Stop harassing him, please. Good evening everyone. Welcome to the May 19th meeting of the Maplewood Township Committee. We have a a jam-packed agenda, a fun agenda, and we'll get to that in just a moment. I'm
going to read the Open Public Meetings Act statement, and then we'll move forward. Pursuant to section 5, chapter 231, public laws 1975. This is to state for the record that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided to the public by posting and
maintaining the annual notice of regular meetings on the bulletin board of the municipal building by mailing the annual notice of regular meetings for 2026 to the news record in Star Ledger in December 2025 and by filing said notice in the office of the township clerk.
>> Mr. Adams here, M. Collins Cing >> here. Mr. Davis >> present. >> Surman >> here. >> Mayor Duca >> here. >> Whereas chapter 231 public office 1975 commonly known as the open public meetings act requires that all meetings
of public bodies be open to the public. And whereas section 7A provides that the governing body has the discretion to permit, prohibit or regulate the act of participation of the public in any meeting and whereas desire are the governing body to comply with the
provision this act same time to conduct its business in an orderly and expeditious manner. Now therefore be resolved by the township committee. Township of Mapwood does hereby prohibit except as set forth in the formal agenda. Active participation in the deliberations of governing body by the
public and except as otherwise prescribed by law does limit the public to the observations of the actions and discussions of the governing body at all of its regular and special meetings. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Madams, >> yes. >> Miss Collins Calding, >> yes.
>> Mr. Daffus, >> yes. M >> Herman, >> yes. Mayor Duca. >> Yes. Thank you. Please join us in a salute to the flag. >> Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. So, I'm just going to run through the agenda quickly. Uh, before we get into proclamations, I'm going to read a
statement that the Maplewood Township Committee put out about the killings in San Diego. Then, we will have proclamations for AsianAmerican, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month. We'll have EMS week proclamations. And
we're going to ask our representatives from the South Essex Fire Department and the South Essex Rescue Squad and the Springfield Rescue Squad uh to come on up here and meet me uh for that. And then we'll have
Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation. And then we have a very special occasion that's we'll be appointing a new police chief. Um and then we'll get into our first public comment and that's on agenda items only.
After that it goes downhill because we're going to have a budget a budget meeting. We have to have a budget meeting, believe it or not. So um we'll we'll be having our budget meeting and uh hearing on that. And then we'll also be introducing the budgets for the
Springfield Avenue uh Maplewood Partnership and the Maplewood Village Alliance. We have several ordinances on final passage and you can come up and get an agenda here to follow along and then we have um ordinances uh one ordinance on introduction. We'll hear
from our administrators uh elected officials. Then we have one discussion item and that's some design standard revisions uh for the Maplewood Village Alliance. We then have a consent agenda which consists of um various appointments, uh contracts,
uh minutes, and um a lot of other things in here. So again, it's it's got a lot of u items here. So please grab um a copy of the agenda. At the end of that, we'll have our second public comment period, which is on any
subject matter, and then we will adjourn. Um so with that, let me read the statement that we put out um today. The Maplewood Township Committee condemns the horrific and cowardly attack on the Islamic Center of San
Diego in the strongest possible terms. The targeting of a place of worship and learning is an assault on the universal values of peace, faith, and basic human dignity. No one should fear violence because of
their beliefs or in their place of worship. We express our deepest con condolences to the families of the three victims who lost their lives. And we stand in absolute solidarity with the San Diego Muslim community and Muslims
everywhere, including our Muslim brothers and sisters here at home. We particularly honor the heroic bravery of the veteran security guard Amin Abdullah, a father of eight who sacrificed his own life to alert
teachers and shield nearly 200 children inside the building from further violence. Islamophobia, white supremacy, and violent hate have no place in a civilized society. We support the San Diego Police Department
and FBI investigating this at atrocious act as a hate crime. And we call for enhanced protections for houses houses houses of worship nationwide to ensure that all communities can gather and pray
in peace. And that statement is signed by the five of us. And let's have a moment of silence for those who were killed. Thank you. Now ask uh committeewoman Adams to read the proclamation.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Um reading I guess I got this because I have a half Japanese grandson, so I get the aa now it's a a nhpi. Um that's a lot of initials. So Asian I'm proud to read this for
Asian-American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Month. Whereas May is recognized nationally as Asian-American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, honoring the generations of Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiian, and
Pacific Islanders whose contributions have profoundly shaped the history, culture, economy, and progress of the United States. And whereas this observance commemorates the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the
United States in the 19th century and honors the Chinese laborers whose perseverance and sacrifice were instrumental in the construction of the transcontinental railroad while also recognizing the rich histories,
cultures, and traditions of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. And whereas A&HPI individuals and communities have made enduring contributions in public service, education, science, medicine,
business, the arts, civic leadership, and advocacy, helping to strengthen communities throughout New Jersey and across the nation. And whereas A&HPI Heritage Month also serves as an
opportunity to reflect to reflect upon the challenges, the discrimination and exclusion many AANHI communities have faced throughout history and to reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and mutual respect
for all people. And whereas the township of Maplewood values obviously the diversity, resilience, leadership, and cultural heritage of its A&HPI residents whose experiences and
contributions enrich our communities and reflect the shared the strength of our shared future. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Nancy Adams, committeewoman of the township of Maplewood, on behalf of Mayor Vic Duca and the rest of the
township committee, do hereby proclaim May of 2026 as Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the township of Maplewood and encourage all residents to celebrate the histories, cultures, and achievements of
the AANHPI communities. Be it further resolved that the Township of Maplewood recognizes the 2026 Federal AsianPacific American Council theme, power in unity, strengthening communities together, and
encourages all residents to honor the AA NHPI leaders, advocates, and trails trailblazers whose work continues to inspire collaboration, civic engagement, and future generations. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Now, I'd like to have the uh SCFD firefighters join me up here and also volunteer from um South Orange Rescue Squad and Springfield First Aid Squad. >> All the rescuers over here
right here. So, uh, we asked our the people who care for us in our community to join us, the South Essex Fire Department, the EMS team there, and also the South Orange rescue squad. um which serves our
community. Even though doesn't have Maplewood in the name, they are here quite often and they uh since the Maplewood First Aid Squad uh disbanded, it has been the South Orange Rescue Squad that has picked up the uh a major
portion of our emergency responses here. So, we want to thank them all. And I'll be speaking about the South Orange Rescue Squad a little bit more um after I read the proclamation. So um whereas the 52nd annual emergency services
services week is scheduled for May 17th to the 23rd of 2026 and whereas this year's theme is improving outcomes together which emphasizes collaboration across the entire emergency medical system
including 911 dispatchers, clinicians, fire and police personnel, volunteers and health care providers in order to enhance patient patient care, safety, and community well-being. And whereas the members of emergency medical services teams provide
life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And whereas access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury.
And whereas the members of the South Essex Fire Department and the South Orange Rescue Squad engage in hours of specialized training and education to enhance their life-saving skills and provide Maplewood residents with
excellent critical care during times of medical emergencies. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Victor Duca, mayor of the township of Maplewood, on behalf of the township committee, do hereby proclaim the week of May 17 to 23, 2026 as Emergency
Medical Services Week in Maplewood and thank the EMS professionals and volunteers for their service to the community. Congratulations, All right. Well, I'm gonna You can bring this back to the
fire station. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And um and I did want Comeand up here for a moment. >> Me? >> Yes. you, you you you you. Um, this is most of us know her as our township
clerk, but in Springfield they know her as someone who has dedicated 53 years of service to the Springfield First Aid Squad. >> All right. And still she uh Liz is not
only the president, but she still rides every Thursday night uh on a crew. And because we know she comes in here crabby sometimes on Friday mornings, but um no, she is there uh and uh is
providing those services. So we want to thank her. >> Um and now Nick, you can come on up. We want to give you this, but we also want to um say a little bit more about the importance of the South Orange Rescue
Squad to Maplewood residents. And next year, you'll be celebrating your 75th anniversary. And we would hope that those of us in Maplewood will be generous and recognize the support that we are getting from the
South Orange Rescue Squad. And I'm going to ask Nick to speak in a moment uh and to tell us about the run you're doing on the May 31st. But I did want to announce that tonight we will be approving a budget amendment. And in that budget,
um, there is a 10,000 contri $10,000 contribution from the township of Maplewood to the South, uh, Orange Rescue Squad in recognition of the services that you're providing here in Maplewood. So, thank you very much.
