this is a regular meeting of Township committee public notice of this meeting has been given as required by the open public meetings law a resolution was adopted on January 1st 2024 designating this date this Hall and 7:30 pm. as the time for this regular meeting of the township Committee of the township of Union in the county of Union a notice of each and every meeting of the township committee was posted in accordance with the affet open public meetings law in one public place reserved for the posting of ordinances and official notices of the township of Union namely the bulletin board next to the clerk's office in addition there to a copy of said resolution was forwarded to the local Source in Star Ledger a copy of said resolution is on file with the clerk of the township thank you madam clerk good evening everyone this evening the prayer will be led by committeeman Louie and the flag salute will be led by Deputy Mayor Florio everyone please stand God of power might wisdom and Justice who you Authority is rightly administered laws are enacted and judgment is decree assist this Township committee with your spirit of counsel and fortitude and guide us to seek righteousness Justice and mercy and assist us in leading our Township with honesty and integrity amen amen United States of America rep stands one nation God indivisible andice for all Madam clerk can I have a roll call please Mr Bowser here Mr Lewis Here M Frasier here Mr FL Oro here mayor figuro here can I have a motion to approve the minutes of the conference and regular session on January 9th 2024 then the public hearing minutes for hoppy Park Joe Collins Park and Weber Park Renovations of January 16 2024 approval second all in favor I Madam clerk let's move on with the ordinances and resolutions please I have free consideration on second and final reading an ordinance amending ordinance 3 729 to add a handicap space in front of 358 Russell Street move the ordinance be taken up at second read and final reading second an ordinance amending the designation of restricted parking spaces for use by persons with special vehicle identification cards in the township of Union Union County New Jersey this ordinance creates a handicap space in front of 358 Russell Street is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on this ordinance move the ordinance be adopted I have a second second Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes M Frasier yes Mr floral yes mayor figer yes amending ordinance 3729 to add a handicap space in front of 1959 oswood Terrace and 1853 Manor Drive up yep amending ordinance okay move the ORD sorry move the ordance be taking up a second or final reading second an ordinance amending the designation of restricted parking spaces for use by persons with special vehicle identification cards in the township of Union Union County New Jersey this ordinance creates a handicapped space in front of 1959 Osa Terrace in 1853 Manor Drive is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance will the audience be adopted second Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes M Fraser yes Mr Florio yes mayor figur yes amending chapter 26666 of the municipal code parking by permit in residential areas this ordinance affects Iran Avenue move the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading second an ordinance amending chapter 26666 a schedule 25 entitled parking by permit only in residential areas by the township Committee of the township of Union County of union state of New Jersey this ordinance affects Iran Avenue is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on this ordinance Mo the ordinance be aded second Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Miss Frasier yes Mr florel yes mayor figurita yes vacating a portion of bankr Avenue move the ordinance to taken up for second and final reading second an ordinance of the town ship of Union County of union state of New Jersey vacating a portion of the public Street known as bankr Avenue in the township of Union Union County New Jersey move the ordinance be adopted is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on this ordinance move the ordinance to be adopted second Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Miss Fier yes Mr Florio yes mayor figit yes the following resolutions ratifying the renewal of certain liquor licenses in the township for the annual period of July 1st 2023 through June 30th 2024 move for approval second all in favor ratifying the renewal of plenary retail distribution license number 2019 44138 for the annual period of July 1st 2023 through June 30th 2024 move for approval second all in favor I appointing Jenny brinsky as temporary Municipal Court Judge move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the tax assessor and tax appeal attorney to file counter claims move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the tax assessor and tax appeal attorney to file appeals move for approval second all in favor authorizing the tax assessor and tax appeal attorney to execute stipulations of settlement with respect to tax appeals move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of building supplies from Home Depot for an amount not to exceed $54,000 State contract number 18 Fleet 002 34 move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of landscaping equipment and parts from P&P law mowers ink for an amount not to exceed $10,000 move for approval second all in favor I I authorizing an award of contract to Harmony tree service for the 2024 tree trimming and removal services after their low bid not to exceed $142,500 move to approved contract second all in favor authorizing