[0:00] Yep, I can hear you. Okay, are you ready? Yep, and summer, I'm now hearing the echo and how difficult this is, kind of when

[0:09] Honour was a way too. So why don't you go ahead and run the meeting and then I'll be available for questions or comments or anything like that.

[0:20] Okay, so for sure, let us know when we can get started. Oh, I need to start the live. Hold on one second.

[1:16] I'm calling the South Orange Village Council regular board meeting to order today's Monday, August 17th, 2026 at 7 o'clock

[1:25] Ms. Davis, may I have a roll call please?

[1:29] Yes, Mayor Collin.

[1:38] Mayor Collin is here.

[1:39] Councilwoman Canning here.

[1:42] Council Member Greenberg is absent.

[1:44] Council Member Haskins is absent.

[1:46] Councilwoman Jones here.

[1:48] Council Member Lewis Chang here.

[1:50] Councilwoman Zoeman here.

[1:52] Ms. Doran here.

[1:53] Mr. Rather and Mr. Otis.

[1:57] Madam Mayor, we have a poem and accordance

[1:59] with the open public meeting act

[2:00] of the State of New Jersey

[2:01] had a quick notice of this meeting has been provided to the official newspaper of the village

[2:06] posted on the village's website and found any office of the village clerk indicating

[2:10] that this meeting is being held in person and through hybrid communication via Zoom video

[2:16] conferencing.

[2:17] During a remote meeting, participants including members of the public may be muted by the

[2:22] holes.

[2:22] However, there will be an opportunity for them to participate and speak during the public portion

[2:28] of the meeting.

[2:29] participants will be omitted at their request official action may be taken.

[2:34] Okay, we have one resolution to go into Executive Session.

[2:37] Yes, number 20, 26, there's one 91 resolution authorized in an Executive Session.

[2:42] At the August 17th, 2020, it's regular meaning of the South Orange Village Council.

[2:48] All right, is there anything for Executive Session that the Council would like to bring up?

[2:53] Mayor Collem, do you want to start first?

[2:54] Sure, I would just with redevelopment updates, contract negotiations, personnel, attorney client privilege, immigration and FBI services attorney client privilege.

[3:07] All right.

[3:07] Thank you.

[3:08] Council, does anyone else have anything to add to executive session?

[3:11] No.

[3:13] Okay.

[3:13] Can I have a motion to move to executive session?

[3:18] What's the voice vote?

[3:19] Thank you.

[3:20] All right.

[3:21] All those in favor?

[3:23] Oh, second, wait, oh, oh, oh my god.

[3:25] Sorry, it's because Mayor Colum, you're on and watching me,

[3:28] but not watching me at the same time.

[3:30] All right, so motion by Councilwoman Lewis,

[3:33] Chang, is there a second?

[3:35] Second, by Councilwoman Zoeman.

[3:36] Can I have a roll call, please?

[3:40] Oh, we can do it all in favor.

[3:43] Any nays or abstentions?

[3:46] All right, so we are going to move to executive session.

[3:49] We will be back out at 7 o'clock PM to our public session.

[8:42] Brian Vashaw, we are ready. Let us know when we can get started please. We are all set.

[9:08] Here.

[9:11] Here.

[9:14] Here.

[9:23] Here.

[9:29] All right. I'm going to read our announcements. South Orange, downtown.

[9:34] South Orange farmers market continues every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Sloan

[9:40] Street parking lot.

[9:42] South by each week to shop for fresh produce locally made goods and more from our market

[9:47] vendors downtown after town downtown after town downtown after sundown continues every Saturday

[9:54] from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. in the field of park.

[9:58] This Saturday enjoyed live music from Loretta, an Americana and folk rock band playing a mix

[10:03] of originals and covers, come downtown,

[10:06] grab a drink or dinner, and enjoy an evening

[10:08] of live music in the park.

[10:11] Downtown on display continues on Thursday, August 27th,

[10:15] from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the village plaza

[10:17] with a free outdoor yoga class, hosted by three birds yoga,

[10:23] music by DJ Pat, and fresh due shots from the juice hub.

[10:27] Pre-registration is required.

[10:28] Did I already say was free?

[10:30] And you must bring your own yoga mat.

[10:33] This is SoutharmSoundTown.org to learn more in register.

[10:36] The rain date is Friday, August 28th.

[10:40] Also coming up as downtown on display is our back-to-school party on Friday, September 4th,

[10:45] from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the back yard, 58-vos Avenue.

[10:52] Enjoy sweet treats from summer sweets, food from Georgiaos, and more from the

[10:56] primary, totally unplugged, and local businesses.

[11:01] There will also be a fashion show by QSNU in live music

[11:04] by Edison Mines, bring the family and celebrate the start

[11:08] of the school year downtown.

[11:09] Do you think I could bring my back to school office?

[11:11] OK, I just want to know.

[11:13] I'm going to bring it.

[11:14] Department of Recreation, Arts, and Cultural Affairs.

[11:17] Registration is now open for early fall classes at the barred.

[11:21] The session begins one week, begins the week of September 8

[11:25] and runs through November 1.

[11:26] Whether you're looking to get creative, stay active, learn something new, or connect with their community.

[11:31] There's something for everyone.

[11:32] From little ones to lifelong learners,

[11:35] Fall highlights include Pumpkins and Pinot,

[11:38] A fall theme, paint and set, single long width for grown-ups,

[11:42] Halloween cookie decorating, and look up,

[11:45] cultivating mindfulness in the digital age.

[11:48] Department of Recreation and Arts and Cultural Affairs,

[11:51] Piero Gallery has an open call for artists for win light gathers.