Thank you, Mayor Duca. Committee members, it's lovely to see you all tonight. Um, on behalf of the South Orange Rescue Squad, uh, and all of our members, delighted to accept a very generous donation in recognition of the service
that we provide. Uh as you have alluded to uh for nearly 75 years members of the now South Orange rescue squad have been serving our community, the community of South Orange and the surrounding communities including Maplewood uh with
incredible levels of service um to residents and visitors in their most dire moment of need. Uh we currently have approximately 30% of our members uh as Maplewood residents. Uh we do receive support from members of
the community for which we're really grateful and we really appreciate the recognition um of the level of service uh that we do provide. Um last year we responded to more than 400 emergencies in Maplewood and we're grateful um for
every uh action of our volunteers, every hour they give. Um, last year they gave more than 28,000 hours of service, which is a tremendous amount. So, thank you on behalf of the rescue squad. And I'd also like to acknowledge our wonderful partnership and working relationship with our colleagues in the South Essex
Fire Department, the Maplewood Police Department. Um, the theme of EMS week, as you said, is improving outcomes together, and that sort of spirit of cooperation is absolutely the way we all work together. So, thank you to our partners in the community here as well. >> You want to tell us about the 31st? Oh
yes. So on May 31st, which is uh worryingly close, uh we'll be having our annual 5K uh run. Um we expect about 300 members of the community to take part. It starts at 8:30 on Sunday morning. And we'd welcome anyone uh to take part in
any way they wish. So we frequently get asked whether you can walk. You can walk the 5K. Uh we also get asked whether you can bring your dogs, and dogs are welcome at the 5K. So we look forward to seeing many Maplewood residents there. >> Great. Thank you very much. Thank you everyone.
>> Very nice. Very nice. >> Okay, we have one more uh proclamation. Uh Deputy Mayor Herman. Thank you very much. Good evening. Before I read tonight's proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, I want to note that Maplewood
takes pride in celebrating the many communities and traditions that make our township such a vibrant and welcoming place. And throughout the year, we honor observances such as Black History Month in um that was in February. Women's History Month in January. That's a big one. Um Muslim American Heritage Month
was in January. Um and you get the A&HPI, you get the idea. I want everyone to know that these proclamations um are on our website. They reflect our community's commitment to recognizing the rich diversity, cultures, histories, and contributions of all who call
Maplewood home. And so I want you to be able to go and read them. Um you know, and as we shared earlier our thoughts for the Muslim community, I want you to also be able to go and read what we um we put into words our promise to that community. Um, if you go to our township
website and you go under about us, you'll go fall on the far right and there is a uh tab. It says proclamations and we've got everything up there from the last three years. So, go check it out because um, you know, I we really try hard to encapsulate everybody who is
a part of our community on there and we want you to take a look for Jewish American Heritage Month. Whereas Jewish Americans have been an integral part of the American story for more than 350 years, contributing immeasurably to the
nation's civic, cultural, economic, scientific, educational, and religious life. And whereas Jewish American Heritage Month offers an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the enduring contributions, achievements, and experiences of Jewish
Americans whose leadership and service have helped shape the character and progress of the United States. And whereas since 2006, so for 20 years, the month of May has officially been recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month through bipartisan action of Congress and
presidential proclamation, reflecting a national commitment to honoring Jewish American history and heritage. And whereas Jewish Americans have played a vital role in advancing the principles of justice, equality, civil rights, education, religious liberty, public
service, and democratic participation that form the foundation of our nation. And whereas despite these contributions, Jewish Americans have throughout history faced anti-semitism, prejudice, discrimination, and acts of hatred, reminding us of the continuing
responsibility to oppose intolerance in all its forms, and to foster communities rooted in dignity, understanding, and mutual respect. And whereas the township of Maplewood is proud of its diverse and
inclusive community and recognizes that our collective strength is enriched by honoring and learning from these histories, traditions, identities, and lived experience of all people. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Malia Herman, deputy mayor of the township of
Maplewood, on behalf of Vic Duca, mayor of the Township of Maplewood, and the rest of the township committee, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the Maplewood in the Township of Maplewood and encourage all residents to recognize, celebrate, and learn from the invaluable
contributions of Jewish Americans while reaffirming our shared commitment to diversity, inclusion, civic unity, and respect. for all. And a little bit later, I'll share with you some of the events that we have planned for Jewish American Heritage Month this year. I'm really excited. We have three of them.
So stay tuned for my report. >> Thank you. >> Okay, now we're going to move to the item number six on the agenda, appointment of a police chief. Yes, mayor. I have a resolution to read
in full. Resolution number 197-26 is a resolution appointing Nheima Malloy, chief of the Mapwood Police Department. Whereas the position of chief of the Mapwood Police Department will become
vacant as of August 1st, 2026. And whereas Nheima Malloy has long served the Maplewood Police Department with distinction. Whereas Naima Mallaloy has most recently
served as the deputy chief of the Maplewood Police Department and possesses the experience, leadership, and qualifications necessary to assume the duties of chief of the
Maplewood Police Department. And whereas a business administrator and township labor council have recommended that the township committee also authorize the execution of an employment agreement as referenced herein and on
file with the business administrator. Now therefore be resolved by the township committee of the township of Maplewood County of Essex State of New Jersey. The aforementioned recital are hereby incorporated as set
forth at length. Mahima Malloy is hereby appointed as chief of the Maplewood Police Department commencing on August 1, 2026. The township committee hereby authorizes
the execution of an employment agreement with Nahheima Malloy to serve as the chief of police effective from August 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2028.
Such agreement shall be in the form on file with the business administrator together with any such modification that may be necessary or desirable to the township in consultation with labor council.
The mayor and business administrator are hereby authorized to execute the employment agreement. All actions taken to date are hereby ratified and reconfirmed. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
>> Thank you. So before I move it, I just want to say how happy I am. Um it was in 2006 that I first met Deputy Chief Mallaloy. Um she and Connie Fields came to us from
as Irvington police officers and said to us that they would like to come to Maplewood. And we said why? and they said, um, we want to serve the community. We want to be partners with the community and we think that we can
do that better and have more opportunities to do that in Maplewood. And we said, well, we're looking for police officers that want to be partners with the community and understand what that means in community policing and and
everything. So, we were very happy. Um, we were also very happy because we were trying to diversify our police force by bringing on more women and officers of color. And that was important to us then and still is now. And I've personally
had the opportunity to um vote on your appointment on you becoming sergeant, lieutenant, captain, um, and deputy chief and now chief. So, I am very happy to move the resolution. >> Me, too. It's about time there's a woman
chief. >> Just saying. >> Does anyone else want to say anything before I second? >> Um, I would very I I second this motion and I just want to say um I want to say thank you to Chief Sally for uh dedicating 25 years of service to the
Maplewood Police Department and we wish you well in your retirement. And I want to say a warm welcome to Deputy Chief Mallaloy, soon to be Chief Mallaloy. We are so excited to have you. Um um as the first woman to lead the Maplewood Police
Department, you bring a strong record of leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public service. and you have an incredible vision for the department for community centered policing that is going to be a really
amazing guide for the future of the department. So, I'm very excited to offer my second. >> Anyone else? >> Just want to say congratulations from one woman to the next woman and from one black woman to the next black woman. Congratulations and so proud to your
children are here to see this today and your family. Congratulations. >> Yeah. Please call the role. >> Miss Adams, >> yes. >> Miss Collins Golding, >> yes. >> Mr. Daffis,
>> yes. >> Herman, >> yes. >> Mayor Duca, >> yes. Congratulations, you'd like to say anything. >> I'll wait until >> then we're going to take a couple pictures after. We We love We love
photos here. First, I would like to thank my family for always coming through to support me. I'd like to thank the business administrator, the assistant. I have enjoyed working with you, Liz. We've done this a lot of times and I enjoy it
every single time. >> Can't wait till the next time. >> I'd like to thank all the members of the township committee. I'd like to, you know, express my gratitude for your confidence and your ability to see my vision for the future. I'd like to thank the members of the PBA for coming to
support me. I look forward to many years of successfully working together to resolve everything that needs to be resolved. And I'd like to thank Chief Sally for your leadership and your guidance. And I look forward to, you know, making this official. And I am
very much fired up and ready to go. Okay. Okay. And you know what? Um, I think you were absolutely right. Let's give a >> thank you round of applause for Al Sally. >> Yes.
>> There you go. There you go. got up. >> That's the most expressive I've ever seen you. >> I know. >> Seriously. >> So, you know, you're still chief for a couple of months. So, >> don't forget that. >> All right. We are going to now move to
public comment. Is there anyone who would like to speak on an agenda item only? Is there anyone in the room who would like to speak on an agenda item? Would you please check online? >> If any members of the public joining on
Zoom would like to speak on agenda items, please raise your hand. >> I see no hands. Mayor, >> thank you. Okay, we'll then now move to our budget hearing. >> Um, I don't think we have to call the role.
So, uh, you're number three here. This is the time for the public hearing, >> mayor. Uh, this is the time for the public hearing on the municipal budget amendment for 2026.
The amendment was advertised as required together with notice of hearing for this time. A printed copy has been made available to the public. A supply is here for anyone desiring a copy.
