1 00:00:51,600 --> 00:00:52,680 This meeting's called to order in 2 00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:54,120 accordance with the open public meetings 3 00:00:54,120 --> 00:00:56,160 law in accordance with chapter 231 of 4 00:00:56,160 --> 00:00:58,480 the public laws of 1975. 5 00:00:58,480 --> 00:01:00,000 Adequate notice of this meeting has been 6 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:02,240 provided. This meeting of August 3rd, 7 00:01:02,240 --> 00:01:05,680 2026 was provided to the Courier News 8 00:01:05,680 --> 00:01:07,360 and Star-Ledger and placed on the 9 00:01:07,360 --> 00:01:10,120 bureau's website. Also placed on the 10 00:01:10,120 --> 00:01:12,120 bulletin board of Borough Hall. A copy 11 00:01:12,120 --> 00:01:13,400 of this notice is available to the 12 00:01:13,400 --> 00:01:15,560 public and a copy of the statement shall 13 00:01:15,560 --> 00:01:16,960 be included in the minutes of this 14 00:01:16,960 --> 00:01:18,440 meeting. 15 00:01:18,440 --> 00:01:19,440 Mayor Brian Gallagher. 16 00:01:19,440 --> 00:01:20,000 >> Here. 17 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:22,040 >> Council members, Teresa Bonner is 18 00:01:22,040 --> 00:01:24,400 excused this evening. Andrew Conti. 19 00:01:24,400 --> 00:01:24,880 >> Here. 20 00:01:24,880 --> 00:01:25,560 >> Glenn Dene. 21 00:01:25,560 --> 00:01:26,200 >> Here. 22 00:01:26,200 --> 00:01:26,960 >> Randy Pitts. 23 00:01:26,960 --> 00:01:27,640 >> Here. 24 00:01:27,640 --> 00:01:28,440 >> Gina Strabic. 25 00:01:28,440 --> 00:01:28,880 >> Here. 26 00:01:28,880 --> 00:01:29,480 >> Roger Vern. 27 00:01:29,480 --> 00:01:30,040 >> Here. 28 00:01:30,040 --> 00:01:34,230 >> Please stand for the salute to the flag. 29 00:01:34,240 --> 00:01:36,640 » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the 30 00:01:36,640 --> 00:01:39,000 United States of America and to the 31 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:42,240 republic for which it stands, one nation 32 00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:45,160 under God, indivisible, with liberty and 33 00:01:45,160 --> 00:01:53,150 justice for all. 34 00:01:53,160 --> 00:01:55,360 » Okay, we have no uh departmental reports 35 00:01:55,360 --> 00:01:56,760 or notices. 36 00:01:56,760 --> 00:01:59,360 Uh however, we do have a These are 37 00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:01,360 always good nights. We have resolution 38 00:02:01,360 --> 00:02:05,469 number 260803-233 39 00:02:05,479 --> 00:02:07,880 approving the hiring of Eric A. Melendez 40 00:02:07,880 --> 00:02:10,240 as police officer effective August 4th, 41 00:02:10,240 --> 00:02:12,200 2026. 42 00:02:12,200 --> 00:02:13,600 Do we have a motion? 43 00:02:13,600 --> 00:02:14,240 >> So moved. 44 00:02:14,240 --> 00:02:14,920 >> Second. 45 00:02:14,920 --> 00:02:16,640 >> Discussion. Roll call, please. 46 00:02:16,640 --> 00:02:18,360 >> Council members, Andrew Cotti. 47 00:02:18,360 --> 00:02:18,840 >> Yes. 48 00:02:18,840 --> 00:02:19,520 >> Glenn Denney. 49 00:02:19,520 --> 00:02:20,200 >> Yes. 50 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:21,000 >> Randy Pitts. 51 00:02:21,000 --> 00:02:21,520 >> Yes. 52 00:02:21,520 --> 00:02:22,320 >> Gina Slavik. 53 00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:22,800 >> Yes. 54 00:02:22,800 --> 00:02:23,520 >> Roger Berm. 55 00:02:23,520 --> 00:02:24,240 >> Yes. 56 00:02:24,240 --> 00:02:25,280 >> All right. 57 00:02:25,280 --> 00:02:27,160 Uh, Mr. Melendez, 58 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:43,830 come up come on down. 59 00:02:43,840 --> 00:02:45,800 Oh, you know what? You know what? If 60 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:47,280 mom's here, we're going to hold If she's 61 00:02:47,280 --> 00:02:48,640 not here, we're going to hold off a few 62 00:02:48,640 --> 00:02:50,720 minutes. Absolutely. 63 00:02:50,720 --> 00:02:52,200 Mom's got to be here. 64 00:02:52,200 --> 00:02:53,120 All right. So, we're going to defer 65 00:02:53,120 --> 00:02:55,600 that. That's All right. Not a problem. 66 00:02:55,600 --> 00:02:57,560 at all. 67 00:02:57,560 --> 00:02:58,161 Yeah. 68 00:02:58,161 --> 00:03:01,150 >> [laughter] 69 00:03:01,160 --> 00:03:03,990 » No, for now. 70 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:08,110 Mom holds the gavel. That's 71 00:03:08,120 --> 00:03:09,640 All right. Let's go into committee 72 00:03:09,640 --> 00:03:11,200 reports then, Andrew. 73 00:03:11,200 --> 00:03:12,680 >> Uh, historic advisory committee hasn't 74 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:14,480 met yet this month, but we look forward 75 00:03:14,480 --> 00:03:16,000 to discussing 76 00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:18,080 few items at the end of the month and 77 00:03:18,080 --> 00:03:21,959 specifically uh, potential for our 78 00:03:21,959 --> 00:03:25,560 artifacts and museum items to be more on 79 00:03:25,560 --> 00:03:27,080 display at 80 00:03:27,080 --> 00:03:28,959 in the town and also continue mapping 81 00:03:28,959 --> 00:03:30,920 out the historic places [clears throat] 82 00:03:30,920 --> 00:03:32,239 in town and putting them on our map that 83 00:03:32,239 --> 00:03:33,680 we actually have up. So, if anybody's 84 00:03:33,680 --> 00:03:35,360 interested in looking at historic sites 85 00:03:35,360 --> 00:03:37,320 in town, you can check out the historic 86 00:03:37,320 --> 00:03:41,239 advisory commission's website. We have a map, a Google Map that'll take 87 00:03:41,239 --> 00:03:42,760 you everywhere you want to go. 88 00:03:42,760 --> 00:03:44,720 >> Great. Thank you. Gina. 89 00:03:44,720 --> 00:03:46,480 >> Uh, September 27th, the Board of Health 90 00:03:46,480 --> 00:03:49,200 will be at the farmers market doing some 91 00:03:49,200 --> 00:03:51,200 Board of Health stuff. So, um, that was 92 00:03:51,200 --> 00:03:52,800 a great partnership and a great 93 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:54,120 opportunity for the Board of Health to 94 00:03:54,120 --> 00:03:55,880 work with the community. Uh, the rescue 95 00:03:55,880 --> 00:03:57,440 squad continues their good work. I do 96 00:03:57,440 --> 00:03:59,640 not have a full report, um, but know 97 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:01,360 that they are there for you. 98 00:04:01,360 --> 00:04:02,560 >> All right. Uh, Glenn. 99 00:04:02,560 --> 00:04:04,240 >> All right. Thank you. Uh, the fire 100 00:04:04,240 --> 00:04:07,040 department responded to 74 service calls 101 00:04:07,040 --> 00:04:08,360 in the month of July, so they've 102 00:04:08,360 --> 00:04:10,000 continued their busy streak for this 103 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:10,920 year. 104 00:04:10,920 --> 00:04:12,320 And then the Environmental Commission 105 00:04:12,320 --> 00:04:14,360 met on July 14th. 106 00:04:14,360 --> 00:04:17,160 Uh, two new pet waste stations were 107 00:04:17,160 --> 00:04:19,280 installed along the Greenway, and that 108 00:04:19,280 --> 00:04:20,440 was with a partnership with the New 109 00:04:20,440 --> 00:04:21,840 Jersey Water Supply Authority and their 110 00:04:21,840 --> 00:04:23,720 water ambassadors program, and a little 111 00:04:23,720 --> 00:04:25,480 bit of help from our DPW, so we thank 112 00:04:25,480 --> 00:04:26,520 them. 113 00:04:26,520 --> 00:04:28,400 On September 9th, a member of our green 114 00:04:28,400 --> 00:04:30,640 team, David Voron, will host a talk on 115 00:04:30,640 --> 00:04:33,120 how to fight high energy bills. 116 00:04:33,120 --> 00:04:35,480 And then finally, uh, 117 00:04:35,480 --> 00:04:37,480 volunteering days are coming really 118 00:04:37,480 --> 00:04:39,240 soon. There's a number of them, so you 119 00:04:39,240 --> 00:04:41,120 can check out some details on our social 120 00:04:41,120 --> 00:04:43,680 media or website. For but we will be 121 00:04:43,680 --> 00:04:45,520 continuing our work on the Peters Brook 122 00:04:45,520 --> 00:04:48,040 habitat restoration project. Uh, the 123 00:04:48,040 --> 00:04:50,320 dates right now are August 22nd, 124 00:04:50,320 --> 00:04:53,000 September 16th, September 27th, and 125 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:55,080 October 1st. So, hopefully you can come 126 00:04:55,080 --> 00:04:57,360 out during one of those days uh, to help 127 00:04:57,360 --> 00:04:58,400 us out with that. There will be more 128 00:04:58,400 --> 00:05:01,919 details and sign-ups available. Um, 129 00:05:01,919 --> 00:05:02,919 the Environmental Commission will see 130 00:05:02,919 --> 00:05:05,280 you at National Night Out tomorrow uh, 131 00:05:05,280 --> 00:05:06,960 with some energy saving tips and more at 132 00:05:06,960 --> 00:05:08,360 the tent, so come on out and see them 133 00:05:08,360 --> 00:05:09,520 and all the other great community groups 134 00:05:09,520 --> 00:05:11,840 that'll be there. And then uh, also you 135 00:05:11,840 --> 00:05:14,880 can come out on next Tuesday on uh, the 136 00:05:14,880 --> 00:05:18,160 11th of August for the uh, monthly 137 00:05:18,160 --> 00:05:19,880 Environmental Commission meeting at 7:00 138 00:05:19,880 --> 00:05:20,720 right here. 139 00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:21,480 >> Okay, great. 140 00:05:21,480 --> 00:05:22,040 >> Busy, busy. 141 00:05:22,040 --> 00:05:23,000 >> Excellent. Thank you. 142 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:23,760 >> Thanks. 143 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:24,400 >> Ready. 144 00:05:24,400 --> 00:05:26,193 >> He stole my thunder. 145 00:05:26,193 --> 00:05:26,960 >> [laughter] 146 00:05:26,960 --> 00:05:28,960 >> There's plenty to say. There's plenty of 147 00:05:28,960 --> 00:05:31,040 groups. 148 00:05:31,040 --> 00:05:33,680 >> Tomorrow is National Night Out day. 149 00:05:33,680 --> 00:05:35,400 Come out and meet 150 00:05:35,400 --> 00:05:37,080 our entire force, 151 00:05:37,080 --> 00:05:39,200 fire department, rescue squad. 152 00:05:39,200 --> 00:05:41,080 Um, this year's event features live 153 00:05:41,080 --> 00:05:43,520 performances by Elite Dance Center, 154 00:05:43,520 --> 00:05:46,160 School of Rock, Black Belt World, plus a 155 00:05:46,160 --> 00:05:48,040 dunk tank. 156 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:50,680 Maybe the mayor. 157 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:51,920 >> That could be. [laughter] It may be on 158 00:05:51,920 --> 00:05:55,150 the agenda. 159 00:05:55,160 --> 00:05:57,560 » Provided by Somerville Recreation. Free 160 00:05:57,560 --> 00:05:59,400 hot dogs, drinks, and snacks will be 161 00:05:59,400 --> 00:06:01,880 provided by the community partners. 162 00:06:01,880 --> 00:06:03,320 Meet your neighbors, connect with our 163 00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:05,400 local police officers, 164 00:06:05,400 --> 00:06:06,120 our 165 00:06:06,120 --> 00:06:08,240 beautiful and great police officers. We 166 00:06:08,240 --> 00:06:10,280 even have the chief here tonight. Want 167 00:06:10,280 --> 00:06:11,720 to give him a shout out. 168 00:06:11,720 --> 00:06:12,699 He's my guy. 169 00:06:12,699 --> 00:06:14,240 >> [laughter] 170 00:06:14,240 --> 00:06:16,520 >> We hope to see you there tomorrow. 171 00:06:16,520 --> 00:06:17,240 That's all I have. 172 00:06:17,240 --> 00:06:19,200 >> All right, great. Thank you. Roger. Uh 173 00:06:19,200 --> 00:06:22,120 from recreation, the Somerville YMCA 174 00:06:22,120 --> 00:06:23,919 will be offering free classes to 175 00:06:23,919 --> 00:06:26,560 Somerville residents at Michael Lep Pool 176 00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:28,440 Park, which is the one on Park Avenue, 177 00:06:28,440 --> 00:06:31,520 on August 10th, 12th, and 14th. The 178 00:06:31,520 --> 00:06:33,480 program is designed to help young 179 00:06:33,480 --> 00:06:35,120 children become more comfortable and 180 00:06:35,120 --> 00:06:37,919 confident in and around the water while 181 00:06:37,919 --> 00:06:39,919 learning essential water safety skills 182 00:06:39,919 --> 00:06:42,000 in a fun and supportive environment. 183 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:43,440 There are two sessions for young 184 00:06:43,440 --> 00:06:46,200 children. Um they will be run at uh 185 00:06:46,200 --> 00:06:48,000 11:00 to 11:30, which is going to be 186 00:06:48,000 --> 00:06:49,440 safety around the water. It's a 187 00:06:49,440 --> 00:06:52,280 parent-and-me class for preschool-aged 188 00:06:52,280 --> 00:06:55,200 children ages 3 to 5. And then from 189 00:06:55,200 --> 00:06:57,040 11:30 to 12:00 on those days, it'll be 190 00:06:57,040 --> 00:06:59,280 safety around the water, uh children 191 00:06:59,280 --> 00:07:02,120 only, uh ages 5 years old, I guess and 192 00:07:02,120 --> 00:07:04,640 up. So, space is limited. Uh please 193 00:07:04,640 --> 00:07:06,800 register now on the Community Pass uh 194 00:07:06,800 --> 00:07:08,760 website under summer programs. And 195 00:07:08,760 --> 00:07:09,600 that's what I have. 196 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:10,640 >> Okay. 197 00:07:10,640 --> 00:07:11,880 All right, we're going to jump and do 198 00:07:11,880 --> 00:07:13,800 ordinances for public hearing and 199 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:17,520 adoption. Ordinance number number 2807 200 00:07:17,520 --> 00:07:18,800 is a bond ordinance providing an 201 00:07:18,800 --> 00:07:22,120 appropriation of $850,000 for the design 202 00:07:22,120 --> 00:07:24,000 and resurfacing of South Middle Street 203 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:25,600 and Washington Place foreign by the 204 00:07:25,600 --> 00:07:27,360 Borough of Somerville in the County of 205 00:07:27,360 --> 00:07:28,200 Somerset. 206 00:07:28,200 --> 00:07:31,440 >> owners? Like, what prompted this? 207 00:07:31,440 --> 00:07:34,160 >> Uh what hap- What prompted this is it's 208 00:07:34,160 --> 00:07:37,000 the time is So, as you know, there is a 209 00:07:37,000 --> 00:07:38,360 cannabis, well, maybe you don't know, 210 00:07:38,360 --> 00:07:41,040 there's a cannabis location further um 211 00:07:41,040 --> 00:07:46,440 west on Route 22, or actually 202 206, 212 00:07:46,440 --> 00:07:49,680 we're we're making it so the cannabis 213 00:07:49,680 --> 00:07:52,400 facility that's located on 22 could 214 00:07:52,400 --> 00:07:54,600 compete hour-wise with that. So, it 215 00:07:54,600 --> 00:07:56,920 matches their time. 216 00:07:56,920 --> 00:07:59,040 Only it actually matches their time only 217 00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:01,200 Friday Saturday. They may be be 218 00:08:01,200 --> 00:08:03,000 appearing in the future to match their 219 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:04,720 time on Sunday, but at this point this 220 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:07,160 is a this is just 221 00:08:07,160 --> 00:08:09,720 basically Monday Monday through Saturday 222 00:08:09,720 --> 00:08:11,200 the change. 223 00:08:11,200 --> 00:08:12,640 >> So, they requested it. 224 00:08:12,640 --> 00:08:15,360 >> Uh yes, it it it came about. As you 225 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:17,080 know, we do get 226 00:08:17,080 --> 00:08:19,600 transfer tax from that, so the revenue 227 00:08:19,600 --> 00:08:21,240 if they open early obviously the 228 00:08:21,240 --> 00:08:24,040 anticipation is the revenue would be 229 00:08:24,040 --> 00:08:31,070 um better during those morning hours. 230 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:32,919 » Okay. Roll call. 231 00:08:32,919 --> 00:08:34,640 Council members, Andrew Conti. 232 00:08:34,640 --> 00:08:35,360 >> Yes. 233 00:08:35,360 --> 00:08:35,960 >> Glenn Zaney. 234 00:08:35,960 --> 00:08:36,360 >> Yes. 235 00:08:36,360 --> 00:08:37,039 >> Randy Pitts. 236 00:08:37,039 --> 00:08:37,360 >> Yes. 237 00:08:37,360 --> 00:08:38,000 >> Gina Stravic. 238 00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:38,360 >> Yes. 239 00:08:38,360 --> 00:08:38,960 >> Roger Vern. 240 00:08:38,960 --> 00:08:39,880 >> Yes. 241 00:08:39,880 --> 00:08:41,159 >> All right. 242 00:08:41,159 --> 00:08:42,919 Is mom here? 243 00:08:42,919 --> 00:08:43,680 Is she? 244 00:08:43,680 --> 00:08:44,280 >> Yes. 245 00:08:44,280 --> 00:08:45,971 >> All right. 