[0:06] Mayor, are you ready to be ready?
[0:07] >> I'm ready.
[0:09] >> What is your pleasure for keeping the
[0:10] minutes?
[0:11] >> All right. Good evening, everyone, and
[0:13] welcome to the Borough of Ramsey Mayor
[0:15] and Council meeting for Wednesday,
[0:17] August 26th.
[0:18] This meeting is also being conducted
[0:20] telephonically with the dial-in number
[0:22] [clears throat] 425-436-6365,
[0:25] access code 213-563,
[0:28] and the meeting may also be viewed on
[0:30] the Ramsey YouTube channel, which can be
[0:32] accessed through the borough website.
[0:34] Okay. Roll call, please.
[0:36] >> Mayor Dillon.
[0:37] >> Here.
[0:38] >> Councilwoman Cusick.
[0:39] >> Here.
[0:40] >> Councilman Grisanti.
[0:41] >> Here.
[0:41] >> Councilman Gotwetter.
[0:43] >> Here.
[0:43] >> Councilman Kilman.
[0:45] >> Here.
[0:45] >> Councilman Capparelli is not here.
[0:47] Councilwoman Poppy.
[0:49] >> Here.
[0:51] >> Thank you. We'll have flag salute.
[0:54] Mr. Capparelli, would you like to lead
[0:55] us?
[0:58] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
[1:00] United States of America, and to the
[1:02] republic for which it stands, one nation
[1:05] under God, indivisible, with liberty and
[1:08] justice for all.
[1:12] » The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law
[1:14] was enacted to ensure the right of all
[1:16] citizens to have advanced notice of and
[1:18] to attend all meetings of public bodies
[1:20] at which any business affecting the
[1:22] public is discussed or acted upon. In
[1:25] accordance with the provisions of this
[1:26] act, notice of this meeting of the Mayor
[1:28] and Council was published in the Bergen
[1:29] Record and the Suburban News on
[1:31] Wednesday, January 15th, 2020,
[1:34] and is posted on the public notices page
[1:36] at www.ramseynj.com.
[1:40] Okay. Approval of minutes, please.
[1:42] >> Yes, Madam Mayor, I make the motion to
[1:44] receive and file the minutes for July
[1:47] 22nd, 2020.
[1:50] >> Thank you. Are there any comments on the
[1:51] minutes?
[1:53] Okay. Do we have a second?
[1:54] >> Madam, this is Judy, Council President,
[1:57] and I second.
[1:58] >> Right. Okay, are there any comments or
[1:59] changes to the minutes?
[2:02] Not hearing any, roll call, please.
[2:03] >> Councilwoman Cusack?
[2:05] >> Yes.
[2:05] >> Councilman Grissoni?
[2:07] >> Yes.
[2:07] >> Councilman Gutwetter?
[2:09] >> Yes.
[2:09] >> Councilman Kilman?
[2:10] >> Yes.
[2:10] >> Councilwoman Poppie?
[2:12] >> I abstain as I was absent.
[2:16] >> Thank you. Communications.
[2:18] >> I make a motion to accept the
[2:20] communications as listed in the agenda.
[2:22] >> I'll second.
[2:23] >> Thank you. Any comments on the
[2:24] communications?
[2:26] Not hearing any, roll call, please.
[2:28] >> Councilwoman Cusack?
[2:29] >> Yes.
[2:30] >> Councilman Grissoni?
[2:31] >> Yes.
[2:31] >> Councilman Gutwetter?
[2:33] >> Yes.
[2:33] >> Councilman Kilman?
[2:34] >> Yes.
[2:35] >> Councilwoman Poppie?
[2:36] >> Yes.
[2:37] >> Thank you. We'll move on to public
[2:38] comment. Anyone wishing to address the
[2:40] governing body, please give your name,
[2:42] spell out the last name, and address.
[2:44] Please speak in an audible tone and
[2:46] address your comments to the chair.
[2:48] There will be a 5-minute time limit per
[2:49] speaker unless reduced because of the
[2:51] volume of business on the agenda. Please
[2:53] note public comment is your time.
[2:56] Out of respect and fairness to all,
[2:58] there will be no interruption or
[3:00] questions answered during your time. No
[3:02] time shall be seated to anyone else, and
[3:04] no time shall be saved for later in the
[3:05] use. Any responses may be given during
[3:08] the governing body's comments later in
[3:10] the meeting or as directed by the chair.
[3:12] The Borough Clerk is the official
[3:13] timekeeper.
[3:15] If you're here to comment on any of the
[3:17] ordinances that are public hearing
[3:18] tonight, now is not the time to comment.
[3:21] will be when we have
[3:22] the public hearing.
[3:24] Hold on.
[3:28] Thank you. Okay, is there anyone that
[3:29] wishes to make a public comment
[3:31] on anything other than the ordinances
[3:33] that are having public hearing tonight?
[3:36] I don't see anyone in the Council
[3:38] Chambers. Is there anyone on the line
[3:40] that would like to to make a public
[3:42] comment?
[3:46] Second call for public comment.
[3:50] Third and final call for public comment.
[3:52] All right, I will close public comment.
[3:55] We will now move on to advertised public
[3:57] hearing for final consideration of
[3:59] ordinances. Ordinance 15-2026, please.
[4:04] >> I thank you, Madam Mayor.
[4:06] Uh this is the final reading of
[4:08] ordinance number 15-2026,
[4:11] an ordinance amending chapter 10 of the
[4:12] code of the Borough of Ramsey, Bergen
[4:14] County, New Jersey, and more
[4:15] specifically section 10-23 compensation.
[4:18] Having been brought up for public
[4:19] hearing, and all persons interested
[4:21] having been given an opportunity to be
[4:22] heard, has final reading by title, and
[4:25] that said ordinance be adopted as an
[4:26] ordinance of the Borough of Ramsey, and
[4:28] be it further resolved that the Borough
[4:30] Clerk be, and she hereby is directed to
[4:33] cause a copy of the title of said
[4:34] ordinance to be published in the
[4:35] official newspaper of the Borough in the
[4:37] manner provided by law, together with
[4:39] the notice of the date of introduction
[4:40] and adoption of said ordinance.
[4:44] Do we have a second?
[4:48] » I'll second, Madam Mayor.
[4:49] >> Thank you. Um any comments from the dais
[4:51] before I open this up to public comment?
[4:54] Mr. Bosak? Sure.
[4:56] >> Um ordinance 15 amends
[4:59] the Borough salary ordinance. The
[5:01] Borough salaries are set based on
[5:03] collective bargaining agreements with
[5:05] those employees covered under those
[5:06] applicable agreements, and by resolution
[5:08] for those non-union employees.
[5:10] We do, however, maintain by ordinance a
[5:12] salary range for certain positions,
[5:14] which is updated periodically. The last
[5:16] update to the salary range ordinance was
[5:18] in 2022.
