary station 1012 00:34:08,639 --> 00:34:10,760 that will house the fire, rescue, and 1013 00:34:10,760 --> 00:34:12,520 other emergency services equipment 1014 00:34:12,520 --> 00:34:14,760 during the construction period. 1015 00:34:14,760 --> 00:34:16,480 Earlier this evening, 1016 00:34:16,480 --> 00:34:18,760 through ordinance 16-2026, 1017 00:34:18,760 --> 00:34:21,720 we authorized $15,050,000 1018 00:34:21,720 --> 00:34:23,720 to fund construction phase of the new 1019 00:34:23,720 --> 00:34:25,679 fire, rescue, and office of emergency 1020 00:34:25,679 --> 00:34:27,800 management complex. 1021 00:34:27,800 --> 00:34:30,320 We anticipate public bidding process for 1022 00:34:30,320 --> 00:34:32,879 the South Central facility will be 1023 00:34:32,879 --> 00:34:35,679 advertised in the fall. 1024 00:34:35,679 --> 00:34:38,040 I encourage everyone to pay close 1025 00:34:38,040 --> 00:34:40,399 attention or to refer later to Borough 1026 00:34:40,399 --> 00:34:42,520 Administrator Bruce Lorenz's 1027 00:34:42,520 --> 00:34:45,919 comments for ordinance 2026 earlier this 1028 00:34:45,919 --> 00:34:48,679 evening and to his report later this 1029 00:34:48,679 --> 00:34:49,520 evening, 1030 00:34:49,520 --> 00:34:51,760 which will provide additional details 1031 00:34:51,760 --> 00:34:53,679 about this important project, which I'm 1032 00:34:53,679 --> 00:34:55,679 sure will be of great interest to our 1033 00:34:55,679 --> 00:34:57,080 residents. 1034 00:34:57,080 --> 00:34:58,520 That's it. Thank you, ma'am. 1035 00:34:58,520 --> 00:35:00,840 >> Thank you. 1036 00:35:00,840 --> 00:35:01,960 Building, Planning, and Zoning, 1037 00:35:01,960 --> 00:35:04,040 Councilman Casoni. 1038 00:35:04,040 --> 00:35:05,800 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. 1039 00:35:05,800 --> 00:35:10,480 Um I have nothing to report on the Zoning 1040 00:35:10,480 --> 00:35:12,680 Board of Appeals as the August meeting 1041 00:35:12,680 --> 00:35:13,920 was canceled. 1042 00:35:13,920 --> 00:35:15,280 The next meeting is scheduled for 1043 00:35:15,280 --> 00:35:17,200 September 22nd. 1044 00:35:17,200 --> 00:35:20,120 And the July uh 1045 00:35:20,120 --> 00:35:21,640 sorry, the August Zoning Board meeting 1046 00:35:21,640 --> 00:35:23,360 was also canceled. 1047 00:35:23,360 --> 00:35:27,950 Uh and that meeting is September 16th. 1048 00:35:27,960 --> 00:35:29,800 » Thank you. 1049 00:35:29,800 --> 00:35:31,560 Utilities, Buildings, and Grounds, 1050 00:35:31,560 --> 00:35:33,920 Council President Cusick. 1051 00:35:33,920 --> 00:35:37,750 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. 1052 00:35:37,760 --> 00:35:39,480 Congratulations to our appointments this 1053 00:35:39,480 --> 00:35:41,640 evening, Robert Navarro and Frank 1054 00:35:41,640 --> 00:35:44,040 Christiana. My report will be an update 1055 00:35:44,040 --> 00:35:45,520 regarding our Planning Board, Shade Tree 1056 00:35:45,520 --> 00:35:48,120 Commission, and Board of Public Works. 