[11:56] What happens when we gather and when light gathers around us?

[11:59] When light gathers is a group exhibition, bringing together local and regional artists with connection to Jewish culture and community.

[12:07] Opening in December or during Hanukkah, the exhibition reflects a season, often associated with light gathering, reflection and celebration.

[12:15] This show will bring voices together and create space for a diverse range of artistic expression

[12:20] with a shared community. Artists are not expected to engage with religious or cultural themes

[12:27] in their work. We welcome work that reflects your own artistic practice and perspective.

[12:33] Emerginging establish artists are invited to apply max three submissions for artists.

[12:38] submit at the following link, which is also available on the Instagram bio, the link is long,

[12:48] but it is Piero Gallery-likegathers, periodartcall.org. And I actually have something easier for anyone

[12:57] that didn't write that down. If you go to the South Orange website, it is right in our banner,

[13:00] you click on it, it takes you right to it. The important dates are September 24th, is this mission

[13:06] deadline, October 12th is the artist will be notified, December 3rd, the exhibition opens

[13:11] and it closes on January 3rd. If there's any questions, email arts at SouthArng.org.

[13:18] And we have a few more announcements as well. Before I turn it over to my fellow council members,

[13:23] I wanted to let everyone know that on September 8th, the older adult pool picnic is happening

[13:30] so for anyone that would like to attend the September 8th from 12 to 3pm, you do have to register

[13:35] and there is a $10 payment in order to attend, but it is a pulling picnic.

[13:42] There will be some activities that are available.

[13:45] Bingo, yes.

[13:46] Yes.

[13:47] And I'm going to turn this over to Councilwoman Lewis Chang and then we'll open it

[13:50] that to other people.

[13:53] OK.

[13:54] We mourn the passing of one of our lifelong volunteers in the summer community.

[14:00] Mary Schneider Cohen passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026 at the age of 94.

[14:07] Marjorie was a homemaker and lifelong volunteer whose warmth, kindness and ability to see the best in everyone was a hallmark.

[14:14] She helped fund the South Orange Maplewood Adult School and served in the South Orange branch of the League of Women Voodles,

[14:20] which then led to her joining the National Effort and becoming its representative to the United Nations.

[14:25] As a role she held for more than 20 years, at the UN she founded the Working Group on Girls

[14:32] and attended the Beijing Conference on Women in 1995.

[14:36] She was a devoted wife to her surviving husband of 73 years, Dr. Fred Quinn, and together

[14:41] they hosted all the holiday gatherings and loved family more than anything.

[14:46] She was a loving mother to Alice, George and Michael, a bighearted mother in Lord

[14:51] John and Leslie, and an adoring grandmother to her six grandchildren and spouse and their partners.

[14:57] Rachel and Dustin, Justin Alley, Sam.

[15:00] Emma Austin, Serena and Lily and Greg Grandmother 2, Amelia Mirra, Kayla Miles, Max and Everett, she lived

[15:09] a long, full and good life and she will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

[15:19] Thank you. Are there any other council members that would like to make an announcement?

[15:26] Do you want to announce the movies?

[15:30] The movie is actually not on there.

[15:32] Thank you, Councilman Jones.

[15:35] I send everything else and forgot the my favorite part of the summer.

[15:40] So we, the village is continuing to host our movies in the park,

[15:43] as I fall to our concerts in the park on Flood's Hill.

[15:47] The movie that is coming up this Wednesday is the Goonies.

[15:51] and that is at 8 p.m. but there will be a dance party beforehand at 7 p.m. and the next week

[15:57] will be Princess Bride on Wednesday, also starting at 8, but come early for the dance party at 7 p.m.

[16:03] and those details can be found on the South Orange Village website in social media.

[16:10] Thank you very much. Is there any other announcements?

[16:13] All right. We are going to move to the proclamations.

[16:15] Kevin, Kevin? Yes. I have a

[16:19] plockermation recognizing August 2026 as

[16:22] National Water Quality Month, whereas

[16:25] August is recognized as National Water

[16:28] Quality Month, providing an opportunity to

[16:31] raise awareness about the importance of

[16:33] protecting and preserving clean, safe and

[16:36] reliable water resources for our

[16:39] communities and future generations. And

[16:42] whereas clean water is essential to public

[16:44] health, environmental sustainability, recreation, economic vitality, and the overall quality

[16:51] of life of our residents. And whereas protecting local streams, rivers, lakes, groundwater

[17:00] and drinking water sources requires the shared responsibility among residents, businesses,

[17:07] government agencies and community organizations, and we're as every day actions, including

[17:14] properly disposing of household chemicals, reducing pollutants, maintaining vehicles,

[17:22] conserving water, and preventing litter and debris from entering storm drains can help protect

[17:28] the quality of our local waterways, and we're as the village of South Orange recognizes

[17:36] the importance of responsible storm water management, environmental stewardship, sustainable

[17:42] practices, and continued investment in infrastructure that protects water sources and

[17:50] whereas national water quality month provides an opportunity to educate residents about the connection

[17:58] between individual actions and the health of our waterways and to encourage practices

[18:05] that preserve clean water for generations to come.

[18:10] Now, therefore, be it proclaimed on behalf of our mayor,

[18:16] Sina C. Colom,

[18:21] the week proclaimed August 26th

[18:24] as National Water Quality Month in South Orange,

[18:29] and encouraged all residents to help protect our water resources,

[18:34] practice responsible water use and support efforts that promote clean and healthy waterways

[18:42] throughout our community.

[18:44] Thank you so much, Councilwoman Kenning.

[18:46] Next, I'm going to turn it over to Councilwoman Zoeman.

[18:50] Thank you.