246 00:08:45,971 --> 00:08:47,400 >> [laughter] 247 00:08:47,400 --> 00:08:50,240 >> All right, let's let's go back to item 248 00:08:50,240 --> 00:08:53,800 number six, which is the oath of office 249 00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:56,880 for police officer Eric A. Melendez. 250 00:08:56,880 --> 00:09:04,430 Eric, if you come forward. 251 00:09:04,440 --> 00:09:12,670 That's your cue, mom. 252 00:09:12,680 --> 00:09:14,839 » You put your left hand on the Bible. 253 00:09:14,839 --> 00:09:15,640 And you're going to raise your right 254 00:09:15,640 --> 00:09:18,560 hand and repeat after me. 255 00:09:18,560 --> 00:09:19,960 I state your name. 256 00:09:19,960 --> 00:09:21,200 >> I, Eric Melendez, 257 00:09:21,200 --> 00:09:23,680 >> do solemnly swear 258 00:09:23,680 --> 00:09:25,360 >> that I will support the Constitution of 259 00:09:25,360 --> 00:09:26,360 the United States. 260 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:27,480 >> that I will support the Constitution of 261 00:09:27,480 --> 00:09:28,240 the United States. 262 00:09:28,240 --> 00:09:30,920 >> and the state of New Jersey. 263 00:09:30,920 --> 00:09:32,360 >> that I will bear true faith and 264 00:09:32,360 --> 00:09:33,880 allegiance to the same. 265 00:09:33,880 --> 00:09:35,040 >> that I will bear true faith and 266 00:09:35,040 --> 00:09:36,200 allegiance to the same. 267 00:09:36,200 --> 00:09:37,560 >> and to the governments established in 268 00:09:37,560 --> 00:09:39,640 the United States and in this state. 269 00:09:39,640 --> 00:09:40,840 >> And to the governments established in 270 00:09:40,840 --> 00:09:42,360 the United States and in this state. 271 00:09:42,360 --> 00:09:45,640 >> Under the authority of the people. 272 00:09:45,640 --> 00:09:47,680 >> That I will faithfully 273 00:09:47,680 --> 00:09:49,520 >> impartially 274 00:09:49,520 --> 00:09:51,840 >> and justly perform 275 00:09:51,840 --> 00:09:54,880 >> all the duties of police officer 276 00:09:54,880 --> 00:09:57,280 >> for the Borough of Somerville 277 00:09:57,280 --> 00:10:01,040 >> according to the best of my ability. 278 00:10:01,040 --> 00:10:02,560 >> So help me God. 279 00:10:02,560 --> 00:10:03,320 >> Congratulations. 280 00:10:03,320 --> 00:10:04,571 >> Thank you, sir. 281 00:10:04,571 --> 00:10:40,070 >> [applause] 282 00:10:40,080 --> 00:10:40,760 » Chief. 283 00:10:40,760 --> 00:10:42,120 >> All right, so 284 00:10:42,120 --> 00:10:44,280 Officer Melendez is already You can You 285 00:10:44,280 --> 00:10:46,839 can step back over here, okay. 286 00:10:46,839 --> 00:10:49,680 He's already a police officer. So we had 287 00:10:49,680 --> 00:10:51,160 an opening and we've had an opening for 288 00:10:51,160 --> 00:10:53,040 a while due to retirement of someone, so 289 00:10:53,040 --> 00:10:54,880 we're filling a spot. 290 00:10:54,880 --> 00:10:58,080 And we had a uh process where people 291 00:10:58,080 --> 00:11:01,760 apply and we interviewed several trained 292 00:11:01,760 --> 00:11:03,200 police officers. 293 00:11:03,200 --> 00:11:05,600 He came out number one on our process 294 00:11:05,600 --> 00:11:09,160 and after a thorough background he um 295 00:11:09,160 --> 00:11:11,360 ready to go. But having police 296 00:11:11,360 --> 00:11:14,080 experience is a giant benefit to us here 297 00:11:14,080 --> 00:11:15,240 in town. 298 00:11:15,240 --> 00:11:17,520 Um and he's got a good support group. 299 00:11:17,520 --> 00:11:19,120 He'll be hooked with a training officer 300 00:11:19,120 --> 00:11:21,040 for a while, about 3 months I guess, 2 3 301 00:11:21,040 --> 00:11:21,960 months. 302 00:11:21,960 --> 00:11:23,920 So he can learn how we do things our way 303 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:25,880 here and uh 304 00:11:25,880 --> 00:11:27,560 that's it, he's ready to go. And 305 00:11:27,560 --> 00:11:29,839 we were told that he has a very uh 306 00:11:29,839 --> 00:11:31,960 tight, close family and that's obvious 307 00:11:31,960 --> 00:11:33,760 by the amount of people that are here. 308 00:11:33,760 --> 00:11:35,440 Uh do want to thank you guys, thank the 309 00:11:35,440 --> 00:11:37,240 council for doing this and working with 310 00:11:37,240 --> 00:11:38,240 us. We always have a good working 311 00:11:38,240 --> 00:11:40,040 relationship and we have to keep that 312 00:11:40,040 --> 00:11:42,160 going too. But, thank you guys. 313 00:11:42,160 --> 00:11:42,920 >> Chief, thank you. 314 00:11:42,920 --> 00:11:44,000 >> Thank you, Chief. 315 00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:46,360 >> So, just a just a couple of comments. Um 316 00:11:46,360 --> 00:11:48,880 I always love these days. Um I think 317 00:11:48,880 --> 00:11:50,200 it's wonderful. 318 00:11:50,200 --> 00:11:52,840 Um it's a another officer joining the 319 00:11:52,840 --> 00:11:54,800 ranks of our community. And when you 320 00:11:54,800 --> 00:11:57,480 look around you and you see this 321 00:11:57,480 --> 00:12:00,040 uh these lines of blue, um these are the 322 00:12:00,040 --> 00:12:02,560 folks that the men and women who keep 323 00:12:02,560 --> 00:12:04,040 our community what it is. We live in a 324 00:12:04,040 --> 00:12:06,520 very special community. We have very 325 00:12:06,520 --> 00:12:10,640 engaged citizens. Um and uh and and it's 326 00:12:10,640 --> 00:12:13,600 wonderful. So, remember this day cuz 327 00:12:13,600 --> 00:12:15,840 it's a good day, it's a happy day. 328 00:12:15,840 --> 00:12:17,760 They're not all good and happy, uh but 329 00:12:17,760 --> 00:12:19,720 think back to you know, this day when 330 00:12:19,720 --> 00:12:22,760 you're having that tough day. And uh 331 00:12:22,760 --> 00:12:25,040 make sure you wave 332 00:12:25,040 --> 00:12:27,040 to the citizens 333 00:12:27,040 --> 00:12:28,480 and go after the bad guys with a 334 00:12:28,480 --> 00:12:29,680 vengeance. 335 00:12:29,680 --> 00:12:31,160 All right? So, thank you and 336 00:12:31,160 --> 00:12:33,440 congratulations. Thank you. 337 00:12:33,440 --> 00:12:34,880 Uh Chief, I know you've got a couple of 338 00:12:34,880 --> 00:12:36,640 other things you uh you'd like to do. 339 00:12:36,640 --> 00:12:37,920 >> Yeah, we have some awards we'd like to 340 00:12:37,920 --> 00:12:39,680 give out to some of the folks here and 341 00:12:39,680 --> 00:12:41,040 we'll start with I got Lieutenant 342 00:12:41,040 --> 00:12:42,320 DePalma is going to come up. Do you have 343 00:12:42,320 --> 00:12:44,240 the 344 00:12:44,240 --> 00:12:45,240 awards? 345 00:12:45,240 --> 00:12:47,720 Um what I'd like to do first is uh the 346 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:49,640 Chief's Achievement Award and I'm going 347 00:12:49,640 --> 00:12:51,800 to actually Usually you you guys have 348 00:12:51,800 --> 00:12:52,960 known me a long time. I don't read 349 00:12:52,960 --> 00:12:54,960 anything in general. We just talk. 350 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:56,640 But, Lieutenant DePalma put some nice 351 00:12:56,640 --> 00:12:58,000 fancy stuff together. So, I'm going to 352 00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:00,600 try to stay on 353 00:13:00,600 --> 00:13:01,720 course here. 354 00:13:01,720 --> 00:13:02,839 Anyway, 355 00:13:02,839 --> 00:13:04,960 uh Officer Spadaia, could you come down, 356 00:13:04,960 --> 00:13:06,600 please? 357 00:13:06,600 --> 00:13:09,320 So, Officer Spadaia and Detective 358 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:11,320 Fullmore, Detective Fullmore is not here 359 00:13:11,320 --> 00:13:12,240 tonight. 360 00:13:12,240 --> 00:13:14,320 But, uh we want to give him the Chief's 361 00:13:14,320 --> 00:13:16,160 Award 362 00:13:16,160 --> 00:13:18,640 what Lieutenant DePalma came up with was 363 00:13:18,640 --> 00:13:20,760 being awarded for an outstanding act of 364 00:13:20,760 --> 00:13:22,720 achievement. Moving into the new 365 00:13:22,720 --> 00:13:23,880 building 366 00:13:23,880 --> 00:13:24,920 would not be possible without the 367 00:13:24,920 --> 00:13:26,760 dedication, professionalism, and 368 00:13:26,760 --> 00:13:29,160 unwavering commitment of officers today 369 00:13:29,160 --> 00:13:31,080 and Detective Fullmer, which you guys 370 00:13:31,080 --> 00:13:33,600 know this is true. Big lift. 371 00:13:33,600 --> 00:13:34,880 On behalf of the entire department, 372 00:13:34,880 --> 00:13:36,240 thank you for your countless hours, your 373 00:13:36,240 --> 00:13:38,080 commitment to excellence excellence, and 374 00:13:38,080 --> 00:13:39,920 your steadfast dedication to the 375 00:13:39,920 --> 00:13:41,800 organization. Your work has left a 376 00:13:41,800 --> 00:13:43,240 permanent mark on the department and 377 00:13:43,240 --> 00:13:44,520 every person who walks through the doors 378 00:13:44,520 --> 00:13:45,800 of the building. 379 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:46,880 Yeah, you could tell that I didn't write 380 00:13:46,880 --> 00:13:47,929 this. 381 00:13:47,929 --> 00:13:49,240 >> [laughter] 382 00:13:49,240 --> 00:13:50,360 >> Really nice. 383 00:13:50,360 --> 00:13:51,840 Congratulations. 384 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:53,840 Um it's my honor to award this to you. 385 00:13:53,840 --> 00:13:54,960 So, the lieutenant's going to give this 386 00:13:54,960 --> 00:13:57,754 to you. Thank you. And good job. 387 00:13:57,754 --> 00:14:04,670 >> [applause] 388 00:14:04,680 --> 00:14:07,000 » ON TOP OF WHAT WAS WRITTEN, 389 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:10,000 THE AMOUNT OF WORK, EFFORT, and 390 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:12,040 problem-solving that went into getting 391 00:14:12,040 --> 00:14:14,280 us in there was 392 00:14:14,280 --> 00:14:16,040 difficult and amazing. And I'll let it 393 00:14:16,040 --> 00:14:16,720 go with that. 394 00:14:16,720 --> 00:14:17,920 >> Can Can I just say you didn't mention 395 00:14:17,920 --> 00:14:18,720 the headaches with this guy? 396 00:14:18,720 --> 00:14:19,369 >> Yes. 397 00:14:19,369 --> 00:14:20,000 >> [laughter] 398 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:22,200 >> He's my headache. 399 00:14:22,200 --> 00:14:25,230 >> Trying to keep him out of it. 400 00:14:25,240 --> 00:14:26,360 All right. Then, if we could have 401 00:14:26,360 --> 00:14:29,360 Officer Kelleher and Officer Shahak come 402 00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:33,670 up. 403 00:14:33,680 --> 00:14:35,640 So, these two are getting the Medal of 404 00:14:35,640 --> 00:14:36,680 Valor. 405 00:14:36,680 --> 00:14:38,520 And what I'm going to do is I am going 406 00:14:38,520 --> 00:14:40,600 to read this because it really does lay 407 00:14:40,600 --> 00:14:42,080 it out pretty nicely as to what 408 00:14:42,080 --> 00:14:45,520 happened. So, um 409 00:14:45,520 --> 00:14:48,080 August 15th of last year, 410 00:14:48,080 --> 00:14:49,920 at about 411 00:14:49,920 --> 00:14:52,960 3:45 in the afternoon, 412 00:14:52,960 --> 00:14:54,680 Manville PD was searching for a male 413 00:14:54,680 --> 00:14:56,280 suspected of being in possession of a 414 00:14:56,280 --> 00:14:58,440 firearm. 415 00:14:58,440 --> 00:15:00,040 Possibly fleeing by the train. 416 00:15:00,040 --> 00:15:01,720 Surrounding agencies were advised to 417 00:15:01,720 --> 00:15:03,200 check the train station, which we have a 418 00:15:03,200 --> 00:15:04,520 train station, and these guys went and 419 00:15:04,520 --> 00:15:06,240 did that. 420 00:15:06,240 --> 00:15:08,560 Officer Kelleher responded along with 421 00:15:08,560 --> 00:15:10,040 members from the prosecutor's office. 422 00:15:10,040 --> 00:15:11,640 Upon checking the platform, the actor 423 00:15:11,640 --> 00:15:13,680 was actually located. And if any of this 424 00:15:13,680 --> 00:15:15,320 is off, you can correct me, but blame 425 00:15:15,320 --> 00:15:16,600 him. 426 00:15:16,600 --> 00:15:19,280 Um the actor became immediately agitated 427 00:15:19,280 --> 00:15:20,800 and argumentative with the officers on 428 00:15:20,800 --> 00:15:22,600 scene. The actor then tried to walk away 429 00:15:22,600 --> 00:15:25,480 and began reaching into his waistband 430 00:15:25,480 --> 00:15:27,120 towards what the officers believed to be 431 00:15:27,120 --> 00:15:29,120 was a firearm. And and every police 432 00:15:29,120 --> 00:15:30,840 officer here knows and you guys probably 433 00:15:30,840 --> 00:15:32,240 do, too. I mean, the thing that gets you 434 00:15:32,240 --> 00:15:33,840 hurt is your hands. You got to watch 435 00:15:33,840 --> 00:15:35,360 your hands. So, when he's 436 00:15:35,360 --> 00:15:37,640 sticking his hand somewhere, 437 00:15:37,640 --> 00:15:39,320 makes you nervous. 438 00:15:39,320 --> 00:15:41,320 The actor started shout- a physical 439 00:15:41,320 --> 00:15:43,960 confrontation ensued. Officer Shahad 440 00:15:43,960 --> 00:15:46,160 arrived on scene as well. 441 00:15:46,160 --> 00:15:47,720 The actor started shouting, "Kill me. 442 00:15:47,720 --> 00:15:49,480 Shoot me. I'm not going back." Also, 443 00:15:49,480 --> 00:15:50,880 during the length of time trying to take 444 00:15:50,880 --> 00:15:52,640 control of his hands, he was refusing to 445 00:15:52,640 --> 00:15:54,560 remove his left hand from holding the 446 00:15:54,560 --> 00:15:57,080 handle of the firearm. 447 00:15:57,080 --> 00:15:58,240 The actor was then handcuffed and 448 00:15:58,240 --> 00:15:59,720 secured as more officers arrived on 449 00:15:59,720 --> 00:16:01,520 scene and the weapon was secured. 450 00:16:01,520 --> 00:16:03,880 Officer Callaher hurt her hand. 451 00:16:03,880 --> 00:16:06,150 Um 452 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:07,160 As I'm reading this, I think I'm not 453 00:16:07,160 --> 00:16:09,120 supposed to talk about injuries, but you 454 00:16:09,120 --> 00:16:10,600 broke your finger. 455 00:16:10,600 --> 00:16:12,600 Um and the actor actually spit on 456 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:14,160 Officer Shahad 457 00:16:14,160 --> 00:16:16,480 in the face and mouth. Officers Callaher 458 00:16:16,480 --> 00:16:18,400 and and Officer Shahad, Somerset Police 459 00:16:18,400 --> 00:16:19,880 Department would like to recognize both 460 00:16:19,880 --> 00:16:21,440 of you for your acts of extraordinary 461 00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:22,760 heroism 462 00:16:22,760 --> 00:16:24,839 that were displayed during your actions 463 00:16:24,839 --> 00:16:26,040 on that day. 464 00:16:26,040 --> 00:16:27,720 While responding to a subject with a 465 00:16:27,720 --> 00:16:29,000 firearm, your immediate actions 466 00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:30,560 displayed that day are an example of how 467 00:16:30,560 --> 00:16:32,000 you're willing to place the welfare of 468 00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:34,280 others above yourselves. 469 00:16:34,280 --> 00:16:35,839 This exemplifies the essence of the 470 00:16:35,839 --> 00:16:37,720 Valor Award. Congratulations on the 471 00:16:37,720 --> 00:16:39,541 award. 472 00:16:39,541 --> 00:16:47,030 >> [applause] 473 00:16:47,040 --> 00:16:49,120 » And I was up there, too. I watched what 474 00:16:49,120 --> 00:16:51,200 was going on. They had him on the ground 475 00:16:51,200 --> 00:16:54,640 by the time I got there. And the guy was 476 00:16:54,640 --> 00:16:56,960 very, very violent and 477 00:16:56,960 --> 00:16:58,880 it was not a good situation. They were 478 00:16:58,880 --> 00:17:01,040 also honored by the 200 Club of Somerset 479 00:17:01,040 --> 00:17:03,160 County for their actions. So, 480 00:17:03,160 --> 00:17:07,041 congratulations. 481 00:17:07,051 --> 00:17:12,790 » [applause] 482 00:17:12,800 --> 00:17:15,120 » Okay, uh Officer Black, come on up here, 483 00:17:15,120 --> 00:17:18,429 please. 484 00:17:18,439 --> 00:17:20,160 And this is a good one. This is a real 485 00:17:20,160 --> 00:17:21,680 good one, too. 486 00:17:21,680 --> 00:17:25,120 He's also getting the Medal of Valor. 487 00:17:25,120 --> 00:17:27,120 So, again, I'm going to read it cuz I 488 00:17:27,120 --> 00:17:30,430 think he did a good job. 489 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:33,920 September 6th of 2025 490 00:17:33,920 --> 00:17:35,040 at 491 00:17:35,040 --> 00:17:37,200 2:17 in the morning, so you know there's 492 00:17:37,200 --> 00:17:38,960 a little different environment going on, 493 00:17:38,960 --> 00:17:40,240 right? 