an award of contract with intervention strategies International Inc for the employee assistance program for an amount not to exceed $122,000 you approve the contract second all in favor I authorizing the award of contract with Robert Wood Johnson to provide training and certification of new fire recruits for an amount not to exceed $22,000 Mo for approval second all in favor I authorizing payment of all approved vouchers for solid waste collection holl and Disposal at the interim rate of $759 per ton for household waste and $172 per ton for bulky waste for the month of December move to move to approve second all in favor I authorizing change order number one increasing the amount to lant Construction Corporation by $254,700 total contract amount 1,752 1492 for the 2023 Road reconstruction program phase one move for approval second all in favor I I authorizing change order number amount to adg Contracting Corporation doing business as Crossroad Paving by $1 17,38 25 for a total contract amount of 1,269 49065 for the 2023 Road Improvement program phase three Lehigh Avenue roof for approval second all in favor I authorizing an agreement with NW Financial LLC to provide Financial advisory services to the township for an amount not to exceed $50,000 move for approval second all in favor authorizing the application and execution of a Grant application to the njp Green Acres Program for the Weber Park improvements project move for approval second all in favor authorizing the application and execution of a Grant application to NJ Green Acres Program for the hooby Park renovation pro project move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the application and execution of the gr application to the njde Green Acres Program for the Joe Collins Park renovation project move for approval second all in favor I authorizing a service agreement with network security group to provide additional Technical Services to the township for a total amount not to exceed $36,000 January 1st 2024 through December 31st 2024 move for approval second all in favor authorizing Professional Services agreement with ar Leo and donu LLC to represent the township and the litigation gains versus Township of Union for an amount not to exceed $10,000 move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the maintenance and repairs of road maintenance equipment from jco Inc for an amount not to exceed $15,000 move for approval second all in favor authorizing the purchase and repair of landscaping equipment from j& a mower for an amount not to T $10,000 move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of tires and tubes from Bridgestone Amer America carab Cleveland auto tire for an amount now to exceed $38,500 State contract number 19 f 0078 move approval second all in favor authorizing the purchase of auto parts from Samuel's trading as bywise for parts and repair of vehicles for an amount not to exceed $55,000 State contract number 85992 move for approval second all favor authorizing the purchase of fuel from rickens Inc for an amount not to exceed $230,000 State contract number 19 f 00969 move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of various locking keys from Advance County locksmith for an amount now to exceed $5,500 move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of safety equipment from the Department of Public Works from fanel for an amount not to exceed $115,000 State contract number 19 Fleet 0565 second all in favor I allowing the maintenance and repair of heavy duty vehicles from Air break and equipment for an amount not to exceed $155,000 State contract number 89279 move for approval second all in favor authorizing the purchase of diesel fuel for Township vehicles from National Fuel Oil for an amount now to exceed $125,000 State contract number 19 food 0110 move for approval second all in favor authorizing the purchase of Road materials from weled materials ink for an amount not to exceed $75,000 through the Union County cooperative pricing Council move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of tires and tubes from Goodyear Tire and rubber care of FNS Tire Corp for an amount not to exceed $10,000 St contract 20 Fleet 00948 Mo approval second all in favor I authorizing a contract with Road Safety Systems through the Mars County Co-op for the purchase and replacement of guard rails throughout the township for an amount now to exceed $20,000 move for approval second all in favor authorizing repair services for motor vehicles from DJ andm Auto for an amount not to exceed $33,000 State contract number 89295 move for approval second all in favor ask you you approve the finances as listed on the agenda move for approval second all in favor I I the following Communications from Terry Manda tax collector requesting the township committee authorized checks issued to the following representing the Redemption of tax sales certificates as listed on the agenda moov second all in favor I I Joseph VY a Township engineer requesting the following payments payment number three to Lan of Construction Corporation in the amount of 93,676 192 for work completed to January 5th 2024 in connection with the 2023 Road reconstruction program phase one payment number four to grenade Construction Corporation in the amount of $872,000 2182 for work completed through January 5th 202 24 in connection with the 2023 Road reconstruction program phase two payment number three to ABG doing business as Crossroads Paving in the amount of $ 27,7 74 for work completed through January 5th 2024 in connection with the 2023 Road program phase three move for approval second all in favor I following Department reports