[18:51] I will be reading the Proclamation Recognizing Women's Equality Day in the 26th and South Orange Village.

[18:58] Whereas, as the United States commemorates the 250th Anniversary of its founding, this moment

[19:04] offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations of people who work to make the promise

[19:09] of American democracy more inclusive, representative, and equal, and whereas women's history

[19:15] is essential to understanding the American story and the leadership, courage, labor, creativity,

[19:21] and persistence of women have shaped our families, communities, institutions, economy, culture,

[19:27] and democracy since before the founding of the nation, and whereas, women across the country,

[19:33] across races, ethnicities, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender

[19:40] identities, ages, immigration statuses, and abilities, organized, advocated, marched, and

[19:47] sacrificed over generations to secure the right to vote and expand the meeting of citizenship

[19:52] and democracy, even when their own contributions were excluded from traditional accounts

[19:56] of that history. And whereas the certification of the 19th Amendment on August 26, 1920,

[20:04] Markter profound miles stoned in that struggle. While its promises was not immediately

[20:08] realized for all women, particularly black women, indigenous women, Asian-American women,

[20:13] Latinas and others who continued to face discriminatory laws and barriers to the ballot.

[20:19] And whereas Congress has designated August 26 as women's equality day, recognizing both

[20:26] achievement of the women's suffrage movement, and the continuing work necessary to secure

[20:30] full equality. And whereas, an honest commemoration of that history recognizes both the extraordinary

[20:36] courage of the suffrage movement and racism, discrimination, and exclusion that marginalized

[20:42] many women within it. And whereas, the struggle for women's equality has always extended beyond

[20:47] the ballot to include equal access to education, employment, healthcare, economic security,

[20:53] safety, leadership, and full participation in civic and public life, work that must include

[20:58] women who have historically faced overlapping barriers, including black women, indigenous

[21:03] women, women of color, immigrant women, LGBTQ plus women, transgender women, and women

[21:09] with disabilities, and whereas for the first time in South Orange villages, 157-year history,

[21:15] women constitute six of the seven members of the governing body, including the mayor and five

[21:20] members of the Village Council, while the governing body as a whole reflects the remarkable

[21:25] generational racial and religious diversity of the community we are privileged to represent.

[21:30] And whereas true equality requires recognizing the dignity, contributions, and lived

[21:35] experiences of all women and addressing the barriers that continue to limit their ability

[21:39] to participate, lead, thrive, and be heard.

[21:43] And whereas this representation is worthy of celebration, we'll also remind us that women's

[21:48] Presence and Leadership today was made possible by generations of women who challenged exclusion,

[21:54] broke barriers, and created opportunity for those who followed.

[21:57] And that representation alone does not complete the work of equality,

[22:00] as women continue to experience disparities in pay and wealth,

[22:04] caregiving responsibilities, health outcomes, workplace advancement,

[22:08] political representation, safety, and access to opportunity.

[22:12] And whereas, as we commemorate America's 250th anniversary,

[22:15] We recognize that our nation's promise is strongest.

[22:19] We hold those who have pushed it closer to its ideals and recommit ourselves to ensuring

[22:23] that freedom, equality, and opportunity extend to everyone.

[22:27] Now I, therefore, want to counsel a woman, Hannah Zolm.

[22:30] On behalf of Shina's C. column, mayor of South Orange Village, together with the South Orange Village Council, do here by proclaim August 25, 2026, as women's equality day.

[22:41] And honor the generations of women whose advocacy leadership, labor, courage, and persistence have strengthened our democracy and expanded rights and opportunities for those who followed.

[22:51] And be it for the resolved that we celebrate women in all their diversity, recognize both how far we have come and how much work remains,

[22:58] and reaffirm our commitment to building a community in which every woman can participate fully,

[23:03] exercise her rights freely, pursue opportunity equitably, and see her experiences and perspectives reflected in the institutions that shape her life.

[23:12] And be it further resolved that we call upon the residence, schools, businesses, community organizations,

[23:17] and institutions of South Orange Village, join us in commemorating women's equality day, honoring women who have shaped our history in our community,

[23:24] and continuing the work of building a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

[23:29] And on that note, we will be recognizing women's equality day next Wednesday, so week from

[23:37] this Wednesday on the 26th, in partnership with the Maplewood South Orange League of Women

[23:43] Voters to do a voter registration at the during the dance party ahead of before the Princess

[23:54] us. You will register to vote if you haven't voted. You will bring others who may be

[24:01] eligible to vote. You'll look up your voting place of voting and be ready for our upcoming

[24:07] elections in November.

[24:11] Thank you so much, Councilwoman Zalman. We are going to open up public

[24:15] comment for any of those of you who would like to speak please raise your hand. You will have

[24:22] three minutes and please set your name for the audience.

[24:28] Mrs. Davis, is there anyone online that would like to speak?

[24:38] Great, is there anyone in the audience that would like to speak?

[24:42] Okay, seeing as there is no one in the audience or online,

[24:46] we are going to close our first public comment.

[24:48] Please note that there is a second public comment towards the end of the meeting

[24:52] if you were shy and would like to speak.

[24:55] We're going to move to the approval of minutes.

[24:58] Yes, so I'm requesting the council members approval of the minutes for our last

[25:04] meeting held on July 27.

[25:07] All members here are eligible to vote except for council member canning.

[25:15] Great.

[25:15] Can I have a motion to vote for the minutes?

[25:20] Motion.

[25:22] Motion.

[25:22] Okay.

[25:25] Motion by Councilwoman Lewis Chang.

[25:28] Seconded by Councilwoman Zollman.

[25:33] May I have a, can I do all the favor?