494 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:41,800 While investigating an unrelated 495 00:17:41,800 --> 00:17:43,840 incident, a report from dispatch came in 496 00:17:43,840 --> 00:17:46,520 that a male was on a street in town 497 00:17:46,520 --> 00:17:49,840 uh with a gun threatening people. 498 00:17:49,840 --> 00:17:51,600 Upon arrival, Officer Black confronted 499 00:17:51,600 --> 00:17:53,520 the subject who was in the area and gave 500 00:17:53,520 --> 00:17:55,120 him the clear verbal commands not to 501 00:17:55,120 --> 00:17:57,920 move. He assumed it was the person that 502 00:17:57,920 --> 00:17:59,480 he was sent there to deal with that had 503 00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:01,040 a gun. 504 00:18:01,040 --> 00:18:02,600 At that point, the actor then started 505 00:18:02,600 --> 00:18:07,520 running and ran away from Officer Black who started running after him 506 00:18:07,520 --> 00:18:08,960 and caught him. 507 00:18:08,960 --> 00:18:10,320 Officer Black immediately, without any 508 00:18:10,320 --> 00:18:11,880 hesitation, chased the subject for 509 00:18:11,880 --> 00:18:13,840 approximately 30 yd and was able to stop 510 00:18:13,840 --> 00:18:16,440 him and place him under arrest. 511 00:18:16,440 --> 00:18:17,920 The actor was in possession of a loaded 512 00:18:17,920 --> 00:18:19,480 magazine and ammo in his pocket. In 513 00:18:19,480 --> 00:18:21,160 addition, a firearm was also found near 514 00:18:21,160 --> 00:18:23,240 where the actor was arrested indicating 515 00:18:23,240 --> 00:18:24,640 that he had the gun on him and when he 516 00:18:24,640 --> 00:18:27,120 tackled him it came out of his pocket or 517 00:18:27,120 --> 00:18:29,560 whatever. Is that pretty much accurate? 518 00:18:29,560 --> 00:18:30,920 Okay. 519 00:18:30,920 --> 00:18:32,560 Um 520 00:18:32,560 --> 00:18:33,640 the Saugus Police Department like to 521 00:18:33,640 --> 00:18:34,840 recognize you for your act of 522 00:18:34,840 --> 00:18:36,720 extraordinary heroism that was displayed 523 00:18:36,720 --> 00:18:38,760 during this altercation. Uh the 524 00:18:38,760 --> 00:18:40,320 professionalism, confidence, and quick 525 00:18:40,320 --> 00:18:41,680 action that was displayed that night 526 00:18:41,680 --> 00:18:43,040 while responding gave to someone who had 527 00:18:43,040 --> 00:18:46,840 a gun even though the result was imminent 528 00:18:46,840 --> 00:18:48,320 personal hazard to yourself was a 529 00:18:48,320 --> 00:18:50,800 selfless act of bravery. 530 00:18:50,800 --> 00:18:52,080 Due to these actions, you will be 531 00:18:52,080 --> 00:18:53,560 receiving a Medal of Valor. 532 00:18:53,560 --> 00:18:55,783 Congratulations. 533 00:18:55,783 --> 00:19:04,350 >> [applause] 534 00:19:04,360 --> 00:19:05,920 » May have 2:15 in the morning you get a 535 00:19:05,920 --> 00:19:07,280 report of a guy he's out there at the 536 00:19:07,280 --> 00:19:09,160 Pine by himself. He takes off, goes 537 00:19:09,160 --> 00:19:10,840 after him, gets him, got guns. 538 00:19:10,840 --> 00:19:13,000 >> Yeah. 539 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:14,880 I thank you guys for allowing this 540 00:19:14,880 --> 00:19:17,280 tonight and participating with us. Thank 541 00:19:17,280 --> 00:19:18,480 you very much. 542 00:19:18,480 --> 00:19:20,320 >> Chief, thank you. Um, 543 00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:22,040 thank you. Thank all of your officers, 544 00:19:22,040 --> 00:19:23,960 those that are here and those that that 545 00:19:23,960 --> 00:19:26,120 are that are not here. 546 00:19:26,120 --> 00:19:27,280 Um, 547 00:19:27,280 --> 00:19:28,720 you know, I just find it fascinating. 548 00:19:28,720 --> 00:19:30,440 So, more and more 549 00:19:30,440 --> 00:19:32,760 our police officers are called on to to 550 00:19:32,760 --> 00:19:35,480 do different things. Uh, everything from 551 00:19:35,480 --> 00:19:39,240 what you heard about tonight to um, 552 00:19:39,240 --> 00:19:41,400 marriage counselors, psychologists, 553 00:19:41,400 --> 00:19:44,640 psychiatrists, um, you name it, across 554 00:19:44,640 --> 00:19:47,880 the board. Uh, and it's not an easy job. 555 00:19:47,880 --> 00:19:50,240 It's it's a passion that our officers 556 00:19:50,240 --> 00:19:52,360 have and and we have a difference. I 557 00:19:52,360 --> 00:19:55,680 think we have an extremely well-trained 558 00:19:55,680 --> 00:19:56,840 force 559 00:19:56,840 --> 00:19:59,360 um, led by an administrative team that 560 00:19:59,360 --> 00:20:02,080 is uh, second to none. I I'll put our 561 00:20:02,080 --> 00:20:03,880 officers up against any officers in the 562 00:20:03,880 --> 00:20:06,200 county. I think they're top-notch. 563 00:20:06,200 --> 00:20:08,480 Um, they're always out there. Um, 564 00:20:08,480 --> 00:20:09,480 they're always waving, at least they're 565 00:20:09,480 --> 00:20:10,680 waving at me. 566 00:20:10,680 --> 00:20:12,040 Uh, that or they're telling me get out 567 00:20:12,040 --> 00:20:13,073 of the way. I don't know. 568 00:20:13,073 --> 00:20:13,920 >> [laughter] 569 00:20:13,920 --> 00:20:16,080 >> Um, but I want to thank every one of you 570 00:20:16,080 --> 00:20:18,040 for what you do every single day because 571 00:20:18,040 --> 00:20:20,880 it's it's not just the the um, 572 00:20:20,880 --> 00:20:22,920 these items that you heard about today. 573 00:20:22,920 --> 00:20:26,160 It's the everyday. And uh, um, 574 00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:28,320 it's it's not easy. It's a challenge. 575 00:20:28,320 --> 00:20:30,640 It's a challenging job. You do it well. 576 00:20:30,640 --> 00:20:33,160 You keep our community safe. 577 00:20:33,160 --> 00:20:35,480 Thank you. God bless all of you. Thank 578 00:20:35,480 --> 00:20:35,999 you. 579 00:20:35,999 --> 00:20:39,950 >> [applause] 580 00:20:39,960 --> 00:20:43,590 » All right, you can go. 581 00:20:43,600 --> 00:21:10,990 And family, you can go, too. 582 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:13,280 » All right, we'll continue on. Um, before 583 00:21:13,280 --> 00:21:15,480 we get to to the meeting 584 00:21:15,480 --> 00:21:17,640 open to the public for public comment 585 00:21:17,640 --> 00:21:19,360 cuz I know there will be public comment 586 00:21:19,360 --> 00:21:21,960 on the library issue. 587 00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:23,960 Um, I just kind of want to cycle back a 588 00:21:23,960 --> 00:21:26,400 little bit and and talk a little bit 589 00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:30,720 about that because it's become a strong issue 590 00:21:30,720 --> 00:21:33,200 for our entire community. 591 00:21:33,200 --> 00:21:35,520 And and I think everybody's goal is 592 00:21:35,520 --> 00:21:38,240 exactly the same. Um, it's that we want 593 00:21:38,240 --> 00:21:42,800 to have a premier, a good, fantastic 594 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:45,800 library in our community. 595 00:21:45,800 --> 00:21:49,600 And I also believe that the long-term 596 00:21:49,600 --> 00:21:51,640 goal of 597 00:21:51,640 --> 00:21:54,120 trying to build something bigger and 598 00:21:54,120 --> 00:21:55,360 better 599 00:21:55,360 --> 00:21:56,960 is also good. 600 00:21:56,960 --> 00:21:59,160 And I think I share the same sentiment 601 00:21:59,160 --> 00:22:00,360 of council 602 00:22:00,360 --> 00:22:03,520 that that we'd like to see that. 603 00:22:03,520 --> 00:22:05,480 The challenge is we have this goal 604 00:22:05,480 --> 00:22:07,640 that's out here. 605 00:22:07,640 --> 00:22:11,480 And we have now, which is over here. 606 00:22:11,480 --> 00:22:12,800 And 607 00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:14,600 obviously recently 608 00:22:14,600 --> 00:22:16,480 the Somerset County County Library 609 00:22:16,480 --> 00:22:18,840 Commission has taken steps to 610 00:22:18,840 --> 00:22:20,160 um 611 00:22:20,160 --> 00:22:23,200 close the Somerville branch. 612 00:22:23,200 --> 00:22:24,760 Um 613 00:22:24,760 --> 00:22:26,800 citing a number of issues, 614 00:22:26,800 --> 00:22:30,320 one of which was mold issues. 615 00:22:30,320 --> 00:22:33,280 Uh, health concerns of their employees. 616 00:22:33,280 --> 00:22:36,080 We take that very seriously. Um, once 617 00:22:36,080 --> 00:22:38,160 that was made 618 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:40,600 I ordered the testing of the area 619 00:22:40,600 --> 00:22:41,960 immediately. 620 00:22:41,960 --> 00:22:43,160 And I'm going to back up a second 621 00:22:43,160 --> 00:22:45,440 because there was mold testing and 622 00:22:45,440 --> 00:22:47,160 remediation done 623 00:22:47,160 --> 00:22:49,200 about a year ago. And that was in the 624 00:22:49,200 --> 00:22:50,800 downstairs level, 625 00:22:50,800 --> 00:22:53,480 the basement level of the uh 626 00:22:53,480 --> 00:22:55,480 the library. 627 00:22:55,480 --> 00:22:58,120 Remediated, brought back to 628 00:22:58,120 --> 00:23:00,000 standard. 629 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:02,160 Fast forward to this year. 630 00:23:02,160 --> 00:23:02,800 Um 631 00:23:02,800 --> 00:23:05,400 we received a letter and it said we were 632 00:23:05,400 --> 00:23:08,360 closing citing those concerns. 633 00:23:08,360 --> 00:23:10,680 Again, so testing was ordered 634 00:23:10,680 --> 00:23:12,240 immediately. 635 00:23:12,240 --> 00:23:13,640 When 636 00:23:13,640 --> 00:23:15,280 the initial testing came back for the 637 00:23:15,280 --> 00:23:16,720 upstairs, 638 00:23:16,720 --> 00:23:20,520 that testing showed no elevated mold. 639 00:23:20,520 --> 00:23:22,800 The area was okay. 640 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:25,080 I had ordered immediate testing of the 641 00:23:25,080 --> 00:23:28,000 downstairs again just to ensure 642 00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:30,720 that that the remediation we did last 643 00:23:30,720 --> 00:23:31,920 year 644 00:23:31,920 --> 00:23:33,120 held. 645 00:23:33,120 --> 00:23:35,320 And that has come back now. 646 00:23:35,320 --> 00:23:37,560 And that also shows no elevation of 647 00:23:37,560 --> 00:23:39,280 mold. 648 00:23:39,280 --> 00:23:42,200 So, that presents a challenge. 649 00:23:42,200 --> 00:23:44,760 It doesn't negate, you know, the the 650 00:23:44,760 --> 00:23:47,760 idea that somebody may feel ill. 651 00:23:47,760 --> 00:23:51,680 So, we've taken an extra step and I've 652 00:23:51,680 --> 00:23:53,680 ordered that we bring in an 653 00:23:53,680 --> 00:23:55,800 environmental engineer {slash} 654 00:23:55,800 --> 00:23:57,840 industrial hygienist 655 00:23:57,840 --> 00:23:59,640 to do further testing 656 00:23:59,640 --> 00:24:01,880 to ensure that the air 657 00:24:01,880 --> 00:24:04,800 and the quality in the library both 658 00:24:04,800 --> 00:24:07,120 upstairs and downstairs 659 00:24:07,120 --> 00:24:09,800 is satisfactory. 660 00:24:09,800 --> 00:24:11,880 Once that's done and they come back to 661 00:24:11,880 --> 00:24:14,240 us with those results, 662 00:24:14,240 --> 00:24:16,080 one of two things will happen. Either 663 00:24:16,080 --> 00:24:17,720 the results show that there are no 664 00:24:17,720 --> 00:24:19,200 issues 665 00:24:19,200 --> 00:24:22,040 or they will show that there are issues. 666 00:24:22,040 --> 00:24:24,280 They will be mitigated. And we will also 667 00:24:24,280 --> 00:24:26,880 implement best practices that they show 668 00:24:26,880 --> 00:24:28,640 we should. 669 00:24:28,640 --> 00:24:32,110 Um 670 00:24:32,120 --> 00:24:35,480 I think that's going over and above what 671 00:24:35,480 --> 00:24:37,960 the cited reasons were for 672 00:24:37,960 --> 00:24:40,320 closing the library. 673 00:24:40,320 --> 00:24:42,200 And 674 00:24:42,200 --> 00:24:44,600 I think it's a good practice for us. 675 00:24:44,600 --> 00:24:46,120 And I would even take it a step further 676 00:24:46,120 --> 00:24:47,760 and say that we would conduct further 677 00:24:47,760 --> 00:24:50,200 testing as the years go on or as the 678 00:24:50,200 --> 00:24:52,240 year goes on just to ensure. Let's 679 00:24:52,240 --> 00:24:55,280 monitor, monitor testing. 680 00:24:55,280 --> 00:24:59,470 Um 681 00:24:59,480 --> 00:25:03,480 the challenge we have is that 682 00:25:03,480 --> 00:25:06,120 while the mold issue seemed to be the 683 00:25:06,120 --> 00:25:07,960 impetus for this, 684 00:25:07,960 --> 00:25:10,800 other issues now have come up in that 685 00:25:10,800 --> 00:25:12,920 the space isn't suitable. 686 00:25:12,920 --> 00:25:15,080 The space is not big enough. Uh and 687 00:25:15,080 --> 00:25:16,600 these are some reasons that we've been 688 00:25:16,600 --> 00:25:18,000 given for 689 00:25:18,000 --> 00:25:21,320 uh for the uh county to close the 690 00:25:21,320 --> 00:25:23,360 library. 691 00:25:23,360 --> 00:25:25,240 Um 692 00:25:25,240 --> 00:25:27,560 I don't believe that's right. 693 00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:29,720 Um 694 00:25:29,720 --> 00:25:31,920 this 695 00:25:31,920 --> 00:25:35,280 is a small branch library. 696 00:25:35,280 --> 00:25:37,880 It doesn't mean that we can't grow. 697 00:25:37,880 --> 00:25:39,560 But what it does mean 698 00:25:39,560 --> 00:25:43,320 is that between the time that we grow 699 00:25:43,320 --> 00:25:46,800 into something else and now 700 00:25:46,800 --> 00:25:50,880 we have to maintain that service 701 00:25:50,880 --> 00:25:53,200 to our constituents. 702 00:25:53,200 --> 00:25:55,920 In 2010, I brought 703 00:25:55,920 --> 00:25:58,400 our library to the county because our 704 00:25:58,400 --> 00:26:02,680 library was not in good financial shape. 705 00:26:02,680 --> 00:26:05,400 And the library embraced us, the county 706 00:26:05,400 --> 00:26:07,560 system embraced us. They wanted us to be 707 00:26:07,560 --> 00:26:09,080 a part of it. 708 00:26:09,080 --> 00:26:12,080 And 15 years later, um I'm I'm 709 00:26:12,080 --> 00:26:14,680 questioning some of that. 710 00:26:14,680 --> 00:26:19,110 So, it it is a challenge. 711 00:26:19,120 --> 00:26:21,200 I think there's an opportunity for 712 00:26:21,200 --> 00:26:24,960 partnership there to achieve this. 713 00:26:24,960 --> 00:26:27,560 But you can't 714 00:26:27,560 --> 00:26:30,840 eliminate what we have in order to 715 00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:33,000 achieve this. You know, I almost look at 716 00:26:33,000 --> 00:26:34,200 it as if 717 00:26:34,200 --> 00:26:37,640 we're kind of the first pin 718 00:26:37,640 --> 00:26:42,200 in this process. You know, what what is next? I don't know the answer to 719 00:26:42,200 --> 00:26:44,840 that. But what is next? 720 00:26:44,840 --> 00:26:46,760 So, 721 00:26:46,760 --> 00:26:48,240 you know, it's it's a very challenging 722 00:26:48,240 --> 00:26:50,360 situation. And and I've been in meetings 723 00:26:50,360 --> 00:26:52,560 and and I said part of my job is to try 724 00:26:52,560 --> 00:26:53,880 not to get 725 00:26:53,880 --> 00:26:55,520 try to not get people into their 726 00:26:55,520 --> 00:26:56,840 corners. 727 00:26:56,840 --> 00:26:58,880 Sometimes it's very difficult to do 728 00:26:58,880 --> 00:27:02,040 because people feel that they're right. 729 00:27:02,040 --> 00:27:04,800 And I think tonight we went into 730 00:27:04,800 --> 00:27:06,560 corners. 731 00:27:06,560 --> 00:27:07,640 Um 732 00:27:07,640 --> 00:27:09,560 and I believe and I think the council 733 00:27:09,560 --> 00:27:12,080 believes, rightfully so, at this time 734 00:27:12,080 --> 00:27:14,600 that we did go into our corners. 735 00:27:14,600 --> 00:27:18,400 Um our goals are the same. 736 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:20,040 They are the same. 737 00:27:20,040 --> 00:27:22,240 I haven't met one person that says, I 738 00:27:22,240 --> 00:27:24,640 don't want a library. 739 00:27:24,640 --> 00:27:26,320 I haven't met one person who says, I 740 00:27:26,320 --> 00:27:30,830 don't want a nicer library. 741 00:27:30,840 --> 00:27:33,200 I firmly believe, I raised five kids in 742 00:27:33,200 --> 00:27:35,600 this town. 743 00:27:35,600 --> 00:27:38,000 That was my wife's salvation. 744 00:27:38,000 --> 00:27:39,960 Three in the triple stroller, one on her 745 00:27:39,960 --> 00:27:42,760 back, and one walking. 746 00:27:42,760 --> 00:27:46,750 That was her salvation. 