e e e e e e e this is a regular meeting of the 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 2025 designating this date this Hall in 7:30 p.m. 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 and Star Ledger a copy of said resolution is on file with
the clerk of the township thank you madam clerk good evening this evening the fair will be led by committee woman s Terell and committee man Manny figorito will lead us in the flag salute please
stand as we gather as members of this Township committee we pray that we are ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community keeping in mind always the enduring values of Life exerting our efforts in those areas and on those
things upon which future Generations can build with confidence let us continue to strive to Make a Better Community amen IED to United States
of stand na indice at this time I have a motion to approve the minutes for conference and regular session can I have a roll call Mr figero here Mr Terrell here Miss
Frasier here Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser here motions on the floor there's a motion on the floor yes uh so moved a second all in favor I
I Madam clerk can we move on to the ordinances and resolutions I for consideration on second and final reading an ordinance amending chapter 170 schedule of zoning requirements area yard and bulk requirement move ordinance be taken up for second and final reading
second and ordin amening chapter 170 and attachment 3 entitled schedule of zoning requirements area yard and bulk requirements except as otherwise specified in chapter 170 part one of the code of the township of Union is there anyone from the public
wishing to speak on this ordinance move ordinance be adopted second Mr figorito yes Mr Terell yes Miss Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes amending chapter 17 Land Development part three zoning this
ordinance regulates removal and replacement of trees within the township will the ordinance be taken up for second to final reading second an ordinance amending chapter 170 Land Development part three zoning of the township of Union County of union state of New Jersey regulating the
management removal and replacement of trees this ordinance regulates removal and Replacements of trees within the township is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance will the ordiance be adopted second Mr
figorito yes Mr Terell yes M Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes creating a handicapped space in front of 1475 Walker Avenue Mo the ordinance be taken up for second 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 hand handicap space in front of 1475 Walker Avenue is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance with the ordinance to
be adopted second M Figo yes M Terell yes M Fraser yes Mr Florio mayor Bowser yes amending chapter 26666 of the municipal code parking by permit and residential areas this ordinance affects Caldwell Avenue move
the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading sir and ordinance amending chapter 2 66- 66 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 Caldwell Avenue is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance move the ordinance be adopted second Mr figorito yes M Terell yes M Frasier yes Mr floral yes mayor Bowser
yes I for your consideration on draft and first reading an ordinance amending chapter 266-5565 d55 schedule 14 entitled parking prohibited at all times by the township Committee of the township of Union County of union state of New Jersey this
ordinance affects bonell Court Mr figorito yes Mr Terell yes M Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes move draff be taken up at the next regularly scheduled meeting for second and final reading second Mr Figaro yes M Terrell
yes M Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes amending chapter 26644 of the municipal code oneway streets to include bonell Court will the draft be taken up for first reading by title at this time second an ordinance amending chapter
26654 schedule 3 entitled one way streets by the township Committee of the township of Union County of union state of New Jersey this ordinance affects bonell Court Mr figorito yes M Terell yes Miss Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor
Bowser yes D be taken up for second and final reading at our next regularly scheduled meeting second Mr figorito yes Mr trell yes Miss Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes creating creating a stop
intersection at ugat Avenue and Townley Avenue move the draft be taken up on first reading by title at this time second an ordinance amending chapter 26649 schedule 8 entitled stop intersections by the township Committee of the township of Union County of union
state of New Jersey this ordinance affects ugona Avenue Mr figorito yes Mr Terell yes Miss Fraser yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes Mo the draft be taken up at the next Reg regularly scheduled meeting for second and final reading
second Mr figorito yes Mr trell yes M Fraser yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes amending the Styers Avenue Redevelopment plan move draft be taken up on first reading by title at this time second ordinance of the township Committee of the township of Union
County of Union New Jersey adopting certain additional amendments to the Redevelopment plan for serson Avenue block 2903 Lots 11 through 15 and 25 through 29 pursuant to the local Redevelopment and Housing law njsa 4A
col2 A-1 at se Mr figorito yes M Terrell yes M Fraser yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes move draft be taken up at the next regularly scheduled meeting for second and final reading second Mr
figorito yes Mr Terell yes Miss Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes the following resolution authorizing the purchase of various lock and keys from Advanced County locksmith for an amount not to exceed $5,500 motion to approve the purchase
second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of landscaping equipment and parts from PMP lawn mowers Inc for an amount not to exceed $5,000 Mo to approve the purchase second all in favor I authorizing the purchase and repair of landscaping equipment from j& mower for