[25:36] Oh, I have.

[25:38] Can I have a roll call please, Mr.

[25:39] Yes.

[25:41] Councilwoman Canning.

[25:43] I have to stay.

[25:46] Councilwoman Zollman.

[25:48] Councilmember Lewis Chang.

[25:50] and Councilwoman Jones.

[25:53] So, I think, Mayor, we have 48, 3A's, one-up extension and motion carries.

[25:59] Great.

[25:59] Next, we're going to move to ordinances for first reading, Mr. Davis?

[26:03] Yes.

[26:03] So, we have one ordinance for first reading.

[26:06] Number 2026-24 an ordinance,

[26:09] resending handicapped parking at 65 random place,

[26:13] South Orange and the amendment of cold chapter 340-38,

[26:18] Subsection B.

[26:19] Great.

[26:20] Can I have a motion to, I'm sorry if anyone that needs an explanation, it's a

[26:25] recent department spot.

[26:27] Can I have a motion to move this?

[26:30] So move, right?

[26:31] We're in sprinter, right?

[26:34] Is there a second?

[26:36] All right.

[26:36] I have a motion by Councilwoman Hanning and a second by Councilwoman Zalman.

[26:41] May I have a roll call please?

[26:43] Yes.

[26:43] Councilman Reelou Sheng?

[26:46] Councilwoman Zorman.

[26:48] Councilwoman Jones.

[26:50] And Councilwoman Kenny.

[26:53] So I think we have four years motion carries.

[26:56] Thank you.

[26:57] Next we're going to move to ordinance for second reading.

[26:59] I'm sorry.

[27:00] Oh, the mayor we need to do the set down.

[27:03] Yes.

[27:07] I moved to the public.

[27:09] I moved to the public hearing for ordinance 2026-24.

[27:13] of Shelby at the Village Council meeting on September 14th, 2026 at 7 p.m.

[27:19] On this date, the Council members may take further action.

[27:22] The Village Clerk is directed to see that this ordinance is published

[27:25] in the official newspaper and posted an open place in the municipal offices.

[27:31] I second the motion.

[27:36] All in favour?

[27:37] Yes.

[27:38] Aye.

[27:40] Any opposed?

[27:42] Any abstentions?

[27:44] All right.

[27:46] motion carries.

[27:47] All right.

[27:48] Thank you.

[27:50] Mayor Colomans probably laughing at me online.

[27:53] So just as an FYI, don't laugh at me.

[27:56] We're gonna move straight.

[27:59] We're gonna move straight.

[27:59] We're gonna move to ordinance for second reading.

[28:01] Yes, so the first one we have is number 2026-19,

[28:06] an ordinance authorizing handicapped parking for

[28:08] of V King residing at 65 Randolph plays South Orange and the amendment of the Cole chapter 30 chapter 340

[28:17] that is 38 subsection B.

[28:20] Okay, this is authorizing a handicap parking space for Ms. Victoria V King.

[28:27] There is a public hearing. Is there anyone that would like to speak it on this ordinance?

[28:33] And I'm not saying any hands raised online.

[28:36] All right, great.

[28:36] Can I have a motion?

[28:40] Oh, I'm sorry.

[28:42] I'm going to close up public comment for this ordinance.

[28:46] And I am going to move to a motion.

[28:52] So, thank you.

[28:54] Councilwoman County.

[28:55] Is there a second?

[28:56] Second.

[28:57] Can I have a roll call, please?

[29:01] Yes.

[29:01] Councilwoman Zolman.

[29:04] Councilwoman Jones.

[29:05] Yes.

[29:05] Council member Lewis Chang. Yes, and Councilwoman Canning. Yes, I think in acting

[29:10] manner, we have four years of motion carries. All right, great. Moving to the

[29:15] second ordinance? Yes, that's number 2026, that's 20 and ordinance amending

[29:20] and restating the bill is cold. Chapter 143 fees by amending membership and various fees

[29:27] relating to recreation programs. All right, great. Just as a reminder, the fees for

[29:33] The one thing that I do want to say is we will not be raising membership fees just for 20, 20, 20, 7.

[29:40] So this is for actual fees.

[29:44] So some of the program fees will increase.

[29:47] Recreation, baseball, recreation, soccer, the swim team and summer camp will have a 3% increase in the increases and tend to keep up with the increases due to end minimum wage and inflation of supplies, uniforms, sports equipment.

[30:00] And can't supplies. The second are larger fees of increasing basketball. And flag football, we'll see a $60 per hour. I'm sorry. There will be an increase for a wrecked basketball and flag football. And the reason why is because we are now moving into 2027, we will be paying the school district for space at $60 an hour. The fees are not increasing by six hours. All right, so I wanted to make sure. So there are actually custodial fees.

[30:30] that are being charged by the school district,

[30:32] and it also includes minimum wage and inflation as well.

[30:35] And then there are new programs this year

[30:37] that were added to the ordinance that did not have fees.

[30:40] Cheer, cheer will be a team fee plus a uniform fee.

[30:44] Look, cross will be travel and clinic.

[30:46] And the volleyball will be recleague and travel teams.

[30:50] And those are the only areas that we are seeing

[30:52] at increase in fees.

[30:53] I'm going to open it up to public comment.

[30:58] So I'm not seeing any hands raised online.

[31:00] All right, so I'm going to close out public comment for ordinance 2026-20 is there a motion?

[31:08] So motion by council on canning is there a second, second by council amendment may I have a roll call please?

[31:15] Yes, council member Lewis Chan. Yes. Councilwoman Jones. Yes. Councilwoman Zoeman. Yes.