1057 00:35:48,120 --> 00:35:49,680 For the Ramsey Planning Board, please 1058 00:35:49,680 --> 00:35:51,200 note that our Planning Board has been 1059 00:35:51,200 --> 00:35:53,600 fielding waivers via email to keep 1060 00:35:53,600 --> 00:35:55,280 businesses moving 1061 00:35:55,280 --> 00:35:57,360 with their activities. Um we did not 1062 00:35:57,360 --> 00:35:59,480 meet in the month of August. Our next 1063 00:35:59,480 --> 00:36:02,000 meeting will be on September 1st. There 1064 00:36:02,000 --> 00:36:04,240 is a No Knock Registry. Ramsey maintains 1065 00:36:04,240 --> 00:36:06,520 this. It allows residents to opt out of 1066 00:36:06,520 --> 00:36:08,840 door-to-door commercial solicitation and 1067 00:36:08,840 --> 00:36:11,320 rule by visiting the Borough website and 1068 00:36:11,320 --> 00:36:13,680 completing online application. Please 1069 00:36:13,680 --> 00:36:15,600 search No Knock List. 1070 00:36:15,600 --> 00:36:17,280 Our Shade Tree Commission's next meeting 1071 00:36:17,280 --> 00:36:19,880 is September 17th. Our commission is 1072 00:36:19,880 --> 00:36:22,200 made up of Ramsey resident volunteers 1073 00:36:22,200 --> 00:36:24,480 who dedicate their time to preserving, 1074 00:36:24,480 --> 00:36:26,280 protecting, and expanding our tree 1075 00:36:26,280 --> 00:36:28,280 canopy. Ramsey has proudly been 1076 00:36:28,280 --> 00:36:31,840 recognized as a tree city for 32 years. 1077 00:36:31,840 --> 00:36:34,320 The Board of Public Works last met on 1078 00:36:34,320 --> 00:36:37,840 17th August 2026. The next meeting is 21 1079 00:36:37,840 --> 00:36:39,960 September 2026. 1080 00:36:39,960 --> 00:36:41,520 The Board of Public Works continues to 1081 00:36:41,520 --> 00:36:43,680 plan and implement measures to comply 1082 00:36:43,680 --> 00:36:46,400 with NJDEP mandated lead service line 1083 00:36:46,400 --> 00:36:48,520 replacement program which requires all 1084 00:36:48,520 --> 00:36:50,120 lead service lines in the bureau's water 1085 00:36:50,120 --> 00:36:53,480 system be replaced by 2031. To meet this 1086 00:36:53,480 --> 00:36:55,480 mandate, the bureau will cover the cost 1087 00:36:55,480 --> 00:36:57,480 of replacing the portion of each water 1088 00:36:57,480 --> 00:36:59,680 service lines that it owns while 1089 00:36:59,680 --> 00:37:02,000 property owners will be responsible for 1090 00:37:02,000 --> 00:37:04,960 replacing the privately owned portion of 1091 00:37:04,960 --> 00:37:06,480 their service line. 1092 00:37:06,480 --> 00:37:08,520 Initially, the bureau explored whether 1093 00:37:08,520 --> 00:37:09,960 it could cover 1094 00:37:09,960 --> 00:37:11,680 the full cost of replacing both the 1095 00:37:11,680 --> 00:37:14,320 public and private portions of affected 1096 00:37:14,320 --> 00:37:16,440 service lines. The bureau determined 1097 00:37:16,440 --> 00:37:17,800 that it would not be fiscally 1098 00:37:17,800 --> 00:37:20,480 responsible or equitable to do so 1099 00:37:20,480 --> 00:37:22,440 because it would cause increases in 1100 00:37:22,440 --> 00:37:24,480 water and sewage bills for all rate 1101 00:37:24,480 --> 00:37:26,800 payers. This approach is consistent with 1102 00:37:26,800 --> 00:37:28,920 framework adopted by many other 1103 00:37:28,920 --> 00:37:31,840 municipalities throughout New Jersey. 1104 00:37:31,840 --> 00:37:34,120 To help offset offset the cost, 1105 00:37:34,120 --> 00:37:36,160 homeowners may apply for the bureau's 1106 00:37:36,160 --> 00:37:37,720 $750 1107 00:37:37,720 --> 00:37:40,040 reimbursement program towards eligible 1108 00:37:40,040 --> 00:37:42,280 lead service line replacement work. 1109 00:37:42,280 --> 00:37:44,320 Recognizing the financial impact of 1110 00:37:44,320 --> 00:37:46,400 these state mandated improvements, the 1111 00:37:46,400 --> 00:37:48,760 mayor and council acted in April to 1112 00:37:48,760 --> 00:37:51,520 extend the partial reimbursement program 1113 00:37:51,520 --> 00:37:54,880 through December of 31st, 2026. Please 1114 00:37:54,880 --> 00:37:56,360 go to the bureau website for more 1115 00:37:56,360 --> 00:37:59,040 information. Thank you, Madam Mayor. 