[5:20] This ordinance tonight updates salary
[5:22] ranges for some positions consistent
[5:24] with the salary increases that are in
[5:25] line with the changes to the union labor
[5:27] agreements, similarly applied to the
[5:29] non-union employees. To reiterate, this
[5:31] is not setting salary levels for
[5:33] non-union employees, which are done by
[5:35] resolution. It just adopts a range for
[5:38] those salaries in this ordinance.
[5:40] >> Thank you. Anyone else on the dais?
[5:43] Not hearing anyone. Sir, anyone in the
[5:45] public who would like to comment on
[5:47] ordinance 15-2026,
[5:49] now would be the time during the public
[5:50] hearing.
[5:54] Not seeing anyone in chambers, I'll ask
[5:56] is there anyone on the line who would
[5:58] like to comment on ordinance 15-2026?
[6:03] Second call for comments.
[6:07] Third and final call for comments. I
[6:08] will now close the public hearing.
[6:11] We have roll call, please.
[6:12] >> Councilwoman Cuseck?
[6:13] >> Yes.
[6:13] >> Councilman Grisanti?
[6:15] >> Yes.
[6:15] >> Councilman Gotwetter?
[6:16] >> Yes.
[6:17] >> Councilman Kilman?
[6:18] >> Yes.
[6:18] >> Councilwoman Poppie?
[6:19] >> Yes.
[6:21] >> Thank you. Let's move on to ordinance
[6:23] 16-2026.
[6:25] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor.
[6:28] Ordinance
[6:29] 16-2026 to authorize the undertaking of
[6:32] construction phase of the fire
[6:34] department rescue squad and emergency
[6:36] management station complex project in,
[6:40] by, and for the Borough of Ramsey in the
[6:42] County of Bergen, State of New Jersey
[6:44] to appropriate the sum of $15,050,000
[6:49] to pay the cost thereof, to make a down
[6:51] payment,
[6:52] to authorize the issuance of bonds to
[6:54] finance such appropriation,
[6:56] and to provide for the issuance of a
[6:58] bond anticipation notes in anticipation
[7:01] of the issuance of such bonds, having
[7:04] been brought up for public hearing and
[7:05] all persons interested having been given
[7:07] an opportunity to be heard,
[7:09] pass final reading by title, and that
[7:12] said ordinance be adopted as the
[7:13] ordinance of the Borough of Ramsey,
[7:16] and be it further resolved that the
[7:17] Borough Clerk be, and she hereby is,
[7:20] directed to cause a copy of the title of
[7:22] said ordinance to be published in the
[7:24] official newspaper of the Borough
[7:26] in the manner provided by law, together
[7:29] with a notice of the date of
[7:30] introduction and adoption of said
[7:32] ordinance.
[7:34] >> This is Councilwoman Cuseck, and I
[7:36] second.
[7:37] >> Thank you. Is
[7:39] anyone on the dais like to have any
[7:40] comments before I open this up for
[7:42] public hearing?
[7:43] >> I'd like to refer to a bureau
[7:45] administrator Luis Vazquez who has
[7:48] very detailed explanation.
[7:50] >> Thank you, Mr. Vazquez.
[7:52] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor.
[7:53] Uh this bond ordinance is introduces the
[7:56] funding for the demolition the current
[7:57] fire department rescue squad building on
[7:59] South Island Ave and construction of a
[8:01] new public safety complex to include the
[8:03] office of emergency management.
[8:06] Councilman Kilmer has commented and
[8:07] updated the public at each mayor and
[8:09] council meeting over the last few years.
[8:11] This this project has been developing,
[8:13] been revised, and now finalized. This
[8:16] ordinance authorized the amount of
[8:17] funding at $15,050,000.
[8:20] However, the bureau will not borrow the
[8:22] full amount immediately. We'll match its
[8:24] borrowing over the construction period
[8:25] to the schedule values and timing of
[8:27] contract payments over the anticipated
[8:30] 18-month construction timeline.
[8:33] The bureau is also making a $720,000
[8:36] down payment from its budgeted capital
[8:38] improvement fund account which will
[8:39] reduce the maximum future debt amount.
[8:43] During the construction period as
[8:44] previously discussed, the fire
[8:46] department rescue squad will be
[8:47] operating out of the West Side garage
[8:49] adjacent to the DPW. Additionally, as
[8:52] has been discussed, the bureau's
[8:53] constructing a prefabricated garage
[8:55] behind the existing DPW which will house
[8:57] the fire and rescue apparatus and
[8:59] equipment during the construction of the
[9:01] Island Ave complex.
[9:03] This new building at the
[9:04] DPW already has funding in place. We've
[9:06] awarded couple contracts for material
[9:08] and construction. Should be breaking
[9:10] ground shortly.
[9:11] We look to have this complete in the
[9:12] next couple months so as to coincide the
[9:14] timing of the completion of this
[9:16] building with the timing of the contract
[9:17] award for the demolition and
[9:19] construction of the new South Island Ave
[9:21] complex.
[9:23] We anticipate the public bid process for
[9:25] the construction project for the new
[9:27] South Island building to be advertised
[9:29] in the early fall and then have about a
[9:31] 30 to 40-day period for the bidders to
[9:32] do their due diligence and prepare the
[9:34] sealed bids for submission.
[9:36] The bids will be thoroughly reviewed at
[9:38] that point by both borough officials and
[9:40] NET Architects who is the borough's
[9:43] professional representatives on the
[9:44] project prior to any contract award. As
[9:47] this is a public bid under the public
[9:49] contract laws, the contract award will
[9:51] ultimately be made to the low bid as
[9:53] long as the bidder is qualified. The
[9:55] contract award will be done by a joint
[9:57] resolution at a future mayor council
[9:59] meeting.
[10:01] That would conclude my comments.
[10:02] >> Thank you.
[10:04] Well, I'll now open this up for public
[10:05] hearing. Is there anyone in council
[10:07] chambers who would like to comment on
[10:09] ordinance 16-2026?
[10:17] Please state your name and address.
[10:18] >> Good evening. Jonathan Criel, 306
[10:20] Elizabeth Ave.
[10:23] Former fire chief of the Ramsey Fire
[10:24] Department and former chief of the
[10:26] rescue squad. I'm currently a deputy
[10:28] coordinator for emergency management.
[10:30] I'm here on behalf of emergency
[10:32] management this evening to express our
[10:33] support for the South Island Ave.
[10:35] fire department, rescue squad, and
[10:37] emergency management facility
[10:38] construction project.
[10:40] State State OEM directive 7 requires
[10:43] municipalities to maintain both a prior
[10:45] a primary emergency operations center
[10:48] and a designated backup emergency
[10:49] operations center.
[10:51] Our current facility no longer meets the
[10:53] reliability, accessibility, or
[10:55] resiliency standards outlined in these
[10:57] directives.
[10:59] Within the proposed emergency operations
[11:01] center, there will be a dedicated
[11:03] communications area. The space will
[11:05] serve as backup communications for the
[11:07] system for the Ramsey Police Department,
[11:09] which currently provides both Ramsey
[11:11] services for Ramsey and Allendale.