[31:22] And Councilwoman Kenning. Yes, I demand a mayor. We have four years motion carries.

[31:28] All right, the next ordinance, please. First, I can't read it. Yes, so we have number

[31:33] 2026-23 an ordinance of South Orange Village and this is County New Jersey revising the

[31:40] 560 Berkeley Avenue Street address number two by 44 pursuant to the bill's code chapter 90-10.

[31:48] And as a reminder, this is just changed the street address, which is what the word

[31:52] means is for. I'm going to open it up to public comments. Again, seeing no hands raised

[32:00] online. Okay, I'm going to, there's no one in the public.

[32:06] Ms. Ernsa, nothing. Okay, all right,

[32:09] we're going to close public comment and may have a motion. All right, motion by Lewis, Council

[32:17] member of the list.

[32:20] So second.

[32:21] Second.

[32:22] Second.

[32:23] Can I have a roll call please?

[32:27] Yes.

[32:27] Councilwoman Zorman.

[32:29] Councilwoman Canning.

[32:31] Yes.

[32:31] Councilwoman Jones.

[32:32] Yes.

[32:33] And Councilwoman Louis Chang.

[32:35] I think Madam Mayor, we have four years motion carries.

[32:39] All right.

[32:39] Thank you.

[32:41] We're going to move to resolutions for consent agenda.

[32:43] Yes, so we have numbers 2026 that's 192 through 2026 that's 203

[32:50] All right, is there any that any

[32:53] Council is there anything that you would like to pull out for separate action or and or discussion?

[33:04] I would like to pull out 2026 dash 192 just I don't want to pull it out for separate action

[33:09] I just want to pull it out for separate discussion

[33:12] Is there anything else?

[33:17] I'm not pulling it out. I just want to I wanted to make a comment for it

[33:20] Yeah, is everybody else good?

[33:28] I wanted to thank Ms. Dorn for the answers.

[33:32] Some of the answers to some of the questions that I had around this.

[33:38] If possible, can you just give the residents a little bit of discussion

[33:44] around the context around this one, which I think is really important.

[33:46] And if possible, I don't, in the future, maybe we can have Mr. Clark just give a presentation

[33:53] in the future, just in general, of this plan for the residents.

[33:58] But go ahead.

[33:59] Yeah, so this plan is required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections

[34:04] Urban Community Forestry Program for municipalities or counties who want to be eligible for grants

[34:13] that are offered.

[34:14] So it's one of the requirements.

[34:15] We've had this plan in place, it is their five-year plan, so it is currently expiring.

[34:21] So this takes that plan up dates it with new data.

[34:24] You know, we've done a lot of work planting trees, you know, anything else that might have to have been updated.

[34:30] So that's what happened here.

[34:33] So we've updated this plan so that it gets submitted once it's approved.

[34:38] We will be eligible to apply for grants through this program.

[34:41] Okay,

[34:49] you look at me, that I'm not going to just know that we have some discussion.

[34:56] I just want to say we didn't have some discussion about the forest replant, and I understand

[35:01] that people may be confused by it, and I'm sure if we had to invite Mr. Clark, I don't

[35:07] think he would object the coming, but as you say, it's kind of an amendment, and I'm five

[35:14] It's updated, it's a revision, it's a template, you know what you do, what they request for us to fill.

[35:20] So wherever we need to do input new data, we did that so that it just follows.

[35:27] It just answers the questions that they ask of us so that we remain eligible for grants.

[35:32] I should also have asked to pull out J, just because I know I don't know if people had noticed.

[35:41] Well, I would ask Mr. Orange to just make a comment about Jay and Council can add something

[35:47] if you wanted to.

[35:49] I think they would regard to the forestry plan, just want to make sure that it was clear

[35:53] because that was some question as to whether or not this was a many the code.

[35:57] It is not.

[35:58] It is just adopting a plan that as Mr. Orange said, it is something that we have it already,

[36:04] we've done it in the past and we have to in order to be able to take advantage of some

[36:09] of the grants and so forth that are available to us by having this policy.

[36:16] We'll look at it and you'll bring decisions as to whether or not there are parts of it

[36:20] that you wish to see at augmenting what is it?

[36:25] Chapter 334, trees and shrubber, but otherwise you already have governance over the tree.

[36:32] Maybe it's helpful for the public.

[36:34] We had, there were some questions just to make sure that we were able, since it is a five year plan that we were able to monitor and ask questions throughout the process that we weren't making a decision today that was going to illustrate, you know, the next five years.

[36:49] And we were, we learned that from, from council that exactly that there's, anything else that would be come part of code would come back to us any budgetary conversations and all that. So it was very helpful to have that background.

[37:01] Very similar, you know, in in concept to a master plan or to the safe streets for all plan that will be presenting this fall.

[37:08] It's a it's a guiding duck. It's a document that guides us as we go forward as we set our priorities during the budget make recommendations.

[37:17] Can I ask just one quick question.

[37:19] I know in councilmember haskins is in here.

[37:23] But there was talk about increasing the fees for fines.

[37:27] And I think that's where some of the the thought passes.

[37:35] So we are looking at the three removal permit process and the associated fees for anyone who violates that process. And those revisions have been made. And they're being reviewed currently. So I do think we'll be making a recommendation to make some changes to increase those fees.

[37:55] Okay. Thank you so much. So we're going to close out that question for Jay, which is the University Behavioral Health

[38:03] Care Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Center. Mr. and if you have any information around that.

[38:11] This is a program that's being made available. This resolution allows it really just memorializes our intent to take advantage of it.

[38:21] and when needed the police department can use it when they need to perhaps de-escalate a situation

[38:27] and get a resident to the appropriate situation that they need for usually its mental health

[38:36] around mental health issues.