1116 00:37:59,040 --> 00:38:01,240 >> Thank you. 1117 00:38:01,240 --> 00:38:03,520 Public and Governmental Relations, 1118 00:38:03,520 --> 00:38:05,240 Councilwoman Poppy. 1119 00:38:05,240 --> 00:38:12,070 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. 1120 00:38:12,080 --> 00:38:14,560 Okay, I would like to congratulate our 1121 00:38:14,560 --> 00:38:17,080 appointees from the agenda, Robert 1122 00:38:17,080 --> 00:38:20,120 Navarro, Frank Spizziano, and Allison 1123 00:38:20,120 --> 00:38:21,840 Altano. 1124 00:38:21,840 --> 00:38:25,080 Um the Ramsey Municipal Pool is wrapping 1125 00:38:25,080 --> 00:38:27,760 up another record-setting summer. 1126 00:38:27,760 --> 00:38:29,960 The Ramsey Race Swim Team had another 1127 00:38:29,960 --> 00:38:32,720 outstanding season, finishing undefeated 1128 00:38:32,720 --> 00:38:35,520 and capturing the league championship. 1129 00:38:35,520 --> 00:38:37,840 Our first ever National Night Out with 1130 00:38:37,840 --> 00:38:39,600 the Ramsey Police Department was a 1131 00:38:39,600 --> 00:38:42,320 tremendous success, bringing more than 1132 00:38:42,320 --> 00:38:45,640 1,000 residents, first responders, and 1133 00:38:45,640 --> 00:38:48,080 local leaders together at the pool. The 1134 00:38:48,080 --> 00:38:51,760 pool also hosted Swim Across America, a 1135 00:38:51,760 --> 00:38:54,520 national fundraiser helping raise nearly 1136 00:38:54,520 --> 00:38:56,040 $12,000 1137 00:38:56,040 --> 00:38:58,240 for cancer research. 1138 00:38:58,240 --> 00:39:00,440 There are still a few events remaining, 1139 00:39:00,440 --> 00:39:02,880 including our eighth and final Fab 1140 00:39:02,880 --> 00:39:06,280 Friday on August 28th with live music 1141 00:39:06,280 --> 00:39:09,240 and extended hours until 10:00 p.m. 1142 00:39:09,240 --> 00:39:11,480 Followed by the makeup date for our 1143 00:39:11,480 --> 00:39:14,840 Ramsey 250th pool party celebration, 1144 00:39:14,840 --> 00:39:16,640 which will be held on Saturday, 1145 00:39:16,640 --> 00:39:20,600 September 5th from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. 1146 00:39:20,600 --> 00:39:23,880 All prior registrations will be honored. 1147 00:39:23,880 --> 00:39:26,680 The pool will remain open next week for 1148 00:39:26,680 --> 00:39:28,760 after-school hours from 4:00 to 7:00 1149 00:39:28,760 --> 00:39:31,040 p.m. and with regular hours over the 1150 00:39:31,040 --> 00:39:33,640 weekend. They will officially close out 1151 00:39:33,640 --> 00:39:37,400 the 2026 season on Labor Day, September 1152 00:39:37,400 --> 00:39:38,600 7th. 1153 00:39:38,600 --> 00:39:40,800 Um, thank you to all the hardworking 1154 00:39:40,800 --> 00:39:43,080 staff and the pool commission for 1155 00:39:43,080 --> 00:39:47,040 another tremendous summer. Um, and to 1156 00:39:47,040 --> 00:39:49,400 that, thank you also comes from our pool 1157 00:39:49,400 --> 00:39:52,640 director, Gary Bock, who um, 1158 00:39:52,640 --> 00:39:56,880 ran the pool fantastically as per usual. 1159 00:39:56,880 --> 00:40:01,000 Um, their next meeting is uh, September 1160 00:40:01,000 --> 00:40:05,480 16th here at Borough Hall at 7:30 p.m. 1161 00:40:05,480 --> 00:40:08,880 Um, in regards to the Ramsey Journal, 1162 00:40:08,880 --> 00:40:12,720 yes, it is Ramsey Journal season again. 