Mayor and Council

MAYOR AND COUNCIL BOROUGH OF DEMAREST WORK SESSION Minutes April 13, 2026 7:30 PM The notice requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act of the State of New Jersey, P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, have been satisfied by the inclusion of the date, time and place of this meeting in the annual schedule of meetings of this Governing Body. Such schedule of meetings was published as required by law and is posted at Borough Hall, on the Borough website and filed in the office of the Borough Clerk. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call: Present: Mayor Bernstein, Council President Slowikowski, Councilmember Collins, Councilmember Marks, Absent: Councilmember Carmeli, Councilmember Fox, Councilmember Reiss Also Present: Julie Falkenstern, Borough Administrator Deena Rosendahl, Borough Attorney Nick Chelius, Borough Engineer ORDINANCE (INTRODUCTION): (none) ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING (ADOPTION): (none) OPEN SPACE PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Bernstein asks the Borough Engineer to give a description of the Open Space Application Mr. Chelius explained the background of the Open Space Application process and gave an overview of the application proposed for improvements to the tennis courts. He noted the current condition and explained that the project would be a complete repair including fencing. (Mr. Chelius’s presentation is attached) Mayor Bernstein asks for a motion to open the meeting to the public for questions or comments in regard to the Open Space Application. Councilmember Collins made a motion to open to the public. The motion was seconded by Council President Andrea Slowikowski and approved by all on a voice vote. 1 Speaker(s): Ray Cywinski Mr. Cywinski asked if the proposal included the cost of new fencing. Mr. Chelius answered that fencing was included. There being no other members of the public wishing to speak, the meeting was closed to the public and Councilmember Marks made a motion to approve Resolution No. 084- 26 Open Space Trust Fund Endorsement. The motion was seconded by Council President Slowikowski. Roll Call: Ayes: Council President Slowikowski, Councilmember Collins, Councilmember Marks Nayes: Absent: Councilmember Carmeli, Councilmember Fox, Councilmember Reiss Resolution 085-26 Introduction of the 2026 Municipal Budget Mayor Bernstein announced that due to lack of a quorum sufficient to introduce the budget, the introduction of the budget will be considered on April 27, 2026 with a public hearing and consideration of adoption scheduled for June 8, 2026. Work Session Discussion Items: Engineering Report Mr. Chelius reviewed the monthly engineering report highlighting the upcoming paving projects set to begin in May of Brenner and Evergreen and the unimproved portions of Orchard and Wellwood Roads. He also reported that the removal of the soil at the compost site will start later this week after a delay in getting approval from the DEP for the contractor’s proposed disposal site. That approval has been granted, and the contractor can start to remove soil. Consent Agenda Mayor Bernstein asked if any member would like to have any resolution removed from the consent agenda and voted on separately. (none) Mayor Bernstein asked if any member would like to abstain from voting on any resolution on the consent agenda. (none) 2 Consent Agenda: Resolution No. 086-26 Approving Hire of Laborer -DPW Resolution No. 087-26 Approving Payment #1 – Compost Site Project Resolution No. 088-26 Approving Payment #1 – Gazebo Project Resolution No. 089-26 Approving QPA & Authorizing Bid Threshold Resolution No. 090-26 Authorizing Refund of Permit Fees – 29 John St. Resolution No. 091-26 Soil Moving Permit – 17 Van Horn St. Resolution No. 092-26 Payment of Bills A motion was made by Councilmember Collins and seconded by Council President Slowikowski. Roll Call: Ayes: Council President Slowikowski, Councilmember Collins, Councilmember Marks Nayes: Absent: Councilmember Carmeli, Councilmember Fox, Councilmember Reiss Meeting Open to the Public Council President Andrea Slowikowski made a motion to open to the public. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Collins and approved by all on a voice vote. Ray Cywinski asked for clarification on the dates for the budget introduction and public hearing. Ms. Falkenstern explained that the budget will be introduced on 4/27/26 with a public hearing on 6/8/26 per the Mayor’s announcement earlier in the meeting. Me. Cywinski then asked if the ADA ramp being added to the gazebo was required by Open Space. Mayor Bernstein answered that it was not, but that the Council felt the gazebo should be accessible to all residents. There being no other members of the public wishing to speak, the meeting was closed to the public. There being no other business before the Council, Councilmember Marks made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Collins and approved by all on a voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm Respectfully submitted, Julie Falkenstern, RMC Brough Clerk 3