>> Okay. If you'd like to get a copy, feel free to come on up. And then we're going to open the hearing. So, anyone who would like to speak, just come on up here and introduce yourselves. And then, um, if you have any comments or questions on the budget, we will address
those. Uh, if we can't get to them tonight, we will have our administrator get to them in a future time. So, with that, I now declare open the public hearing on the municipal budget amendment for 2026. Is there anyone here who would like to
speak on the budget? >> Seeing no one, is there anyone online? >> Anyone joining on Zoom would like to speak on this amendment, please raise your hand. >> I see no hands. Mayor, >> thank you. Um, Committee Collins
Colding, would you move to close the hearing? >> Absolutely, Mayor Chair. I move to for the adoption of this resolution number 187-26. >> Okay, you're a little ahead. Let's just first do a >> move to close the hearing first.
>> And um Miss Adams, would you second it? Okay, thank you. >> Uh please call the role on closing the hearing. >> Mr. Adams, >> yes. >> Mr. Collins, >> yes. >> Mr. Daffis, >> yes. >> Herman, >> yes. >> Mayor Duca,
>> yes. Thank you. And um we have the resolution and I'm going to ask the clerk if she would read the resolution in full. >> This is an easy one. >> This is an easy a lot shorter than last week or two weeks ago. >> And I have to say that my deputy
enlarged the print for me. So look at this. >> Much better. >> Okay. uh resolution number 187-26 budget amendment amendment CY 2026
whereas the local municipal budget for the calendar year 2026 was introduced on April 7th 2026 and whereas the public hearing on said budget was held on May 5th as advertised and whereas Mapwood
Township desires to amend said budget. Now therefore be resolved by the township committee. Township made would that the attached amendments to the introduced budget of calendar year 2026 be made. We had further resolved that
two certified copies of this resolution be filed with the office of the director of local government services. Um so as we did at the last meeting I'm going to give you the uh from total number and
then we'll go into the uh two total number. So, general revenues, miscellaneous revenues, section F, special items of general revenue anticipated with prior written consent of the director of local government
services, pri public and private revenues offset with appropriations, national opioid settlement fund from $30,463 even and the two numbers $19,645
Even NJD Roosevelt Park Intensive Level Architectural Survey from zero Z to $40,000 even total of section F special items of
general revenue anticipated with prior written consent of the director of local government services offset with appropriations. The from number is $288,65 even. The to number is $277,247
even. Subtotal GE general revenues from the number is 19,391,040 even. Two number is 19,420,222 even. Total general revenues the from number
is 63,361,983 to63,391,165 even. Okay. Um total general appropriations for municipal purposes within caps. The from number is 34,636,913
even and the two numbers $34,657,731 even. I'm on the next page. Public and private programs offset by revenues. National Opio Opioid Settlement Fund the from number is
$30,463 even to number is $19,645,000 even Rosel Park architectural survey 0 to $40,000
even total public and private programs offset by revenues $288,65 even and to the two number of $317,247 even total appropriations excluded from
caps. The from number is 17,655,91 even and the two number 17685,83 even. The detail salary and wages $4,310,810 even to the two number $4,310,810
even. Other expenses 13,345,91 even. The two numbers 13,374,273 even. Total general appropriations for municipal purposes excluded from caps.
The from number is 27 million15,70 even to the two number is 27,44,252 even. Total general appropriations excluded from caps. The from number is 27,ion15,70 even and the to number is 27,44,252
even. Subtotal general appropriations. The from number 606 61,661,983 even and the two number is 61,691,165 even. Total general appropriations. The from number is 63,361,983.
Even the two number becomes 63,391,165 even. Be it further resolved that these amendments in accordance with the provisions of NJSA484-9 be published on the municipal website
which is an official website of the township of Maplewood and that said publication contain notice that the hearing on the attached amendment shall be held on June 3rd at town hall 574 Valley Street Maplewood, New Jersey in
the municipal building at 7:30 p.m. Be it further resolved that pursuant to NJSA484-9, these amendments shall not be effective until after the public hearing thereon. >> Okay. Committeewoman Collins Cing, can
you move resolution number 18726? >> Yes, I could. Chair, I move the adoption of this resolution number 187-26. M Adams. >> Second. >> Please call the role. >> Miss Adams. >> Yes.
>> M. Collins Cing. >> Yes. >> Mr. Davis. >> Yes. >> Herman. >> Yes. >> Mayor Duca? >> Yes. And Committee Collins Colding, would you move the adoption of the budget be postponed pending the hearing on the additional amendment?
>> You can just say yes. >> Yes. >> And second it. >> Okay. It's been moved and seconded to postpone the adoption of the budget until our hearing which will be on June what did you say? Third. >> Wednesday. >> June 3rd.
>> Yeah. Wednesday June 3rd due to the election. >> Please call the role. >> Miss Adams. >> Yes. >> Miss Collins Cing. >> Yes. >> Mr. Davis. >> Yes. >> Thurman. >> Yes. >> Mayor Duca. >> Yes. Thank you. Okay. We made it through the budget.
One more meeting. Okay. We have uh item number 10. Uh yes, mayor. Uh I would first explain that coming up on uh items 10 and 11 would be introduction of the uh municipal budget, I'm sorry, of the
budget for the Springfield Avenue Mapwood Partnership and um Maplewood Village Alliance. This is customary. We do this every year and uh the uh budgets of both will be advertised according to
law and also sent to every property owner um indicating that we will have um an in-person hearing at our township committee meeting uh the second meeting in um June
June 16th. >> Okay. So the first one uh will be uh resolution uh introduction of the 2026 SID Springfield Avenue Partnership Budget. >> Let's move it.
>> Uh chair, I move for the adoption of this resolution 158-26 for the first one. >> I second. >> Please call the RO. >> Miss Adams. >> Yes. >> M. Collins Cing. >> Yes. >> Mr. Daffis, >> yes. >> Thurman,
>> mayor Duca, >> yes. >> Uh, next mayor is resolution 17 157-26, which is introduction of the 2026 SID Maplewood Village Alliance Budget.
>> I move this resolution, resolution number 157-26. >> I second that. Please call the role. >> Mr. Adams, >> yes. Miss Collins Calding, >> yes. >> Mr. Davis, >> yes. >> M. Herman, >> yes. >> Mayor Duca,
>> yes. Thank you. Now, we'll go on to our ordinances on final passage. >> Uh, yes, Mayor. Item 12A, ordinance number 3199- 26 is an ordinance amending chapter 123 fees of
the township code to revise certain sewer charges and chapter 220 223 sewers to extend sewer payment dates in certain circumstances. This ordinance will amend certain sewer
charges and extend the due date for sewer payments in certain circumstances. >> This ordinance has been published on the township website, copies posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building, and copies made available to the general public in accordance with
the law. Is there anyone who would like to speak on this ordinance which deals with sewer payments? Seeing no one, please check online. If >> anyone on Zoom would like to speak on this ordinance, please raise your hand.
>> I see no hands. Mayor, >> Committee Woman Adams. >> I move this ordinance be adopted as a whole and the clerk be directed to post the same as a past ordinance on the township's website and the town hall bulletin board according to law. >> I second the motion. >> Any discussion? Please call the role.
>> Miss Adams? Yes, >> M. >> Collins Cing. >> Yes, >> Mr. Daffus. >> Yes, >> Herman. >> Yes, >> Mayor Duca. >> Yes. >> Next. Uh, also um
on final ordinance number 4,000-26, an ordinance opting into the Garden State CPACE program to facilitate the financing of CPACE projects. This ordinance authorizes the township of
Mapwood to opt into the state garden state cays program enabling eligible commercial and certain other properties to obtain direct financing for clean energy and resiliency improvements
through a voluntary special assessment mechanism administered in coordination with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. And am I right that this is the 4,000th ordinance of the township of Maplewood's
in Township of Maplewood's history? >> Pretty scary, huh? >> This marks 4,000 >> right here. This four is the Thisem number 12B,000 >> is the 4,000. >> I'm going to mark that in my agenda. >> I'm surprised it isn't there isn't more. It's that low.
>> There were three. >> It seems like a lot. >> Seems like a lot. Yeah. >> You know. Okay. Uh, this ordinance has been published on website, >> co copies posted on one of the many bulletin boards now in the >> Oh my god.
>> in the municipal building and copies made available to the general public in accordance with the law. Is there anyone who would like to speak on this very uh auspicious uh ordinance number 4,000 and this is about the C Garden State CPACE program. Seeing no
one, is there anyone online? Anyone on Zoom would like to speak on this ordinance, please raise your hand. >> I see no hands. Mayor. >> Okay. >> Mayor, >> I move the passage of this 4,000th
ordinance on first reading and its publication according to law on the township's website and town hall bulletin board in a hearing to be held on uh when is this? No, this is we're on >> this is the final passage. >> Oh, yeah. We're on we're on final
passage. Sorry. Yeah. I move this ordinance to be adopted as a whole and the clerk be directed to post the same as a past ordinance on the township's website and town hall bulletin board according to law. My apologies. >> Second. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Adams? >> Yes. >> Miss Collins Colding? >> Yes. >> Mr. Davis?