[11:14] Establishing this redundant capability
[11:16] in it is a critical component of
[11:17] operational readiness and community
[11:19] resilience, ensuring an essential
[11:21] communications remain reliable during
[11:23] emergencies and system or system
[11:24] disruptions.
[11:26] The facility will also incorporate the
[11:28] necessi- necessary security features to
[11:30] comply with all the
[11:32] with all required security regulations.
[11:35] It's design follows applicable
[11:37] Homeland Security and FEMA guidelines
[11:39] supporting both operational security
[11:41] needs and facilities eligibility for
[11:44] future grant funding.
[11:46] In preparing our request for your
[11:50] continued support, we consulted with
[11:52] partner agencies including New Jersey
[11:54] State Police who emphasized the critical
[11:56] importance of this initiative stating
[11:58] the Ramsey Emergency Operations Center
[12:00] will provide centralized location
[12:02] situational awareness interagency
[12:04] coordination and resource management.
[12:07] This project will save lives, property
[12:09] and property through more timely and
[12:11] effective emergency response decisions.
[12:14] Additionally, the New Jersey Office of
[12:16] Homeland Security and Preparedness which
[12:18] serves as the state administrative
[12:19] agency for FEMA has expressed their
[12:21] support in this project noting
[12:24] the initial the initiative aligns with
[12:25] New Jersey Office of Homeland Security
[12:27] and Preparedness mission to strengthen
[12:29] the emergency preparedness and response
[12:30] frameworks both locally and regionally.
[12:33] Modern Emergency Operations Center is
[12:35] essential to ensuring
[12:37] the safety, resilience, and preparedness
[12:38] of the Ramsey community.
[12:40] Thank you for your ongoing support in
[12:41] the bureau's emergency services and this
[12:43] vital assistance to provide for that we
[12:45] provide to our residents. Thank you.
[12:47] >> Thank you, Mr. Creel.
[12:50] Is there anyone else that would like to
[12:51] comment?
[12:57] » Chris [clears throat] Kiosi in 115 East
[12:59] Crescent.
[13:00] So, good evening every
[13:02] Sorry.
[13:03] >> Ramsey or Mahwah?
[13:04] >> Mahwah.
[13:04] >> Okay.
[13:04] >> Thank you. Um for those who don't know
[13:06] me, my name is Chris Kiosi and I'm the
[13:08] chief of the Ramsey Rescue Squad and
[13:09] I've been in this spot since 2021.
[13:12] Back in October of that year, the chiefs
[13:15] came to this council and asked for a
[13:16] study. We knew how it would sound
[13:18] arguing for our own station, so we asked
[13:20] the council to hire a neutral third
[13:22] party to assess the complex and they
[13:24] did. In February of '22, the engineers
[13:27] came back and concluded there was little
[13:29] practical benefit to keeping the
[13:31] existing structure.
[13:32] The bay doors at Island Ave are 10 ft
[13:35] and modern apparatus needs 14. The
[13:37] report states that new fire trucks would
[13:39] require custom fabrication at
[13:41] significant cost premiums. Additionally,
[13:44] several rescue trucks sit outside in the
[13:45] weather all year since there is no room
[13:47] for them inside the existing bays.
[13:50] Moving on to the rescue building, the
[13:52] crawl space underneath they found
[13:54] temporary jacks being used as permanent
[13:56] support columns. Temporary jacks holding
[13:59] up the floor our members stand on.
[14:01] They also noted that the truck bays
[14:03] across
[14:05] both firehouses and rescue have no
[14:06] dedicated exhaust system, which OSHA
[14:09] requires. And our gear hangs in open
[14:11] lockers, some near 22 in from running
[14:14] diesel trucks. There is no clean side
[14:16] and dirty side in that building. There's
[14:18] just one side. And that's the part that
[14:20] I think about most. Every one of our
[14:23] members is a volunteer. They have jobs
[14:25] and families, and they come out at 2:00
[14:27] in the morning for people they have
[14:28] never met, and then hang their gear
[14:30] besides truck exhaust cuz it's the only
[14:33] place we currently have.
[14:36] The new station is designed and solves
[14:38] all of this. And tonight is the meeting
[14:40] where we decide if that gets funded. And
[14:42] for all three volunteer departments,
[14:44] that is the town saying we are worth
[14:46] doing right by.
[14:48] We understand that $15 million is real
[14:50] money in Ramsey, and we won't pretend
[14:52] otherwise. But this the building
[14:54] committee brought this new
[14:57] devised plan because we fully understood
[14:59] what we were asking this town to carry
[15:01] out. 5 years ago we asked the council
[15:04] for truth about our current building.
[15:06] They went and got it. Tonight we're
[15:07] asking to finish what that answer
[15:09] started. Thank you.
[15:10] >> Thank you, Mr. Kiosi.
[15:13] Is there anyone else that would like to
[15:14] comment on ordinance 16-2026?
[15:21] » Hi, James Doherty, 75 North Spruce
[15:23] Street, Ramsey. Currently the assistant
[15:25] chief, past chief, been a member of the
[15:27] fire department for 45 years.
[15:29] I have no written
[15:31] statements. I just want to say
[15:33] everything that they said is well beyond
[15:36] needed. We've been in this firehouse for
[15:38] years. We've renovated it multiple
[15:40] times.
[15:41] Um the trucks, the bays, everything.
[15:43] This will be a a very nice um
[15:47] facility. I would like to thank you for
[15:49] your continued support. And as we move
[15:51] forward, we can all work together. Thank
[15:54] you.
[15:54] >> Thank you, Mr. Doherty.
[15:56] Is there anyone else in Council Chambers
[15:58] that would like to comment on Ordinance
[16:00] 16-2026?
[16:05] » Um
[16:06] » [clears throat]
[16:06] >> excuse me, Gregory Hewitt, 78 West Oak
[16:08] Street, Ramsey, New Jersey.
[16:10] Bear with me for a second here.
[16:12] I'll read a statement that I have.
[16:14] Madam Mayor, Council President, Council
[16:16] members,
[16:17] as I said earlier, my name is Gregory
[16:19] Hewitt. I'm a former fire chief here in
[16:21] Ramsey Fire Department, currently serve
[16:22] as the department's president.
[16:25] I've been a member of the Ramsey Fire
[16:26] Department since 2004,
[16:28] representing more than 22 years of
[16:30] service to the Ramsey community.
[16:32] I've also served as a volunteer fire
[16:33] depart- firefighter since 1981,
[16:36] totaling more than 45 years of service.
[16:39] We are here tonight to thank the Mayor
[16:40] and Council for recognizing that the
[16:42] aging infrastructure our department
[16:44] currently occupies is no longer
[16:45] adequately serving either the department
[16:48] or more importantly the community.
[16:50] Fire headquarters,
[16:52] located on Island Avenue, across from
[16:54] the high school,
[16:55] has served as the department's primary
[16:56] fire station for more than 70 years.