747 00:27:46,760 --> 00:27:48,280 Now my granddaughter 748 00:27:48,280 --> 00:27:50,000 loves to go on Saturdays to pick up my 749 00:27:50,000 --> 00:27:51,680 paperwork 750 00:27:51,680 --> 00:27:53,200 and hop over to the library and do 751 00:27:53,200 --> 00:27:55,400 something cool. 752 00:27:55,400 --> 00:27:58,240 So, you know, it's it's This is not a 753 00:27:58,240 --> 00:28:00,280 pleasant situation and I know there's 754 00:28:00,280 --> 00:28:01,520 people who have a lot of different 755 00:28:01,520 --> 00:28:03,320 feelings out there. 756 00:28:03,320 --> 00:28:04,960 Uh there's a lot of different emotions 757 00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:06,960 out there. 758 00:28:06,960 --> 00:28:08,400 My goal 759 00:28:08,400 --> 00:28:10,880 our goal as a council is to ensure that 760 00:28:10,880 --> 00:28:12,880 we have those services. 761 00:28:12,880 --> 00:28:15,520 There's been talk about renting space 762 00:28:15,520 --> 00:28:17,240 somewhere downtown, renting space 763 00:28:17,240 --> 00:28:19,120 somewhere in the borough to achieve 764 00:28:19,120 --> 00:28:20,840 those services. 765 00:28:20,840 --> 00:28:22,880 If we have a space 766 00:28:22,880 --> 00:28:24,080 that's clean 767 00:28:24,080 --> 00:28:26,640 certified 768 00:28:26,640 --> 00:28:28,400 it's okay. 769 00:28:28,400 --> 00:28:30,040 Is it old building? 770 00:28:30,040 --> 00:28:31,120 Yeah. 771 00:28:31,120 --> 00:28:33,280 It is an old building. 772 00:28:33,280 --> 00:28:36,320 But it's Somerville's building. 773 00:28:36,320 --> 00:28:40,360 And it still serves its purpose well. 774 00:28:40,360 --> 00:28:41,920 And if we can show that it's certified 775 00:28:41,920 --> 00:28:44,360 clean and we can we can 776 00:28:44,360 --> 00:28:46,840 keep that level 777 00:28:46,840 --> 00:28:49,840 I don't see why we can't reoccupy from 778 00:28:49,840 --> 00:28:51,440 this time 779 00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:53,360 forward 780 00:28:53,360 --> 00:28:55,520 to the new beginning of whatever that 781 00:28:55,520 --> 00:28:58,830 library is. 782 00:28:58,840 --> 00:29:00,920 One of the challenges in creating 783 00:29:00,920 --> 00:29:03,160 something is you have to define what you 784 00:29:03,160 --> 00:29:05,750 want. 785 00:29:05,760 --> 00:29:07,240 Now, we all have opinions on what we 786 00:29:07,240 --> 00:29:09,480 want, but what is the public want? 787 00:29:09,480 --> 00:29:12,320 What is the public need? 788 00:29:12,320 --> 00:29:14,200 We don't have that. 789 00:29:14,200 --> 00:29:16,120 We know it's technology. 790 00:29:16,120 --> 00:29:17,760 Kids library. 791 00:29:17,760 --> 00:29:19,600 You know, we had floated the idea of 792 00:29:19,600 --> 00:29:21,360 well, why don't we make 793 00:29:21,360 --> 00:29:23,960 the the counties, the regions 794 00:29:23,960 --> 00:29:26,960 most special children's library in our 795 00:29:26,960 --> 00:29:28,280 space 796 00:29:28,280 --> 00:29:31,200 and allow the other libraries, 797 00:29:31,200 --> 00:29:33,280 Hillsborough and Bridgewater 798 00:29:33,280 --> 00:29:35,200 to absorb the adult. I don't know 799 00:29:35,200 --> 00:29:37,200 whether that's right or wrong, 800 00:29:37,200 --> 00:29:38,840 but it's a concept. 801 00:29:38,840 --> 00:29:39,960 And I think that's where you have to 802 00:29:39,960 --> 00:29:41,440 start with these concepts. And I know 803 00:29:41,440 --> 00:29:43,560 the commission has talked about going 804 00:29:43,560 --> 00:29:46,880 out and doing these types of of surveys. 805 00:29:46,880 --> 00:29:49,240 Um 806 00:29:49,240 --> 00:29:51,480 but I think it's premature 807 00:29:51,480 --> 00:29:55,160 to begin that process without knowing 808 00:29:55,160 --> 00:29:57,560 what are our asks? 809 00:29:57,560 --> 00:30:00,840 What are we doing? Where are we going? 810 00:30:00,840 --> 00:30:03,880 So So, the bureau has committed 811 00:30:03,880 --> 00:30:05,600 that that space 812 00:30:05,600 --> 00:30:08,080 is going to be occupied. 813 00:30:08,080 --> 00:30:10,560 We'll know in a week or two 814 00:30:10,560 --> 00:30:13,520 what the results of of all of that are. 815 00:30:13,520 --> 00:30:17,000 Um and we'll either have a timeline for 816 00:30:17,000 --> 00:30:19,910 remediation 817 00:30:19,920 --> 00:30:22,000 or we'll have an all clear and let's get 818 00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:25,510 back to work. 819 00:30:25,520 --> 00:30:26,640 Um 820 00:30:26,640 --> 00:30:28,760 I've asked the commission if they are 821 00:30:28,760 --> 00:30:31,760 willing to work towards 822 00:30:31,760 --> 00:30:33,440 a um 823 00:30:33,440 --> 00:30:37,320 a goal of reoccupying that space. 824 00:30:37,320 --> 00:30:40,800 And it was a qualified yes if it 825 00:30:40,800 --> 00:30:42,640 expanded. 826 00:30:42,640 --> 00:30:44,160 Well, we're not expanding right now cuz 827 00:30:44,160 --> 00:30:45,960 we don't know what we're expanding into. 828 00:30:45,960 --> 00:30:48,560 The goal is to reoccupy that space. 829 00:30:48,560 --> 00:30:49,080 >> Yeah. 830 00:30:49,080 --> 00:30:49,680 >> But 831 00:30:49,680 --> 00:30:50,720 ex- excuse me. 832 00:30:50,720 --> 00:30:52,950 >> Yeah, yeah. 833 00:30:52,960 --> 00:30:55,080 » Excuse me. 834 00:30:55,080 --> 00:30:55,840 Ex- 835 00:30:55,840 --> 00:30:57,400 excuse me. 836 00:30:57,400 --> 00:31:00,160 You are out of order. You are 837 00:31:00,160 --> 00:31:01,440 out of order. 838 00:31:01,440 --> 00:31:02,720 You will have your 5 minutes during 839 00:31:02,720 --> 00:31:05,320 public session. 840 00:31:05,320 --> 00:31:06,520 That's probably only the fourth time 841 00:31:06,520 --> 00:31:08,320 I've ever gabbled in my life. I don't 842 00:31:08,320 --> 00:31:10,200 gabble people. So, let's have a little 843 00:31:10,200 --> 00:31:12,760 more uh decorum 844 00:31:12,760 --> 00:31:15,590 here. 845 00:31:15,600 --> 00:31:18,360 So, at this point, um 846 00:31:18,360 --> 00:31:19,880 you know, sometimes you do have to go 847 00:31:19,880 --> 00:31:21,680 into your corners. 848 00:31:21,680 --> 00:31:24,480 And uh what I will do is ask the council 849 00:31:24,480 --> 00:31:26,080 for a motion 850 00:31:26,080 --> 00:31:28,360 to authorize the attorney to begin 851 00:31:28,360 --> 00:31:29,680 drawing up 852 00:31:29,680 --> 00:31:31,320 uh papers 853 00:31:31,320 --> 00:31:32,040 uh 854 00:31:32,040 --> 00:31:33,360 to 855 00:31:33,360 --> 00:31:36,600 ensure that the library commission 856 00:31:36,600 --> 00:31:39,640 uh follows the terms of our agreement 857 00:31:39,640 --> 00:31:42,830 that's been established. 858 00:31:42,840 --> 00:31:45,560 » Regrettably, I make that motion. 859 00:31:45,560 --> 00:31:47,400 >> Second. 860 00:31:47,400 --> 00:31:49,480 >> Discussion. 861 00:31:49,480 --> 00:31:50,040 Roll call. 862 00:31:50,040 --> 00:31:51,600 >> Council members, Andrew Cauty. 863 00:31:51,600 --> 00:31:52,040 >> Yes. 864 00:31:52,040 --> 00:31:52,880 >> Glen Dunay. 865 00:31:52,880 --> 00:31:53,280 >> Yes. 866 00:31:53,280 --> 00:31:54,000 >> Randy Pitts. 867 00:31:54,000 --> 00:31:54,400 >> Yes. 868 00:31:54,400 --> 00:31:55,200 >> Gina Stravic. 869 00:31:55,200 --> 00:31:55,480 >> Yes. 870 00:31:55,480 --> 00:31:56,120 >> Roger Vroom. 871 00:31:56,120 --> 00:31:57,080 >> Yes. 872 00:31:57,080 --> 00:31:58,640 >> Okay. 873 00:31:58,640 --> 00:31:59,560 All right. 874 00:31:59,560 --> 00:32:01,520 Uh at this point, I will ask for a 875 00:32:01,520 --> 00:32:03,000 motion to open the meeting to the 876 00:32:03,000 --> 00:32:03,440 public. 877 00:32:03,440 --> 00:32:04,120 >> So moved. 878 00:32:04,120 --> 00:32:04,960 >> Second. 879 00:32:04,960 --> 00:32:06,120 >> Discussion. 880 00:32:06,120 --> 00:32:06,600 Roll call. 881 00:32:06,600 --> 00:32:08,000 >> Council members, Andrew Cauty. 882 00:32:08,000 --> 00:32:08,520 >> Yes. 883 00:32:08,520 --> 00:32:09,240 >> Glen Dunay. 884 00:32:09,240 --> 00:32:09,640 >> Yes. 885 00:32:09,640 --> 00:32:10,320 >> Randy Pitts. 886 00:32:10,320 --> 00:32:10,640 >> Yes. 887 00:32:10,640 --> 00:32:11,440 >> Gina Stravic. 888 00:32:11,440 --> 00:32:11,760 >> Yes. 889 00:32:11,760 --> 00:32:12,360 >> Roger Vroom. 890 00:32:12,360 --> 00:32:13,160 >> Yes. 891 00:32:13,160 --> 00:32:14,160 >> Okay. 892 00:32:14,160 --> 00:32:16,040 Public session is now open. Please state 893 00:32:16,040 --> 00:32:17,360 your name and address for the record and 894 00:32:17,360 --> 00:32:24,150 please address your comments to me. 895 00:32:24,160 --> 00:32:27,040 » Peter Bromberg. My address is 121 Agnes 896 00:32:27,040 --> 00:32:28,720 uh Place in Bound Brook. I am the 897 00:32:28,720 --> 00:32:30,440 director of the Somerset County Library 898 00:32:30,440 --> 00:32:33,160 System. I am not a politician. I'm a 899 00:32:33,160 --> 00:32:34,840 librarian. It is my life's work. It has 900 00:32:34,840 --> 00:32:36,800 been a privilege to to 901 00:32:36,800 --> 00:32:38,640 bring library services to the people of 902 00:32:38,640 --> 00:32:40,720 different communities across this state 903 00:32:40,720 --> 00:32:42,680 and across this country. I was invited 904 00:32:42,680 --> 00:32:45,000 here tonight. I say invited in quotes 905 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:47,240 because I was asked to what might I be 906 00:32:47,240 --> 00:32:48,760 willing to come tonight. 907 00:32:48,760 --> 00:32:50,400 >> could you just 908 00:32:50,400 --> 00:32:52,400 Yeah, could you just stay in the shot? 909 00:32:52,400 --> 00:32:55,560 Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I would also ask if you would just put 910 00:32:55,560 --> 00:32:56,840 the microphone back, please. 911 00:32:56,840 --> 00:32:58,160 >> Uh I'm going to hold the microphone. 912 00:32:58,160 --> 00:32:58,960 >> No, I'm going to ask you to put the 913 00:32:58,960 --> 00:32:59,360 microphone 914 00:32:59,360 --> 00:33:00,560 >> I'm going to hold the microphone. 915 00:33:00,560 --> 00:33:03,160 >> Peter, please just put the microphone 916 00:33:03,160 --> 00:33:03,680 back. 917 00:33:03,680 --> 00:33:04,440 >> W- Why? 918 00:33:04,440 --> 00:33:06,000 >> Because it's piece of borough property. 919 00:33:06,000 --> 00:33:07,080 Please put the microphone back. 920 00:33:07,080 --> 00:33:08,000 >> Well, I'm not going to throw it at 921 00:33:08,000 --> 00:33:08,520 anybody. 922 00:33:08,520 --> 00:33:10,480 >> That I know you're not. I know you're 923 00:33:10,480 --> 00:33:11,120 not. Please just 924 00:33:11,120 --> 00:33:12,600 >> This is just This is just like 925 00:33:12,600 --> 00:33:14,560 control. Like, oh, no. You're telling me 926 00:33:14,560 --> 00:33:16,240 what to do. No. No. No. I'm going to 927 00:33:16,240 --> 00:33:17,000 hold the microphone. 928 00:33:17,000 --> 00:33:18,560 >> Peter, you're invited tonight. You were 929 00:33:18,560 --> 00:33:20,120 brought into We were brought into this 930 00:33:20,120 --> 00:33:21,160 room. 931 00:33:21,160 --> 00:33:23,320 >> We were brought into this room with no 932 00:33:23,320 --> 00:33:25,920 agenda. Uh I was asked to hold this this 933 00:33:25,920 --> 00:33:28,840 night available. Uh came in. Never got a 934 00:33:28,840 --> 00:33:30,520 confirmation. I had to confirm and say, 935 00:33:30,520 --> 00:33:31,640 "Well, I was asked to hold this night 936 00:33:31,640 --> 00:33:34,080 available. Is this Are we coming?" So, 937 00:33:34,080 --> 00:33:36,600 we show up. I was asked, "Are you here 938 00:33:36,600 --> 00:33:37,680 to talk Tell us that you're going to 939 00:33:37,680 --> 00:33:39,160 move back into the library?" I said, "Am 940 00:33:39,160 --> 00:33:40,720 I here to tell you? I don't even You 941 00:33:40,720 --> 00:33:42,440 invited us here. You tell us what you 942 00:33:42,440 --> 00:33:44,240 want to talk about." Well, the question 943 00:33:44,240 --> 00:33:45,920 is, "Are you going to move back into 944 00:33:45,920 --> 00:33:48,200 that library after we remediate?" 945 00:33:48,200 --> 00:33:50,560 I said, "Well, I didn't say expand. I 946 00:33:50,560 --> 00:33:53,240 said, if and when that space is made 947 00:33:53,240 --> 00:33:55,640 suitable for library services, including 948 00:33:55,640 --> 00:33:57,680 for our staff, because our staff have no 949 00:33:57,680 --> 00:33:59,640 work space there. There's no private 950 00:33:59,640 --> 00:34:01,080 space. They don't have a private 951 00:34:01,080 --> 00:34:02,600 bathroom anymore to use. They were told 952 00:34:02,600 --> 00:34:04,000 they can't flush solids. They have to 953 00:34:04,000 --> 00:34:06,560 put waste waste paper in a waste basket 954 00:34:06,560 --> 00:34:08,560 instead of flushing it. There's no It's 955 00:34:08,560 --> 00:34:10,040 not suitable. We've been there for a 956 00:34:10,040 --> 00:34:12,960 year. And so And last summer when we 957 00:34:12,960 --> 00:34:15,919 closed and we re- the lower level and we 958 00:34:15,919 --> 00:34:17,800 brought everything upstairs, 959 00:34:17,800 --> 00:34:19,440 we got the all clear, right? That 960 00:34:19,440 --> 00:34:20,720 everything was going to be fine. Well, 961 00:34:20,720 --> 00:34:22,679 since that time, 962 00:34:22,679 --> 00:34:24,080 staff have continued to have health 963 00:34:24,080 --> 00:34:26,040 issues. I have I have reports here from 964 00:34:26,040 --> 00:34:27,440 eight different staff members about 965 00:34:27,440 --> 00:34:29,320 their health issues. That was This is 966 00:34:29,320 --> 00:34:31,840 going back through all last summer. I'm 967 00:34:31,840 --> 00:34:33,760 sorry. Yes. yes, I apologize. Yes, yes, 968 00:34:33,760 --> 00:34:35,840 absolutely. Um Um, from through through 969 00:34:35,840 --> 00:34:37,040 the through the winter, through the 970 00:34:37,040 --> 00:34:39,159 fall, headaches, hives, persistent sore 971 00:34:39,159 --> 00:34:41,080 throat, severe nasal drip, neurological 972 00:34:41,080 --> 00:34:42,679 pain and symptoms, pressure headaches, 973 00:34:42,679 --> 00:34:44,480 tracking closely with office occupancy 974 00:34:44,480 --> 00:34:46,399 and sinus congestion. 975 00:34:46,399 --> 00:34:48,840 I can go on and on and and I eczema, 976 00:34:48,840 --> 00:34:50,639 headaches. This is eight different 977 00:34:50,639 --> 00:34:53,080 people experiencing these symptoms on 978 00:34:53,080 --> 00:34:54,399 and off depending a little bit on the 979 00:34:54,399 --> 00:34:56,760 weather, but persistent and consistent. 980 00:34:56,760 --> 00:34:58,000 And when they go when they leave the 981 00:34:58,000 --> 00:34:59,440 building for 2 days, they get better. 982 00:34:59,440 --> 00:35:01,280 When they come back, they feel worse. 983 00:35:01,280 --> 00:35:02,880 Now, there has been so a lot of 984 00:35:02,880 --> 00:35:04,960 misinformation, but when we made the 985 00:35:04,960 --> 00:35:06,280 difficult decision First, we were 986 00:35:06,280 --> 00:35:07,800 looking at this and saying we probably 987 00:35:07,800 --> 00:35:10,040 need to to find a new a new location by 988 00:35:10,040 --> 00:35:11,800 the end of the year or by the end of the 989 00:35:11,800 --> 00:35:12,920 summer. 990 00:35:12,920 --> 00:35:14,760 I communicated this with the bureau. 