>> Yes. >> Man, >> yes. >> Mayor Duca, >> yes. Thank you. >> So, next uh mayor is ordinance 401. -26, an ordinance amending chapter 123 fees
of the township code to revise certain construction fees. This ordinance will revise certain construction fees. >> This ordinance has been published on the township website, copies posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building, and copies made available to
the general public in accordance with the law. Is there anyone who'd like to speak on this ordinance? Seeing no one, is there anyone online? Anyone joining on Zoom would like to speak on this ordinance, please raise your hand. >> I see no hands. Mayor, >> thank you. Can we get uh
>> Yes. >> move? >> Yes, Mayor. I move this ordinance be adopted as a whole and the clerk be directed to post the same as a past ordinance on the township's website and town hall bulletin board according to law. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the role. >> M. Adams? >> Yes.
>> M. Collins. Colding? >> Yes. >> Mr. Daffis? Yes. >> Thurman. >> Yes. Mayor Duca. >> Yes. >> Next. Also on final ordinance number 402-26 is an ordinance amending chapter 209
rental properties of the township code to revise certain rental registration fees. This ordinance will revise the missed appointment fee with respect to rental registrations. This ordinance has been published on the
township website, copies posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building, and copies made available to the general public in accordance with the law. Is there anyone who would like to speak on this ordinance in the room? Seeing no one, please check online. >> Anyone on Zoom would like to speak on
this ordinance, please raise your hand. >> I see no hands, mayor. >> Okay. Can we get uh >> a motion? >> Motion. >> I move this ordinance be adopted as a whole and the clerk be directed to post the same as a past ordinance on the township's website and town hall
bulletin board according to law. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the role. >> Mr. Adams, >> yes. >> Miss Collins, >> yes. >> Mr. Daffis, >> yes. >> Herman, >> yes. >> Mayor Duca, >> yes. Uh, next we have ordinance number
403-26 is an ordinance amending chapter 123 fees of the township code to revise certain fire prevention fees. >> This ordinance Oh, go ahead. >> This ordinance will revise certain fire prevention fees.
>> This ordinance has been published on the township website, copies posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building, and copies made available to the general public in accordance with the law. Is there anyone who would like to speak on this ordinance? Seeing no one in the room, is there anyone online?
>> If anyone on Zoom would like to speak on this ordinance, please raise your hand. >> I see no hands. >> Can we get a hand a motion? >> I move this audience be the data as a whole and the clerk be director to post the same as past audience on the
township's website and the town hall bulletin board according to the law. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the role. >> Mr. Adams, >> yes. >> M Collins Cing, >> yes. >> Mr. Daffis, >> yes. >> Thurman, >> yes. >> Mayor Duca, >> yes. Thank you.
>> Okay. Also on final, mayor, ordinance number 404-26. Ordinance amending section 271-71 of the Maplewood zoning and development regulations entitled development fees revising application fees and required
escrow deposits under certain circumstances. This ordinance will revise certain fees and escro deposits to be paid in connection with an application for development. This ordinance has been published,
copies posted on the bulletin board, I'm sorry, it's been published on the township website, copies posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building, and copies made available to the general public in accordance with the law. Is there anyone who would like to speak on this ordinance? Seeing no one, please check online.
>> Anyone on Zoom would like to speak on this ordinance, please raise your hand. >> See no hands, mayor. >> Okay. Thank you. Can we get a motion, Mr. Davis? >> I move this ordinance be adopted as a whole and the clerk be directed to post the same as a past ordinance on the township's website and town hall
bulletin board according to law. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the role. >> M. Adams, >> yes. >> Mr. Collins Colding, >> yes. >> Mr. Daffis, >> yes. >> Thurman, >> yes. >> Mayor Duca, >> yes. >> And next, our final ordinance for
tonight that is on final passage 405-26 is an ordinance to amend chapter 257 of the code of the township of Mapwood entitled vehicles and traffic with respect to handicap parking.
This ordinance amends section 257-56 of the township code to remove a designated handicap parking space at 14 Hillrest Road. >> This ordinance has been published on the township website, copies posted on the bulletin board in the municipal
building, and copies made available to the general public in accordance with the laws. Is there anyone in the room who'd like to speak on this ordinance? Seeing no one, please check online. If anyone joining on Zoom would like to speak on this ordinance, please raise your hand. >> I see no hands. Mayor,
>> thank you. Can we get a motion? Deputy mayor, >> I move the passage of this ordinance. Are we on first reading? >> Second. >> I'm sorry. I move this ordinance to be adopted as a whole and the clerk be directed to post the same as a post past ordinance on the township's website and
town hall bulletin board according to law. Second. >> Any discussion? Please call the role. >> M. Adams. Miss. Collins. Colding. >> Mr. Davis. >> Yes. >> Herman. >> Yes. >> Mayor Duca.
>> Yes. We have an introduction of an ordinance. And I'm going to ask um Mr. Daffis and Deputy Mayor Herman to move it and second it. >> An introduction uh of a new ordinance. Ordinance number 406-26, an ordinance to amend and supplement
chapter 19 of the code of the township of Mapwood entitled community board on police. This ordinance will amend and supplement chapter 19 of the township code to clarify the membership of the community
board on police and provide further detail as to the membership and functions of the civilian review board which is a subcommittee thereof. I move the passage of this ordinance on first reading and its publication
according to law on the township's website and town hall bulletin board in a hearing to be held on June 3rd. >> Second, >> please call the role. >> Mr. Adams, >> yes. >> Mr. Collins Cing, >> yes. >> Mr. Daffus, >> yes. >> Thurman, >> yes. >> Mayor Duca,
>> yes. Thank you. Okay, we'll go to administrative reports. Mr. Weary. >> Thank you, Mayor. A few items tonight. First uh with the budget hearing scheduled for June 3rd, the state gave us notification today that they have uh re completed their review of our budget and have approved it for adoption. So we
look forward to that on June 3rd. There are no other uh steps after the hearing and final adoption by the township committee. No other uh steps to complete that process. Uh second, there are two items on the agenda tonight related to the Hartfield restoration rehabilitation
project. So that is an award to Zenith Construction for the actual construction of the new field and a an award of a contract to VHB for construction services. So we are excited to schedule a kickoff with Zenith Construction and
to get that project underway and there will be many more updates for the township committee and for the public as we start that process. So we're excited about that. And the last is a request. Mayor U, the court administrator contacted me this afternoon and asked that we remove resolution 194-26, which
was a resolution appointing a uh court violations clerk. So I ask that when we move on to the consent agenda, the town committee consider having the clerk remove again resolution 194-26. >> Great. Any uh questions for Mr. Weary?