[38:38] I'm sorry I'm just a quick question on that.

[38:40] How does that interact with the Jewish relationship that we have with the Jewish sector right now

[38:45] where we have some sort of...

[38:51] social worker, which is through not the Jewish.

[38:53] That's a different program.

[38:57] It would just augment that.

[39:00] It's not going to change that arrangement in any way.

[39:05] So, but you know, she's a crisis intervention

[39:07] social worker isn't available to us 24-7.

[39:11] She's only available to us during, you know,

[39:13] about 40 hours a week.

[39:15] So, this augment staff.

[39:16] It's a new program.

[39:18] So it just sort of, this just memorializes our intent to take advantage if and when needed.

[39:23] And it's a triage. It's like a triage program, so they'll triage.

[39:28] Like they'll pick up the person and triage them at this place.

[39:31] But all the person's basic human and civil rights remain in place. They can refuse treatment.

[39:37] All those rights remain intact.

[39:39] That's a important point.

[39:40] Miss Salman, you have.

[39:42] Yeah, I just wanted to ask just some questions around not not pull out for separate actions.

[39:48] But questions around FNG, the Resolutions 197 and 198,

[39:54] which are both engineering construction type.

[39:58] I was just curious, first on the resolution

[40:02] around South Richard Road and Wesley Court.

[40:07] I appreciated seeing that there are obviously improvements

[40:10] around speed and pedestrian safety.

[40:15] I was just curious, what do we know when the design will be, or community input will be addressed for that?

[40:26] In terms of way in terms of?

[40:27] This is for construction management, separate from awarding the contract.

[40:35] So let's see Richard Woodwood who has third.

[40:38] I can look these up for you.

[40:42] Well, I think I can send them.

[40:43] because it was covered in the text meeting.

[40:45] Oh, that's right.

[40:47] Yeah, I just want to make sure I know that this has come up

[40:49] and obviously it's an estimated time limit.

[40:50] It's an estimated time limit.

[40:52] Perfect.

[40:52] And a similar similar similar, yeah.

[40:54] Some of the things I just want to note for $1.98 for council

[40:57] is that what caught my eye on this is that they're obviously

[41:02] this approves it.

[41:02] But that the deadline for this isn't until the grant deadline

[41:05] isn't until November 2027.

[41:07] So I just want to make sure the public isn't expecting this

[41:09] to happen overnight.

[41:10] It's an excellent point.

[41:11] These projects have a very long time frame from inception to execution, right?

[41:17] And these are grant projects, so we follow the DOT timeline on those things.

[41:23] But this essentially awards the construction management to CP engineers.

[41:28] Yeah, and the engineer did bring this up in the, yeah, that these projects do not happen immediately.

[41:36] All right, great.

[41:37] Can I have a motion to approve the consent and gender 192 through 203?

[41:43] So moved.

[41:44] All right.

[41:44] Fulcons.

[41:45] All right.

[41:46] Motion by Councilwoman Zoeman.

[41:47] Second by Councilwoman Canning.

[41:49] May I have a roll call please.

[41:53] Yes.

[41:54] Councilmember Luis Chang.

[41:58] Councilwoman Jones.

[42:00] Councilwoman Canning.

[42:01] Yes.

[42:02] Councilwoman Zoeman.

[42:03] Yes.

[42:04] So we have four EA's motion carries.

[42:06] Great.

[42:07] We're going to move to approval of those.

[42:09] And I'm going to turn this over to Councilwoman Canning.

[42:13] Thank you.

[42:14] I, Councilwoman Canning, Chair of the Finance and Capital Projects Committee, present the

[42:19] bills listed, listed, audited by the Village Treasurer, dated August 17, 2026.

[42:27] The Village Council members were provided with a copy of the bills list prior to the meeting

[42:31] for examination, would there any questions?

[42:37] So I move that 2026-204 resolution authorizing payment of bills and the issuance of checks

[42:45] for the period through August 17th, 2026 in the total of 5,374,657,000, and 48 cents roll call.

[43:00] Is there a second?

[43:01] A second by Councilwoman Zoeman.

[43:04] May I have a roll call please?

[43:06] Yes.

[43:07] Councilmember Luisin.

[43:09] Councilwoman Jones.

[43:12] Councilwoman Zoeman.

[43:13] Yes.

[43:13] And Councilwoman Kenning. Yes, okay. We have four Yays motion carries. Great.

[43:20] I'm going to move the mayor report to the end because that's what we typically do.

[43:24] And our mayor is on in a little bit of a few minutes to turn our mic on.

[43:28] But we're going to move to the Legislative Administrator reports.

[43:30] Thank you. Let me start by answering your question.

[43:34] So South Ridge would road from West Third to Linux Avenue and that includes Wesley Court.

[43:42] The grant stipulates that the construction award has to occur on or before November 26.

[43:49] So if that occurs, then I would expect the construction would start sometime in the summer of 2027.

[43:56] Well, Navano, the grant has been awarded and the construction award is to occur on or before November 27th as we said.

[44:05] So you'll see the design and that will run through the TAPS committee meetings when we have designs to present.

[44:12] Additionally, I wanted to mention that school starts September 1st, so there is a tremendous amount of roadwork and utility work, not all of it is South Orange's work, but happening in our village, we are working very hard to coordinate with all the utility companies, as well as the county and our own roadwork to avoid.

[44:34] such as the work that's going to be happening on third, third street and church.

[44:42] We are doing everything possible to get that paved prior to the first.

[44:46] It might actually be happening finishing up on the 31st, but that was a big focus of today.