991 00:35:14,760 --> 00:35:19,160 This was communicated immediately. When staff were having some some spikes 992 00:35:19,160 --> 00:35:21,760 of issues, probably due to water and 993 00:35:21,760 --> 00:35:24,160 humidity and weather, um, and we sat 994 00:35:24,160 --> 00:35:26,040 down and said, "Looking at this, like 995 00:35:26,040 --> 00:35:27,600 looking at all this in totality and 996 00:35:27,600 --> 00:35:32,680 what's happening what's happening with our our staff health, um, can do we 997 00:35:32,680 --> 00:35:34,120 have a high level of confidence that 998 00:35:34,120 --> 00:35:36,080 there's a significant issue and can we 999 00:35:36,080 --> 00:35:38,360 send them back in in in good in good 1000 00:35:38,360 --> 00:35:40,360 faith?" And me and my leadership team 1001 00:35:40,360 --> 00:35:42,400 said, "No. Our level of confidence is 1002 00:35:42,400 --> 00:35:44,960 high. It would be unethical, immoral, 1003 00:35:44,960 --> 00:35:46,720 and also take on liabilities for the 1004 00:35:46,720 --> 00:35:48,800 organization to send staff back in 1005 00:35:48,800 --> 00:35:50,720 there." As soon as that conversation was 1006 00:35:50,720 --> 00:35:52,760 had, I reached out to the bureau and I 1007 00:35:52,760 --> 00:35:55,600 communicated this. "Okay, fine." I was 1008 00:35:55,600 --> 00:35:57,840 told that commission was read in on this 1009 00:35:57,840 --> 00:35:59,680 or the council was read in on it. And 1010 00:35:59,680 --> 00:36:01,800 that there while the the timeline for a 1011 00:36:01,800 --> 00:36:04,240 July 31st closure was quick, no 1012 00:36:04,240 --> 00:36:05,560 questions, we'll talk about it at the 1013 00:36:05,560 --> 00:36:07,200 lab meeting. The lab meeting where you 1014 00:36:07,200 --> 00:36:08,400 sat here and said, "We're going to work 1015 00:36:08,400 --> 00:36:10,480 together and we're going to and I have I 1016 00:36:10,480 --> 00:36:12,280 didn't get returns from phone calls. I 1017 00:36:12,280 --> 00:36:14,320 didn't get return from from emails. I 1018 00:36:14,320 --> 00:36:16,240 said next day, I said, "Let's put out a 1019 00:36:16,240 --> 00:36:17,800 joint statement to assure everyone that 1020 00:36:17,800 --> 00:36:19,920 we're working together." No response to 1021 00:36:19,920 --> 00:36:21,520 that. And everything you said here 1022 00:36:21,520 --> 00:36:23,320 today, if we had had this conversation 1023 00:36:23,320 --> 00:36:25,400 that you're up here at the dais in that 1024 00:36:25,400 --> 00:36:28,160 room, I wanted to I want your the people 1025 00:36:28,160 --> 00:36:30,080 here to know that you have not been 1026 00:36:30,080 --> 00:36:31,120 showing [clears throat] up in good faith 1027 00:36:31,120 --> 00:36:32,800 to work. That's what I want to do. I 1028 00:36:32,800 --> 00:36:34,120 want to work in good faith, and if 1029 00:36:34,120 --> 00:36:35,840 you're willing to do that, all of you on 1030 00:36:35,840 --> 00:36:38,000 this dais, well, let's do that. We owe 1031 00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:39,720 it to them. We're on their dime. We are 1032 00:36:39,720 --> 00:36:42,000 public servants. This is my life trying 1033 00:36:42,000 --> 00:36:43,800 to get library services to people, and I 1034 00:36:43,800 --> 00:36:45,880 am so I will repeat deeply, deeply 1035 00:36:45,880 --> 00:36:48,880 disappointed in the way you you you you 1036 00:36:48,880 --> 00:36:51,240 treated us the the the the what you the 1037 00:36:51,240 --> 00:36:52,960 disconnect between what you say publicly 1038 00:36:52,960 --> 00:36:54,360 and what you say privately, the 1039 00:36:54,360 --> 00:36:55,800 disconnect between saying, "Oh, we all 1040 00:36:55,800 --> 00:36:57,120 want to work together and come up with a 1041 00:36:57,120 --> 00:36:59,040 plan." and not returning phone calls, 1042 00:36:59,040 --> 00:37:01,320 not engaging. I mean, it is it is 1043 00:37:01,320 --> 00:37:03,280 shocking to me, and I'm not naive, but 1044 00:37:03,280 --> 00:37:05,200 it's certainly disappointing. It is so 1045 00:37:05,200 --> 00:37:07,360 disappointing. I am here our our 1046 00:37:07,360 --> 00:37:09,280 commission chair is here. We are ready 1047 00:37:09,280 --> 00:37:11,320 to work hand in glove to come up with 1048 00:37:11,320 --> 00:37:13,240 solutions. Do we need a temporary 1049 00:37:13,240 --> 00:37:14,840 solution between now and when we have 1050 00:37:14,840 --> 00:37:16,880 built some grand building 3, 5, 7 years? 1051 00:37:16,880 --> 00:37:18,160 I don't know when it'll be. Yeah, we 1052 00:37:18,160 --> 00:37:19,720 need a temporary solution, but a 1053 00:37:19,720 --> 00:37:21,880 temporary solution that is not making 1054 00:37:21,880 --> 00:37:25,320 people sick, not making people sick day 1055 00:37:25,320 --> 00:37:27,720 after day. That's all we're asking for, 1056 00:37:27,720 --> 00:37:29,880 and we will pay the bill. We will find a 1057 00:37:29,880 --> 00:37:31,600 place, and we will pay the bill, and in 1058 00:37:31,600 --> 00:37:32,960 the meantime, we will continue to do 1059 00:37:32,960 --> 00:37:35,200 programming with through through partner 1060 00:37:35,200 --> 00:37:36,800 locations, which we've been doing all 1061 00:37:36,800 --> 00:37:38,600 year. We'll continue to do story times 1062 00:37:38,600 --> 00:37:41,120 and book clubs and outreach. 1063 00:37:41,120 --> 00:37:43,040 And and your and residents of Somerville 1064 00:37:43,040 --> 00:37:45,200 will continue to check out materials at 1065 00:37:45,200 --> 00:37:47,200 other locations. 1066 00:37:47,200 --> 00:37:49,720 You Over the last 180 days, more people 1067 00:37:49,720 --> 00:37:50,840 are checking out materials in 1068 00:37:50,840 --> 00:37:53,080 Bridgewater by by two to one than 1069 00:37:53,080 --> 00:37:55,080 they're checking out here. 1070 00:37:55,080 --> 00:37:56,560 So, you're already you you because 1071 00:37:56,560 --> 00:37:57,640 you're part of a large county 1072 00:37:57,640 --> 00:37:59,640 multi-branch system, residents have 1073 00:37:59,640 --> 00:38:01,520 options to go to other locations for 1074 00:38:01,520 --> 00:38:03,040 robust collections of programming and 1075 00:38:03,040 --> 00:38:05,880 services and spaces to study. That's the 1076 00:38:05,880 --> 00:38:07,960 benefit of being in the system. Now, if 1077 00:38:07,960 --> 00:38:09,440 you all decide that you want to pull out 1078 00:38:09,440 --> 00:38:11,080 of the system cuz it might take us a 1079 00:38:11,080 --> 00:38:12,360 couple months to find a temporary 1080 00:38:12,360 --> 00:38:14,880 location, that's your decision, and you 1081 00:38:14,880 --> 00:38:16,720 can hold your people behind me can 1082 00:38:16,720 --> 00:38:17,920 decide whether you want to hold these 1083 00:38:17,920 --> 00:38:19,360 people accountable or not. 1084 00:38:19,360 --> 00:38:20,600 >> You're just about out of time. 1085 00:38:20,600 --> 00:38:22,560 >> Okay, but I what I'm asking for is 1086 00:38:22,560 --> 00:38:24,360 honesty, what I'm asking for is 1087 00:38:24,360 --> 00:38:26,240 consistency and congruency between what 1088 00:38:26,240 --> 00:38:28,480 you say to them publicly and how you 1089 00:38:28,480 --> 00:38:31,160 behave when you leave the dais. 1090 00:38:31,160 --> 00:38:32,920 And let's work on their behalf. Let's 1091 00:38:32,920 --> 00:38:35,080 work together on their behalf. It is our 1092 00:38:35,080 --> 00:38:37,280 responsibility to do that. 1093 00:38:37,280 --> 00:38:38,280 >> You're about done. 1094 00:38:38,280 --> 00:38:39,040 >> I am done. 1095 00:38:39,040 --> 00:38:39,480 >> Thank you. 1096 00:38:39,480 --> 00:38:40,400 for your time. 1097 00:38:40,400 --> 00:38:41,360 >> Thank you for your comments, sir. 1098 00:38:41,360 --> 00:38:43,880 >> I apologize earlier for my for my 1099 00:38:43,880 --> 00:38:46,280 passionate comment. 1100 00:38:46,280 --> 00:38:46,720 >> Thank you. 1101 00:38:46,720 --> 00:38:50,990 >> Yeah. 1102 00:38:51,000 --> 00:39:01,950 » Any other public comment? 1103 00:39:01,960 --> 00:39:05,630 » I want to grab the microphone. 1104 00:39:05,640 --> 00:39:06,480 » Thank you. 1105 00:39:06,480 --> 00:39:09,040 >> You're welcome. 1106 00:39:09,040 --> 00:39:11,280 Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I am 1107 00:39:11,280 --> 00:39:12,800 Jonathan Lee 1108 00:39:12,800 --> 00:39:15,600 from the Borough of Rocky Hill, 10 Toth 1109 00:39:15,600 --> 00:39:18,120 Lane, Rocky Hill. 1110 00:39:18,120 --> 00:39:20,280 I am also a councilman in the Borough of 1111 00:39:20,280 --> 00:39:22,960 Rocky Hill and chair of the library 1112 00:39:22,960 --> 00:39:25,480 committee. 1113 00:39:25,480 --> 00:39:29,280 Um it seems very suspicious 1114 00:39:29,280 --> 00:39:31,040 that you have a mold problem in your 1115 00:39:31,040 --> 00:39:33,440 library. 1116 00:39:33,440 --> 00:39:36,200 We've gone through a tremendously 1117 00:39:36,200 --> 00:39:38,800 difficult problem regarding our library 1118 00:39:38,800 --> 00:39:40,952 and has nothing to do with mold. It 1119 00:39:40,952 --> 00:39:42,480 [clears throat] has to do with the fact 1120 00:39:42,480 --> 00:39:44,640 that um 1121 00:39:44,640 --> 00:39:46,400 the Somerset County Library System 1122 00:39:46,400 --> 00:39:48,320 decided to no longer support our 1123 00:39:48,320 --> 00:39:52,520 library. Um we were the first branch of 1124 00:39:52,520 --> 00:39:55,440 the Somerset County Library System. 1125 00:39:55,440 --> 00:39:58,520 Um we had an we had an unique situation 1126 00:39:58,520 --> 00:39:59,920 because 1127 00:39:59,920 --> 00:40:00,720 um 1128 00:40:00,720 --> 00:40:04,360 we were the um beneficiaries of an 1129 00:40:04,360 --> 00:40:09,960 endowment provided by a lawyer from Philadelphia to honor his 1130 00:40:09,960 --> 00:40:13,480 wife. His name was Harold Jacobs. 1131 00:40:13,480 --> 00:40:15,760 And his wife's name was Mary. They are 1132 00:40:15,760 --> 00:40:18,000 both um 1133 00:40:18,000 --> 00:40:19,520 buried in 1134 00:40:19,520 --> 00:40:24,430 Rocky Hill Cemetery. 1135 00:40:24,440 --> 00:40:28,120 Because it was a public-private 1136 00:40:28,120 --> 00:40:30,200 uh agreement, um 1137 00:40:30,200 --> 00:40:32,600 Somerset County Library System became 1138 00:40:32,600 --> 00:40:35,720 uncomfortable with it over the years. 1139 00:40:35,720 --> 00:40:39,160 Um eventually, um Montgomery created a 1140 00:40:39,160 --> 00:40:43,040 new um town hall and they established a 1141 00:40:43,040 --> 00:40:44,960 branch of the Somerset County Library 1142 00:40:44,960 --> 00:40:48,000 System in their town. Previously, the 1143 00:40:48,000 --> 00:40:50,240 citizens of Montgomery had shared our 1144 00:40:50,240 --> 00:40:51,760 library 1145 00:40:51,760 --> 00:40:56,680 for uh approximately 50 years. 1146 00:40:56,680 --> 00:40:58,640 There was a short-term agreement where 1147 00:40:58,640 --> 00:41:01,280 we continued to run our library uh with 1148 00:41:01,280 --> 00:41:03,000 their support. 1149 00:41:03,000 --> 00:41:06,720 Um and then uh there was um 1150 00:41:06,720 --> 00:41:08,680 a period when we were supposed to 1151 00:41:08,680 --> 00:41:10,680 determine what the future of the library 1152 00:41:10,680 --> 00:41:11,960 is. 1153 00:41:11,960 --> 00:41:16,000 Um they uh were not too conducive to 1154 00:41:16,000 --> 00:41:18,760 doing that. Um they said that they were 1155 00:41:18,760 --> 00:41:20,840 running out of money and they told us 1156 00:41:20,840 --> 00:41:22,800 they were going to close down. 1157 00:41:22,800 --> 00:41:25,240 Um so, instead of closing down, I 1158 00:41:25,240 --> 00:41:28,080 believe it was um 1159 00:41:28,080 --> 00:41:31,560 in um May of 2024, 1160 00:41:31,560 --> 00:41:34,680 they closed down the previous August 1161 00:41:34,680 --> 00:41:39,120 because they said they had a mold issue. 1162 00:41:39,120 --> 00:41:40,920 Now, 1163 00:41:40,920 --> 00:41:42,880 tests were run 1164 00:41:42,880 --> 00:41:45,760 and I will tell you now that the mold 1165 00:41:45,760 --> 00:41:48,080 inside the building was lower than that 1166 00:41:48,080 --> 00:41:50,680 which was outside in the ambient air, 1167 00:41:50,680 --> 00:41:52,960 which is the control. 1168 00:41:52,960 --> 00:41:54,000 Um 1169 00:41:54,000 --> 00:41:56,960 so, this seems somewhat 1170 00:41:56,960 --> 00:42:00,080 like a modus operandi to me. 1171 00:42:00,080 --> 00:42:02,120 Um I would 1172 00:42:02,120 --> 00:42:03,480 tend to 1173 00:42:03,480 --> 00:42:04,200 um 1174 00:42:04,200 --> 00:42:06,720 fight for your library. 1175 00:42:06,720 --> 00:42:09,240 We spent 3 years uh 1176 00:42:09,240 --> 00:42:11,240 eventually 1177 00:42:11,240 --> 00:42:14,360 the foundation that ran the endowment 1178 00:42:14,360 --> 00:42:16,760 that was given for our library 1179 00:42:16,760 --> 00:42:18,960 decided they no longer wanted to 1180 00:42:18,960 --> 00:42:20,640 run a library. 1181 00:42:20,640 --> 00:42:22,640 And um 1182 00:42:22,640 --> 00:42:24,480 we went into a lawsuit with them. It 1183 00:42:24,480 --> 00:42:27,160 took us 3 years and hundreds of 1184 00:42:27,160 --> 00:42:29,240 thousands of dollars, 1185 00:42:29,240 --> 00:42:32,040 but we won that lawsuit. 1186 00:42:32,040 --> 00:42:34,040 There is now a new 1187 00:42:34,040 --> 00:42:38,000 Board of Trustees being constituted and 1188 00:42:38,000 --> 00:42:41,320 the town is now getting control of the 1189 00:42:41,320 --> 00:42:43,800 building so that we don't have an issue 1190 00:42:43,800 --> 00:42:45,120 again. 1191 00:42:45,120 --> 00:42:47,800 Um we will probably I don't know what 1192 00:42:47,800 --> 00:42:50,200 the future brings as far as what kind of 1193 00:42:50,200 --> 00:42:52,160 library it will be, whether we join the 1194 00:42:52,160 --> 00:42:54,040 Summers County Library System. They 1195 00:42:54,040 --> 00:42:56,360 apparently are not interested in joining 1196 00:42:56,360 --> 00:42:58,800 us or us joining them, even though we 1197 00:42:58,800 --> 00:43:01,280 were the first branch. 1198 00:43:01,280 --> 00:43:02,720 Um 1199 00:43:02,720 --> 00:43:05,200 but um 1200 00:43:05,200 --> 00:43:07,240 we will have a library. 1201 00:43:07,240 --> 00:43:09,680 We have a significant endowment. 1202 00:43:09,680 --> 00:43:12,640 Um I could get into details about some 1203 00:43:12,640 --> 00:43:14,680 of their underhanded dealings during 1204 00:43:14,680 --> 00:43:15,720 that 1205 00:43:15,720 --> 00:43:16,760 um 1206 00:43:16,760 --> 00:43:18,960 lawsuit where they became an amicus 1207 00:43:18,960 --> 00:43:20,400 curiae 1208 00:43:20,400 --> 00:43:23,560 and basically presented facts 1209 00:43:23,560 --> 00:43:24,520 that 1210 00:43:24,520 --> 00:43:26,200 didn't hold water as far as I'm 1211 00:43:26,200 --> 00:43:28,000 concerned, trying to prove that we could 1212 00:43:28,000 --> 00:43:30,520 not financially run a library. 1213 00:43:30,520 --> 00:43:33,920 We proved otherwise. We won the lawsuit. 1214 00:43:33,920 --> 00:43:34,960 Um 1215 00:43:34,960 --> 00:43:37,080 suspiciously 1216 00:43:37,080 --> 00:43:39,640 they were um third in line to receive 1217 00:43:39,640 --> 00:43:42,720 the assets if 1218 00:43:42,720 --> 00:43:45,200 the endowment failed, if the borough 1219 00:43:45,200 --> 00:43:46,600 couldn't 1220 00:43:46,600 --> 00:43:49,560 run the library. So, 1221 00:43:49,560 --> 00:43:51,600 my question is 1222 00:43:51,600 --> 00:43:54,040 who are we dealing with here? 1223 00:43:54,040 --> 00:43:56,760 Um so I figured I would come tonight. I 1224 00:43:56,760 --> 00:43:57,920 just read an article today 1225 00:43:57,920 --> 00:43:58,840 >> About 30 seconds. 1226 00:43:58,840 --> 00:44:01,160 >> today about this and I thought it would 1227 00:44:01,160 --> 00:44:02,240 be 1228 00:44:02,240 --> 00:44:04,400 good for you folks to hear some of the 1229 00:44:04,400 --> 00:44:06,120 background that we've been dealing with. 1230 00:44:06,120 --> 00:44:08,040 >> We appreciate your comments. Thank you, 1231 00:44:08,040 --> 00:44:08,400 sir. 1232 00:44:08,400 --> 00:44:10,280 >> Thank you. 1233 00:44:10,280 --> 00:44:11,640 Any other public comments, sir? 1234 00:44:11,640 --> 00:44:13,400 >> Is this just on library or 1235 00:44:13,400 --> 00:44:14,160 >> No, anything. 1236 00:44:14,160 --> 00:44:17,670 >> Okay, good. 1237 00:44:17,680 --> 00:44:19,600 My name is Daniel Pontonio. I live on 1238 00:44:19,600 --> 00:44:22,000 101 Eastern Ave, Somerville. 1239 00:44:22,000 --> 00:44:22,760 Um 1240 00:44:22,760 --> 00:44:23,840 first thing about the library, I'm 1241 00:44:23,840 --> 00:44:25,480 curious, is there a county library, 1242 00:44:25,480 --> 00:44:26,760 Somerset County Library? 1243 00:44:26,760 --> 00:44:29,040 >> Yeah, it's not a Q&A, but yes, there is. 1244 00:44:29,040 --> 00:44:30,400 It's a whole system. There's a number of 1245 00:44:30,400 --> 00:44:31,200 different libraries. 1246 00:44:31,200 --> 00:44:32,000 >> know that. Just curious. 1247 00:44:32,000 --> 00:44:32,920 >> It's a comment period. 1248 00:44:32,920 --> 00:44:34,800 >> Okay. So, 1249 00:44:34,800 --> 00:44:37,440 the reason I'm here today is we were in 1250 00:44:37,440 --> 00:44:39,560 the process of buying a home on 69 1251 00:44:39,560 --> 00:44:41,040 Fairmont Ave, which is right down the 1252 00:44:41,040 --> 00:44:42,520 street from you. 1253 00:44:42,520 --> 00:44:44,560 When we went through this process, what 1254 00:44:44,560 --> 00:44:46,920 we found out through the inspections is 1255 00:44:46,920 --> 00:44:49,600 that this particular house had a chimney 1256 00:44:49,600 --> 00:44:52,880 that had about $30,000 worth of damage. 