>> So Mr. I know we uh I'm sorry. >> No, go ahead. Go ahead. >> I know we uh sent out information on New Jersey American Water. Um can you just give a quick synopsis of where we are right now? >> Sure. So overall where New Jersey
American Water is, they've completed about 80% of the total project. So that the project includes the replacement of leading galvanized pipes between the main and the curb and the installation of water meter pits between the curb and
the sidewalk. So again about 80% of the way done with the total project. Um they are they're moving along with the service line replacements. where they have um hit slowdowns is on the restoration of
residents sidewalks and their usually it's like their lawn. Sometimes it's their driveway. The process generally is that when they replace a service line or install a meter pit, there's a disturbance of soil there. They'll
replace the the soil. It'll be a temporary restoration. Usually, if it's sidewalk, that means it's black top um instead of concrete. If it is a uh an area that was formerly grass or landscaping, they usually put down like
a a QP crush stone. Um while that settles, settlement takes about 90 days and then New Jersey American Water and their subcontractor Montana comes back, removes either the black top or the gravel and they replace it with a permanent restoration which is concrete
or soil and seed. that process especially on the rest the full restoration with soil and seed is very very delayed. They again look for a 90day uh timeline on this and they have some restorations that are still listed
to be complete from last year. And so the uh the township through our engineer and in conversations with myself, we've met with New Jersey American Water and their subcontractors, we've let them know the difficulties that our residents are facing and what they're expressing to us. We've asked them to add
additional crews, which they have. They previously had one crew. Now they'll be up to at least two and on days three crews to try to catch up with that work. They expect to catch up at least in the 90day time frame by the end of June. So
we u gave all that information out to residents. We also gave contact information for Montana Construction and for a township engineer. Any resident with questions about their restoration, concerns about their restoration are encouraged to reach out to definitely
Montana can be also our township engineer and give us information on that and we can try to get the u a response from Montana on timelines or to resolve any issues that arise. And the at least when it goes from residents either through our engineer or directly to
Montana, they have been responsive, but we need to continue to keep on top of them and we will. Um, so that's everything kind of behind the curb on the in the roadway that they they also do a temporary restoration in the roadway and we will be coming through they will be coming
through um to do restoration in the roadway that could in look like a few things. If it is a road, you know, a long roadway and and it it's in relatively good shape and they've only opened the roadway in one or two places to replace a service line, they may come
in and just do a permanent patch of the area that they excavated. If they if it's a road a block where they've replaced, you know, six or eight service lines, they'll likely come in and do curb to curb uh curb to curb repavement
there. And so our township engineer in coordination with a sub our subcontractor and New Jersey American Water are reviewing all of those roadways to determine what type of repair should be made. We we are eager to get those repairs underway and New
Jersey American Water is committed to starting the first of those it'll be done in phases but the first of those phases within the next two months and so uh we are looking forward to to starting that work. The township also has our own road repavement program which we'll do
um late summer, early fall, and we'll release uh a more definitive timeline as we get closer to that project. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I just want to um add that when we met with New Jersey American um I would thank Patrick uh Weary and our engineer
Paul Kitner on really um advocating for the township's residents in um getting them to perform uh up to our standards honestly and also um to en encourage better communication
when they when they do something in front of a resident's house to to be doing what we try to do when we plant street trees for example to let them know that they can be watering any seeds seeding that's been done by their lawn and things like that but um so I can
attest that the township is on it >> and I just ask you know residents never hesitate to reach out to us there are very real issues that are arising in the problem we had a resident just yesterday or today whose driveway was was ripped up and not restored and they didn't have
access but they communicated with us early and at least we were able to resolve it in a shorter time frame than it otherwise may have been. But I I continue to encourage residents to to never hesitate in reaching out to us, Montana, and our township engineer. >> It's quite amazing. They're racing
around here with a a cement truck. >> Yeah. >> Doing um with police doing different >> plots and then going to the next one. So they are, >> you know, our pressure on them is is having some results. >> Okay. I believe uh Mr. Deaf, you had a question.
>> Uh, is there an Yes, thank you, mayor. Is there an update on the SCFD uh mobility rescue plan? >> Yes, there is. So, I spoke with the South Essex Fire Department. They do track any individual who has mobility
issues um and would like to notify them so that if there is a call to their that residence that the fire department knows. How that works is you notify South Essex Fire Department, they notify our central dispatch and that way when
central dispatch dispatches to the location, when they pull the location up in their system, they have a note there that says that there's a resident with mobility issues and they will relay that to whoever the call is going out to. Typically, it's us, but it could also be mutual aid or other departments. And so
it's it the best thing is for that dispatch center to have that information. There's not a standard form right now. So it's just any individual telling SCFD and SEFD relaying that. I spoke with the management committee and this will be discussed at the FD SCFD
management committee there will be a suggestion to put together some standardized form and when that is together we can do outreach to residents to let them know what that process looks like and maybe get more people engaged in that. But there is a process set up for that and I even now you know if you
have mobility issues you shouldn't you don't need to wait for us to get a form you can contact any you know anybody in South Orange Administration myself or direct to South Essex Fire Department and we'll make sure that that information gets relayed to central dispatch. So that is on the mobility
issue question. There was also questions on what happens when there are false alarm callouts and how that process works. We discussed that with our director of community development and fire interim fire official. They're working with their counterparts in South
Orange to make sure that we have similar processes. We've also pulled information from our court system on you know how many fines are issued and all of that information. So we are um we're working through that process to get not I understand it but just to to see exactly what those numbers look like and how
they compare with South Orange and make sure that South Essex understands that as well. >> Appreciate the followup. So, I have two follow-up questions. Um, I can assure you the process that you just laid out doesn't work. I I know of at least two
individuals who live in the Gaslight Commons um which inspired this inquiry who have mobility issues who have previously directly emailed SCFD to put themselves on this dispatch notice and
on more than one occasion actually on multiple occasions because things always happen right once or twice but on multiple repeated occasions Both of these individuals were left stranded in the hallway. >> So that should not happen. And if you
give me information after this, we can work with SCFD to understand the particulars of the situation and why there was a shortcoming there. Yeah, I mean I think through our website that we have now through Gov Pilot, we can prepare a very easy simply gov form
>> that people can fill out which would also allow us to track that on the back end. I mean it's simple technology that's available through our website and that could be a recommendation to the management committee when you next discuss this. My second followup is, and again, I'm not interested in going after
this particular property, uh, but do we have a sense of the volume of false alarms there? And do we have a followup about this management's um, plan to rectify the fire alarm
situation on their property? Anything for gaslike commons would go through the south south orange fire prevention bureau and any coordination then would go through the SCFD management committee. So nothing that specifically Maplewood would manage, but we have
relayed concerns specific to that location. They have already been discussed with the SCFD management committee. So I expect that that conversation will continue to take place until it's fully resolved. Uh but it's not something that from administration at least the township is um is pushing
forward but it is through our representatives on the management committee that is being addressed with SCFD. >> Okay. >> And and you if you have more specific locations in that development and you want to relay those to me, we can pull maybe some finer detail to really
understand what's going on. >> Yeah. No, I do not. I just know that residents reach out and they say that there are false alarms all the time here. What's going on with this property? Why aren't they are they being fined? What can the townships do? You know, so on and so forth. So, >> okay. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Uh Mr. Weary, I just wanted to ask also as you're looking at this uh I guess form for individuals to fill out for the fire department, I want to point out that the police department has a special needs registry. And I would like to
discuss ways that we can coordinate these two because it it's it would be kind of um a lot for people to have to register with both the police department and also the fire department. like can we um you know find a way to coordinate
between both of them for this would be for people with mobility issues, elderly, you know, um disabilities, you know, um to make sure that all of our um first responders are aware. >> Yeah, we can coordinate that. And as as
we set up an intake form, we can look to make sure that that form is common and that information is relatable to police and fire. >> And I don't know if um you know, South Essex Fire Department is two towns. I don't know if uh South Orange Police Department has something, but we should
find that out, you know, and coordinate. >> Okay. Thank you. Um Miss Credidio, >> no report. there. >> That's what you think. >> So, I want to get with you uh to talk about the World Cup for two reasons.
One, I want to um adopt the ordinance that we allowed that we passed the or I'm adopt the resolution that we passed the ordinance for to allow for uh public consumption. The second thing is that the um uh governor announced some lifting of
ABC regulations specifically for the World Cup. So, if you could check that out so we could have that conversation, too. Um because it it really affects us on the June 25th plan that we have for uh Maplewood Village. And just so uh
again I'll announce publicly we plan to close Maplewood Avenue from Baker Street to um Inwood and uh have that open including Highland uh open up until the park to the parking lot as a place for gathering to watch the World Cup to
celebrate your teams. Whatever you want to do, we will be there that evening and that will happen after we do a family movie in the park. So that's all going to happen on June 25th. Um so we'll we'll get together and uh make sure that we have whatever we need
to adopt on the res on the agenda for next meeting. Second is um I want to let everyone know that uh Deputy Mayor Herman and I met with Ms. Cadido go over the ebike uh or law, the state law and
um it is clear to us uh that ebikes um whatever classification should not be riding on any Maplewood sidewalks. So, um, we're going to get that information out and, um, we also will be I I the
Springfield Avenue Partnership has some funding available to do some signs for up there for their bike for their sidewalks. So, um I don't know if the alliance does or not, but we want to get the message out that you're not allowed
to ride um ebikes of any uh speed on our sidewalks. And it is a title 39 violation, which is a state um law on moving violations. So, uh, we there is no ordinance or no prohibition of riding
a regular bike on any municipal sidewalk, >> but an ebike would be prohibited on any sidewalk. So, we just wanted to get that clear. >> So, mayor, since you brought it up here with all of us, is there any formal action you wish to engage us in as this
is a standing item in the code committee agenda? Yeah, I don't think we have to do anything um other than make uh we're going to um inform the police so that they're very aware of what the section in the state law is and then we just have to get some signs up.