[16:59] During that time, the fire service has
[17:01] undergone tremendous changes. Modern
[17:04] fire apparatus no longer fits safely
[17:05] within the building.
[17:07] Members responding to emergencies put on
[17:09] their turnout gear just inches from
[17:11] moving apparatus, while being exposed to
[17:13] diesel exhaust year after year.
[17:16] It is remarkable that we have not
[17:17] experienced a catastrophic injury
[17:20] and long-term effects of exposure to
[17:22] exhaust fumes throughout the building
[17:24] remain unknown.
[17:26] The building is also a focal point for
[17:28] our community.
[17:29] It hosts events such as Home for the
[17:31] Holidays,
[17:32] Breakfast with Santa, Breakfast with the
[17:34] Easter Bunny, and numerous public
[17:36] education programs.
[17:38] It serves as a gathering place during
[17:40] natural disasters and severe storms,
[17:42] and has even provided refuge for
[17:44] students from the high school during
[17:46] emergencies.
[17:48] In addition, the building lacks an
[17:50] elevator and does not provide the
[17:52] accessibility for restroom facilities
[17:53] expected for modern municipal building.
[17:57] Recognizing these shortcomings and the
[17:59] fact that the facility has exceeded its
[18:00] useful life,
[18:02] the governing body together with the
[18:03] building committee, which includes
[18:05] representatives from the fire
[18:06] department, the rescue squad, and the
[18:08] office of emergency management, has
[18:10] spent nearly 5 years planning a facility
[18:13] that will serve the community for
[18:14] decades to come.
[18:15] Hundreds of hours have been invested in
[18:18] the logistics and the design of this new
[18:20] building in the heart of Ramsey that
[18:22] will allow us to continue protecting and
[18:24] serving our residents safely and
[18:25] effectively.
[18:27] We fully understand what this project
[18:29] means to the community and do not take
[18:30] lightly the support provided by the
[18:32] governing body and our residents.
[18:35] The facility will house the fire
[18:36] department, rescue squad, and the office
[18:38] of emergency management,
[18:40] while also serving as a backup
[18:42] communication center for the Ramsey
[18:43] Police Department.
[18:45] It is a critical investment in ensuring
[18:47] that public safety remains a top
[18:48] priority in Ramsey.
[18:51] I would like to acknowledge the
[18:53] council's dedication to public safety
[18:54] and its commitment to the volunteers who
[18:56] selflessly
[18:58] serve this community each and every day.
[19:01] Many residents may not realize that
[19:03] Ramsey operates a 100% volunteer fire
[19:05] department. The men and women in this
[19:07] room who respond to emergencies at all
[19:09] hours of the day and night, on weekends,
[19:12] holidays, or your friends, neighbors,
[19:15] and family members.
[19:16] After responding to calls,
[19:18] they they return home to care for their
[19:20] families, get their children ready for
[19:22] school, go to work, prepare meals, and
[19:24] fulfill their responsibilities of daily
[19:26] life.
[19:28] It is not uncommon for a volunteer
[19:29] firefighter to go to bed at night, be
[19:31] awakened by a pager, spend hours
[19:33] battling a fire, return home early in
[19:36] the morning, and then begin a full work
[19:38] day.
[19:39] Others leave holiday dinners, family
[19:41] celebrations, and important personal
[19:43] moments to answer calls for help.
[19:45] They do this willingly because they care
[19:47] deeply about this community.
[19:49] The members in this room love Ramsey,
[19:51] and we are grateful for the support and
[19:52] appreciation this community continues to
[19:55] show us.
[19:56] Again, I would like to thank the mayor
[19:59] and council for supporting this project,
[20:01] and thank the residents of Ramsey for
[20:02] their trust.
[20:04] This is your fire department, your
[20:06] emergency services complex, your fire
[20:09] apparatus, and your neighbors who stand
[20:11] ready to serve whenever they are needed.
[20:14] I would especially like to thank Mayor
[20:15] Dillon,
[20:17] Council President Cusack, Councilman
[20:19] Peter Kilman, and Borough Administrator
[20:21] Bruce Vozeh for their continued support
[20:23] and guidance over the past several
[20:25] years.
[20:26] Bringing this project to reality has not
[20:28] been an easy road, as we all know,
[20:31] and their dedication has been
[20:32] instrumental.
[20:33] I would also like to acknowledge and
[20:35] thank all current and former council
[20:37] members whose efforts over multiple
[20:38] terms helped move this project forward.
[20:41] Thank you for your time and for allowing
[20:43] me to speak on behalf of the Ramsey Fire
[20:45] Department. Thank you.
[20:46] >> Thank you, Mr. Hewitt.
[20:49] Is there anyone else in Council Chambers
[20:50] who would like to speak regarding
[20:52] Ordinance 16-2026?
[20:57] Seeing and not seeing anyone, I will ask
[20:58] is there anyone on the phone that would
[21:00] like to comment on Ordinance 16-2026?
[21:06] Second call for comments.
[21:10] Third and final call for comments. All
[21:12] right, I will now close the public
[21:14] hearing.
[21:15] And may we please have a roll call on
[21:17] ordinance 16-2026.
[21:19] >> Councilwoman Cusack?
[21:21] >> Yes.
[21:21] >> Councilman Grisanti?
[21:22] >> Yes.
[21:23] >> Councilman Gottwals?
[21:24] >> Yes.
[21:25] >> Councilman Kilmer?
[21:26] >> Yes.
[21:26] >> Councilwoman Poppy?
[21:28] >> Yes.
[21:30] >> Hey, thank you. Ordinance 16-2026
[21:33] HAS NOW PASSED.
[21:49] NOW,
[21:50] I CERTAINLY WASN'T EXPECTING THAT.
[21:52] >> [laughter]
[21:53] >> SO,
[21:55] thank you for your very kind remarks,
[21:57] your very thoughtful remarks. And as you
[21:59] know, this project has been an absolute
[22:01] labor of love for many years. And thank
[22:04] you to everyone who has put the time in
[22:06] on it. Um, it it's
[22:08] definitely been a labor of love. So,
[22:10] thank you for your support. And I'm glad
[22:12] that the ordinance has passed. So,
[22:14] and if you want to stick around, you're
[22:16] more than welcome to, but if you don't
[22:18] want to, we won't be offended.
[22:21] Okay? So, have a nice evening.
[22:22] >> Thank you.
[22:24] so much.
[22:25] >> Of course, thank you.
[22:26] >> Thank you.
[22:27] >> Oh, welcome back, Jackie.
[22:29] How was Tuesday?
[22:35] Get home safely.
[22:37] Now, enjoy the evening. It's beautiful
[22:39] out.
[22:53] Okay, let's move on to ordinance
[22:54] 17-2026.
[22:58] » Uh, thank you, Madam Mayor.
[23:00] Uh, this is the reading, final reading
[23:02] of ordinance 17-2026.
[23:08] » We'll wait till the door closes.