an amount not to exceed $10,000 for approval second all in favor I I authorizing various fence repairs throughout the Township from Consolidated steel and aluminum fence company for a fe not to exceed $80,000 State contract number
88680 motion to approve 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 not to exceed $20,000 motion to approve the contract second
all in favor I I authorizing the purchase of a new vehicle for the building department from Gentilly Motors through the Cranford Co-op for an amount not to exceed $ 36,7 55 for approval second all in favor I amending resolution 20243 increasing
the amount to NW Financial Group for financial advisory Services by an additional $90,000 for a revised total amount not to exceed $140,000 move for approval second all in favor I amending resolution 20257
increasing amount to W Goldman and Spitzer for Bond counsel by an additional $45,000 for a revised total amount not to exceed $115,000 motion to approve second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of janitorial supplies from Spruce
Industries who the Mars County Co-op for an amount not to exceed $155,000 motion to approve second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of equipment for special operations for the fire department from Continental fire and safety for an amount not to ex $3 37,5
3.80 State contract number 17 Fleet 00757 move to approve the second all in favor I appointing Donald travisano as fund commissioner and Di Nunes as alternate fund commissioner to the Garden State Municipal joint Insurance Fund Board of Commissioners move for
approval second all in favor authorizing a contract with Civic Plus for upgrade support and maintenance of the website for a period of one year for an amount not to exceed 18,6 $746 motion to approve second all in favor I I amending resolution 2025 84 to
award the employee benefits contract solely to Fairview Insurance Agency motion to approve the amendment second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of new workstations from commercial Furniture Interiors for the office of public information for an amount now to
exceed 943094 through the Omnia Co-op and state contract 125 C OMG 94148 move to approve the purchase second all in favor I authorizing an award of contract to Lewis Barb Landscaping Inc through the Union County
Co-op for the 2024 tree planting for a total amount not to exceed $35,500 Mo for approval second all in favor I accepting a performance bond in the amount of $5,000 and establishing a special trust fund account in the amount of $1,000 from Robin F 281-283 oswal
place motion to approve second all in favor I authorizing the removal of brush and logs from the Department of Public Works from top quality services LLC for an amount not to exceed $68,000 motion to approve second all in favor I I amending the lease agreement
between the township and New Jersey transit to extend the term of the lease through February 28 2030 with options to extend the lease for a period of 5 years motion to approve second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of supplies for the the main library Cafe from home from
Home Depot for an amount not to exceed $1,942 144 State contract 18 Fleet 00234 move to authorize the purchase second all in favor I I maning resolution 2023 312 increasing the
amount to detronics ink for additional work related to the installation of two LED video displays for the library by an additional $647 for revised total amount not to exceed $496,500 State contract a
42261 motion to approve the contract second all in favor I I authorizing the lease of Township property located at 65050 and 685 Liberty Avenue to Maxon Auto group for a period of three years at a monthly rate of $20,000 for approval second all in favor
I ask you to approve the finances as listed on the agenda so moved second all in favor I following Communications from Terry Manda tax collector requesting the township committee authorized checks issued to the following representing the Redemption of tax s certificates as
listed on the agenda motion to approved second all in favor I I'm Cheryl berer Connecticut Farms Church requesting to hang two 4x5 foot banners to advertise the nursery school program from March 1st through 31st 2025 motion to approve
the banners second all in favor I I fing Department reports from the clerk's office Community Development and Senior Center be receiving file second all in favor I I that concludes my part of the agenda thank you madam clerk at this
time we like to start with our committee reports Police Commissioner Sandell thank you uh so I will be sharing information for the period of January 27th through February 10th of 2025 uh this activity is related to the
police department um for direct patrols there were 1,535 direct patrols um during that period and there were 2853 calls for service also during that period there were 61 arrests that were
made if anyone's been paying attention to my last report you'll uh you'll note that there's a slight decrease in all of those numbers um with regard to enforcement truck enforcement uh for this period there were 19 stops there were 18
tickets issued and one was issued to a resident uh there's a slight uptick in those numbers uh because we had some um complaints from our residents and we paid attention as our police officers do
uh and uh we we're trying to put a stop to that um with regard to Red Light enforcement those are the folks that are running red lights there were 71 uh stops there were 68 tickets issued and there were of those uh there were 13 residents that
were issued tickets and for our speed initiative there were 142 stops for speeding there were 101 tickets issued and 26 residents were issued tickets for speeding um
I have uh just one highlight and one announcement that I'd like to share for a highlight on February 4th a union police officer officer assigned to the auto theft task force noticed Union uh noticed notified Union Police Department
that a stolen vehicle from Philadelphia was being tracked via GPS within our town officers quickly located the unoccupied vehicle in a local parking lot and initiated surveillance after a period of monitoring they successfully
identified the and arrested the suspect without incident the individual was transported to headquarters and charged accordingly and for my announcement the union Police Department continues to look for new members to join its Neighborhood Watch program the
