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, 2026, designating this date, this Holland, 7:30m, 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 aet 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 too, 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 our prayer will be held by committee Bowser and the flag
by committee that we are ever opportunities to render our services to fellow citizens and to our community. Keep in mind always the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas and those things upon which future generations can build
confidence. Let us continue to strive to make a better community. Amen. >> 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. >> Madame clerk, roll call, please. >> Mr. Figero, >> here. >> Mr. Terrell, >> here. >> Mr. Bowser, >> here. >> Mr. Florio, >> here. >> Mayor Fraser, >> here. >> Thank you. So, um, last month I had the
pleasure of attending the VFW where, um, retired Sergeant Bowl, um, gave out some resolutions and some um and honored some uh African-American
VFW members for Black History Month. And I met some uh lovely ladies that are members of the VFW. So, I um invited them this evening to come out so we can honor them and give them a resolution for Women's History Month. So, in honor
of Women's History Month, I would like to call up BFW member Priscilla Thomas from the United States Navy. Tonight, we have the honor of presenting these two ladies with testimonial resolutions in recognition of their remarkable dedication to our country.
Um, please come on up. [applause] I would like to ask the committee to come up and we can take a picture. Come up to here. Yes. I'll read just the first paragraph of the resolution. Whereas Priscilla
Thomas, a proud 1985 graduate of Union High School, answered the call to duty by enlisting in the United States Navy, serving with distinction as the electricians mate, third class abroad the USS Cannibus.
[applause] >> [applause] >> I would like to also acknowledge Debbie Bernard, Lieutenant Colonel, retired from the United States Air Force Reserve. [applause] And I will read her first paragraph. Whereas Lieutenant Colonel retired
Debbie SK Bernard has served with distinction for 26 years as a flight nurse in the United States Air Force, embodying the core values of integrity, first service before self, and excellence in all we do. God bless [applause and cheering] you and thank
you for your service. [applause] Thank you. Thank you. [applause] So, we have Shirro in our midst. Happy Women's History Month. [applause] Also, this evening, um, as an educator, one of my initiatives was to, um,
educate, right, and educate our students. So I started with the team the junior mayor leadership program. I would like to call up the following students who have been officially accepted into the junior mayor leadership program. These students have been selected not
just for their achievements but also for their leadership dedication and community spirit. This civic engagement initiative is designed to educate, inspire, and empower you through hands-on experience. It was created to give young leaders like them the
opportunity to learn about local government, civic responsibilities, and the importance of community engagement. Throughout this experience, they will observe how decisions are made, participate in meaningful discussions, and share their ideas for the future of
our community. And I'll even let you hit the gavvel also. All while developing valuable leadership skills will serve them for years to come. From Jefferson School, we have Jaden Chase and Vera Acavdo. Come on up.
From Bernett Middle School. [applause] From Bernett Middle School, we have Hannah Lee and Isaac Renee. And from Kowami Middle School, we have Leah Vasquez and Benjamin Sales. Come on up, guys. [applause]
>> Jaden. Congratulations that one >> committee in the back. >> Yes. So along with uh shadowing myself and maybe some of the committee members. They will also attend workshops to learn
to um have some public speaking um time management and uh things of that nature. >> So they can take care of us when we get old. Guys, >> you got a chance to come up first. We're struggling over here crying.
>> Wait, everyone smile. Look over here. Everyone smile >> on the end. Can you just come? >> Oh, thank you. Just a little bit more. Can you go right across so quick? >> Sorry.
paparazzi. >> I promise not to give you any homework. [laughter] >> Thank you guys. Congratulations. [applause] >> [applause] >> So, Benjamin would like to say a few words. Come on up, Benjamin.
>> Would you like to? [laughter] >> Right. Thank you everybody. Um, I just want to just say thank thank you. Um, it's really an honor to be here right now. I thank um,
you know, my teachers, my parents, my family, and my friends for letting me be able to get here. And importantly, I love how we have an awesome community that lets us uplift each other and bring each other up. And without anyone, and
with if no one was here, I don't even think I'd be on stage right now. Thank you everybody. and it's a pleasure to be here. [applause] [applause] >> We look forward to working with all of them. Thank you so much for coming this evening.
>> Mayor, can I say something? >> Yes, you may. >> You know, uh I want to make sure we all thank our mayor. Uh she's the one who initiated this program. She got us involved with it. And anything anytime you could do something with the young people to learn about government, it's a
good thing. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you. Thank you, guys. [applause] Thank you so much. And I hope you guys learn a lot. All right. Um, can I get a motion to approve the minutes of March 10th, please? >> Motion to approve.