1163 00:40:12,720 --> 00:40:13,280 Um, 1164 00:40:13,280 --> 00:40:16,680 all articles are due by next Friday, 1165 00:40:16,680 --> 00:40:19,520 September 4th, so that we can get the 1166 00:40:19,520 --> 00:40:23,320 journal in mailboxes the week of October 1167 00:40:23,320 --> 00:40:27,040 19th. So, as a reminder, please get your 1168 00:40:27,040 --> 00:40:31,440 submissions in by Friday, September 4th, 1169 00:40:31,440 --> 00:40:34,760 so we have enough time for editing, 1170 00:40:34,760 --> 00:40:40,680 layout, and processing of those submissions, and we look 1171 00:40:40,680 --> 00:40:43,000 forward to reading all of them. 1172 00:40:43,000 --> 00:40:44,680 And uh 1173 00:40:44,680 --> 00:40:46,200 >> that concludes my report. Thank you so 1174 00:40:46,200 --> 00:40:46,760 much. 1175 00:40:46,760 --> 00:40:50,150 >> Thank you. 1176 00:40:50,160 --> 00:40:51,880 Does anyone have any comments for 1177 00:40:51,880 --> 00:40:54,600 Councilman Hoppolo? 1178 00:40:54,600 --> 00:40:56,440 Okay. I will remind everybody that 1179 00:40:56,440 --> 00:40:59,200 school starts next Tuesday, September 1180 00:40:59,200 --> 00:41:01,240 1st in Ramsey, the Ramsey public 1181 00:41:01,240 --> 00:41:02,400 schools. 1182 00:41:02,400 --> 00:41:04,600 Um the Ramsey Police Department will be 1183 00:41:04,600 --> 00:41:06,400 doing a public service announcement 1184 00:41:06,400 --> 00:41:08,560 prior to school starting regarding 1185 00:41:08,560 --> 00:41:11,200 traffic safety and um and then 1186 00:41:11,200 --> 00:41:12,680 enforcement action that they will be 1187 00:41:12,680 --> 00:41:14,600 doing during September 1188 00:41:14,600 --> 00:41:16,240 on the streets, so that will be coming 1189 00:41:16,240 --> 00:41:17,280 out. 1190 00:41:17,280 --> 00:41:18,800 Um I'll let everybody know that Shady 1191 00:41:18,800 --> 00:41:22,320 Side was repaved and striped, and it 1192 00:41:22,320 --> 00:41:24,040 looks really nice, and I'm happy that 1193 00:41:24,040 --> 00:41:25,480 finally happened. And to remind 1194 00:41:25,480 --> 00:41:27,720 everybody that that was paid for with 1195 00:41:27,720 --> 00:41:30,920 grant money at no cost to the taxpayers. 1196 00:41:30,920 --> 00:41:32,840 Um I was at the dedication for 1197 00:41:32,840 --> 00:41:35,080 Caroline's Corner at the library last 1198 00:41:35,080 --> 00:41:38,520 week. It was a lovely lovely celebration 1199 00:41:38,520 --> 00:41:40,920 of Caroline's life and legacy. Her 1200 00:41:40,920 --> 00:41:43,040 husband was there, as well as his 1201 00:41:43,040 --> 00:41:46,120 daughter, and then um two grandchildren 1202 00:41:46,120 --> 00:41:47,880 were here from England. So, it was well 1203 00:41:47,880 --> 00:41:49,720 attended, and there will be an article 1204 00:41:49,720 --> 00:41:52,800 in Ramsey Neighbors regarding it uh cuz 1205 00:41:52,800 --> 00:41:54,840 Lauren Schreiber was there to cover it. 1206 00:41:54,840 --> 00:41:57,160 So, that was lovely. Um I just want to 1207 00:41:57,160 --> 00:41:59,000 let everybody know I announced a couple 1208 00:41:59,000 --> 00:42:00,400 weeks ago that there's a new way to 1209 00:42:00,400 --> 00:42:02,280 report traffic issues, that you have the 1210 00:42:02,280 --> 00:42:05,240 form that goes directly to a mailbox at 1211 00:42:05,240 --> 00:42:07,400 the Ramsey Police Department, and it's 1212 00:42:07,400 --> 00:42:09,760 been successful. Um a lot of people have 