initiative strengthens the partnership between the police department and the community encouraging residents to take an active role in their neighborhoods safety and wellbeing by participating residents can help address local concerns and Foster a stronger more
connected Community for information regarding the neighborhood watch program please contact the community policing Bureau at 908 851 5252 that concludes my report thank you commissioner Terell at this time we have
DPW commissioner Emanuel figorito thank you mayor thank you so much um from our Public Works the township of Union DPW has worked hard uh to manage the aftermath of the recent snow and Ice event and as you'll see if you look out
your windows at this time if you're watching this live according to our phones it says it's snowing out there so they'll be working again hard tonight for you snowstorms of course can create a lot of challenges especially in terms of brining salting clearing roads
parking lots crosswalks and sidewalks our public works department maintains 28 parking lots and 65 crosswalks so a lot of work to be done there public works ensured that roadways were safely cleared of snow and ice not only for the
residents of the township of Union but especially for our first responders that need to get out there and while clearing the roads of snow and ice uh the township of Union public works also perform daily operations in each of the eight divisions Shay Tre had a busy
couple of weeks performing Seven Tree removals and 10 stump removals while also working with PSC and on trees that are in or around power lines and as always any concerns or inquiries regarding all divisions of Public Works
can be addressed by calling our public works department at 908 6861 1922 well we do encourage you all so to utilize our report of concern on our website because that can get you there quickly that feature is on our Township website and mayor that concludes my
report thank you commissioner at this time we have fire commissioner Patricia Frasier good evening everyone first I would like to thank my Fighters for feing me this evening some tacos tonight are you
jealous all right Union fire department responded to 235 emergency calls to service this TW we period with 114 of the calls being for medical services members have completed 575 hours of training this period some
significant events during this period are my apologies should I go over that again no no okay January 30th the fire department responded to Route 22 West for a large
display sign that was in danger of falling the roadway was shut down until repairs were made and the area was made safe February 4th the fire department responded to Wilshire Drive on a reported house fire the basement was um
on fire the fire was confirmed upon arrival Crews made a aggressive interior attack there were no injuries to the fire responders or the residents on February 8th uh they responded to Sait place on a reported fire
basement fire upon entry Crews um extinguished the fire which was started by a candle the occupant sustained Burns and was transported to Burn Center Winter fire safety tips keep your chimneys and intake exhaust vents from
furnaces and heating appliances free of debris ice and snow accumulations to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup from in inefficient combustion burn dry well seasoned wood in fireplaces and wood stoves to reduce the
risk of excessive build up in chimneys allow ashes from your fireplace or wood stove to cool before emptying them into a metal container with a tight fitting lid keep the container outside keep space heaters at least 3
feet away from anything that can burn including curtains upholstery or clothing ensure that vehicles are not left running inside any garage or building ensure there is working smoke alarm on every story and and outside all
sleeping areas of your home install CO alarms to alert you to the presence of these deadly gases and that concludes my report for this evening thank you commissioner Frasier at this time we have Deputy Mayor Joseph Florio Commissioner of senior center and Recreation Department thank you m report
from our senior center uh we have this month a health and wellness affair on Tuesday February 18th at 9:30 to 11:30 a nurse will be providing health maintenance and check and Prevention Services ARP free tax a don't we always
always like tax seing right if you need it every Thursday until April 10th AARP tax Aid provides tax assistance to anyone free of charge you must schedule your tax appointment though appointments are based on available dates and time
the a new department has been established here in the senior area it's the department of military and Veterans Affairs we're asking you if you need to to join for an in informative presentation on the various benefits and tax relief programs available to Veterans and
survivor benefits the session will cover the following topics income tax exemptions many retired pay and survivors benefits are exempt from New Jersey gross income tax 100% disabled venant may also qualify for a $6,000
exemption property tax deductions better may qualify for 250 annual property tax deduction and 100% disabled veterans may be eligible for full property tax exemption burial benefits information on burial benefits for veterans will also
be provided this is a valuable opportunity for veterans to learn about the benefits they may be entitled to and how to access them we encourage interest of veterans and survivors to attend we've always treated veterans very important in this in this town and and I
want this is the continuation of that type of process so anybody who feels they need information on this who's a veteran or a Survivor should please come to that session on Wednesday February 26th Valentine celebrations February 14
12:00 to 3 karaoke and cupcakes was very good last year especially the cupcakes entertainment by Tanya Ray vocals serving cupcakes and coffee canasa Club Shuffle Up deal join us every Thursday
from 1:30 to 3:30 for an engaging and enjoying caness the session whether you are beginner or an advancement player all skill levels are welcome this is a great opportunity to refine your strategy meet fellow enthusiastics and