>> Second. >> All in favor? I. Madame clerk, we can continue. >> I for consideration on second and final reading an ordinance creating a handicap space in front of 148 Basser Avenue.
>> The ordinance be taken up for second and final reading. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> 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 148 Basser Avenue. >> Is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on this ordinance? >> Move the ordinance be adopted. >> Second. >> Mr. Figero. >> Yes. >> Miss Terrell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bowser. >> Yes. >> Mr. Florio. >> Yes. >> Mayor Frasier. >> Yes.
>> Creating a handicap space in front of 1869 Manor Drive, apartment B. >> Move 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 handicap space in front of 1869 Manor Drive, apartment bay. >> Is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance? >> Move the ordinance be adopted. >> Second. >> Mr. Figerita? >> Yes.
>> Miss Terrell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Bowser? >> Yes. >> Mr. Florio? >> Yes. >> Mayor Fraser? >> Yes. Amending chapter 434 article 3 of the municipal code pertaining to source system user charges. >> Move the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading.
>> Second. >> An ordinance to amend article 3 of chapter 434 of the code of the township of union pertaining to source system user charges. >> Is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance? >> Move the ordinance be adopted.
>> Second. >> Mr. Figero. >> Yes. >> Merell. Yes, >> Mr. Bowser. >> Yes, >> Mr. Florio. >> Yes, >> Mayor Frasier. >> Yes. >> Creating the position of arts director for the Union Theater. >> Move the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading. >> Second. >> An ordinance creating the division of
Union Arts Center in the Township of Union, Union County, New Jersey. This ordinance creates the division of Union Arts Center and the position of arts director. >> Is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance? >> Move the ordinance be adopted. >> Second,
>> Mr. Mr. Figero. >> Yes. >> Miss Terrell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bowser. >> Yes. >> Mr. Florio. >> Yes. >> Mayor Frasier. >> Yes. >> Creating a handicap space in front of 2126 Foxall Road. >> Move the ordinance be taken up a second. >> 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 2126 Foxall Road. Is there anyone wishing to speak on this
ordinance? >> Ordinance be adopted? >> Second, >> Mr. Figero. >> Yes. >> M. Terrell. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bowser. >> Yes. >> Mr. Florio. >> Yes. >> Mayor Fraser. >> Yes. >> Have the following resolutions. Authorizing a shared services agreement with the township of Dover to provide a
health officer for a period of one year. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Authorizing a shared service agreement with the township of Chadam to provide a health officer for the for a period of four years. >> Move for approval. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Authorizing change order number two
and final decreasing the amount to ADG Contracting doing business as crossroads paving by 152,59.35 resulting in a revised total contract amount of $1,100,0425 for the 2023 road reconstruction phase 3 Lehigh Avenue program.
>> Move to approve. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Authorizing a professional service agreement with Neglia Group for surveying and engineering services relating to the Davis Park splash pad pad project for an amount not to exceed $38,50.
>> Move the service agreement be approved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Authorizing an emergency contract with Tinho and Suns contracting for snow plowing and removal services in the amount of $30,600. >> Move for approval. >> Second. All in favor?
>> I. Authorizing the purchase of historical street signs from Keystone Ridge Designs to the Sourceville Co-op contract number 101625 Key for an amount not to exceed $35,612. >> Move to approve the purchase. Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Authorizing payment of all approved vouchers for solid waste collection, holage, and disposal at their interim rate. $759 per ton for household waste and $129.52 per ton for bulky waste for the month of February.
>> Motion to approve the payment. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I have an additional resolution not listed on the agenda authorizing the mayor and clerk to sign a settlement agreement with Signatures LLC. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I ask you to approve the finances as
listed on the agenda. >> Move to approve finances. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> have the following communications from Terry Melanda tax collector requesting the township committee authorized checks issued to the following representing the redemption of tax sale certificates as listed.