1257 00:44:52,880 --> 00:44:55,240 So, my whole thinking was, coming from 1258 00:44:55,240 --> 00:44:57,360 where I came from, Voorhees, New Jersey, 1259 00:44:57,360 --> 00:45:00,000 in South Jersey, down there, when you go 1260 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:01,760 through inspections, the township is 1261 00:45:01,760 --> 00:45:04,520 required to do a CO, and they do not let 1262 00:45:04,520 --> 00:45:05,840 you in that house if you're missing 1263 00:45:05,840 --> 00:45:07,720 sidewalk, if you're missing if you have 1264 00:45:07,720 --> 00:45:10,080 a crack in your fireplace, any kind of 1265 00:45:10,080 --> 00:45:11,880 damage you have in that fireplace, they 1266 00:45:11,880 --> 00:45:13,400 will not let you move in because it's a 1267 00:45:13,400 --> 00:45:14,880 hazard. 1268 00:45:14,880 --> 00:45:16,120 What I found out when I called the 1269 00:45:16,120 --> 00:45:18,040 township here, cuz it was an argument 1270 00:45:18,040 --> 00:45:19,360 with this guy, 1271 00:45:19,360 --> 00:45:21,000 that the township doesn't care about a 1272 00:45:21,000 --> 00:45:23,280 CO, that you don't need a CO to move 1273 00:45:23,280 --> 00:45:25,480 into an older house, and all they care 1274 00:45:25,480 --> 00:45:27,840 about is carbon monoxide and smoke 1275 00:45:27,840 --> 00:45:29,120 detectors. 1276 00:45:29,120 --> 00:45:31,960 Now, with that said, this town, if you 1277 00:45:31,960 --> 00:45:33,400 take out the new town homes and the 1278 00:45:33,400 --> 00:45:36,440 condos, homes are about 1279 00:45:36,440 --> 00:45:39,320 roughly about 80 years old in this town. 1280 00:45:39,320 --> 00:45:41,080 You did a great job at refurbishing this 1281 00:45:41,080 --> 00:45:43,760 town. Like, I'm not from here. I love 1282 00:45:43,760 --> 00:45:45,160 this downtown, 1283 00:45:45,160 --> 00:45:47,720 right? And I live down the street, and I 1284 00:45:47,720 --> 00:45:50,080 watched the house, and I watched the 1285 00:45:50,080 --> 00:45:53,240 firemen, and I watched the the police 1286 00:45:53,240 --> 00:45:56,280 run into a house where a girl died. 1287 00:45:56,280 --> 00:45:59,670 And that hit home. 1288 00:45:59,680 --> 00:46:02,680 I'm urging you to change your laws. You 1289 00:46:02,680 --> 00:46:05,360 need to have a CO. You need to inspect 1290 00:46:05,360 --> 00:46:07,160 fireplaces. The guy that owns that 1291 00:46:07,160 --> 00:46:09,440 house, what did he do to fix it? He 1292 00:46:09,440 --> 00:46:11,680 tried to sue me for my 80 grand down 1293 00:46:11,680 --> 00:46:14,800 deposit. What he did to fix it is he 1294 00:46:14,800 --> 00:46:16,560 brought in a guy to paint the chimney 1295 00:46:16,560 --> 00:46:18,840 and he's back selling it again. And God 1296 00:46:18,840 --> 00:46:20,960 forbid if somebody buys that house, I do 1297 00:46:20,960 --> 00:46:22,640 plan on giving my level two inspection 1298 00:46:22,640 --> 00:46:24,720 to whoever buys that house because 1299 00:46:24,720 --> 00:46:26,640 there's multiple hazards, there's 1300 00:46:26,640 --> 00:46:28,520 multiple conditions, there's cracks in 1301 00:46:28,520 --> 00:46:30,840 it. You burn a fire in there, there's no 1302 00:46:30,840 --> 00:46:33,080 vents, carbon monoxide will leak 1303 00:46:33,080 --> 00:46:35,120 throughout the house and God forbid if 1304 00:46:35,120 --> 00:46:36,640 there's kids in that house, those kids 1305 00:46:36,640 --> 00:46:39,200 will die. Or they will get ill. 1306 00:46:39,200 --> 00:46:42,080 So, my urgent to you, change the laws in 1307 00:46:42,080 --> 00:46:44,160 the town. I don't care if you have to 1308 00:46:44,160 --> 00:46:45,520 whoever buys the house, they have to pay 1309 00:46:45,520 --> 00:46:48,560 $150 fee. You're already paying $650 for 1310 00:46:48,560 --> 00:46:50,160 a home inspection. 1311 00:46:50,160 --> 00:46:51,600 Pay a fee. 1312 00:46:51,600 --> 00:46:54,080 Pay it to the township to come in there. 1313 00:46:54,080 --> 00:46:56,480 You need a CO to get into this house. 1314 00:46:56,480 --> 00:46:58,080 You need a CO, you need to have full 1315 00:46:58,080 --> 00:47:01,040 inspection, fireplace, and you can't 1316 00:47:01,040 --> 00:47:02,760 have sidewalks missing like this guy was 1317 00:47:02,760 --> 00:47:04,240 going to sell me. 1318 00:47:04,240 --> 00:47:05,920 Not until I backed out that he finally 1319 00:47:05,920 --> 00:47:08,040 go in there and replace the sidewalks. I 1320 00:47:08,040 --> 00:47:09,720 just I'm a firm believer that, you know, 1321 00:47:09,720 --> 00:47:12,960 safety is first. And this town, I I've 1322 00:47:12,960 --> 00:47:15,640 only been here 5 or 6 years. My future 1323 00:47:15,640 --> 00:47:17,120 in-laws have lived here their Well, they 1324 00:47:17,120 --> 00:47:18,240 lived here their whole lives until they 1325 00:47:18,240 --> 00:47:20,880 moved to Branchburg. Branch- Branchburg. 1326 00:47:20,880 --> 00:47:22,440 I love this town. 1327 00:47:22,440 --> 00:47:23,680 And that's why we're looking to move 1328 00:47:23,680 --> 00:47:25,920 back into this town. So, I just urge you 1329 00:47:25,920 --> 00:47:28,200 to really take a look at the laws. 1330 00:47:28,200 --> 00:47:30,000 >> Thank you. If If you stay for the 1331 00:47:30,000 --> 00:47:31,840 meeting, I just ask you to get your name 1332 00:47:31,840 --> 00:47:33,520 and telephone number to Mr. Sluka. 1333 00:47:33,520 --> 00:47:33,960 >> Sure. 1334 00:47:33,960 --> 00:47:35,040 >> And we'll make a connection. 1335 00:47:35,040 --> 00:47:35,880 >> Sure. Thank you. 1336 00:47:35,880 --> 00:47:38,080 >> Thank you. 1337 00:47:38,080 --> 00:47:46,430 Any other public comment? 1338 00:47:46,440 --> 00:47:47,520 » Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, 1339 00:47:47,520 --> 00:47:51,960 Council, and thank you, Somerset County Library System. 1340 00:47:51,960 --> 00:47:53,920 You've got a problem here. 1341 00:47:53,920 --> 00:47:55,960 I was a property manager for a while and 1342 00:47:55,960 --> 00:47:57,800 I know once you have mold in any 1343 00:47:57,800 --> 00:48:01,000 building, it always seems to stay. 1344 00:48:01,000 --> 00:48:02,800 And I understand that problem on both 1345 00:48:02,800 --> 00:48:04,800 sides of it. And I understand the 1346 00:48:04,800 --> 00:48:06,400 mitigation you can do, but people say, 1347 00:48:06,400 --> 00:48:09,000 "Oh, it has mold. Maybe I'm sick." 1348 00:48:09,000 --> 00:48:10,000 So, it's a hard problem you're going to 1349 00:48:10,000 --> 00:48:11,880 have to solve that. I'm not saying you 1350 00:48:11,880 --> 00:48:13,520 can't. I'm just saying it's a hard 1351 00:48:13,520 --> 00:48:15,400 problem. And it's a hard problem for you 1352 00:48:15,400 --> 00:48:17,640 because you have that behind you. You 1353 00:48:17,640 --> 00:48:20,120 weren't here when that was going on, but 1354 00:48:20,120 --> 00:48:22,560 unfortunately you have it now. 1355 00:48:22,560 --> 00:48:24,160 But, I'm here for a different reason. 1356 00:48:24,160 --> 00:48:26,400 Jim Somerville was our town historian 1357 00:48:26,400 --> 00:48:28,320 for many, many years. We have a Jim 1358 00:48:28,320 --> 00:48:29,960 Somerville room. 1359 00:48:29,960 --> 00:48:32,200 It's full of history. Full of history of 1360 00:48:32,200 --> 00:48:34,520 this town, this area. 1361 00:48:34,520 --> 00:48:36,640 I haven't heard it mentioned at all. I'm 1362 00:48:36,640 --> 00:48:38,400 really concerned about that. And you 1363 00:48:38,400 --> 00:48:40,560 know why. I'm a historian type. You 1364 00:48:40,560 --> 00:48:43,280 know, my wife and I ran four symposiums 1365 00:48:43,280 --> 00:48:45,160 about the Rev War. 1366 00:48:45,160 --> 00:48:46,920 We're really concerned about that and I 1367 00:48:46,920 --> 00:48:48,840 hope in your thinking of what you're 1368 00:48:48,840 --> 00:48:51,680 going to do, where you're going to live, 1369 00:48:51,680 --> 00:48:53,440 we don't lose that room and we don't 1370 00:48:53,440 --> 00:48:55,680 lose that material because it gets 1371 00:48:55,680 --> 00:48:57,760 abandoned for a while. 1372 00:48:57,760 --> 00:48:59,000 And that's what I wanted to say. Thank 1373 00:48:59,000 --> 00:48:59,640 you. 1374 00:48:59,640 --> 00:49:02,280 >> Agreed. Thank you. 1375 00:49:02,280 --> 00:49:05,750 Any other public comment? 1376 00:49:05,760 --> 00:49:12,870 Sir. 1377 00:49:12,880 --> 00:49:15,240 » Justin Kaiser, North Clark Avenue. Uh 1378 00:49:15,240 --> 00:49:18,160 I'm here tonight on behalf of SBI. 1379 00:49:18,160 --> 00:49:19,760 I'm currently a board member. I just 1380 00:49:19,760 --> 00:49:21,800 want to take a moment to thank uh you, 1381 00:49:21,800 --> 00:49:24,480 Mayor Gallagher, the council uh for 1382 00:49:24,480 --> 00:49:25,840 passing 1383 00:49:25,840 --> 00:49:27,440 uh the new ball fields going in the 1384 00:49:27,440 --> 00:49:29,640 Carol Pedro Ballpark. Um I grew up 1385 00:49:29,640 --> 00:49:31,680 playing on ball fields. I feel it shaped 1386 00:49:31,680 --> 00:49:32,960 me as a man. 1387 00:49:32,960 --> 00:49:35,280 Um building a lot of long friendships, 1388 00:49:35,280 --> 00:49:37,920 teamwork, uh discipline. 1389 00:49:37,920 --> 00:49:39,560 Um 1390 00:49:39,560 --> 00:49:40,720 it's just a wonderful thing. You guys 1391 00:49:40,720 --> 00:49:42,480 are making an investment in not only a 1392 00:49:42,480 --> 00:49:45,120 ball field, but in the kids, 1393 00:49:45,120 --> 00:49:47,720 uh the parents, the town. So, I just 1394 00:49:47,720 --> 00:49:50,040 want to say thank you very much. It's 1395 00:49:50,040 --> 00:49:52,000 really appreciated and it wasn't a small 1396 00:49:52,000 --> 00:49:53,080 undertaking. 1397 00:49:53,080 --> 00:49:53,760 >> Thank you. 1398 00:49:53,760 --> 00:49:54,800 for coming out and saying 1399 00:49:54,800 --> 00:49:56,480 that. Thank you. 1400 00:49:56,480 --> 00:50:04,510 Any other public comment? 1401 00:50:04,520 --> 00:50:07,080 » Good evening. Roberta Carpenito, 66 1402 00:50:07,080 --> 00:50:08,720 Fairview Avenue. And I'm also the 1403 00:50:08,720 --> 00:50:10,480 chairman of the Somerset County Library 1404 00:50:10,480 --> 00:50:12,000 Commission. 1405 00:50:12,000 --> 00:50:13,440 I would just like to say, Mayor, I 1406 00:50:13,440 --> 00:50:15,640 respect what you're saying. 1407 00:50:15,640 --> 00:50:18,600 I think an issue that we're encountering 1408 00:50:18,600 --> 00:50:21,600 is we are not seeking to close the 1409 00:50:21,600 --> 00:50:23,160 library. 1410 00:50:23,160 --> 00:50:26,400 We wish to provide 21st century library 1411 00:50:26,400 --> 00:50:30,160 service to our patrons and it in a 1412 00:50:30,160 --> 00:50:33,560 healthy, safe environment. Right now, 1413 00:50:33,560 --> 00:50:35,760 the mold is an issue and we do 1414 00:50:35,760 --> 00:50:37,920 appreciate what you're doing to 1415 00:50:37,920 --> 00:50:40,600 remediate it. But I stopped down in the 1416 00:50:40,600 --> 00:50:43,440 library on Friday. 1417 00:50:43,440 --> 00:50:46,520 And it's not just mold. As Peter 1418 00:50:46,520 --> 00:50:49,520 indicated, the sewers are a problem. The 1419 00:50:49,520 --> 00:50:52,560 emergency exit door in the children's 1420 00:50:52,560 --> 00:50:54,560 room, there's a big sign on it 1421 00:50:54,560 --> 00:50:56,360 downstairs in the basement. There's a 1422 00:50:56,360 --> 00:50:59,200 sign on it that says alarm, door locked. 1423 00:50:59,200 --> 00:51:01,440 The door's ajar. 1424 00:51:01,440 --> 00:51:03,440 Can't close it. It's a jar. 1425 00:51:03,440 --> 00:51:05,480 That's a safety issue. 1426 00:51:05,480 --> 00:51:07,520 There have been in You've had reports 1427 00:51:07,520 --> 00:51:09,840 over the years through the hack that 1428 00:51:09,840 --> 00:51:11,360 there are other 1429 00:51:11,360 --> 00:51:14,400 issues with regard to water. The windows 1430 00:51:14,400 --> 00:51:16,880 are moldy. If you look at the windows, 1431 00:51:16,880 --> 00:51:18,440 they're moldy. 1432 00:51:18,440 --> 00:51:20,200 You have chunks 1433 00:51:20,200 --> 00:51:24,080 of of insulation where pipes are. Chunks 1434 00:51:24,080 --> 00:51:26,480 ripped out of that insulation. 1435 00:51:26,480 --> 00:51:29,360 There are There are issues there that 1436 00:51:29,360 --> 00:51:32,920 make it untenable for us to continue to 1437 00:51:32,920 --> 00:51:35,040 provide service. 1438 00:51:35,040 --> 00:51:37,400 Upstairs, we've had concerns from 1439 00:51:37,400 --> 00:51:40,080 parents. They don't like that we have 1440 00:51:40,080 --> 00:51:42,800 glass walls in the children's room. 1441 00:51:42,800 --> 00:51:44,840 That's a concern for them. 1442 00:51:44,840 --> 00:51:47,200 They're concerned about the emergency 1443 00:51:47,200 --> 00:51:49,920 exit. I took a look at that. It's 1444 00:51:49,920 --> 00:51:52,880 totally rusted. And yes, Mayor, they did 1445 00:51:52,880 --> 00:51:55,440 repair the bottom step by putting 2 by 1446 00:51:55,440 --> 00:52:00,920 4s on it. That's not a safety situation. 1447 00:52:00,920 --> 00:52:03,840 So, we do want to work with you, but 1448 00:52:03,840 --> 00:52:06,000 that wasn't the question that was asked 1449 00:52:06,000 --> 00:52:08,160 of Peter and I when we were in the 1450 00:52:08,160 --> 00:52:10,440 executive session. 1451 00:52:10,440 --> 00:52:13,720 We cannot address a hypothetical. If 1452 00:52:13,720 --> 00:52:16,080 something occurs, which we don't know 1453 00:52:16,080 --> 00:52:19,120 what it might be, will we do this? 1454 00:52:19,120 --> 00:52:21,040 If the question is, can we work 1455 00:52:21,040 --> 00:52:24,640 together? Yes, absolutely. 1456 00:52:24,640 --> 00:52:27,520 I started my political career working to 1457 00:52:27,520 --> 00:52:30,880 save the Somerville Public Library. 1458 00:52:30,880 --> 00:52:33,120 And I I spent most a good part of my 1459 00:52:33,120 --> 00:52:35,040 time doing that. And Mayor, we worked 1460 00:52:35,040 --> 00:52:38,000 together to join the county association 1461 00:52:38,000 --> 00:52:39,800 or the county commission. 1462 00:52:39,800 --> 00:52:42,080 Why would we want to change that? 1463 00:52:42,080 --> 00:52:44,560 But we do need to work together. And I'm 1464 00:52:44,560 --> 00:52:48,480 hoping perhaps the governing body 1465 00:52:48,480 --> 00:52:50,040 and the commission, we can all take a 1466 00:52:50,040 --> 00:52:51,880 deep breath 1467 00:52:51,880 --> 00:52:54,440 and say, let's start again. Maybe have 1468 00:52:54,440 --> 00:52:56,200 another discussion. 1469 00:52:56,200 --> 00:52:59,160 But one where the question is, how can 1470 00:52:59,160 --> 00:53:02,520 we work together? Not, will you do this? 1471 00:53:02,520 --> 00:53:04,760 Oh, no, if your answer isn't yes, please 1472 00:53:04,760 --> 00:53:08,360 leave the room. Thank you. 1473 00:53:08,360 --> 00:53:16,750 >> Any other public comment? Yeah. 1474 00:53:16,760 --> 00:53:18,600 » Hi, my name is Kate Ambrose. I live at 1475 00:53:18,600 --> 00:53:22,760 204 East Cliff Street. 1476 00:53:22,760 --> 00:53:25,520 And I just wanted to say the library has 1477 00:53:25,520 --> 00:53:28,040 been and will always be extremely 1478 00:53:28,040 --> 00:53:29,960 important to my family and I. We use the 1479 00:53:29,960 --> 00:53:31,960 library a lot. Um 1480 00:53:31,960 --> 00:53:35,080 we my daughter loves to go pick out 1481 00:53:35,080 --> 00:53:38,640 books. We my husband just gave a 1482 00:53:38,640 --> 00:53:40,480 book reading there a couple weeks ago 1483 00:53:40,480 --> 00:53:42,440 and it was a great 1484 00:53:42,440 --> 00:53:46,680 And um so that's where I'm coming from. 1485 00:53:46,680 --> 00:53:48,720 I 1486 00:53:48,720 --> 00:53:51,840 the librarians and other staff members 1487 00:53:51,840 --> 00:53:55,000 at the library are also many of them are 1488 00:53:55,000 --> 00:53:57,520 also our community members and we care 1489 00:53:57,520 --> 00:54:00,320 about each other deeply in this town. 1490 00:54:00,320 --> 00:54:03,120 And I really care that they are getting 1491 00:54:03,120 --> 00:54:04,880 sick. As someone who suffers from 1492 00:54:04,880 --> 00:54:07,960 migraines, I really have heard what 1493 00:54:07,960 --> 00:54:10,600 Peter had was saying before about their 1494 00:54:10,600 --> 00:54:12,040 symptoms. 1495 00:54:12,040 --> 00:54:14,560 And the mold testing was a good start. 1496 00:54:14,560 --> 00:54:16,560 I'm really happy to hear that Did you 1497 00:54:16,560 --> 00:54:18,640 say it was an industrial hygienist? 