have fun and friendly social environment we look forward to seeing you there Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem Pennsylvania February 13th $40 per person per ticket in departure time is Janette Avenue hun Hills
playoffs very nice place very I've never been there February 20th departure to the senior center at 11:00 a.m. Dr K motown's review will take you on a journey back in time with the authentic sound and impressive dance
routines $85 per ticket includes show Transportation table served entree dessert coffee and hot tea taxes Ru you hear that Manny figuro I think you might want to go to that any additional information please contact the senior
center at 98851 5290 from a recreation department the union Recreation Department is excited to announce that Dr stem is coming to Union this Hands-On engineering class has been hit since it was created by Dr
Larry seagull an elementary school teacher in Verona for 40 plus years years the Dr St program introduces the engineering design process and challenges the growing Minds with interesting projects that are all about
learning while doing very important your hands on projects such as bridge building or marble maze will utilize common household or store bought supplies in creative ways that will spark your inspiring Engineers inner Problem
Solver the program will meet in on Tuesdays from April 22nd to May 27th class times will be offered for children 1st to fifth grade online registration will begin on February 19th to learn more about this and other spring enrichment programs please call the
union recreation department at 98686 4200 if you're interested in stem project I I suggest you make that inquiry mayor that's my report thank you commissioner floral uh before we dive into the upcoming uh Township events I would like to congratulate the Union
High School dance team who attended the first competition of the season and came in first for both the routines in jazz and hipop also they received a judge award for the hipop routine and both routine scored
Elite Gold the highest scoring category congratulations the township of Union is calling on all entrepreneurs and small business owners to a upcoming Workshop in partnership with the in New Jersey Eda on February 20th at 9:00 am at Nova
coffee shop and restaurant discover powerful programs and financial resources to take your business to the next level this is your chance to connect learn and grow RSVP today at Union township.com black history play
Black History Month play join us for an exceptional performance for hear him Roar a celebration of black men in the Arts of on February 15th at 7 p.m. at the Jefferson School auditorium that's 155 Hilton Avenue in
Vox Hall this powerful performance examines the legacy of iconic figures in black history admission is free however tickets are required tickets for the 700 p.m. performance is currently available at the Town Hall admissions office while
supplies last my son is going to be performing fantastic ftic great another celebration is the HRC the Human Resource Commission black history celebration uh join the human
resource committee for the conversation continues a powerful Black History Month celebration on Saturday February 22nd at 12: p.m. at the Jefferson Elementary School enjoy inspiring performances including the gr Grammy Award winning
Reverend Steph in Jubilation admission is free but tickets are required get your tickets at Town Hall ad ad missions office uh 1 1976 Mars Avenue Black History Month Art Gallery join us on Friday February the 28th from 6: to 9:00
p.m. at the Box hall meeting Center for a special Art Gallery event to close out our 2025 Black History Month celebration experience the powerful work of local black artists while enjoying an evening of creativity culture and community
admission is free and guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments and ordures Evergreen notification please sign up for the Evergreen uh emergency and journal notification online at ww. uniontown.pa
at this time I'd like to say if there's anyone wishing to speak I open it up to the public reminder that there's a five minute rule anyone wishing to speak any or have comments please come up and remember to state your name and where you and your
address hello I'm Ruth sovic I live at 12 1221 McGee um as you know I I come here to ask about explanations of some of the resolutions that are are passed or pending I was just wondering if there's any way there could be like more um
explanations of some of them um so that whoever sees this I mean you say it's online like a day or two before and it probably stays online for a while I would think uh if they want to comment on it there's a lot of things that there I wouldn't understand and maybe people looking on the website wouldn't
understand either what what we you're talking about for instance the amending this D Avenue Redevelopment plan like what are you amending why I don't need details but like because there's additional this or additional that now we have to amend it just something so
that we understand so people like me don't have to come up and say what do you mean by this what do you mean by that I don't make a pest to myself but if there was more explanation for instance also on um where's the other one oh number 26 amending the lease
agreement what's the lease for like what is the lease and why is it being amended and again I don't need all the details and the legalities and all that stuff but just just an explanation um and then the the the exorb amount on
number 15 um increasing the amount to the Financial Group by an additional 990,000 like why and and again the details aren't as important as the reason why um and then
number 28 where it says um increasing the amount to um a certain company for the displays that's an astronomical amount $496,000 just for a video display um so
I think the public needs to know the details of what's going on and why and you can answer all my questions that I come when I when I'm here I ask the questions about it but just is so suggestion for the future maybe a little more detail would help to avoid any kind
of confusion or like wow I don't can't believe they're doing this and then be derogatory towards the situation when in fact there is a reasonable explanation so thank you thank you thank you anyone else wishing to speak seeing none can I have a motion to
adjourn motion to adjourn second all in favor I I meeting adjourned