>> Move for approval. >> Second. >> All in favor? from Patricia Gomes, Portuguese American Civic Association requesting a flag raising ceremony on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 7 p.m. Also requesting the use of showmobile, three spotlights and barricades for their annual Portugal Day
event June 24th through June 28th, 2026 with all fees waved. >> Move to approve the request without spotlights. Please >> second. >> All in favor? I >> from Irma Art, Connecticut Farms Church, requesting to hang a 8 by3 foot banner
at the corner of Styverson Avenue and West Chestnut Street advertising vacation bible school from June 1st through June 30th, 2026. >> Motion to approve the request. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> From the Dez Ricketts Union Haitian Association requesting a flag raising
ceremony on May 5th, 2026 at 5:00 pm in front of town hall. >> Move to approve request. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> from Sydney Barrett Remax First Reality 2 requesting to hold a community financial empowerment event at Rapkin Park on Saturday, September 5th with a
rain date of Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. with vendors, music, and food trucks. >> Move to approve this based on park availability. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. Joseph Denisia Township Engineer requesting payment number five and final
to Crossroads Paving in the amount of $80,9867 for work completed through February 27, 2026 in connection with the 2023 road reconstruction phase 3 Lehigh Avenue program. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> And I have department reports from police, municipal court, and the fire department. >> Motion to receive and file the reports. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. That concludes my part of the agenda. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. Let's continue with the committee reports. We will
start with committeewoman Terrell with the fire department. Thank you, Mayor. So, for the last reporting period during this period, the Union Fire Department responded to 198 calls for service, including fire suppression, emergency medical assistance, and motor vehicle
incidents. Significant incidents that I'd like to share this week. On March 18th, units responded to 377 Dorm Court for a smoke condition. Union Fire Department members found a small electrical fire and successfully extinguished it. On March 18th, units
responded to 52 Progress Street for a fire alarm activation. Upon investigation, the fire department found a fire in a dumpster inside the building. Members used a hose to a hose line to extinguish extinguish the fire.
There were no injuries. On March 22nd, units responded to the area of 2030 Voxhole Road for a downed power line. Union Fire Department members found a primary electrical line down on the roadway. Boxhole Road was closed while
PSEG made repairs. Fire safety reminders for this week. As the weather warms up, so they say, we'll see. Uh it's important to stay safe both indoors and outdoors. Here are some key outdoor fire prevention tips for the
spring. Yard cleanup. Please remove uh any dead leaves, dry grass, and debris from your yard to reduce fire hazards. Grill safety. Keep grills at least 10 feet away from your house or any other structure and never leave them unattend
unattended while in use. Burning debris. Local ordinances pro prohibit outdoor burning of debris. So, please do not burn debris in your yards and fire pits. Keep fires in approved containers
supervised and fully extinguish them with water before leaving. This concludes my report. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, Committeeman Figerito with the senior and recreation departments report. >> Thank you, Mayor. um from our seniors.
The allied health students will be there on Wednesday, April 8th. This will be a wellness check with students there. Uh that we are partnering, the senior center is partnering with Union High School allied health students to provide health education presentations and blood
pressure screenings. Students share important wellness information and offer supervised screenings for senior members. This intergenerational program supports student learning while promoting health and connection within the community. I think this is
wonderful. We have our young people and our uh younger people working together. I said that for us, deputy mayor. Uh next step on stress reduction and emotional balance program will be on Friday, April 10th from 1:30 to 2:40 in
the afternoon. Discover a calming and restorative experience focused on relaxation and well-being. This program combines sound and music therapy, mindful meditation, and Reiki techniques to help reduce stress, restore emotional
balance, and promote a sense of inner peace. No prior experience is needed. Just come ready to relax and to enjoy. That sounds great. Really does. And we have our ARP smart driving class on Thursday, April 16th from 9:30 to 3:30.
Earn a multi-year discount on your auto insurance when you complete this course. Get a discount on insurance. That's great. Course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. It is $20
for ARP members and $25 for nonARP members. The book club meets Monday, April 13th in the afternoon from 1:30 to 2:30. Uh, this is the perfect place for book lovers to gather, unwind, and enjoy some meaningful conversation. Each
session brings members together to explore engaging reads, share insights, connect through thoughtful discussion in a relaxing and welcoming setting. This month's book club discussion is Signal Fires by Donnie Shapiro and Wind Creek
Casino. It's a popular one. April 16th. This is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It's $40 per ticket. They'll be leaving at 9:45 from the Janette Avenue parking lot. And again, this is another wonderful one. The Hunton Hills Playhouse, Thursday, April 9th. $90.
Sounds like a lot of money, but you're getting a lot. It's an enchanted evening musical. Ticket pricing includes bus transportation, The Show, table served entree, dessert buffet, coffee, tea, and gratuitity. The bus departs from the
senior center at 10:00 a.m. That sounds like a nice event that day. For any other information, you can call the senior center 9088515290. from our recreation department. As committee Terrell says, we're hoping that the weather will change. Um, and
this Saturday, we're hoping not to have rain because it's been a few years. We've always had rain at our Easter egg hunt. That'll be this Saturday at Rapkin Park, March 28th at 11:00 a.m. sharp. But get there early because before and
after the hunt from 10:00 a.m. to 12, we will have entertainment including a DJ, a photo booth, some face painters, and a roving Easter bunny for photos. That's not me there, Deputy Mayor. I don't know. Did they talk to you? [laughter]
Separate egg hunt areas will be set for different age groups. So each child who attends will be entered into our prize raffle including Easter baskets and get this bikes. So come on out. It's always a very popular event. Online
registration is also for Union Rex summer camp is open now. Limited spots remain. So don't hesitate if your child is interested. Registration for additional summer programs like tennis, multiports camps, and more will open soon. If you have any questions about
the Easter egg hunt or any other wreck activities or programs, you can call the office at 90868642000. And mayor, that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Committee Figero. We'll move on to Committeeman Bowser with the DPW report.
