Ralph Casendino

The commission discussed the schedule for upcoming spring programs, including baseball, softball, bocce, tennis, multisport, and judo. Additional topics included planning for a senior lunch, details regarding an Easter Egg hunt and the July 4th event, and upcoming municipal alliance activities like a bicycle rodeo. New business addressed the establishment of 2026 program fees for camps and various sports. The commission also resolved to enter into an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The board addressed the memorialization of a resolution for a D Variance application submitted by Royal Luxury Cars, LLC, located at 500 US Highway Route 46. Additionally, the board approved payment for professional service invoices from Margo Biblin and Louis Rago, Esq.

The primary discussion concerned a minor site plan application for Sapphire Flavors, located at 6 Commerce Road, Block 5501, Lot 19. This application, carried over from the previous meeting, involves installing a computerized, closed-system storage tank to replace a manual process involving drums, aiming to reduce manual labor, truck traffic (from two deliveries per week to one every eight weeks), and eliminate plastic waste from empty drums. Safety features discussed included a cooling system, double-walled tanks, and a concrete containment tub sized to hold the volume of the largest vessel (approximately 2300 to 2500 gallons). The plan includes bollards for protection and an electric gate drain for rainwater, but no extinguishing system was mentioned for the tanks. Architectural aspects involved constructing a concrete footing and framework for the tanks to sit above the base flood elevation. Engineering discussions covered offsetting the decrease in pervious area and confirming that no new parking spaces were required, although previously striped spaces could potentially be restriped if the board desired. Screening options for the stainless steel tanks, which are about 22 feet high, were debated.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and confirmation that notice requirements for the open public meetings act were met, including notification to newspapers on February 9th, 2026. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comment regarding proposed zoning changes, particularly the creation of overlay zones intended to address state-mandated affordable housing requirements for the fourth round. Residents expressed concerns regarding increased flood risk and the impact of potential multifamily dwellings on existing residential areas, specifically mentioning Plymouth Street and Dale Road. Officials clarified that these zones establish parameters (e.g., minimum lot size of two acres for multifamily development, specific unit per acre density, and percentage set-asides for affordable housing) to proactively manage development rather than triggering imminent construction. Furthermore, an agreement related to an inclusionary project on Hollywood Avenue, which resulted in a negotiated plan for 42 age-restricted (55 and over) units over existing commercial space, was discussed. The consensus among leadership was that proactively defining these zones prevents developers from using 'builder remedy' to impose higher density or taller structures via court action.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a compliance statement regarding the open public meetings act. A significant portion of the meeting involved police commendations, including presenting a community partnership award to Dorianne and Stelato's Funeral Home and issuing life-saving citations to multiple officers for successfully resuscitating individuals via CPR and AED use. Reappointments for Class 2 and Class 3 Police Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) positions for the year 2026 were also addressed. Council reports covered DPW efficiency during the recent snowstorm, the volunteer fire department's response to numerous calls, updates from the Recreation Board concerning Little League baseball registration, and reorganization within the Planning Board. The Tax Office announced the issuance of supplemental tax bills following the Board of Education referendum. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reported on the first snowstorm of 2026, including the brief issuance of a state of emergency and necessary vehicle impoundments due to overnight parking violations during the storm. Finally, minutes from the December 29, 2025, and January 5, 2026, meetings were approved.