[44:52] So we are coordinating with the school, coordinating with our vendors,

[44:54] and coordinating with the county who's going to begin some time in August, a murder.

[45:00] Emergency gas line repairs on West South Orange Avenue. We have requested that PSENG do this work in the evening and overnight hours to avoid the conflict with the start of school, as well as just high traffic area and all of the other work that's happening in the village. We don't have an answer yet for that, but we did make a request for that. So, we'll keep everybody posted and we are keeping the school district and not in that discussion.

[45:30] And then I wanted to mention some really exciting news, the green way, phase two.

[45:37] I don't have the time table yet, but when I have the time table from the contractor, we'll put a press for least together.

[45:43] But work is beginning. And in fact, the pre-work that's separate from the grant award has already begun.

[45:50] They've been the contractors been out there clearing the area and demo of the small pump station that's out there should happen this week.

[45:58] So, it looks like it's really moving forward.

[46:02] Yeah.

[46:03] Very exciting.

[46:05] And that's everything.

[46:07] Can you mention just growth partner?

[46:09] I noticed that.

[46:09] Oh, that is on my way.

[46:11] You know what I mean?

[46:12] Yes.

[46:13] Grove Park.

[46:15] Construction did start.

[46:17] It's restoration of Grove Park already started.

[46:20] Some temporary fencing's gone up.

[46:22] The playground is remaining open, but the park is closed.

[46:25] People should not be in the park.

[46:27] There's additional fencing that we'll be added to it.

[46:30] I think trenching started.

[46:33] So that is also in progress.

[46:36] And just for the public, we see you climbing.

[46:39] And we ask you not to climb.

[46:42] And that is it.

[46:43] All right, are there any other questions from a story?

[46:47] All right, great.

[46:48] We're going to move to our village attorney report.

[46:51] Nothing to report from the office of the village attorney.

[46:53] Thank you.

[46:54] Thank you.

[46:54] So we are going to move to the council member reports, we're going to start with people that

[46:58] do have bullets and then we'll move up to people like myself that do not have a bullet

[47:03] if I have anything.

[47:05] Council member Llusha, on behalf of the Health and Public Safety and the South Orange Police

[47:11] Department, I just want to draw the public attention to school with back in session soon.

[47:17] Please drive bike and walk carefully.

[47:20] Traffic safety is everybody's responsibility.

[47:22] I would also like to convey congratulations for the national night out.

[47:29] The police department, Great Effort, was a lot of fun, well-attended, and the junior police

[47:36] academy, graduations are, I mean, that also was, a lot of fun and great to see all young

[47:42] people involved and having a relationship with all police department, whoever put that video

[47:50] together was great. Well, things are a lot. The police department also like us to keep our eyes out

[47:57] for the full events. These are really put on by the PBA. The code drive that's coming Thanksgiving

[48:05] took a giveaway that's always a sensation and always goes by quickly and the toy drive. These

[48:13] dates are still to be announced, but we would like you to look out for them and to participate.

[48:19] And again, the chief and the police department wants to thank the public for a great turnout and both support.

[48:28] Councilwoman Chang, we were saying, is it the toy drive? Is it new coat, new toys, generally used?

[48:36] Usually, usually new toys are usually as not to be wrapped.

[48:43] And nothing broken, you know, everything within child safety rules and reds.

[48:48] Councilman Luishing, they typically do a, I don't know if you mentioned this, I miss it, a backpack giveaway for school. Are they doing that?

[48:56] I didn't hear anything about it, just you.

[49:02] All right, we're going to move to Councilwoman Zomin.

[49:05] Absolutely. Before I move into my, I just wanted to add that there is a free rabies vaccination clinic run through the health department next month on Saturday, September 12.

[49:16] It'll be held at the Maplewood Community Pool from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

[49:20] I just wanted to flag that because there's been some questions about about that in the social media world.

[49:26] Moving on to my report.

[49:28] Let me just grab that.

[49:34] Well, it is again on theme for tonight.

[49:36] Summer is over and it is back to school also for seat and hall.

[49:40] So seat and hall welcome.

[49:41] The downtown will celebrate seat and hall.

[49:43] Welcome weekend August 26 through the 30th.

[49:46] This is an opportunity to connect students with our downtown businesses who special offers and promotions.

[49:52] The downtown has created a tri-fold business guide featuring more than 200 businesses,

[49:57] which seat-in-haul will distribute to students on their behalf.

[50:00] And this is a greater list than in the past.

[50:02] We had a fabulous intern this summer who helped us compile and grow that list.

[50:07] And a separate version of that has actually been created for residents and visitors,

[50:10] providing a comprehensive overview of everything the downtown has to offer.

[50:15] Also, I'm very excited about this, new trash cans.

[50:18] So the South Orange downtown has ordered new trash cans for the downtown, which will serve as the kickoff to the help keep downtown clean campaign.

[50:27] The cans will feature messaging encouraging better habits and reinforcing everyone's role in maintaining a clean and welcoming downtown.

[50:33] The campaign will also include a social media component to build awareness and encourage greater community responsibility with a rollout expected in early fall.

[50:41] And we, those grants, the trash cans were part of a mainstream grant award that came to the downtown organization.

[50:50] In terms of retention updates, Sunny's Bagels has completed its expansion, which is exciting.

[50:58] And so the downtown will celebrate the expanded space with the ribbon cutting some time in September, stay tuned.

[51:05] Also, much, this came since our last meeting, the April Baker is officially open at fourth and valley and we celebrated that opening with a huge ribbon cutting about two and a half weeks ago.

[51:17] It's a great addition to the Valley Street section of the district and bringing in this brought even more activity to the area including the beautiful pedestrian Plaza.