[23:30] All right, here we go. Once again, let's
[23:31] do ordinance 17-20-26.
[23:34] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is the
[23:36] reading final reading of ordinance
[23:38] 17-20-26, an ordinance amending chapter
[23:40] 1 of the code of the Borough of Ramsey,
[23:42] County of Bergen, State of New Jersey
[23:44] so as to establish a local supplemental
[23:46] violations bureau schedule of designated
[23:48] offenses
[23:50] and payable amounts, as well as chapter
[23:52] 7 traffic penalties and chapter 8
[23:54] municipal parking lots and off-street
[23:56] parking penalties, having been brought
[23:57] up for public hearing and all persons
[23:59] interested
[24:00] and been given an opportunity to be
[24:01] heard, pass final reading by title and
[24:03] that said ordinance
[24:04] that the adopted as an ordinance of the
[24:06] Borough of Ramsey and be it further
[24:07] resolved that the Borough clerk be and
[24:10] she hereby is directed to cause a copy
[24:11] of the title of said ordinance to be
[24:13] published in the official newspaper of
[24:14] the Borough in a manner provided by law,
[24:16] together with a notice of the date of
[24:18] production and adoption of said
[24:19] ordinance.
[24:21] >> I'll second.
[24:22] >> Thank you. Any comments from the dais
[24:24] before I open it up for public hearing?
[24:28] Mr. Bozack?
[24:29] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. This ordinance
[24:31] amends the Ramsey Municipal Court's
[24:33] violation schedule fees, which has not
[24:35] been updated since 2013. The court
[24:37] administrator municipal judge have
[24:39] recommended the updates. The changes
[24:41] basically impact violations, mostly
[24:43] parking, that have currently have a $50
[24:46] penalty, which will now move to a $75
[24:48] penalty.
[24:50] >> Thank you. Any other comments?
[24:53] Now, we'll now open it up for public
[24:55] hearing. Is there anyone in chambers who
[24:56] would like to comment on ordinance
[24:58] 17-2026?
[25:04] Not seeing anyone, I will now open it up
[25:05] to public comments from anyone on the
[25:07] telephone line. Is there anyone on the
[25:08] telephone line who would like to comment
[25:10] on ordinance 17-2026?
[25:15] Second call for comments.
[25:19] Third and final call for comments. I
[25:21] will now close the public hearing. May
[25:23] we please have the roll call?
[25:24] >> Councilwoman Kucsik?
[25:26] >> Yes.
[25:26] >> Councilman Grisanti?
[25:27] >> Yes.
[25:28] >> Councilman Gotwetter?
[25:29] >> Yes.
[25:30] >> Councilman Kilman?
[25:31] >> Yes.
[25:32] >> Councilwoman Poppie?
[25:33] >> Yes.
[25:34] >> Thank you.
[25:35] We'll now do ordinance 18-2026.
[25:38] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. This is final
[25:40] ordinance number 18-2026, an ordinance
[25:43] amending chapter 19 of the code of the
[25:44] Borough of Ramsey, Bergen County, New
[25:46] Jersey, and more specifically subsection
[25:49] 19-2.1
[25:52] thereof entitled fees for water usage.
[25:55] Having been brought up for public
[25:56] hearing and all persons interested
[25:58] having been given an opportunity to be
[26:00] heard, pass final reading by title and
[26:03] that said ordinance be adopted as an
[26:05] ordinance of the Borough of Ramsey and
[26:08] be it further resolved that the Borough
[26:10] Clerk be and she hereby is directed to
[26:13] cause a copy of the title of said
[26:15] ordinance to be published in an official
[26:17] newspaper of the Borough in the manner
[26:19] provided by law together with a notice
[26:22] of the date of introduction and adoption
[26:24] of said ordinance.
[26:27] >> I second that.
[26:28] >> Thank you. Is there anyone on the dais
[26:30] who would like to make a comment on this
[26:31] ordinance before I open it up for public
[26:33] hearing?
[26:34] >> Madam, I would like uh
[26:36] Administrator Rosay please to to make
[26:38] some comments. Thank you very much.
[26:39] >> Thank you. Mr. Rosay?
[26:40] >> Sure.
[26:42] Uh
[26:42] the Board of Public Works has approved
[26:44] the recommendation to increase water
[26:46] usage fees in the Borough by 3.62%
[26:49] effective on September 1st.
[26:51] Uh with the enhanced
[26:53] on water quality, the cost of testing,
[26:54] monitoring, and treatment of drinking
[26:56] water continues to increase. As noted by
[26:59] Council President Cusick, Ramsey's water
[27:01] quality continues to meet all federal
[27:03] and state requirements. Ramsey's had no
[27:05] drinking water violations.
[27:07] And the bureau's annual water quality
[27:09] reports are available for review on the
[27:10] bureau website.
[27:12] >> Thank you.
[27:13] Is there anyone I'll now open it up for
[27:15] public hearing. Is there anyone in
[27:17] Council Chambers who would like to
[27:18] comment on ordinance 18
[27:20] 2026?
[27:25] Not seeing anyone. Is there anyone on
[27:26] the line who would like to comment on
[27:28] ordinance 18 2026?
[27:34] Second call for comments.
[27:38] Third and final call for comments.
[27:40] I will now close the public hearing.
[27:42] Would you please have a roll call?
[27:44] >> Councilwoman Cusick?
[27:45] >> Yes.
[27:46] >> Councilman Grisanti?
[27:47] >> Yes.
[27:47] >> Councilman Gutwetter?
[27:49] >> Yes.
[27:49] >> Councilman Kilman?
[27:50] >> Yes.
[27:51] >> Councilwoman Capi?
[27:52] >> Yes.
[27:54] >> Thank you. I hereby make the following
[27:55] appointments: Robert Navarro, Ramsey
[27:58] Rescue Squad; Frank Cristiano, Ramsey
[28:00] Rescue Squad; and Allison Altano as
[28:03] temporary tax collector.
[28:06] Let's now move on to consent
[28:07] resolutions.
[28:10] >> Uh thank you, Madam Mayor.
[28:11] Uh be it resolved that resolution 161
[28:14] 2026
[28:16] through and including 171 2026
[28:19] have been considered by the governing body of the Borough of Ramsey
[28:22] be and are hereby passed and approved.
[28:27] Uh we have a special permit request of
[28:29] the Ramsey Public Education Foundation
[28:31] for special permission to hold their
[28:33] annual Spring for Schools
[28:35] 5K Family Fun Run on Saturday May 20
[28:38] 2027 beginning at 8:30 a.m.
[28:41] Uh couple of block party requests.
[28:44] Uh 234 Norman Drive has requested
[28:46] permission to hold a block party on
[28:48] Saturday, August 29th, 2026 from 4:00 to
[28:51] 10:00 p.m.
[28:52] And Poplar Street has requested
[28:54] permission to hold a block party on
[28:55] Saturday, October 24th, 2026 from 10:00
[28:58] a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
[29:03] » I'll second.