1498 00:54:18,640 --> 00:54:19,160 >> Yes. 1499 00:54:19,160 --> 00:54:21,120 >> is doing the testing. That's exactly who 1500 00:54:21,120 --> 00:54:23,080 needs to be doing the testing. I'm not 1501 00:54:23,080 --> 00:54:26,160 an expert, but I have talked to one 1502 00:54:26,160 --> 00:54:29,800 about this very issue. And um there are 1503 00:54:29,800 --> 00:54:32,920 many apparently many other things in the 1504 00:54:32,920 --> 00:54:35,480 air that could be making people sick, 1505 00:54:35,480 --> 00:54:38,720 not just mold. There's other particles, 1506 00:54:38,720 --> 00:54:40,520 fibers that could be in the air that 1507 00:54:40,520 --> 00:54:42,880 makes somebody sick. 1508 00:54:42,880 --> 00:54:45,480 Um people who are susceptible, people 1509 00:54:45,480 --> 00:54:48,080 who have asthma, people who have 1510 00:54:48,080 --> 00:54:49,880 allergies, people who suffer from 1511 00:54:49,880 --> 00:54:53,160 migraines, um people who are on chemo, 1512 00:54:53,160 --> 00:54:55,080 all all different people that are 1513 00:54:55,080 --> 00:54:57,080 susceptible could be affected by these 1514 00:54:57,080 --> 00:55:00,520 other things that aren't necessarily 1515 00:55:00,520 --> 00:55:02,840 toxic mold. 1516 00:55:02,840 --> 00:55:05,480 So I'm really glad and the public will 1517 00:55:05,480 --> 00:55:06,160 um 1518 00:55:06,160 --> 00:55:09,160 be anxious to hear those results. 1519 00:55:09,160 --> 00:55:11,440 Um 1520 00:55:11,440 --> 00:55:15,480 it's not okay that this relationship has 1521 00:55:15,480 --> 00:55:17,840 soured. 1522 00:55:17,840 --> 00:55:19,840 And I'm sure it's not okay with any of 1523 00:55:19,840 --> 00:55:22,360 the people in this room. 1524 00:55:22,360 --> 00:55:23,760 This 1525 00:55:23,760 --> 00:55:26,640 relationship needs to mend for the good 1526 00:55:26,640 --> 00:55:28,800 of the community. 1527 00:55:28,800 --> 00:55:31,640 We need to get back to communication 1528 00:55:31,640 --> 00:55:34,990 and problem-solving. 1529 00:55:35,000 --> 00:55:39,280 I think that it's true um 1530 00:55:39,280 --> 00:55:41,440 that that space 1531 00:55:41,440 --> 00:55:43,760 although the staff members have done a 1532 00:55:43,760 --> 00:55:47,400 tremendous job working with what they 1533 00:55:47,400 --> 00:55:48,960 were given. 1534 00:55:48,960 --> 00:55:52,120 Um that space was not working as just 1535 00:55:52,120 --> 00:55:54,520 somebody visiting the library and I'm 1536 00:55:54,520 --> 00:55:58,040 sure many parents would agree. Um it's 1537 00:55:58,040 --> 00:56:00,600 not the same since they needed to move 1538 00:56:00,600 --> 00:56:02,840 out of of the children's section 1539 00:56:02,840 --> 00:56:04,560 downstairs. 1540 00:56:04,560 --> 00:56:08,560 So I'm asking everybody just to take a 1541 00:56:08,560 --> 00:56:11,560 minute and get themselves together and 1542 00:56:11,560 --> 00:56:14,320 that get back to what's important, which 1543 00:56:14,320 --> 00:56:17,600 is problem solving for this community. 1544 00:56:17,600 --> 00:56:19,280 Um 1545 00:56:19,280 --> 00:56:21,520 and get back to a working relationship. 1546 00:56:21,520 --> 00:56:24,240 We expect it and we demand it. Thank 1547 00:56:24,240 --> 00:56:24,520 you. 1548 00:56:24,520 --> 00:56:26,880 >> Thank you for your comments. 1549 00:56:26,880 --> 00:56:35,510 Any other public comment? 1550 00:56:35,520 --> 00:56:37,920 » Okay. My name is Edward O'Dowd. Uh I 1551 00:56:37,920 --> 00:56:40,600 work at a facility on Main Street called 1552 00:56:40,600 --> 00:56:42,000 Freedom Trail, 1553 00:56:42,000 --> 00:56:45,520 which is um collaborative services of uh 1554 00:56:45,520 --> 00:56:46,880 New Jersey. 1555 00:56:46,880 --> 00:56:48,400 A company that's been in existence since 1556 00:56:48,400 --> 00:56:50,520 the '80s. We serve uh 1557 00:56:50,520 --> 00:56:53,160 some of Somerville's most vulnerable. 1558 00:56:53,160 --> 00:56:55,360 And Lorraine, my partner, and I have 1559 00:56:55,360 --> 00:56:57,760 been at it for the last 4 months. We 1560 00:56:57,760 --> 00:56:59,280 wanted to just generate some awareness 1561 00:56:59,280 --> 00:57:01,440 about what we're doing and who we are 1562 00:57:01,440 --> 00:57:03,920 cuz we feel like nobody really knows us. 1563 00:57:03,920 --> 00:57:05,320 Um 1564 00:57:05,320 --> 00:57:06,400 that was all. 1565 00:57:06,400 --> 00:57:08,120 >> Great. Uh what I would suggest is get 1566 00:57:08,120 --> 00:57:10,680 your contact information to Mr. Sluka 1567 00:57:10,680 --> 00:57:11,160 >> Mhm. 1568 00:57:11,160 --> 00:57:12,920 >> and uh um 1569 00:57:12,920 --> 00:57:15,080 website, any literature you might have, 1570 00:57:15,080 --> 00:57:16,160 and uh 1571 00:57:16,160 --> 00:57:17,720 you know, I I'd be interested in finding 1572 00:57:17,720 --> 00:57:18,520 out more about you. 1573 00:57:18,520 --> 00:57:19,640 >> Okay. Thank you. 1574 00:57:19,640 --> 00:57:22,080 >> Thank you. 1575 00:57:22,080 --> 00:57:25,329 Any other public comment? 1576 00:57:25,339 --> 00:57:31,230 » [clears throat] 1577 00:57:31,240 --> 00:57:33,440 » Good evening. Uh Brian Healey, 70 1578 00:57:33,440 --> 00:57:35,120 Veterans Memorial Drive, right here in 1579 00:57:35,120 --> 00:57:38,800 Somerville. That's h e a l e y, and 1580 00:57:38,800 --> 00:57:40,404 Brian, just like the mayor. 1581 00:57:40,404 --> 00:57:41,200 >> [laughter] 1582 00:57:41,200 --> 00:57:42,040 >> Spelled the right way. 1583 00:57:42,040 --> 00:57:43,680 >> That's right. 1584 00:57:43,680 --> 00:57:44,600 And I come to you tonight for something 1585 00:57:44,600 --> 00:57:46,520 very, very simple. I live on the one of 1586 00:57:46,520 --> 00:57:47,560 the apartment buildings on Veterans 1587 00:57:47,560 --> 00:57:49,760 Memorial, and I want to know I I've been 1588 00:57:49,760 --> 00:57:52,000 living there about 8 years now, and 1589 00:57:52,000 --> 00:57:53,480 Veterans Memorial Drive east and west 1590 00:57:53,480 --> 00:57:54,760 has been 1591 00:57:54,760 --> 00:57:56,920 basically a test on your suspension for 1592 00:57:56,920 --> 00:57:58,800 since I've lived there. 1593 00:57:58,800 --> 00:58:00,480 And I know it's not a state or a county 1594 00:58:00,480 --> 00:58:02,560 road, so I know when is public works or 1595 00:58:02,560 --> 00:58:04,440 the borough going to resurface that 1596 00:58:04,440 --> 00:58:06,200 road. I know PSE&G has ripped it up 1597 00:58:06,200 --> 00:58:09,400 50,000 times doing utility work here and 1598 00:58:09,400 --> 00:58:11,520 there, but it's just it's been a mess 1599 00:58:11,520 --> 00:58:13,160 since I've lived there, and it's I know 1600 00:58:13,160 --> 00:58:15,120 all the roads have been done, and I was 1601 00:58:15,120 --> 00:58:16,920 wondering if it was possible cuz it's a 1602 00:58:16,920 --> 00:58:18,520 very busy road, it's a very major road. 1603 00:58:18,520 --> 00:58:20,720 People travel on it all the time. 1604 00:58:20,720 --> 00:58:23,560 I was curious as to when it will be uh 1605 00:58:23,560 --> 00:58:25,640 done, or when public works will will put 1606 00:58:25,640 --> 00:58:27,440 that on their agenda. 1607 00:58:27,440 --> 00:58:29,640 >> Thank you. Thank you for your comments. 1608 00:58:29,640 --> 00:58:31,120 That's all right. I will in a in a 1609 00:58:31,120 --> 00:58:38,470 moment. Any other public comment? 1610 00:58:38,480 --> 00:58:40,040 » Good evening. 1611 00:58:40,040 --> 00:58:42,400 As many of you know, my name is Mallory 1612 00:58:42,400 --> 00:58:45,120 Craig Karen. I'm a mom, and I live at 41 1613 00:58:45,120 --> 00:58:46,960 Ross Street. 1614 00:58:46,960 --> 00:58:49,560 I am here about our library, 1615 00:58:49,560 --> 00:58:51,320 but also about something more 1616 00:58:51,320 --> 00:58:52,680 fundamental. 1617 00:58:52,680 --> 00:58:54,080 Namely, 1618 00:58:54,080 --> 00:58:56,520 our town deserves to be a partner in 1619 00:58:56,520 --> 00:58:58,120 decisions made about Somerville's 1620 00:58:58,120 --> 00:58:59,480 library, 1621 00:58:59,480 --> 00:59:01,760 rather than an afterthought, informed by 1622 00:59:01,760 --> 00:59:03,600 the county only after decisions have 1623 00:59:03,600 --> 00:59:05,040 already been made. 1624 00:59:05,040 --> 00:59:07,280 So, this is about process. This is not 1625 00:59:07,280 --> 00:59:09,160 about anything more. 1626 00:59:09,160 --> 00:59:11,280 Tonight, I'm asking our council to 1627 00:59:11,280 --> 00:59:13,520 confirm whether the required processes 1628 00:59:13,520 --> 00:59:15,520 were followed, and whether it will be 1629 00:59:15,520 --> 00:59:18,080 the case going forward. 1630 00:59:18,080 --> 00:59:20,520 Somerville's library has served local 1631 00:59:20,520 --> 00:59:22,960 residents not only as a place for 1632 00:59:22,960 --> 00:59:24,080 reading, 1633 00:59:24,080 --> 00:59:26,880 but also as an information hub, 1634 00:59:26,880 --> 00:59:29,200 right, with computer access and trained 1635 00:59:29,200 --> 00:59:30,760 librarians, 1636 00:59:30,760 --> 00:59:33,160 a study center for students, 1637 00:59:33,160 --> 00:59:35,120 a designated cooling center where our 1638 00:59:35,120 --> 00:59:37,720 elderly residents cool off in sweltering 1639 00:59:37,720 --> 00:59:39,640 weather like today, 1640 00:59:39,640 --> 00:59:41,680 and a center where our families and 1641 00:59:41,680 --> 00:59:44,760 community groups can gather. 1642 00:59:44,760 --> 00:59:47,600 Yet, our library branch was permanently 1643 00:59:47,600 --> 00:59:49,000 closed, 1644 00:59:49,000 --> 00:59:50,840 at least for this time, by the county 1645 00:59:50,840 --> 00:59:52,920 library system last Friday 1646 00:59:52,920 --> 00:59:54,520 with very little notice given to the 1647 00:59:54,520 --> 00:59:56,240 public. 1648 00:59:56,240 --> 00:59:58,600 Looking into this decision, 1649 00:59:58,600 --> 01:00:00,160 I'm presented with more questions than 1650 01:00:00,160 --> 01:00:01,640 answers, 1651 01:00:01,640 --> 01:00:03,600 namely about the process, 1652 01:00:03,600 --> 01:00:04,800 and questions that include the 1653 01:00:04,800 --> 01:00:06,520 following. 1654 01:00:06,520 --> 01:00:08,600 First, section two of Somerville's 1655 01:00:08,600 --> 01:00:11,160 contract with the county library system 1656 01:00:11,160 --> 01:00:13,720 requires borough approval before any 1657 01:00:13,720 --> 01:00:15,960 closure of our branch. 1658 01:00:15,960 --> 01:00:17,760 I checked with our borough clerk, who 1659 01:00:17,760 --> 01:00:20,760 confirmed that formal approval was never 1660 01:00:20,760 --> 01:00:22,560 sought nor given. 1661 01:00:22,560 --> 01:00:24,120 So, I'm asking the council and our mayor 1662 01:00:24,120 --> 01:00:27,680 tonight, just factually to be aware, 1663 01:00:27,680 --> 01:00:29,400 did the borough council authorize the 1664 01:00:29,400 --> 01:00:32,000 county to close our library? And if so, 1665 01:00:32,000 --> 01:00:34,240 can you tell us when you authorized it 1666 01:00:34,240 --> 01:00:36,800 and what led to your decision? 1667 01:00:36,800 --> 01:00:39,640 Separately, public records suggest that 1668 01:00:39,640 --> 01:00:42,000 Somerset County's library commission, 1669 01:00:42,000 --> 01:00:43,600 which is the board that governs the 1670 01:00:43,600 --> 01:00:45,440 county library system, 1671 01:00:45,440 --> 01:00:47,560 never formally authorized Somerville's 1672 01:00:47,560 --> 01:00:49,640 library closure. 1673 01:00:49,640 --> 01:00:51,200 The library commission doesn't meet in 1674 01:00:51,200 --> 01:00:53,880 July or August, so I can't go ask them 1675 01:00:53,880 --> 01:00:55,120 directly, 1676 01:00:55,120 --> 01:00:57,560 but I'm wondering if the council knows 1677 01:00:57,560 --> 01:00:59,280 whether the library commission had 1678 01:00:59,280 --> 01:01:01,280 approved our library's closure before 1679 01:01:01,280 --> 01:01:03,560 their summer break. 1680 01:01:03,560 --> 01:01:05,480 Note, however, that even if the 1681 01:01:05,480 --> 01:01:07,400 commission had separately approved of 1682 01:01:07,400 --> 01:01:08,640 the closure, 1683 01:01:08,640 --> 01:01:10,760 this should not circumvent the county's 1684 01:01:10,760 --> 01:01:13,160 obligations to Somerville under section 1685 01:01:13,160 --> 01:01:16,480 two of our agreement with the county. 1686 01:01:16,480 --> 01:01:17,640 Third, 1687 01:01:17,640 --> 01:01:19,760 one reason given for the closure, again, 1688 01:01:19,760 --> 01:01:21,040 just one, 1689 01:01:21,040 --> 01:01:23,920 was the suspected presence of mold. 1690 01:01:23,920 --> 01:01:25,960 To his credit, when that issue was first 1691 01:01:25,960 --> 01:01:28,480 presented and reported to him, Mayor 1692 01:01:28,480 --> 01:01:31,040 Gallagher quickly ordered testing to 1693 01:01:31,040 --> 01:01:32,440 determine whether mold was a health 1694 01:01:32,440 --> 01:01:34,440 threat to the library's employees and 1695 01:01:34,440 --> 01:01:35,760 others. 1696 01:01:35,760 --> 01:01:38,040 As we've discussed, preliminary samples 1697 01:01:38,040 --> 01:01:40,600 from the occupied floors of the building 1698 01:01:40,600 --> 01:01:42,040 found that mold levels there were not 1699 01:01:42,040 --> 01:01:43,440 elevated. 1700 01:01:43,440 --> 01:01:45,080 And the county library director, who we 1701 01:01:45,080 --> 01:01:46,560 heard from tonight, 1702 01:01:46,560 --> 01:01:48,480 indicated that the decision to close the 1703 01:01:48,480 --> 01:01:50,800 Somerville library was not actually 1704 01:01:50,800 --> 01:01:53,000 caused by the test results and would not 1705 01:01:53,000 --> 01:01:54,760 sway the decision to close the result 1706 01:01:54,760 --> 01:01:56,560 the library. 1707 01:01:56,560 --> 01:01:58,080 It is true 1708 01:01:58,080 --> 01:01:59,640 that the age of the facility and the 1709 01:01:59,640 --> 01:02:02,400 reductions in the usable space within it 1710 01:02:02,400 --> 01:02:04,720 were less than ideal. 1711 01:02:04,720 --> 01:02:06,640 But, the question arises, 1712 01:02:06,640 --> 01:02:08,520 why the sudden closure of the entire 1713 01:02:08,520 --> 01:02:09,680 facility, 1714 01:02:09,680 --> 01:02:11,880 including its usable spaces, 1715 01:02:11,880 --> 01:02:14,880 before an improved replacement plan had 1716 01:02:14,880 --> 01:02:21,160 been developed and shared in partnership with our bureau? 1717 01:02:21,160 --> 01:02:23,600 Put plainly, our library's closure 1718 01:02:23,600 --> 01:02:25,600 appears to have been a decision 1719 01:02:25,600 --> 01:02:27,360 in which Somerville's legal right to 1720 01:02:27,360 --> 01:02:29,840 input was bypassed. 1721 01:02:29,840 --> 01:02:32,760 And I understand that that input is a 1722 01:02:32,760 --> 01:02:34,040 right that we have as part of the 1723 01:02:34,040 --> 01:02:36,200 process. 1724 01:02:36,200 --> 01:02:38,160 When the closure was recently announced, 1725 01:02:38,160 --> 01:02:39,960 we drafted a petition confirming 1726 01:02:39,960 --> 01:02:41,440 community support for making 1727 01:02:41,440 --> 01:02:44,400 Somerville's library a priority. 1728 01:02:44,400 --> 01:02:46,840 This modest effort to build awareness 1729 01:02:46,840 --> 01:02:48,520 has already resulted in hundreds of 1730 01:02:48,520 --> 01:02:50,520 local signatures, which I provided to 1731 01:02:50,520 --> 01:02:51,800 all of you tonight, and I can also 1732 01:02:51,800 --> 01:02:54,760 provide digital copies. 1733 01:02:54,760 --> 01:02:58,320 We warmly recognize the very important 1734 01:02:58,320 --> 01:03:01,280 work that you do as our elected leaders 1735 01:03:01,280 --> 01:03:03,560 to ensure that we have a library that 1736 01:03:03,560 --> 01:03:05,960 serves our community's needs. 1737 01:03:05,960 --> 01:03:07,240 And the response to our petition 1738 01:03:07,240 --> 01:03:08,760 confirms 1739 01:03:08,760 --> 01:03:11,080 that the library should indeed be one of 1740 01:03:11,080 --> 01:03:13,840 your priorities for Somerville. 1741 01:03:13,840 --> 01:03:15,360 I have personally written to to county 1742 01:03:15,360 --> 01:03:18,280 library director expressing the concern 1743 01:03:18,280 --> 01:03:20,760 that our library branch was closed 1744 01:03:20,760 --> 01:03:22,520 without a viable plan being shared to 1745 01:03:22,520 --> 01:03:25,240 replace it. And perhaps I'm I'm really 1746 01:03:25,240 --> 01:03:27,560 looking forward to answers tonight. Um, 1747 01:03:27,560 --> 01:03:29,120 you know, without that process being 1748 01:03:29,120 --> 01:03:31,080 followed. 