Town of Independence
Regular Meeting
August 12, 2025
6:30 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER.
- Roll call was read by Town Clerk, Julie Peterson.
Present was Larry Cardaronella, Joe Galofaro, Eric Costa, Mike Muscarello.
Quorum was present.
- Prayer was led by Larry Cardaronella.
- Pledge was led by Eric Costa.
- Public Input: None.
- A motion was made by Eric Costa, seconded by Joe Galofaro to amend the agenda to include the USDA Police Car Grant Application under New Business. Voting to amend the agenda was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Joe Galofaro, Eric Costa, Mike Muscarello.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to amend the agenda to add the USDA Police Car Grant Application was passed unanimously.
- A motion was made by Eric Costa, seconded by Joe Galofaro to approve the minutes from the July 8, 2025 Regular Meeting. Voting to approve was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Joe Galofaro, Eric Costa, Mike Muscarello.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to approve minutes from July 8, 2025 Regular Meeting was passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. A motion was made by Eric Costa, seconded by Joe Galofaro to adopt Ordinance #2025-1128.
This Ordinance would change the start time of the Regular Meetings from 6:30PM to 5:30PM.
Voting to approve was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Joe Galofaro, Eric Costa, Mike Muscarello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2025-1128 passed unanimously.
b. Ordinance #2025-1129 which limits the amount of fill dirt allowed for new Residential or Multi
Family Construction was discussed by the board. After a brief discussion on the subject a
motion was made by Larry Cardaronella, seconded by Eric Costa to table the matter until the
September meeting so that everyone could get more clarification on the subject. Voting to
table was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Joe Galofaro, Eric Costa, Mike Muscarello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to table adoption of Ordinance #2025-1129 until the September meeting passed
unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. The Occupational License for Primeway Gas & Grab located at 267 West Railroad Ave. was discussed. The new owner Mandeep Singh was present to answer any questions. A motion was made by Eric Costa, seconded by Joe Galofaro to approve the occupational license for Primeway Gas & Grab. Voting to approve was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Joe Galofaro, Eric Costa, Mike Muscarello, Gaye Guzzardo
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to approve occupational license for Primeway Gas & Grab passed unanimously.
b. Fire Chief Johnny Polito was present to discuss the upcoming 100 Year Anniversary of the Independence Volunteer Fire Department. He informed the board that the Volunteer Fire Department is planning a celebration for July 4, 2026. He will have more details in the upcoming months and stated that plans so far include a parade and a live band.
c. The USDA Police Car Grant Application was discussed. The application was for the purchase of 2 cars and would require the town to contribute $75,000.00 towards the grant. Mayor Paine informed the board that the town does not have this funding available and the deadline to accept the grant is Thursday, August 14, 2025 which is 2 days away.
REMARKS:
Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Cardaronella: Would like to see the town get more grants. Glad to see the Volunteer Fire Department is working on a celebration for their 100-year anniversary. Congratulated the 9U Baseball Team for winning the State Championship.
Mike Muscarello: None
Eric Costa: None
Joe Galofaro: None
Mayor Paine: Stated he wanted to clarify some comments that he is receiving regarding the shrimp plant. He stated that the town did not push the issue just because of a few complaints from residents on Cason Road. He stated that the town had to push the issue due to the issues with the treatment plant and he is still waiting to hear back from DEQ regarding the fine amount that the town would have to pay due to the violations at the treatment plant
Police: None
Fire: Chief Johnny Polito stated that the town maintained a Class 3 Fire Rating. He said the next inspection will be in 4 years. He stated that he would like to meet with Senator Bill Wheat and State Representative Nicky Muscarello to see if they can help get any state funding to help repair the 4-inch water lines that continue to cause issues for the town.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Jim Paine, Mayor Julie Peterson, Town Clerk