[29:04] >> Okay. Anybody have any comments on the
[29:06] consent resolutions?
[29:09] You want to cover any of them? Do you
[29:11] want to do them now? Sure.
[29:12] >> Yes, please.
[29:13] >> Okay.
[29:14] Um
[29:15] Resolution 165 authorizes a change order
[29:18] number four to the Motorola Solutions
[29:20] contract. This change order is for
[29:22] $7,545.94
[29:25] for additional electric work needed for
[29:26] the backup power generator being put in
[29:28] place at the DPW tower site.
[29:31] Resolution 168 authorizes award of
[29:34] contract to RER Supply for removal and
[29:37] disposal of leaves.
[29:39] The borough went out to public bid for a
[29:40] two-year contract for the removal and
[29:42] disposal of leaves.
[29:44] Bids were opened on August 19th with
[29:46] three firms submitting bids. The low
[29:48] bidder was RER Riverdale
[29:50] with a bid of $9.13
[29:53] per cubic yard on an estimated quantity
[29:55] over the two-year period of 50,000 cubic
[29:58] yards of leaves.
[29:59] Also, a total contract for the two years
[30:01] of 456,500.
[30:04] Bids were reviewed by myself and the
[30:06] borough attorney Scandariato. We both
[30:08] recommend award to RER as the lowest
[30:10] responsible bidder. This contract is for
[30:13] removal of leaves from the Dam Ramsey
[30:15] DPW yard and transportation to an
[30:17] authorized and licensed disposal site.
[30:20] This is consistent with the current
[30:21] situation with the DPW performing the
[30:24] curbside collection and outside
[30:25] contractor
[30:27] then removes and disposes them from the
[30:29] DPW site to a licensed disposal site.
[30:33] Resolution 171
[30:36] authorizes change order number one to
[30:38] Musco Sports Lighting. Musco Sports
[30:40] Lighting was a authorized to contract
[30:43] under resolution 133 of 2026 for the
[30:46] court lighting at Finch Park.
[30:48] Uh this change order to that contract is
[30:50] for $7,700 $7,740
[30:53] for additional electric work to add
[30:55] requisite wiring and work needed to add
[30:58] power receptacles on the base of each of
[31:00] the new light poles being installed.
[31:03] That would be
[31:04] >> Thank you. Any other comments on the
[31:06] consent resolutions?
[31:09] Not hearing any, roll call, please.
[31:11] >> Councilwoman Kusiak?
[31:12] >> Yes.
[31:12] >> Councilman Ingrassia?
[31:14] >> Yes.
[31:14] >> Councilman Gutwetter?
[31:15] >> Yes.
[31:16] >> Councilman Kilman?
[31:17] >> Yes.
[31:18] >> Councilwoman Pappas?
[31:19] >> Yes.
[31:20] >> Thank you. Let's move on to community
[31:22] and liaison reports. Finance and
[31:24] Administration, Councilman Gutwetter.
[31:29] » Uh thank you, Madam Mayor.
[31:30] My report for this evening,
[31:32] uh
[31:33] the library has been actively
[31:34] participating in various outreach events
[31:36] throughout the community to spread
[31:37] awareness of services.
[31:40] On October 17th, the library held a
[31:42] small dedication ceremony to unveil the
[31:44] new
[31:45] Carolyn's Corner sign and designation of
[31:47] the teen room
[31:48] in memory of Carolyn Knott, a long-time
[31:51] member of the library Board of
[31:53] Trustees.
[31:54] The library's pavilion project is moving
[31:56] forward in the planning stage. The space
[31:58] will be open for general use for
[32:00] reading, studying, and relaxing, through
[32:02] meetups and more, and will also be an
[32:04] event space for outdoor events.
[32:06] Uh the library released its fourth
[32:08] quarterly newsletter uh to highlight our
[32:10] Boo-Z-Bash Halloween party, uh the
[32:12] Boo-Z-Dash, which will be a BYOB
[32:15] fundraiser for adults only, uh nature
[32:17] photography showcase, and a series of
[32:19] college planning sessions for students
[32:21] and families.
[32:22] The library has partnered with the
[32:24] Bergen County Division of Senior
[32:25] Services, as well as Alzheimer's New
[32:27] Jersey nonprofit, to become a
[32:28] dementia-friendly library. This is a
[32:30] program where our library now has a
[32:32] selection of books and materials that
[32:33] will be helpful for caregivers,
[32:36] and residents can check the library
[32:37] website for a full programming and any
[32:39] of the other items I discussed in my
[32:41] report.
[32:42] Uh for recreation commission
[32:44] registration for school sports or full
[32:46] sports are available on the Ramsey
[32:48] recreation website where there are links
[32:49] to the various sports.
[32:51] Ramsey Run is scheduled for Saturday
[32:53] morning, September 26th
[32:55] 2026 and the recreation commission has
[32:57] started planning for this event with
[32:59] various tasks identified prior to the
[33:02] run, the day before, and day of the run.
[33:05] Registration has been open since August
[33:07] 11th.
[33:08] The Ramsey Farmers Market market is open
[33:10] from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through
[33:12] November. In December, the hours will
[33:14] change from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
[33:16] September 27th, the Apple Festival will
[33:19] take place sponsored by the Woman's Club
[33:21] of Ramsey. October 25th, the
[33:23] Touch-a-Truck event sponsored by the
[33:25] Ramsey Juniors.
[33:28] That concludes my report.
[33:29] >> Well, thank you.
[33:31] Public Safety Councilman Kilmartin.
[33:34] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor.
[33:36] Uh first, I'd like to congratulate Tom
[33:38] Varro,
[33:39] Frank Cristiano, and Allison Antonucci
[33:41] on their appointments.
[33:44] And for my public safety report,
[33:47] briefly, work continues to move forward
[33:49] on Ramsey's new state-of-the-art fire,
[33:51] rescue, and office of emergency
[33:52] management complex on South Central
[33:54] Boulevard.
[33:55] New facility will replace the existing
[33:57] building.
[33:59] Demolition
[34:00] preparation for construction
[34:02] work is also underway at the DPW
[34:04] facility on West Crescent Avenue to
[34:06] establish a temporary station
[34:08] that will house the fire, rescue, and
[34:10] other emergency services equipment
[34:12] during the construction period.
[34:14] Earlier this evening,
[34:16] through ordinance 16-2026,
[34:18] we authorized $15,050,000
[34:21] to fund construction phase of the new
[34:23] fire, rescue, and office of emergency
[34:25] management complex.
[34:27] We anticipate public bidding process for
[34:30] the South Central facility will be
[34:32] advertised in the fall.
[34:35] I encourage everyone to pay close
[34:38] attention or to refer later to Borough
[34:40] Administrator Bruce Lorenz's
[34:42] comments for ordinance 2026 earlier this
[34:45] evening and to his report later this
[34:48] evening,
[34:49] which will provide additional details
[34:51] about this important project, which I'm
[34:53] sure will be of great interest to our
[34:55] residents.