>> Okay. >> Does that include scooters as well or any electric any electric propelled >> conveyance? Yes. >> Yes. And I think, you know, to to just be totally um clear about this, a lot of
people riding ebikes on our sidewalks are delivery people. >> So, we don't want to be punitive because these delivery folks are working on small margins to begin with. >> Yes. >> And but we do want to make sure that
we're clear about that there's got to be some safety on our sidewalks. and we've had instances when when it was not with an ebike. So, we're going to move them to other streets or if they have to on Springfield Avenue or Maplewood Avenue or Irvington Avenue, but they can't be on the sidewalk. So, we will do that as
we move forward. Um, anything else for Miss Credio? You see, you had nothing, but you you have work now. Okay. Thank you. Uh, Miss Fritzen. >> Uh, yeah, a couple things. So, in I guess in in in the order of
things that are going to occur, the clerk's office has been working uh on Memorial Day, the uh parade, and uh the ceremony back at town hall. And I'm pleased to say everything has fallen
into place. And uh we have uh quite a number of groups and organizations that have already signed on to uh be participants in the parade and uh I thank uh Mayor Duca for working with uh the deputy township clerk and I on the
entire event. But we have a ceremony uh also planned. We had an event planning meeting. I think everything will um work out great. So, um, we also have a primary election,
uh, coming up on June 2nd, and I want to remind the township committee that our, uh, meeting will be moved to Wednesday, uh, June 3rd. Uh, the primary election, everything is posted up on the website. Uh, as far as early voting, early voting
locations, we don't have any in Maplewood, but you can early vote from May 26 to the 31st, Monday to Saturday, uh, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6, and the seven locations
are up on the township website. Um, last day for uh mail and ballot is May 26th. And uh, again, everything's been posted up. Uh, so if you have a question, you
can certainly call the township clerk's office. We'd be happy to uh, give you the information. And my final item is that I anticipate having uh a person toerson liquor license transfer
at the next meeting. Uh just should have everything in order by then. And we will have a hearing here at the conclusion of our uh Wednesday, June 3rd meeting. and it's
a restaurant that is uh has sold their license. They're in the process and it's necessary for us to have a hearing. And many of you have maybe not been involved in uh
being part of uh the local ABC to uh to make a transfer and have the hearing. But um I will prep you all in advance. If you have any questions, let me know. Thank you. >> Thank you very much.
So, you teased us with the liquor, you know, the the person to person. So, we'll have to >> I'll tell you if you like. >> Why don't you just say because people are curious >> pickets. >> Okay. And the person to person could just mean that the >> there could be some ownership theres.
They're just changing whatever. Well, it's Pickicket is staying and from what I understand the name is staying as well. They're going to be different owners. >> Okay. >> All right. >> All right. Great. Thank you. Uh reports from elected officials. Committeeman Daffis.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Uh you already have put out there to uh Township Attorney Credio the issue of the alcohol sales restrictions being lifted by Governor Cheryl for the 39 days of the FIFA
Championship. Um that means that our bars and establishments will be allowed to um serve alcohol as early as first thing in the morning during a g if a match is playing then or very late at night beyond our current hours and
restrictions. So we have to we we have to look at that. Um I want to talk about ICE. I want to talk about ICE. So earlier today, ICE was in our community again.
This is the third time this month, one or fourth time this month. Um, one individual was arrested uh this afternoon. Of course, PD got no notification about this beforehand, as
we usually do not. Uh, but we were notified after the fact. Uh, and I was notified uh through our very active local uh fast response, rapid response
um community action group. Um, and these are just local volunteers who care, neighbors, neighbors who care what's happening to their neighbors. Um, in this instance, the gentleman was taken away and they left his car behind.
So, it is really imperative that we get that we meet the moment. I've talked about this many times before and that we finally get out there to the community what we intend to do what we can do
to be as responsive to this moment as we can be to protect our residents as much as we can and to not make promises we can't deliver but to do what we can that provides some sort of meaningful action and engagement on this issue.
And you know, these specific scenarios give us an idea of what that could look like. So listen to me. This is important. So this gentleman was arrested and his car was left behind.
That car is going to get ticketed. Who is he? Where does he live? Well, one of our residents reached out to PD PD, Maplewood PD, who has been a willing supporting partner in our
efforts to do what we can here on this issue. They reached out to Maplewood PD and they said, you know, can we trace this license plate? They said, why? They said, we just want to connect with the family and offer support in any way that we can. We want to get the the the
vehicle back to them. And guess what? We were able to do that. We able to find out where this car is registered nearby municipality and make connections to that to the family to retrieve the vehicle. What
else could we have done in that instance? We could have also connected, especially if it was here in Maplewood, we could have connected our social services team, our crisis intervention team to connect with the family to say,
"Hey, I know you just lost your husband, your father. Can we offer support? How can we help?" These are meaningful actions that we can take. This is not just a philosophical thing. This is not superlative or superficial or
performative. We can do meaningful things. We just have to get it on paper. We have to get it out there and we have to have town halls about it to um inform the community and and uh and build trust
and unity on this issue. And I hope that I continue to have everyone's support on this. And there are a couple local advocates here uh in particular from Soma Action, but there are a lot of groups working on this issue. And again, these are just neighbors who care about
their neighbors as we all should care about our neighbors. All right. Now, let's talk about some fun stuff. Um yesterday, our food shed, our new and improved food shed that is now uh at 129 Bdon Avenue, our new health department
there, um served 30 individuals experiencing food insecurity successfully. All 30 received a bag of nutritional food, right? Safely,
equitably, no questions asked, unlike their experience, for instance, on Springfield Avenue at our first version of our food shed. And they also received necessary information about other supports that matter to them, including
housing support, utility assistance, ID. A couple of individuals need help with ID uh for employment. One individual needed help with transportation. So, this is a really more comprehensive model that fights food insecurity and
sustains people in other ways. And we ask those out there who uh have some concerns about doing it the way that we're doing it now to be patient and to work with us. Let's see how we can do with these limited hours currently on
Mondays between 3 and 6 and on uh oh my god, I'm getting old. I can't see anything. Uh Mondays between 3 and 6 and Thursdays between 1 and 4. Um and we may expand hours. let's see how it goes. But
this really is a more comprehensive uh better practice in in serving people in crisis. So, thank you for that. And then last but not least, can you help me with a little assistance? Administrator Wary,
uh I want to show you all that pride is ready. We are ready to show our joy. We are ready to celebrate the LGBTQ community. We are ready to uh stand together. This is our flyer that we're passing out there. We're going to start
um with a proclamation here through our at our next meeting on 6 uh marking pride on uh June 3rd. The following night we'll have a flag raising ceremony outside on the 4th. Lavender graduation is at CHS as we do every year on the
5th. Lavender ball later that night. Um, and then we have the youth pride picnic on Sunday over at the gazub gazebo for all of our youth to have some ice cream and pizza and fun and gather together in a safe and fun manner. Um, and of course
our North Jersey Pride uh is on Sunday. North Jersey Pride is on Sunday um June 14th. There it is. And you can find all of this on our website outinmapso.org. outinmapso.org.
And there's plenty of other things that are being added every single day. So, it's going to be a fun celebration all month of June. That's my report. >> Thank you, uh, Deputy Mayor Herman. >> Thank you. Wow, that does sound like a lot of fun. We've got so many events
coming up. Um, and that's really exciting. So, um I mentioned earlier when I read the proclamation for the Jewish American Heritage Month that we have three events this year to commemorate that. And um if you received our newsletter, then this is in the
newsletter. In fact, a lot of the things that I'm talking about are in our newsletter. So, if you're not getting it, go to our website and sign up. Um uh because because you'll get this really important information. Um it's every other week. So, uh, the weeks that we
don't have the township meetings is when you get the newsletter. So, Shalom Festival is on Sunday, May 24th from 12:30 to 3:30. It is at the Woodland. It is it'll be a vibrant, family-friendly celebration featuring live music, dancing. Um, there's a potluck of food.
Um, so it be really yummy. Um, face painting. There'll be a book table with some book recommendations from our that our library put together. Um, and so that'll be really great. Um, and then later that same week, there is a um, so we've partnered with South Orange. And
South Orange is doing a free film screening of a movie called I Will Build This World from Love that will be on Wednesday, May 27th at 6:30 p.m. at box office cinemas in South Orange. It's an inspiring inspiring documentary on interfaith collaboration and human
connection, followed by a live Q&A with special guests. Uh, we then have an author talk. Um, this is on Thursday, May 28th at 12 PM. So, it's a lunchtime event. It's an author talk on the book called Hidden Lives. It's in the Senior
Lounge at the Baird Community Center in South Orange. Author Relle Goldstein will share powerful true stories of child survivors of the Holocaust, Voices of Courage, Resilience, and Remembrance. So, those three events are coming up.
And then also that same week, the following day on Friday, May 29th at 11:00 a.m., so another lunchtime event, we're calling all 65 and old, so all homeowners and renters who are age 65 and older, uh, join Assemblyman
Chigosier and Emma at the Maplewood Senior Center, that's at 106 Bernett Avenue for a property tax relief presentation. This is where you can learn about uh stay new jersey senior freeze anchor um PAS1
um these there's a lot of property tax relief that can be um avail that are is available to seniors um and we've worked with the assemblyman to put this together and it's also going to include um uh an somebody from the treasury to
help explain um so this is a really good event um it is free um but you do have to register for your spot. So, that's in the newsletter and also um on our I think it's on our website. We'll make sure. Um a lot of these things are
coming up. Um oh, so that's on the 29th. My gosh, it's a busy week. Okay, so flip back to Thursday the 28th. Um in the evening, we have the an ebike law update and training program that our police department is putting together. Ebike
laws have changed and Maplewood Police Department is doing a live online presentation on Thursday, May 28th from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. uh to go over the new laws, their impact on adult and teen riders training lessons and safety
resources. So, um this is in conjunction with um with Easy Ride. Um they're going to be presenting uh no, it's New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition. That's it. And our police department. So, they'll be presenting that on Thursday, May 28th.