from municipal court and police department move reports be received and filed second all in favor that concludes my part of the agenda thank you madam clerk we go on to our committee reports and we'll start with committee man Lou this is our report from the public work um our division since our last meeting most of our time was spent preparing for winter operations including but not limited to maintenance of brine Equipment Salt equipment and plus and load loading salt anticipating a weather event during the storm the township salted over 600 50 Street uh using 7 730 tons of salt the sewer division contined to maintain um catch basins pump stations and outfall daily performing repair as necessary uh since our last meeting the S Division has performed 438 catch business cleaning 60 enzyme applications and two emergency call they also prepared and assisted in salting operations uh the Shaded division contined to Main contain trees in the Park Township properties as well since our last meeting a uh a trick will perform seeks removal and also prepared and assisted in the salting operation um all concern or inquiries regarding all division of public work can be addressed by calling public work at 908 6861 1922 or by using the report a concern feature on the township website thank you mayor thank you committee Bowser uh thank you mayor uh police department report for the period of January the 4th through the 18th 1,859 direct patrols 2534 calls for service 67 arrests traffic control for the same period there were 86 stops 91 tickets and 22 were residents truck enforcement for the same period two stops five tickets the highlight of the uh period uh basically is uh one uh on on January the 13th officers were dispatched to the area of Spruce Street and Pine Road for a report of a suspicious mail into a vehicle looking into a vehicle while the officers were responding to the area dispatch advised the resident had confronted the suspect while he was burglarizing the resident's vehicle the resident was attending to detain the uh suspect which would caused the fight officers quickly arrived on the scene and took the suspect into custody without further incident the suspect was charged with two counsil burglary to a motor vehicle and transported to headquarters for processing and that concludes my report thank you committee woman G frer please good evening everyone I would first like to start by congratulating Maria on her one-year anniversary as the supervisor for the senior department they praised her so much tonight um they are so grateful for all of the programs that she has um provided thank you so much okay so the senior center offers many opportunities for activities and socialization to promote healthy lifestyle for a better quality of life Health and Wellness Health maintenance Tuesday February 6th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. nurse prevention service blood pressure and blood sugar check Health topic osteoporosis and arthritis February 21st from 11: to 12:30 p.m. programs um um AARP offers free tax Aid um beginning Thursday February 8th through April 11th so if you want to go and have your taxes prepared um by AARP please call the office and schedule an appointment excuse me I'm getting over cold Arts creative crafts Workshop five weeks every Thursday starting February 1st through February 29th 11: to 12: p.m. working with a wide range of materials to enable members to experiment with the process process of art Valentine celebration karaoke and cupcakes February 14th from 12: to 3: p.m. entertainment by Tanya Ray and her vocal styles serving cupcakes and coffee also yes karaoke okay Zumba Gold the design of the class introduces easy to follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance range of motion and coordination a demo class will be provided February 20th from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. registration is required so please call March 5th through April 30th from 1:30 to 2:30 are will be the uh regular classes um oh also the seniors are being offered um discounted prices for um to get their hair done at the cosmetology department with our high school students and they will be supervised of course but if you want to get your um services from the cosmetology department please call them at 851 6530 upcoming we have the Wind Creek Casino excuse me at Bethlehem PA that is February 15th um $35 tickets for additional information please call 85152 190 also excuse me February 23rd um Dr Daisy sentury um is going to to um present a historical perspective of Sojourner Truth for black history month she is an impersonator and she will be there at 11 a.m. and then in regards to the recreation department the recreation department is excited to announce the return of our popular car cartoon classes the classes will be led by local artist Doug Baron each class will focus on a different theme such as anime or superheroes um new this season are two a mashup classes where students will take two of their favorite characters such as Pokemon or classic cartoon characters and blend them into a brand new creation classes will be held on Thursdays after school between February 15th and March 7th participants May sign up for a combination of classes based on their preferences each class is $20 these classes will fill up so please do not delay in calling the recreation department department will also be hosting a women's self-de self-defense class I'll be there at Hannah Caldwell beginning February 21st the program is fee is free but Advanced registration is required it is a 4-week program and will focus on self-defense Basics like joint locks holds and blocking