[34:57] That's it. Thank you, ma'am.
[34:58] >> Thank you.
[35:00] Building, Planning, and Zoning,
[35:01] Councilman Casoni.
[35:04] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor.
[35:05] Um I have nothing to report on the Zoning
[35:10] Board of Appeals as the August meeting
[35:12] was canceled.
[35:13] The next meeting is scheduled for
[35:15] September 22nd.
[35:17] And the July uh
[35:20] sorry, the August Zoning Board meeting
[35:21] was also canceled.
[35:23] Uh and that meeting is September 16th.
[35:27] » Thank you.
[35:29] Utilities, Buildings, and Grounds,
[35:31] Council President Cusick.
[35:33] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor.
[35:37] Congratulations to our appointments this
[35:39] evening, Robert Navarro and Frank
[35:41] Christiana. My report will be an update
[35:44] regarding our Planning Board, Shade Tree
[35:45] Commission, and Board of Public Works.
[35:48] For the Ramsey Planning Board, please
[35:49] note that our Planning Board has been
[35:51] fielding waivers via email to keep
[35:53] businesses moving
[35:55] with their activities. Um we did not
[35:57] meet in the month of August. Our next
[35:59] meeting will be on September 1st. There
[36:02] is a No Knock Registry. Ramsey maintains
[36:04] this. It allows residents to opt out of
[36:06] door-to-door commercial solicitation and
[36:08] rule by visiting the Borough website and
[36:11] completing online application. Please
[36:13] search No Knock List.
[36:15] Our Shade Tree Commission's next meeting
[36:17] is September 17th. Our commission is
[36:19] made up of Ramsey resident volunteers
[36:22] who dedicate their time to preserving,
[36:24] protecting, and expanding our tree
[36:26] canopy. Ramsey has proudly been
[36:28] recognized as a tree city for 32 years.
[36:31] The Board of Public Works last met on
[36:34] 17th August 2026. The next meeting is 21
[36:37] September 2026.
[36:39] The Board of Public Works continues to
[36:41] plan and implement measures to comply
[36:43] with NJDEP mandated lead service line
[36:46] replacement program which requires all
[36:48] lead service lines in the bureau's water
[36:50] system be replaced by 2031. To meet this
[36:53] mandate, the bureau will cover the cost
[36:55] of replacing the portion of each water
[36:57] service lines that it owns while
[36:59] property owners will be responsible for
[37:02] replacing the privately owned portion of
[37:04] their service line.
[37:06] Initially, the bureau explored whether
[37:08] it could cover
[37:09] the full cost of replacing both the
[37:11] public and private portions of affected
[37:14] service lines. The bureau determined
[37:16] that it would not be fiscally
[37:17] responsible or equitable to do so
[37:20] because it would cause increases in
[37:22] water and sewage bills for all rate
[37:24] payers. This approach is consistent with
[37:26] framework adopted by many other
[37:28] municipalities throughout New Jersey.
[37:31] To help offset offset the cost,
[37:34] homeowners may apply for the bureau's
[37:36] $750
[37:37] reimbursement program towards eligible
[37:40] lead service line replacement work.
[37:42] Recognizing the financial impact of
[37:44] these state mandated improvements, the
[37:46] mayor and council acted in April to
[37:48] extend the partial reimbursement program
[37:51] through December of 31st, 2026. Please
[37:54] go to the bureau website for more
[37:56] information. Thank you, Madam Mayor.
[37:59] >> Thank you.
[38:01] Public and Governmental Relations,
[38:03] Councilwoman Poppy.
[38:05] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor.
[38:12] Okay, I would like to congratulate our
[38:14] appointees from the agenda, Robert
[38:17] Navarro, Frank Spizziano, and Allison
[38:20] Altano.
[38:21] Um the Ramsey Municipal Pool is wrapping
[38:25] up another record-setting summer.
[38:27] The Ramsey Race Swim Team had another
[38:29] outstanding season, finishing undefeated
[38:32] and capturing the league championship.
[38:35] Our first ever National Night Out with
[38:37] the Ramsey Police Department was a
[38:39] tremendous success, bringing more than
[38:42] 1,000 residents, first responders, and
[38:45] local leaders together at the pool. The
[38:48] pool also hosted Swim Across America, a
[38:51] national fundraiser helping raise nearly
[38:54] $12,000
[38:56] for cancer research.
[38:58] There are still a few events remaining,
[39:00] including our eighth and final Fab
[39:02] Friday on August 28th with live music
[39:06] and extended hours until 10:00 p.m.
[39:09] Followed by the makeup date for our
[39:11] Ramsey 250th pool party celebration,
[39:14] which will be held on Saturday,
[39:16] September 5th from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.
[39:20] All prior registrations will be honored.
[39:23] The pool will remain open next week for
[39:26] after-school hours from 4:00 to 7:00
[39:28] p.m. and with regular hours over the
[39:31] weekend. They will officially close out
[39:33] the 2026 season on Labor Day, September
[39:37] 7th.
[39:38] Um, thank you to all the hardworking
[39:40] staff and the pool commission for
[39:43] another tremendous summer. Um, and to
[39:47] that, thank you also comes from our pool
[39:49] director, Gary Bock, who um,
[39:52] ran the pool fantastically as per usual.
[39:56] Um, their next meeting is uh, September
[40:01] 16th here at Borough Hall at 7:30 p.m.
[40:05] Um, in regards to the Ramsey Journal,
[40:08] yes, it is Ramsey Journal season again.
[40:12] Um,
[40:13] all articles are due by next Friday,
[40:16] September 4th, so that we can get the
[40:19] journal in mailboxes the week of October
[40:23] 19th. So, as a reminder, please get your
[40:27] submissions in by Friday, September 4th,
[40:31] so we have enough time for editing,
[40:34] layout, and processing of those submissions, and we look
[40:40] forward to reading all of them.
[40:43] And uh
[40:44] >> that concludes my report. Thank you so
[40:46] much.
[40:46] >> Thank you.
[40:50] Does anyone have any comments for
[40:51] Councilman Hoppolo?
[40:54] Okay. I will remind everybody that
[40:56] school starts next Tuesday, September
[40:59] 1st in Ramsey, the Ramsey public
[41:01] schools.
[41:02] Um the Ramsey Police Department will be
[41:04] doing a public service announcement
[41:06] prior to school starting regarding
[41:08] traffic safety and um and then
[41:11] enforcement action that they will be
[41:12] doing during September
[41:14] on the streets, so that will be coming
[41:16] out.
[41:17] Um I'll let everybody know that Shady
[41:18] Side was repaved and striped, and it
[41:22] looks really nice, and I'm happy that
[41:24] finally happened. And to remind
[41:25] everybody that that was paid for with
[41:27] grant money at no cost to the taxpayers.