1749 01:03:31,080 --> 01:03:33,560 Those of us who love Somerville and 1750 01:03:33,560 --> 01:03:35,280 believe that our 1751 01:03:35,280 --> 01:03:37,720 truly great town deserves a vibrant 1752 01:03:37,720 --> 01:03:39,120 library 1753 01:03:39,120 --> 01:03:41,960 now count on you as our leaders 1754 01:03:41,960 --> 01:03:45,120 to ensure that local library services be 1755 01:03:45,120 --> 01:03:47,560 restored fully and quickly in some 1756 01:03:47,560 --> 01:03:50,000 central Somerville location 1757 01:03:50,000 --> 01:03:51,640 as promised by the county library 1758 01:03:51,640 --> 01:03:53,560 system. 1759 01:03:53,560 --> 01:03:55,480 And fundamentally I ask that you ensure 1760 01:03:55,480 --> 01:03:58,120 and continue to ensure that Somerville's 1761 01:03:58,120 --> 01:04:00,760 rights under agreement will be honored. 1762 01:04:00,760 --> 01:04:02,200 Thank you so much. 1763 01:04:02,200 --> 01:04:05,270 >> Thank you. 1764 01:04:05,280 --> 01:04:08,240 Any other public comment? 1765 01:04:08,240 --> 01:04:09,360 Hearing none, I'll ask for a motion to 1766 01:04:09,360 --> 01:04:10,560 close. 1767 01:04:10,560 --> 01:04:11,720 >> So moved. 1768 01:04:11,720 --> 01:04:12,320 >> Second. 1769 01:04:12,320 --> 01:04:14,040 >> Discussion. Roll call. 1770 01:04:14,040 --> 01:04:15,640 >> Council members, Anne 1771 01:04:15,640 --> 01:04:16,480 Andrew Conty. 1772 01:04:16,480 --> 01:04:17,120 >> Yes. 1773 01:04:17,120 --> 01:04:17,640 >> Linda Lee. 1774 01:04:17,640 --> 01:04:18,160 >> Yes. 1775 01:04:18,160 --> 01:04:18,840 >> Randy Pitts. 1776 01:04:18,840 --> 01:04:19,240 >> Yes. 1777 01:04:19,240 --> 01:04:19,960 >> Gina Stravic. 1778 01:04:19,960 --> 01:04:20,440 >> Yes. 1779 01:04:20,440 --> 01:04:21,000 >> Roger Fleming. 1780 01:04:21,000 --> 01:04:21,360 >> Yes. 1781 01:04:21,360 --> 01:04:23,520 >> All right, public session is now closed. 1782 01:04:23,520 --> 01:04:25,680 Um, the the easy one first, Veterans 1783 01:04:25,680 --> 01:04:27,640 Memorial Drive, the paving. 1784 01:04:27,640 --> 01:04:29,040 Where is he? There he is. 1785 01:04:29,040 --> 01:04:31,760 Um, I believe we're coming to a close 1786 01:04:31,760 --> 01:04:33,960 very soon on a grant that we had 1787 01:04:33,960 --> 01:04:36,320 received which would pave Veterans 1788 01:04:36,320 --> 01:04:38,400 >> The uh bids on that project are due 1789 01:04:38,400 --> 01:04:40,240 August 12th. Um, 1790 01:04:40,240 --> 01:04:42,280 once the bids are received, it's not as 1791 01:04:42,280 --> 01:04:48,560 simple as as our normal process cuz it's uh federally funded. They uh two 1792 01:04:48,560 --> 01:04:51,320 things have to happen is it goes to the 1793 01:04:51,320 --> 01:04:54,000 state DOT who then communicates with the 1794 01:04:54,000 --> 01:04:56,240 federal government to ensure that the 1795 01:04:56,240 --> 01:04:58,600 bids were satisfactory and and meet 1796 01:04:58,600 --> 01:05:00,920 their their requirements. In addition to 1797 01:05:00,920 --> 01:05:03,640 that is uh the federal government does 1798 01:05:03,640 --> 01:05:06,640 require a full-time construction 1799 01:05:06,640 --> 01:05:09,760 inspector on the job. That RFP is is 1800 01:05:09,760 --> 01:05:12,760 waiting for approval to be issued. So, 1801 01:05:12,760 --> 01:05:18,040 um listen, I I know we also use that road for, you know, one of the 1802 01:05:18,040 --> 01:05:20,640 state's largest Turkey Trots, right? So, 1803 01:05:20,640 --> 01:05:22,360 that that's the goal to try to get it, 1804 01:05:22,360 --> 01:05:24,440 but right now, unfortunately, because of 1805 01:05:24,440 --> 01:05:26,120 the level 1806 01:05:26,120 --> 01:05:27,560 that has to go through, but the bids are 1807 01:05:27,560 --> 01:05:29,920 coming back on August 12th, which is a 1808 01:05:29,920 --> 01:05:30,400 couple weeks. 1809 01:05:30,400 --> 01:05:32,640 >> we can say probably late fall, early 1810 01:05:32,640 --> 01:05:35,240 spring. Is that a reasonable time frame? 1811 01:05:35,240 --> 01:05:37,905 >> Yeah, I said that before. Um 1812 01:05:37,905 --> 01:05:39,000 >> [laughter] 1813 01:05:39,000 --> 01:05:41,560 >> Unfortunately, you know, for us. Oh, 1814 01:05:41,560 --> 01:05:44,000 yeah. Uh that's our certainly our goal 1815 01:05:44,000 --> 01:05:45,280 is to push that envelope. 1816 01:05:45,280 --> 01:05:47,000 >> Yeah. Okay. 1817 01:05:47,000 --> 01:05:47,960 Um 1818 01:05:47,960 --> 01:05:50,400 as far as all the questions relating to 1819 01:05:50,400 --> 01:05:51,480 the library, and there's some good 1820 01:05:51,480 --> 01:05:54,360 questions. And look, I I appreciate 1821 01:05:54,360 --> 01:05:57,080 everybody's passion on this, and and we 1822 01:05:57,080 --> 01:05:58,520 share that. 1823 01:05:58,520 --> 01:06:00,760 I I said at the outset of this, 1824 01:06:00,760 --> 01:06:03,960 everybody's goal is exactly the same. 1825 01:06:03,960 --> 01:06:05,520 And it's unfortunate that we've been 1826 01:06:05,520 --> 01:06:06,960 pushed to our corners for a whole lot of 1827 01:06:06,960 --> 01:06:08,120 reasons. 1828 01:06:08,120 --> 01:06:09,680 And and I don't like being pushed to 1829 01:06:09,680 --> 01:06:10,840 corners. 1830 01:06:10,840 --> 01:06:14,830 Um 1831 01:06:14,840 --> 01:06:17,600 I sat on our library commission here, or 1832 01:06:17,600 --> 01:06:18,840 committee. 1833 01:06:18,840 --> 01:06:21,560 Um I've sat on the county li- well, I 1834 01:06:21,560 --> 01:06:24,200 was the liaison as a freeholder, I was 1835 01:06:24,200 --> 01:06:25,800 the liaison to the county library 1836 01:06:25,800 --> 01:06:26,920 system. 1837 01:06:26,920 --> 01:06:28,800 I know how it works. 1838 01:06:28,800 --> 01:06:31,440 I've been around it a long time. 1839 01:06:31,440 --> 01:06:33,360 25 years. 1840 01:06:33,360 --> 01:06:35,480 I know the process. 1841 01:06:35,480 --> 01:06:39,440 Um we have rights under our agreement. 1842 01:06:39,440 --> 01:06:42,360 Um I'll agree with Roberta. We do need 1843 01:06:42,360 --> 01:06:45,320 to talk. We do need to to come to an 1844 01:06:45,320 --> 01:06:46,680 agreement. 1845 01:06:46,680 --> 01:06:53,160 And part of that is first, ensuring that building, our building, is clean 1846 01:06:53,160 --> 01:06:54,200 and safe. 1847 01:06:54,200 --> 01:06:56,120 That's my primary concern right now. 1848 01:06:56,120 --> 01:06:57,840 Once that's done, 1849 01:06:57,840 --> 01:07:00,000 and I said this at our our meeting last 1850 01:07:00,000 --> 01:07:01,080 Thursday, 1851 01:07:01,080 --> 01:07:02,640 I said, when we can show that that 1852 01:07:02,640 --> 01:07:04,880 building is clean and ready to go and 1853 01:07:04,880 --> 01:07:06,680 ready to occupy, 1854 01:07:06,680 --> 01:07:08,800 that's when we can have that discussion. 1855 01:07:08,800 --> 01:07:10,120 And I'm pointing at Kevin and pointing 1856 01:07:10,120 --> 01:07:11,720 at Peter cuz Peter was sitting there 1857 01:07:11,720 --> 01:07:13,840 last week. Um but that's when we can 1858 01:07:13,840 --> 01:07:15,520 have that discussion. 1859 01:07:15,520 --> 01:07:16,760 Um 1860 01:07:16,760 --> 01:07:19,360 we have to do our diligence to ensure 1861 01:07:19,360 --> 01:07:20,760 that that's safe. 1862 01:07:20,760 --> 01:07:22,680 At the same time, we also have to as a 1863 01:07:22,680 --> 01:07:25,000 municipality preserve our rights under 1864 01:07:25,000 --> 01:07:26,480 our agreement, and that's what our 1865 01:07:26,480 --> 01:07:27,880 attorney will do. 1866 01:07:27,880 --> 01:07:30,750 Um 1867 01:07:30,760 --> 01:07:31,960 it's going to be a little bit of a 1868 01:07:31,960 --> 01:07:34,160 process. Um 1869 01:07:34,160 --> 01:07:36,720 I would agree if if they can outsource 1870 01:07:36,720 --> 01:07:39,040 some at this point while we go through 1871 01:07:39,040 --> 01:07:40,040 that, 1872 01:07:40,040 --> 01:07:41,560 great. 1873 01:07:41,560 --> 01:07:44,240 And I had intimated to that last week 1874 01:07:44,240 --> 01:07:46,160 that we would help in that process. We 1875 01:07:46,160 --> 01:07:47,560 can. 1876 01:07:47,560 --> 01:07:50,080 But when that building is clean, 1877 01:07:50,080 --> 01:07:52,120 well, I'm even when it's 1878 01:07:52,120 --> 01:07:54,240 when we have the results back, and 1879 01:07:54,240 --> 01:07:56,720 again, the the mold was brought up again 1880 01:07:56,720 --> 01:07:58,200 that there's mold. 1881 01:07:58,200 --> 01:08:00,360 There's not There is no mold. 1882 01:08:00,360 --> 01:08:01,880 There's no more mold inside than there 1883 01:08:01,880 --> 01:08:03,880 is outside. That's what the testing is 1884 01:08:03,880 --> 01:08:04,920 showing. 1885 01:08:04,920 --> 01:08:07,120 And and we keep coming back to this mold 1886 01:08:07,120 --> 01:08:08,840 issue, and the mold issue was the 1887 01:08:08,840 --> 01:08:11,480 impetus for this entire discussion. 1888 01:08:11,480 --> 01:08:13,760 And we now have proof that that's not 1889 01:08:13,760 --> 01:08:15,400 the case. 1890 01:08:15,400 --> 01:08:18,319 So I think we have to kind of work 1891 01:08:18,319 --> 01:08:20,080 through some of those issues as to what 1892 01:08:20,080 --> 01:08:21,880 the reasons are. 1893 01:08:21,880 --> 01:08:24,000 Um and I would agree with you as well, 1894 01:08:24,000 --> 01:08:25,960 Mallory. I think you you you took this 1895 01:08:25,960 --> 01:08:30,240 on and I give you kudos for that. It's a you took this on and and you've 1896 01:08:30,240 --> 01:08:32,640 brought it to um 1897 01:08:32,640 --> 01:08:34,040 you know, the forefront of of a 1898 01:08:34,040 --> 01:08:36,920 discussion, and and I think that's good. 1899 01:08:36,920 --> 01:08:39,430 Um 1900 01:08:39,440 --> 01:08:41,120 I was around for Rocky Hill. I was a 1901 01:08:41,120 --> 01:08:42,960 freeholder when Rocky Hill was going 1902 01:08:42,960 --> 01:08:45,040 through. And I actually helped the 1903 01:08:45,040 --> 01:08:47,680 discussions in keeping Rocky Hill open 1904 01:08:47,680 --> 01:08:50,799 at that time. I sat with their mayor. 1905 01:08:50,799 --> 01:08:53,680 So I'm very familiar with all this 1906 01:08:53,680 --> 01:08:55,480 that's going on. 1907 01:08:55,480 --> 01:08:58,359 Um but my goal is 1908 01:08:58,359 --> 01:09:01,319 to keep our library in town. 1909 01:09:01,319 --> 01:09:04,520 And this building will be 1910 01:09:04,520 --> 01:09:06,880 certified. 1911 01:09:06,880 --> 01:09:10,240 And it'll be ready to be reoccupied 1912 01:09:10,240 --> 01:09:11,920 in the short term. 1913 01:09:11,920 --> 01:09:13,799 Then we can work on the long term 1914 01:09:13,799 --> 01:09:15,920 because we all want the same thing out 1915 01:09:15,920 --> 01:09:19,480 of that long term. We all do. 1916 01:09:19,480 --> 01:09:20,880 It makes sense. 1917 01:09:20,880 --> 01:09:22,240 So. 1918 01:09:22,240 --> 01:09:25,120 Um all right. 1919 01:09:25,120 --> 01:09:26,799 Resolutions. Uh we have consent 1920 01:09:26,799 --> 01:09:28,359 resolutions any to be pulled off for 1921 01:09:28,359 --> 01:09:31,309 further discussion. 1922 01:09:31,319 --> 01:09:33,600 All right, hearing none. 234 is 1923 01:09:33,600 --> 01:09:34,960 authorizing the sale of surplus 1924 01:09:34,960 --> 01:09:36,200 equipment to the Flagtown Fire 1925 01:09:36,200 --> 01:09:38,680 Department in the amount of $750. 1926 01:09:38,680 --> 01:09:41,000 235 is approving chapter 159 from the 1927 01:09:41,000 --> 01:09:42,839 Governor's Council on Alcoholism and 1928 01:09:42,839 --> 01:09:44,799 Drug Abuse for 26 Municipal Alliance 1929 01:09:44,799 --> 01:09:46,000 Grant Program. 1930 01:09:46,000 --> 01:09:48,000 236 amending approving the release of 1931 01:09:48,000 --> 01:09:50,880 the performance bond for Santana LLC as 1932 01:09:50,880 --> 01:09:53,720 noted. 237 is authorizing the donation 1933 01:09:53,720 --> 01:09:55,640 of surplus municipal equipment to the 1934 01:09:55,640 --> 01:09:56,920 Hillsborough Township Department of 1935 01:09:56,920 --> 01:09:59,960 Public Works. 238 is amending resolution 1936 01:09:59,960 --> 01:10:01,560 as noted to authorize and direct the 1937 01:10:01,560 --> 01:10:02,600 Planning Board of the Borough of 1938 01:10:02,600 --> 01:10:05,560 Somerville to include block 67 lot one 1939 01:10:05,560 --> 01:10:07,720 which is two Park Avenue as shown on the 1940 01:10:07,720 --> 01:10:09,760 official tax map of the Borough in its 1941 01:10:09,760 --> 01:10:11,600 examination of whether certain property 1942 01:10:11,600 --> 01:10:13,600 should be determined to be an area in 1943 01:10:13,600 --> 01:10:15,840 need of redevelopment specifically a 1944 01:10:15,840 --> 01:10:18,320 non-condemnation redevelopment area 1945 01:10:18,320 --> 01:10:19,760 pursuant to the local redevelopment 1946 01:10:19,760 --> 01:10:22,040 housing law as noted and considered for 1947 01:10:22,040 --> 01:10:23,640 inclusion in the East Central Business 1948 01:10:23,640 --> 01:10:25,560 District Redevelopment Area. 1949 01:10:25,560 --> 01:10:27,960 239 is approving the hiring of Kyle De 1950 01:10:27,960 --> 01:10:30,360 Monte as full-time laborer effective 1951 01:10:30,360 --> 01:10:32,640 August 24th at a rate of $22.50 per 1952 01:10:32,640 --> 01:10:33,480 hour. 1953 01:10:33,480 --> 01:10:35,440 240 is approving a 6-month door-to-door 1954 01:10:35,440 --> 01:10:36,960 solicitor license for Power Home 1955 01:10:36,960 --> 01:10:39,920 Remodeling for those noted. 241 is 1956 01:10:39,920 --> 01:10:41,560 authorizing the award of a contract to 1957 01:10:41,560 --> 01:10:43,440 Millennium Communication Group for 1958 01:10:43,440 --> 01:10:45,320 access control cameras, panic buttons, 1959 01:10:45,320 --> 01:10:46,960 message boards, and software licenses 1960 01:10:46,960 --> 01:10:49,400 for the Emergency Services Facility, 1961 01:10:49,400 --> 01:10:50,920 Police Department through the interlocal 1962 01:10:50,920 --> 01:10:54,120 purchasing system. Authorizing the 242 1963 01:10:54,120 --> 01:10:56,120 is authorizing the award of a contract 1964 01:10:56,120 --> 01:10:57,720 and execution of a master service 1965 01:10:57,720 --> 01:10:59,840 agreement with language line services 1966 01:10:59,840 --> 01:11:01,480 for on-demand telephone and video 1967 01:11:01,480 --> 01:11:03,320 interpretation services. 1968 01:11:03,320 --> 01:11:05,760 243 is approving chapter 159 from the 1969 01:11:05,760 --> 01:11:08,720 national opioid settlement trust. 244 is 1970 01:11:08,720 --> 01:11:11,160 issuing a refund of uncollectible taxes 1971 01:11:11,160 --> 01:11:14,080 address known as 444 Catherine Street. 1972 01:11:14,080 --> 01:11:16,560 245 is approving chapter 159 for state 1973 01:11:16,560 --> 01:11:18,720 of New Jersey 26 recycling tonnage 1974 01:11:18,720 --> 01:11:19,760 grant. Do we have a motion? 1975 01:11:19,760 --> 01:11:21,440 >> So moved. 1976 01:11:21,440 --> 01:11:22,080 >> Second. 1977 01:11:22,080 --> 01:11:22,680 >> Roll call. 1978 01:11:22,680 --> 01:11:24,160 >> Council members Andrew Conti. 1979 01:11:24,160 --> 01:11:24,600 >> Yes. 1980 01:11:24,600 --> 01:11:25,200 >> Glenn Zaney. 1981 01:11:25,200 --> 01:11:25,600 >> Yes. 1982 01:11:25,600 --> 01:11:26,320 >> Randy Pitts. 1983 01:11:26,320 --> 01:11:26,600 >> Yes. 1984 01:11:26,600 --> 01:11:27,320 >> Gina Strabic. 1985 01:11:27,320 --> 01:11:27,600 >> Yes. 1986 01:11:27,600 --> 01:11:28,280 >> Roger Vernam. 1987 01:11:28,280 --> 01:11:28,640 >> Yes. 1988 01:11:28,640 --> 01:11:29,960 >> All right, bills and vouchers Roger. 1989 01:11:29,960 --> 01:11:31,280 >> I make a motion to pay bills and 1990 01:11:31,280 --> 01:11:32,920 vouchers in the amount of 1 million 1991 01:11:32,920 --> 01:11:34,720 512,098 1992 01:11:34,720 --> 01:11:36,760 dollars and 80 cents. 1993 01:11:36,760 --> 01:11:37,920 >> Second. 1994 01:11:37,920 --> 01:11:39,000 >> Discussion. 1995 01:11:39,000 --> 01:11:39,560 Roll call. 1996 01:11:39,560 --> 01:11:41,200 >> Council members Andrew Conti. 1997 01:11:41,200 --> 01:11:41,840 >> Yes. 1998 01:11:41,840 --> 01:11:42,560 >> Glenn Zaney. 1999 01:11:42,560 --> 01:11:42,920 >> Yes. 2000 01:11:42,920 --> 01:11:43,680 >> Randy Pitts. 2001 01:11:43,680 --> 01:11:44,040 >> Yes. 2002 01:11:44,040 --> 01:11:44,840 >> Gina Strabic. 2003 01:11:44,840 --> 01:11:45,160 >> Yes. 2004 01:11:45,160 --> 01:11:45,760 >> Roger Vernam. 2005 01:11:45,760 --> 01:11:46,160 >> Yes. 2006 01:11:46,160 --> 01:11:47,400 >> All right, Mr. DeNike I will ask for a 2007 01:11:47,400 --> 01:11:48,640 motion for adjournment. 2008 01:11:48,640 --> 01:11:49,880 >> I would like to make a motion to 2009 01:11:49,880 --> 01:11:50,920 adjourn. 2010 01:11:50,920 --> 01:11:51,800 >> Second. 2011 01:11:51,800 --> 01:11:53,440 >> Discussion. All in favor? 2012 01:11:53,440 --> 01:11:54,120 >> I. 2013 01:11:54,120 --> 01:11:57,800 >> Opposed? This meeting is adjourned.