1213 00:42:09,760 --> 00:42:11,160 been submitting forms, and they've been 1214 00:42:11,160 --> 00:42:13,680 getting responses from Dane Gilly or 1215 00:42:13,680 --> 00:42:15,720 Officer Gilly when they leave their 1216 00:42:15,720 --> 00:42:17,640 contact information. So, so far it's 1217 00:42:17,640 --> 00:42:20,160 been working out really well. 1218 00:42:20,160 --> 00:42:21,920 And I'd also like to say thank you to 1219 00:42:21,920 --> 00:42:23,920 Robert Navarro and Frank Cristiano from 1220 00:42:23,920 --> 00:42:25,520 Ramsey Rescue for volunteering for 1221 00:42:25,520 --> 00:42:27,240 Ramsey Rescue Squad. 1222 00:42:27,240 --> 00:42:29,680 And as I mentioned earlier, um thanks to 1223 00:42:29,680 --> 00:42:31,080 everybody that's been working on this 1224 00:42:31,080 --> 00:42:33,000 public safety building. It's 1225 00:42:33,000 --> 00:42:35,480 desperately, desperately needed. And I 1226 00:42:35,480 --> 00:42:37,200 know it's been taking a long time, but 1227 00:42:37,200 --> 00:42:39,440 it's a really large project, so we have 1228 00:42:39,440 --> 00:42:44,120 to be very careful with it step by step to make sure that we are good 1229 00:42:44,120 --> 00:42:46,400 stewards of taxpayers' money and 1230 00:42:46,400 --> 00:42:48,960 delivering a really good product for the 1231 00:42:48,960 --> 00:42:50,000 price. 1232 00:42:50,000 --> 00:42:52,400 Right? And that's all I have. 1233 00:42:52,400 --> 00:42:53,600 Mr. Administrator. 1234 00:42:53,600 --> 00:42:55,440 >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Just a couple 1235 00:42:55,440 --> 00:42:57,720 comments beyond what I had mentioned 1236 00:42:57,720 --> 00:43:01,000 earlier. Uh with regards to the um 1237 00:43:01,000 --> 00:43:04,960 firehouse project at fire OEM and rescue 1238 00:43:04,960 --> 00:43:07,320 squad project, I'd just mention a couple 1239 00:43:07,320 --> 00:43:09,440 things that are pertain to that as well 1240 00:43:09,440 --> 00:43:11,400 as any public works projects in New 1241 00:43:11,400 --> 00:43:13,640 Jersey, and that is that that the 1242 00:43:13,640 --> 00:43:15,560 general public may not be aware of and 1243 00:43:15,560 --> 00:43:17,520 that impact the cost of the bids 1244 00:43:17,520 --> 00:43:19,240 received on these projects, which 1245 00:43:19,240 --> 00:43:21,280 differs from a private entity doing a 1246 00:43:21,280 --> 00:43:23,200 construction project. 1247 00:43:23,200 --> 00:43:24,960 These are not options chosen by a 1248 00:43:24,960 --> 00:43:26,880 specific municipality. These are state 1249 00:43:26,880 --> 00:43:28,960 mandated requirements on these projects. 1250 00:43:28,960 --> 00:43:30,320 First off, 1251 00:43:30,320 --> 00:43:32,280 any public works project with a cost 1252 00:43:32,280 --> 00:43:35,280 above $19,375 1253 00:43:35,280 --> 00:43:36,840 in New Jersey, 1254 00:43:36,840 --> 00:43:39,000 the contractor awarded the contract must 1255 00:43:39,000 --> 00:43:40,680 pay their employees at a minimum the 1256 00:43:40,680 --> 00:43:42,920 prevailing wage for their specific job 1257 00:43:42,920 --> 00:43:44,080 title. 1258 00:43:44,080 --> 00:43:45,960 Prevailing wage is set by the New Jersey 1259 00:43:45,960 --> 00:43:47,440 Department of Labor and Workforce 1260 00:43:47,440 --> 00:43:49,640 Development and are based on the rates 1261 00:43:49,640 --> 00:43:51,960 paid to the majority of workers under 1262 00:43:51,960 --> 00:43:53,680 union contracts in the county the 1263 00:43:53,680 --> 00:43:55,480 project is in. 1264 00:43:55,480 --> 00:43:57,440 These rates also vary based on craft, 1265 00:43:57,440 --> 00:43:59,760 trade, or job classification. 