techniques the goal of the program is to empower women in our community to learn strategies to protect protect themselves and feel confident in any situation so please call 6 86 4200 also I had the pleasure of attending the traveling basketball um games the fourth graders right now are undefeated 9 to zero they are the number one team in the New Jersey Basketball Association and they're so cute and tiny um they're doing a great job also look out for softball suffragettes and little league registration will be starting soon and that's it for me thank you Deputy Mayor Florio thank you very much mayor uh I want to present these license applications for approval for gas stations Costco at 1055 Hudson Street gas land 121 Springfield Road Delta 7117 Liberty Avenue us gas 221 Salem Road Raceway petroleum Inc 2031 Route 22 West Power gas 1865 vola Road sinoco 2437 Mars Avenue power gas 2445 Mars Avenue sitgo 1404 Stenson Avenue for private pumps Union Police Department Union fire department Elizabeth Town Gas for bring your owns saor deir terara 1988 Mars Avenue Gusto is saor 2022 d24 Mars Avenue one wholeway 1040d senson Avenue B goes ear 1017 Stenson Avenue laasa Del pan 5 50 North Avenue Nuno barbecue 1271 Springfield Avenue Black Diamond billiard 1767 Route 22 West Peruvian Flavors restaurant LLC 1020 Stenson Avenue ceruli LLC 2726 Mars and for junky yards Union auto wreckage 2345 Route 22 West car Rogers Road that's a that's a motion please do you have a second on that second all in favor I uh I have here U Union fire department responded to 267 emergency calls for service this period with9 of those being calls for medical service some of the significant events during the period were on January 12th Rosevelt Avenue a motor vehicle accident involving a garbage truck that took down Municipal power lines on January 12th another one bisc Boulevard structured file that started outside the house from discarded smoking materials January 15th springield fi Road a Mot motor vehicle accident that severed the utility pole and the pole was suspended by a power line on January 17th Tucker Avenue fired in an apartment caused by a Furniture in contact with a radiant heater on January 21st through 22 East twocc car motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries one patient needed to be extricated from the vehicle two patients were transported to University Hospital five Mutual Aid assignments from Lynden Milbourne and Rosel one other just I want to bring up on uh all of our fire departments were dispatched through a fire in the first floor bathroom of Jefferson School the fire was quickly brought under control and the building ventilated of a decent smoke condition school was having an open gym event and we were told that the students had left the Fire official was notified and responded we will return tomorrow to the school to review video footage to try and determine who set the fire just some again some safety tips be cautious of space heaters please practice handle safety play it safe in the kitchen have a fire string which on hand and accessible be sure your smoking carbon monoxide detectors are working that's my report for tonight mayor thank you Deputy Mayor um my report I want us to uh recognize February 1st is upon us uh join us for the monthl celebration of black art music history and culture kicking off our Black History Month is crowns the musical by Regina Taylor and performance will take place on Saturday February 10th at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Jefferson School admission is free however you do need tickets tickets will be available for pickup from the administration office starting next week our annual black Excellence Art Gallery is scheduled for Friday February 16th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Donald Payne box hall meeting Center which is located at 333 Russell Street come and celebrate black art with us as we feature local black artists and various Township of Union students closing out our Black History Month events is our second annual Black History Month Expo and vendor fair on Saturday February 24th from 1: p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at our Union Senior Center there will be live music performances local blackowned businesses vendors food trucks and more all event details can be found online via Union township.com and Valentine's Day is coming soon so coming back for the second year in a row join us for our Valentine Valentine's Day Speed meet whether you're looking to make friends just networking with Business Leaders or you never know even spark a romantic connection just come with an open mind and a positive attitude $20 covers admission to the event Swag Bags past appetizers and more you must be 21 or over to attend for more information and event updates please visit Union township.com and also a another black history event at Jefferson School the township of Union and the human relations commission are proud to present the black Americans journey through gospel music a family affair on February 17th at 2024 this event will be held at Jefferson Elementary School which is at 155 Hilton AV in Vox and will feature choirs Praise Dancers historical narratives and refreshments this is a free event and is open to the community from 1: p.m. to 3 p.m. and as always please sign up for emergency and general notifications online at www.unt.edu at twpunion NJ with that I'll open the meeting up to the public again a reminder there is a 5 minute limit please state your name and address address anyone wishing to speak seeing none a motion to adjourn motion to adjourn second all in favor I have a good evening everyone