[51:27] I think that was what I was looking for behind where we hope more residents will come out and

[51:32] utilize and enjoy that area of South Orange and then so the social, the new restaurant coming

[51:38] to Nightingale Street, the fact where the Fox and Pelkin was, is expected to open this fall.

[51:44] We'll share more details as we get closer to the opening and the grand opening celebration.

[51:48] Any questions?

[51:52] I have two items I have heard out to, send a bullet about.

[51:55] Community Day is happening on Saturday, September 19th, as you guys recall, we alternate

[52:03] Saturdays and Sundays, so this year it's on the Saturday. We're trying out a new time. It is from

[52:07] 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this year, so that is Community Day.

[52:15] And we have two more from a senior perspective,

[52:18] we have two more senior bus loops happening tomorrow and then next week from our pilot for the summer,

[52:25] we are meeting this week just to discuss it in a little bit more detail.

[52:30] Um, but there are two more, um, bus rides that you guys can do on a loop, um, and make a work?

[52:37] Thank you.

[52:38] Council, got you had a question?

[52:41] Council, may I have anything that you want to add?

[52:45] I would like to add something about our, um, ad hoc committee for the 250th anniversary.

[52:52] I just want, I'm sure many of you have already seen that we have put together a list of black businesses

[52:58] that were existed in the 1920s and we've sort of on earth that information and brought it to you,

[53:07] it's pretty significant in it's having some good traction because people as we might imagine

[53:12] a saying that they didn't know, so it's good information and I'm thankful for the work that we're

[53:17] doing together and to make these things happen. But these things are not happening in a vacuum,

[53:23] we actually need your help, we need you to, if you have a story, if you've been,

[53:28] if you've lived in South Orange or around South Orange for generations and you know people who are here,

[53:34] we'd love to hear your stories. Many of the people that we know of passing away or just don't

[53:41] remember, we found one contact in a nursing home when we were so excited about it because it was a nice

[53:47] connection. However, that person doesn't always remember everything and so these are the things that we're

[53:58] time for a number of generations we'd love to hear from you and hear your stories as we launch

[54:03] oral or a project.

[54:07] And I just want to add, um, their, the community relations committee is also doing the oral

[54:11] archives.

[54:12] So again, whoever you are in South Orange, if you would like to submit to do some oral archives

[54:19] or archiving into tell your story, just let us know.

[54:22] We can get you in contact with the right group.

[54:24] That's working on it.

[54:25] All right, we're going to move to Mayor Colum.

[54:29] Yep, can you guys hear me okay? Yes. All right, so I'll try and go quickly because this echo is

[54:36] awful on my side. So I just wanted to thank the community for their tremendous response to the

[54:42] I've said activity that was occurring in South Orange and our sister community of Maplewood.

[54:47] As I was reporting regularly, one of our own South Orange residents were detained as a part of

[54:55] with individuals from surrounding communities where I had also spoken to the mayor's in their towns.

[55:02] This community really coalesced closely together to raise, I believe, $125,000 plus to support these families.

[55:10] At this time, I believe, four of the six apprehended have been released as a result of habeas petitions, which is wonderful.

[55:18] South Orange has a follow up with meeting with some providers and people who work in the

[55:24] DDDI space, and we should have a follow up at the next council meeting.

[55:29] We had a successful meeting, community meeting, Valley Street redevelopment plan.

[55:36] The memo that follows the meeting will be posted to the website.

[55:41] We were able to get some good feedback and incorporate these changes and we're anticipating

[55:46] reintroducing at the September meeting. You'll also be seeing very shortly that there is a patch article

[55:55] that features on deck, which is a small business financing company that provides loans and business

[56:02] funding services and they provided rankings around 13 metrics divided into three categories of

[56:08] cost networking and competition. And South Orange is ranked 21st best place to start a small business.

[56:16] So congratulations to South Orange downtown and others involved with helping make our small businesses so active and vibrant and our three commercial corridors

[56:26] I think it'll be hearing a little bit more about that because that's a great thing to get a Google alert on

[56:32] And last but not least we want to wish a happy birthday to Fred Smith

[56:37] I'll be sure of TAC at the soma who I see is also with us so happy birthday Fred.

[56:43] I know this was a big milestone and we appreciate what you do.

[56:49] That is all, Jones and thank you for running an exceptional meeting.

[56:54] Now thank you for this opportunity and I think we all want to wish Fred a happy birthday.

[57:01] I think it's amazing and Fred we're also going to come to you for some of this oral archive

[57:05] stories.

[57:06] We're going to move to our next public comment

[57:08] or last public comment for the evening.

[57:11] If you would like to speak, please raise your hand.

[57:14] And if you do come on, we need your name and your address.

[57:17] Mistavis, is there anyone in the online world?

[57:22] I'm not seeing any hands raised online.

[57:25] Is there anyone in person that would like to speak?

[57:28] I see you, Mr. Rinson.

[57:31] All right.

[57:32] I'm going to close public comments.

[57:34] is there any new business?

[57:38] All right, seeing no new business,

[57:39] our next meeting is Monday, September 14th,

[57:42] May I have a motion to adjourn?

[57:44] So moved.

[57:45] Motion's by councilman.

[57:48] Motion's by councilman.

[57:48] Second by councilwoman, can I?

[57:52] Meeting, oh, sorry.

[57:53] Can I have a roll call vote?

[57:56] All in favor.

[57:56] I could do all in favor.

[57:57] All in favor?

[57:58] All in favor.

[57:59] Is there any names or extensions?

[58:03] All right, meeting adjourned.

South Orange Village Council- Public Session

Agenda

Transcript