1266 00:43:59,760 --> 00:44:01,400 Whether the contractor has union 1267 00:44:01,400 --> 00:44:03,640 employees or not, these prevailing wage 1268 00:44:03,640 --> 00:44:05,760 rates must be paid to the employees and 1269 00:44:05,760 --> 00:44:07,680 are verified by submission of certified 1270 00:44:07,680 --> 00:44:10,040 contract or payroll records. 1271 00:44:10,040 --> 00:44:12,040 In addition, a second factor which comes 1272 00:44:12,040 --> 00:44:15,160 into play with the firehouse project is 1273 00:44:15,160 --> 00:44:17,240 that any public works project in New 1274 00:44:17,240 --> 00:44:20,080 Jersey above $5 million in cost requires 1275 00:44:20,080 --> 00:44:23,200 a project labor agreement or PLA, which 1276 00:44:23,200 --> 00:44:25,000 is an agreement entered into between the 1277 00:44:25,000 --> 00:44:27,040 contractor, subcontractors, and the 1278 00:44:27,040 --> 00:44:28,560 municipality. 1279 00:44:28,560 --> 00:44:30,960 The contractors on the job pledge no 1280 00:44:30,960 --> 00:44:33,520 work stoppage, strike, or slowdown, etc. 1281 00:44:33,520 --> 00:44:36,200 during the construction of the project. 1282 00:44:36,200 --> 00:44:38,360 And in return, similar prevailing wage 1283 00:44:38,360 --> 00:44:40,160 just discussed, the contract will have a 1284 00:44:40,160 --> 00:44:43,040 special minimum PLA 1285 00:44:43,040 --> 00:44:45,240 labor rate that must be paid, and these 1286 00:44:45,240 --> 00:44:47,240 generally range slightly above 1287 00:44:47,240 --> 00:44:49,360 prevailing wages that I just discussed 1288 00:44:49,360 --> 00:44:51,880 earlier. So, again, there there are 1289 00:44:51,880 --> 00:44:53,800 minimum wages, if you will, that a 1290 00:44:53,800 --> 00:44:56,600 contractor must bid on public works 1291 00:44:56,600 --> 00:44:58,920 projects in New Jersey. 1292 00:44:58,920 --> 00:45:01,360 Um which could tend to drive things 1293 00:45:01,360 --> 00:45:03,600 higher than you may if you were doing 1294 00:45:03,600 --> 00:45:04,840 this as a 1295 00:45:04,840 --> 00:45:08,440 home project or something. So, just 1296 00:45:08,440 --> 00:45:10,320 some things that I don't think are 1297 00:45:10,320 --> 00:45:11,720 generally 1298 00:45:11,720 --> 00:45:13,800 uh known out there. So, 1299 00:45:13,800 --> 00:45:15,360 and that will conclude my comments. 1300 00:45:15,360 --> 00:45:18,070 >> Thank you. 1301 00:45:18,080 --> 00:45:20,640 For old turn? 1302 00:45:20,640 --> 00:45:21,880 >> Nothing, thank you. 1303 00:45:21,880 --> 00:45:23,920 >> Thank you. 1304 00:45:23,920 --> 00:45:25,920 Well, then, let's move on. We have the 1305 00:45:25,920 --> 00:45:27,840 introduction of ordinance, ordinance 1306 00:45:27,840 --> 00:45:31,550 19-2026. 1307 00:45:31,560 --> 00:45:33,160 » Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. 1308 00:45:33,160 --> 00:45:35,520 Uh this is the introduction of ordinance 1309 00:45:35,520 --> 00:45:37,240 19-2026. 1310 00:45:37,240 --> 00:45:38,560 Be it resolved that an ordinance 1311 00:45:38,560 --> 00:45:40,600 entitled an ordinance amending chapter 1 1312 00:45:40,600 --> 00:45:41,960 of the code of the Borough of Ramsey, 1313 00:45:41,960 --> 00:45:44,160 County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, 1314 00:45:44,160 --> 00:45:47,960 more specifically section 1-5 1315 00:45:47,960 --> 00:45:49,400 .8 1316 00:45:49,400 --> 00:45:51,600 traffic section designated offenses. 