Um, scrolling through. And then, um, oh, that's it. On Friday, June 5th, please join us for our Wear Orange National Gun Violence Awareness Day. So, on Friday, June 5th, this this is Wear Orange
weekend. It's the first weekend in June every year. and together everyone across the country re gets together and wears orange to remember the lives stolen or impacted by gun violence and discuss actionable steps that we can take to
make a difference. The reason it's orange is because there was a there was a young woman who marched in uh President Obama's inaugural parade and shortly after that she went home and she was a victim of gun violence. was killed and orange is her favorite color
and orange is also what hunters wear. So it's a significant color and that's why we wear orange and this year the theme is beyond awareness take action. So, we invite everybody to come and join us on Friday, June 5th at 4:30. We'll be on
the steps of town hall and we'll be, you know, take action and, you know, I especially in light of the shooting that just occurred. Um, you know, I wish that every time we did wear orange, we didn't have to look back and say the shooting that just occurred, but it's happening
way too often. Enough is enough. You know, we need to come together and stand up for gun safety. Uh, so mark your calendar. Um, and you can note that it's at 4:30. We're going to keep it to an hour, 4:30 to 5:30, so that right after that we can then go to the lavender
graduation. So, um, we'll do something serious and then we'll go enjoy, you know, celebrate our youth at Lavender Graduation. And don't think I forgot about it because my last announcement is
>> the pool. The pool. >> Four days, y'all. That's right. The Maplewood Community Pool opens in four days. >> I feel like we should have a countdown here. >> I know. I know. This Saturday, May 23rd,
the pool opens at 12 noon. It'll be open from noon until 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, same hours on Sunday and on Monday or it's a because it's a holiday weekend. So, we have um we we just did the pool committee did a walkthrough at the pool
last night, and I think everybody's going to be really really happy with some of the upgrades we have. We've got a row of brand new, beautiful blue chairs. They're gorgeous. It's a brand new row of chairs. We've got brand new tables and umbrellas in the cafe
section. And we've got a wonderful new speaker system. Uh it's going to make it easier for kids and parents to hear when the next deep water test is taking place as well as other important announcements. Um you'll also notice a row of newly planted skip laurel trees
blocking the views on the street. Thank you to committeewoman Adams for getting that um getting that improvement done. You'll also notice some paint around. Um there's a big cement like uh um box
between the the the dive tank and the main pool and we were getting complaints that people were walking into it and hurting their knees. And so we painted a strip around it to make sure everybody sees that. You know, we're we're doing all the little things to make it make it wonderful. We also have the new um the
beautiful teen hangout area. Um I'm not supposed to call it the teen area. It's the cool place, you know, the place that we're not talking about where all the teens can go and not be with their parents. Um, there's a volleyball court, cornhole, two picnic tables. Um, so it's a really, you know, it's a it's a little
space for them. Uh, but don't forget to sign up for your pool pass. You have two weeks left to purchase your pass at our early bird rate. You can buy online or in person with a check if you want to save on the credit card fee. Remember, this is the lowest fee. If you get the
early bird, it's the lowest fee since 2012. So prices are going up everywhere, not at our pool because we want everyone to come. It's community pool. We want the whole community there. And new this year, Maplewood residents who are volunteers on the South Orange volunteer
squad get half off their pool memberships. This is a benefit that was previously accorded to our Maplewood Volunteer Squad. So we transferred that to um the South Orange Rescue Squad as a thank you for their volunteer efforts. That's all I have. I will see you at the
pool. >> Thank you. Uh, committee woman calling Colding. >> Um, let me just quickly say on a sadder note to our M Muslim community, you are loved,
you are valued, and you're not alone. We stand beside you in your grief, in solidarity, and in determination to ensure that hate will never define who you are. May the
memories of those who were lost today be always with us. And I'm just going to give some quick announcements about our rec department and what we're doing this summer. We already know
Um, we have a swim team. We would love for parents to sign the kids up. We have swim lessons open. We have uh our spring tennis starts on the week of May 23rd. We still have
openings that you can sign up. We have spots available for our summer camps. And we have tennis, basketball, reading, math, frisbee camps, and half day offerings in Maple Craft. and kids camp all day long. So, please go on our
website and register for some of those activities. And that's the end of my quick little spiel. >> Thank you, Committee Adams. >> Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Um, just a couple things. Uh the next public meeting for
um input and to see the plans for uh Prospect Street improvements is Tuesday, May 26th on Zoom at 700 p.m. to 900 p.m. Um we've been working with uh the engineers to update the plans, taking
some comments and some input from the public and seeing what we can and cannot do with regard to those comments. Um but we're everything is being taken seriously and being um used in the plans as possible. Um so that's May 26. That's
Tuesday night from 7 to 9 on Zoom. And then uh on Sunday I represented the township at a memorial service for longtime Maplewood employee Todd Lamb who passed away in November. Uh we dedicated a tree to him right by the
Vietnam Memorial Memorial Park. The conservancy was very um involved in working with the family to make this was a beautiful ceremony. The um family members, his two sons and his wife um spoke about him. I felt like I knew him
way better than I knew him in life. >> He um was well-loved, wonderful man. And we all um relied on him for um our tree canopy, for redoing um our tree ordinance, for planning in a more for a
more thoughtful way um for trees to maintain what we have and keep replenishing as we go. Um when you left the ceremony, you could take um saplings of red oak saplings uh to plant on your property. So, with the permission of the
family, I took eight of them to put one in each park uh in Maplewood on uh in recognition of Todd's service and love for um our trees. And uh we'll put two in Maplerrest Park in the on the north
side. So, DPW will be planting those probably this week. Um and also just um there were bookmarks. I have a couple if anyone wants them that in his uh memory and it was just a really lovely lovely
uh morning before Mayfest. So um yeah that's all I have. >> Great. Thank you. Uh just to follow up on the bike um proposal. You know what we did with the proposal
for Parker is that we had a vote here of the township committee to move forward and I anticipate we would do the same thing here. So everyone's going to have a say >> in the final design. We may not have a 50 vote. We may end up 41 32 but
everybody will able to have a final say in the design. >> Okay. So, do you mean we'll like vote on different pieces of it as we go or? >> No. >> Final? >> No. We'll we will hopefully after
Tuesday's meeting engage in conversations, see where people are at and if people have problems with a specific part of it and see what how we can make something work. At the end, there'll be a package and we'll see. I mean, you know, it could always be
changed. the package can always be changed, but um I'm hoping that and I I believe when we talk to Mr. Kitner, we have until the second meeting in June to work this out.
So, I know he has some deadlines, but So, we're going to try to work this out after the meeting on the on Tuesday to see what where people are at and what are the things that have to be in there that they can give a little bit and then we'll see if we can come back with a
package. >> Great. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, the second thing I just want to say is I'm off to Atlantic City to the New Jersey Conference of Mayors uh annual meeting and I look forward I the governor will be there tomorrow. I'll bring her all of our best wishes and
also have an opportunity to meet with some of her cabinet members. So that's it. Uh and we going to now move into our discussion item. We have Maplewood Village Alliance Design Standards Revisions. Committeeman Davis. >> Thank you, Mayor. And be sure to uh
congratulate Commissioner Suarez at DCA who's getting a special award. >> Okay. >> At the conference, >> major award actually. Yeah. Um, okay. So, the MVA board has voted to approve a
updated version of the MVA's design standards. Um, not a lot of stuff here to talk about. I have forwarded the design standards previously. Um certainly in anticipation of our discussion this evening here and before
that uh during code committee meetings where we discuss these the the updated standards really relate to a couple of things in particular. There's some minor revisions but they mostly uh relate to the uh restrictions related to neon
signs. Neon signs are uh the new way that businesses market themselves. Um they're here to stay, but there are ways to make them appropriate for Maplewood Village. The new design standards outline um those details. Uh the use of
A-frames. We're seeing a lot of A-frames out there um all over the place on top of each other. They fall down sometimes in inclement weather. People knock them over. Our sidewalks are already crowded. Um we also have um outdoor sidewalk
cafes and outdoor dining. So, there's a lot of stuff going out there. Could be a challenge navigating the sidewalks of Maplewood Village. Um, but the A-frame design standards um kind of limit what kinds of frames can be used um focusing on uniformity
uh while still allowing businesses ample opportunity to market themselves, their products and their hours of operation. Those are the two big areas. Like I said, there's some other minor um revisions, but nothing um too
significant. And I'll take any questions that anyone may have. Anybody have questions? >> I have one question. This came this this came up because I I didn't even think about this earlier, but the design standards for the A-frames are for a wooden frame with chalk. Is there an
exemption for the township committee? Because when we do our talk to the township committee, our A-frame is a plastic A-frame. >> Yes, we may have to um when we're in Maplewood Village, >> our health department has them as well. >> No, actually there's not we don't we're not covered. Yes,
>> municipal. We're not We're not municipal. >> Yeah, we're being funny, but yeah, we're not covered because it's >> a merchant >> answers the question. >> Yeah. >> Any questions about the design standard? >> I think I think everybody's good moving forward with it. >> Great. >> Okay, next meeting.