[41:30] Um I was at the dedication for
[41:32] Caroline's Corner at the library last
[41:35] week. It was a lovely lovely celebration
[41:38] of Caroline's life and legacy. Her
[41:40] husband was there, as well as his
[41:43] daughter, and then um two grandchildren
[41:46] were here from England. So, it was well
[41:47] attended, and there will be an article
[41:49] in Ramsey Neighbors regarding it uh cuz
[41:52] Lauren Schreiber was there to cover it.
[41:54] So, that was lovely. Um I just want to
[41:57] let everybody know I announced a couple
[41:59] weeks ago that there's a new way to
[42:00] report traffic issues, that you have the
[42:02] form that goes directly to a mailbox at
[42:05] the Ramsey Police Department, and it's
[42:07] been successful. Um a lot of people have
[42:09] been submitting forms, and they've been
[42:11] getting responses from Dane Gilly or
[42:13] Officer Gilly when they leave their
[42:15] contact information. So, so far it's
[42:17] been working out really well.
[42:20] And I'd also like to say thank you to
[42:21] Robert Navarro and Frank Cristiano from
[42:23] Ramsey Rescue for volunteering for
[42:25] Ramsey Rescue Squad.
[42:27] And as I mentioned earlier, um thanks to
[42:29] everybody that's been working on this
[42:31] public safety building. It's
[42:33] desperately, desperately needed. And I
[42:35] know it's been taking a long time, but
[42:37] it's a really large project, so we have
[42:39] to be very careful with it step by step to make sure that we are good
[42:44] stewards of taxpayers' money and
[42:46] delivering a really good product for the
[42:48] price.
[42:50] Right? And that's all I have.
[42:52] Mr. Administrator.
[42:53] >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Just a couple
[42:55] comments beyond what I had mentioned
[42:57] earlier. Uh with regards to the um
[43:01] firehouse project at fire OEM and rescue
[43:04] squad project, I'd just mention a couple
[43:07] things that are pertain to that as well
[43:09] as any public works projects in New
[43:11] Jersey, and that is that that the
[43:13] general public may not be aware of and
[43:15] that impact the cost of the bids
[43:17] received on these projects, which
[43:19] differs from a private entity doing a
[43:21] construction project.
[43:23] These are not options chosen by a
[43:24] specific municipality. These are state
[43:26] mandated requirements on these projects.
[43:28] First off,
[43:30] any public works project with a cost
[43:32] above $19,375
[43:35] in New Jersey,
[43:36] the contractor awarded the contract must
[43:39] pay their employees at a minimum the
[43:40] prevailing wage for their specific job
[43:42] title.
[43:44] Prevailing wage is set by the New Jersey
[43:45] Department of Labor and Workforce
[43:47] Development and are based on the rates
[43:49] paid to the majority of workers under
[43:51] union contracts in the county the
[43:53] project is in.
[43:55] These rates also vary based on craft,
[43:57] trade, or job classification.
[43:59] Whether the contractor has union
[44:01] employees or not, these prevailing wage
[44:03] rates must be paid to the employees and
[44:05] are verified by submission of certified
[44:07] contract or payroll records.
[44:10] In addition, a second factor which comes
[44:12] into play with the firehouse project is
[44:15] that any public works project in New
[44:17] Jersey above $5 million in cost requires
[44:20] a project labor agreement or PLA, which
[44:23] is an agreement entered into between the
[44:25] contractor, subcontractors, and the
[44:27] municipality.
[44:28] The contractors on the job pledge no
[44:30] work stoppage, strike, or slowdown, etc.
[44:33] during the construction of the project.
[44:36] And in return, similar prevailing wage
[44:38] just discussed, the contract will have a
[44:40] special minimum PLA
[44:43] labor rate that must be paid, and these
[44:45] generally range slightly above
[44:47] prevailing wages that I just discussed
[44:49] earlier. So, again, there there are
[44:51] minimum wages, if you will, that a
[44:53] contractor must bid on public works
[44:56] projects in New Jersey.
[44:58] Um which could tend to drive things
[45:01] higher than you may if you were doing
[45:03] this as a
[45:04] home project or something. So, just
[45:08] some things that I don't think are
[45:10] generally
[45:11] uh known out there. So,
[45:13] and that will conclude my comments.
[45:15] >> Thank you.
[45:18] For old turn?
[45:20] >> Nothing, thank you.
[45:21] >> Thank you.
[45:23] Well, then, let's move on. We have the
[45:25] introduction of ordinance, ordinance
[45:27] 19-2026.
[45:31] » Uh thank you, Madam Mayor.
[45:33] Uh this is the introduction of ordinance
[45:35] 19-2026.
[45:37] Be it resolved that an ordinance
[45:38] entitled an ordinance amending chapter 1
[45:40] of the code of the Borough of Ramsey,
[45:41] County of Bergen, State of New Jersey,
[45:44] more specifically section 1-5
[45:47] .8
[45:49] traffic section designated offenses.
[45:51] Pass the first reading by title, and
[45:53] that said ordinance be further
[45:54] considered for final passage and
[45:56] adoption at the regular meeting of the
[45:58] mayor and council
[45:59] to be held on the 9th day of September,
[46:01] 2026, 7:00 p.m. prevailing time, or soon
[46:04] after as the matter can be reached at
[46:06] the municipal building in said borough.
[46:08] And be it further resolved that the
[46:10] borough clerk be and she hereby is
[46:11] instructed to publish in the official
[46:13] newspaper of the borough in a manner
[46:15] provided by law a copy of said ordinance
[46:17] together with notice of the introduction
[46:18] thereof and notice when the same will be
[46:20] considered for final passage and
[46:22] adoption.
[46:24] >> I will second.
[46:25] >> Thank you. Any comments on ordinance
[46:27] 19-2026?
[46:29] >> Sure. Madam Mayor, similar to ordinance
[46:32] 17-2026
[46:33] that was on the agenda tonight, this
[46:35] ordinance amends the Ramsey Municipal
[46:37] Court's violation schedule fees. There
[46:39] was one newer section of the court code
[46:41] pertaining to parking at Don Bosco that
[46:43] was not in ordinance 17 of 2026, but
[46:47] this similarly is the same change. It's
[46:49] now being proposed to change from a $50
[46:52] penalty to a $75 penalty.
[46:54] >> Thank you.
[46:56] Okay. Roll call, please.
[46:58] >> Councilwoman Cuseck?
[46:59] >> Yes.
[46:59] >> Councilwoman Gressoni?
[47:00] >> Yes.
[47:01] >> Councilwoman Gotwetter?
[47:02] >> Yes.
[47:03] >> Councilwoman Kilman?
[47:04] >> Yes.
[47:04] >> Councilwoman Poppie?
[47:05] >> Yes.
[47:07] >> Thank you. Not seeing any unfinished
[47:09] business or new business, can we have a
[47:11] motion to adjourn?
[47:13] >> I'll make that motion.
[47:14] >> I'll second.
[47:14] >> All in favor?
[47:15] >> I.
[47:16] >> Okay. Thank you, folks.
[47:19] 7:48.