1317 00:45:51,600 --> 00:45:53,440 Pass the first reading by title, and 1318 00:45:53,440 --> 00:45:54,720 that said ordinance be further 1319 00:45:54,720 --> 00:45:56,640 considered for final passage and 1320 00:45:56,640 --> 00:45:58,080 adoption at the regular meeting of the 1321 00:45:58,080 --> 00:45:59,520 mayor and council 1322 00:45:59,520 --> 00:46:01,440 to be held on the 9th day of September, 1323 00:46:01,440 --> 00:46:04,720 2026, 7:00 p.m. prevailing time, or soon 1324 00:46:04,720 --> 00:46:06,760 after as the matter can be reached at 1325 00:46:06,760 --> 00:46:08,800 the municipal building in said borough. 1326 00:46:08,800 --> 00:46:10,000 And be it further resolved that the 1327 00:46:10,000 --> 00:46:11,720 borough clerk be and she hereby is 1328 00:46:11,720 --> 00:46:13,200 instructed to publish in the official 1329 00:46:13,200 --> 00:46:15,120 newspaper of the borough in a manner 1330 00:46:15,120 --> 00:46:17,080 provided by law a copy of said ordinance 1331 00:46:17,080 --> 00:46:18,760 together with notice of the introduction 1332 00:46:18,760 --> 00:46:20,920 thereof and notice when the same will be 1333 00:46:20,920 --> 00:46:22,600 considered for final passage and 1334 00:46:22,600 --> 00:46:24,480 adoption. 1335 00:46:24,480 --> 00:46:25,600 >> I will second. 1336 00:46:25,600 --> 00:46:27,360 >> Thank you. Any comments on ordinance 1337 00:46:27,360 --> 00:46:29,800 19-2026? 1338 00:46:29,800 --> 00:46:32,160 >> Sure. Madam Mayor, similar to ordinance 1339 00:46:32,160 --> 00:46:33,760 17-2026 1340 00:46:33,760 --> 00:46:35,400 that was on the agenda tonight, this 1341 00:46:35,400 --> 00:46:37,240 ordinance amends the Ramsey Municipal 1342 00:46:37,240 --> 00:46:39,600 Court's violation schedule fees. There 1343 00:46:39,600 --> 00:46:41,520 was one newer section of the court code 1344 00:46:41,520 --> 00:46:43,600 pertaining to parking at Don Bosco that 1345 00:46:43,600 --> 00:46:47,360 was not in ordinance 17 of 2026, but 1346 00:46:47,360 --> 00:46:49,520 this similarly is the same change. It's 1347 00:46:49,520 --> 00:46:52,160 now being proposed to change from a $50 1348 00:46:52,160 --> 00:46:54,880 penalty to a $75 penalty. 1349 00:46:54,880 --> 00:46:56,320 >> Thank you. 1350 00:46:56,320 --> 00:46:58,040 Okay. Roll call, please. 1351 00:46:58,040 --> 00:46:59,200 >> Councilwoman Cuseck? 1352 00:46:59,200 --> 00:46:59,480 >> Yes. 1353 00:46:59,480 --> 00:47:00,800 >> Councilwoman Gressoni? 1354 00:47:00,800 --> 00:47:01,280 >> Yes. 1355 00:47:01,280 --> 00:47:02,720 >> Councilwoman Gotwetter? 1356 00:47:02,720 --> 00:47:03,080 >> Yes. 1357 00:47:03,080 --> 00:47:04,280 >> Councilwoman Kilman? 1358 00:47:04,280 --> 00:47:04,680 >> Yes. 1359 00:47:04,680 --> 00:47:05,960 >> Councilwoman Poppie? 1360 00:47:05,960 --> 00:47:07,440 >> Yes. 1361 00:47:07,440 --> 00:47:09,320 >> Thank you. Not seeing any unfinished 1362 00:47:09,320 --> 00:47:11,120 business or new business, can we have a 1363 00:47:11,120 --> 00:47:13,120 motion to adjourn? 1364 00:47:13,120 --> 00:47:14,120 >> I'll make that motion. 1365 00:47:14,120 --> 00:47:14,960 >> I'll second. 1366 00:47:14,960 --> 00:47:15,920 >> All in favor? 1367 00:47:15,920 --> 00:47:16,680 >> I. 1368 00:47:16,680 --> 00:47:19,080 >> Okay. Thank you, folks. 1369 00:47:19,080 --> 00:47:22,080 7:48.