>> Introduce them. >> Okay. Can we get a motion on the consent agenda removing item 18Z? >> Okay. We're moving. We're removing 18Z. Yes. >> Correct. Yes. >> Okay. So then I will move the consent
agenda items 18A through >> all the items on consent agenda except 18Z. >> Yes. >> Second. >> Please call the role. >> M. Adams. >> Yes. >> M. Collins Cing. >> Yes. >> Mr. Daffis. >> Yes.
>> M. Herman. >> Yes. >> Mayor Duca. >> Yes. Okay. We're now going to move to the uh public comment on any agenda item. I'm sorry, any subject matter. We did the agenda item. So, come on up.
>> Um, hello. My name is Susan Verek and I'm the co-chair of the immigration committee of Soma Action. Um, I'd first like to note that Maplewood early on was early in determining that we were a welcoming community a number of years
ago. Um, a couple of very recently last year. Um Cynthia Galota and I met with Mayor Adams then Mayor Adams in the morning and that night you passed a resolution in support of putting the
attorney general's um immigration trust act into uh to to support that with the legislature. Um now the legislature finally acted. um it it did so in a much weakened version than what it had passed
the mere month before, but it's better than nothing. But now, as as you just spoke so eloquently, Mr. Daffis, um now we really need to implement it and do what's really important. Um we look forward to to helping you in any way we
can. Um, and just because there are only two of us here tonight, um, I know I speak on behalf of our committee of Soma Action, our immigrant allies in my entire block of Bowden Street. Um, we we want to help you support this and we
look forward to that going forward. Thanks. >> Hi everybody. Um, thank you for your forceful words uh in opposition to ICE. It's really way past due. Um, my name is Cynthia Gallota and I'm a member of some
action immigration committee. I'm here this evening to voice support for an anti-ICE measure coming from Maplewood Township. Another individual was kidnapped today uh near the Parkwood Diner. Springfield Avenue has been hit
hard the last couple of weeks. Clearly, federal immigration enforcement has been out of control for a very long time. We as citizens have to do whatever we can to set clear imit limits on ICE to protect our neighbors. Those limits
should be in the form of an ordinance. And what our immigration committee would like to see included, although this is not a complete list, is the town prohibiting ICE from staging on city property and not using its resources for
investigations. Training for town employees to ask for judicial warrant and to know how to use the rapid response hotline. Um, the town to share the dire rapid response number and know your rights information on the
town website. The town to assist with kidnapped community c members with loyal referrals. Assist with funding for legal representation. and the town promising not to engage in business practices with federal
immigration companies, meaning no detention centers, no processing centers, and also care for the families in the aftermath of an arrest. Detention is such a bewildering process. There has to be a system where there can be a
social work check-in. There can be and families could be connected to resources. These policies cannot stop ICE from making arrests, but they crucially can help to put sand in the gears of federal operation
enforcement. Requiring judicial warrants forces ICE to do targeted enforcement and hopefully would decrease random kidnappings. and anti-ICE measures also signal to our immigrant neighbors that
we are doing our utmost to protect them. And importantly, it reaffirms our town values of due process and civil rights for everyone. And I think it's very important to note
that several towns and counties in New Jersey, Montlair, Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, Camden County, Essex County have passed their own version of ice free zones through executive orders,
resolutions, and ordinances. Towns across the country that have passed similar measures include Seattle, Spokane and Everett, Washington, Minneapolis and St. Paul, uh, Chicago, New York City, Worcester, Mass, San Jose, and Berkeley. And I
trust that Maplewood will follow suit to provide the broadest ordinance to protect the most people following the models that Susan and I sent which were to everyone last week, the Monontlair Trust Act and the Foundation Five
ordinance along with the work that Soma Justice has done to prevent ICE from destabilizing our community. Thank you. And if I could just say a couple of things about the kidnapping that took place today. Um, at one point, you know,
we knew that the car was parked in front of the Parkwood diner and we had the license plate. Someone said to me, "Call Maplewood Police and see if they'll run the plates." I called the general number and they said, "No, we're not doing that." Somebody else called and they
also got the same response, but that person had connections to hire up people in the Maplewood Police Department. So, it got done, which is great, but it shouldn't take three phone calls. There needs to be a better system. And I understand that protocols were not in
place for that. The other thing is later um this afternoon about there were five of us that went along Springfield near the Parkwood Diner. We stopped in first at the Parkwood Diner handing out know your rights cards and the dire hotline
and it really was shocking the number of people the business businesses that we walked into where people had no idea that something had happened and they also did not seem to be aware that anything had been happening in the last couple weeks. It seems to me that's something we could do that there has to
be a simple alert system to inform the business community. Hey, ICE is on the street or you know, prepare. Make sure your um signs are up where you have private areas to keep them away unless
they have a judicial warrant that they know that they have the hotline number if they see ICE. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Yeah. >> Is there any Go ahead. >> I'm sorry. I was just going to follow up. >> Yeah. You're right about the the process
that happened. Yeah. You know, with the license plate number and that goes to your point where, you know, one of the things we want to put into our ordinances require training >> because um our leadership at the Maplewood Police Department were um they
used it, let's put it this way, they used it as an opportunity to train their dispatchers. >> Okay? And so, you know, that's another opportunity for us and part of our effort here in building a comprehensive response. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> So, so where is the ordinance? Where
where where are we on the >> uh we're close, right? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I hope to um >> next meeting. >> Uh yes, we can do it for Yes. Exactly.
>> Okay. Okay. Great. So yeah, we are very much on board. We've all agreed to move from a resolution to an ordinance because then it binds future township committees, makes it more permanent, all that. So we agree. I think we're just working out some issues. So we'll put it on for the way we work is when there's
an ordinance proposed, we put on for discussion. If we get, you know, any comments, changes, what have you, then we will introduce it. Um, so that's and then there'll be a public hearing at the second meeting. So it takes like three meetings to get going. >> Yeah.
>> But this is a big deal, so it may take a little longer, you know. Yeah. >> Yeah. We've had we've had multiple meetings over this. Um and it's been also discussed in the public safety committee. >> Um this is this is absolutely a a um a
focus and importance and we we hear you and we thank you for your partnership. >> Anyone else want to address the township committee? Seeing no one else here in the room, anyone online? >> If anyone joining on Zoom would like to
address the township committee, please raise your hand. Now I am moving in over to panelist. >> Welcome. You may unmute yourself and address the committee. >> Hi there. Can you hear me? We can.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um, I have a quick question. Um, I and some members of the Jewish community are wondering, did we miss it already and it wasn't announced or when will the Israeli flag be raised for Jewish Heritage Month? It's almost
the end of the month. >> I don't believe that we have um done that. We can certainly we can certainly discuss it. >> You mean it was hasn't been planned in advance. You knew it was Jewish Heritage Month. So, how will this be facilitated
and announced? >> I think we're going to have to figure that out. We don't have an answer. We'll we'll ask our administrator to get on this and talk and figure out. Um >> yeah, so we have our Shalom Fest coming up that we worked around and planned forward. you know, we can incorporate
that in with our Shalom Fest because we did plan that out. >> Well, the Shalom Fest is at the Woodland, isn't it? The flag pole is by town hall. So, all right. So, figure it out and let us know. Maybe one of you, Pat, maybe you can email me and let me
know so I can make it whatever we decide will become public. Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to address the township committee? If anyone else on Zoom would like to address the township committee, please raise your hand.
I see no hands. Mayor. >> Okay. >> Mayor, I just wanted to say something. Um, so I just wanted to clarify that Jewish American Heritage Month is specifically about Jewish Americans um in America. So it it is not um
related to the country um and that and it is it is also actually not related to the religion. It's the heritage festival about the cultures and traditions of the people in America. So, um there is a there is a a slight difference. I just want to clarify that, but we will
discuss um your requests. >> Okay. Anything else? >> No. A motion to adjurnn. >> I'll second your motion. >> You got six minutes. >> No. >> Call the RO. >> Mr. Adams. >> Yes. >> Collins Cing. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Daffis. >> Yes. >> Herman. >> Yes. Mayor Duca. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Thank you.