>> Uh, thank you, Mayor. Since our last meeting, the Department of Public Works has performed the following activities. They filled 1,119 potholes. uh 19 overlay applications, utilized 22 tons of asphalt material, cleaned uh
eight leaf locations, cleaned six township properties, flush 15 sewer lines. DPW used their uh jet truck to do that, which requires pressurized water sent through the areas that need to be flushed and cleaned.
Also, DPW uh routinely cleans their problem areas. And if any resident has any issues in regards to clog lines, they can call 908-6861922. Also, 33 enzyme applications were applied over that time frame. DPW uses
enzyme tablets in areas that are frequently clogged with fat, oils, and greases. These enzymes dissolves the grease and fat to allow proper flow of water. As always, all concerns or inquiries regarding DPW uh public works
can be addressed by calling public works at 9086861922, but we encourage we encourage you to utilize the report of concern feature on the township website. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Committee Bowser. And now the great deputy mayor Florio with the
police report. Mayor, if I may first, I'd like to thank Comedian Figurito for always giving you strong consideration in his reports, you know. Thank you. [laughter] >> Uh, >> you're welcome, Deputy. >> From the from the police department for
the last two weeks, calls for service were 2,652. So, you can see our police are very busy. Directed patrols with 154. Just so you know, the police patrol cars don't just randomly run around all town all day. There's a lot of statistics
gathered and a lot of analyzation done to direct some of the because remember we don't have so many cars on the street to where we think there might be some additional activity. So we were doing this basically uh through some statistics. We've had 104 arrests in
that two week period. uh our continuing traffic enforcement uh truck enforcement which once again is making sure trucks large trucks only go on the permitted streets. We had seven tickets issued in that period. Red light enforcement
difficult to do. We actually issued 83 tickets. We're trying to watch the stop streets and the red lights. I mean people are just going through it. Fortunately there only 10 union residents of that 83. I hope you know our union residents take this seriously.
Speed initiative once again is on the road checking anybody who's speeding. We're trying to control say we have 52 tickets issued. We do what we can do in the police department to try and make it safe in this community. Just one I only have one highlight for this past two
weeks. On March 13th, a patrol officer observed a vehicle on Route 22 and ran a plate check. The car was stolen was a stolen vehicle and the officer conducted a motor vehicle stop and placed the driver under arrest. Once again, our police are very proactive. That's my
report for tonight. Mayor, >> thank you. So, my mayor's report. Before we discuss our upcoming events, I want to congratulate the Union High School Army Junior ROC program. They have been
national drill champions for the past two years. Our union kids are amazing, if I haven't said that before, [applause] and have once again gained national recognition by earning the prestigious honor unit with distinction rating
during their recent junior ROC program for accreditation inspection conducted by the US Army's cadet command. The JPA is the national measuring stick for high school junior ROC programs. The Fighting Farmer Battalion scored 200 out of 200
for a perfect 100% JPA rating. This distinction places the Fighting Farmer Battalion among the top junior ROC programs in the nation. Congratulations again and keep up the great work. Also, thank you to everyone who attended the
domestic violence awareness event. It was a success. Uh much resources were given out to people in need and thank you for your participation. Sid Easter scavenger scavenger hunt. Hop into the heart of union center on Saturday, April
4th for our free Easter scavenger hunt from 12 to 3:00 p.m. Start at the Union Art Center for games and activities. Then explore our local shops for treats and a special photo op with the Easter Bunny at Norma's Flowers. It's the
perfect way for the whole family to celebrate spring while supporting our wonderful community businesses. 250th celebration. Join the Township of Union's Lego Building Workshop on Saturday, April 11th from 2 to 4 p.m. at
the Union High School gym to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Teams of up to four will participating will participate in building the blocks workshop to recreate famous union landmarks using thousands of Lego bricks
for $25 per group. This engaging hands-on event offers families a great opportunity to connect with local history and help build a collaborative miniature landscape of the township. Networking for a cause. Join us
Thursday, April 16th at the Union Arts Center for our fourth annual networking for a cause to support Isabella Santos, a local second grader bravely battering battling a recurring brain tumor. This
evening of community connects aims to provide vital assistance to Isabella as she manages weekly chemotherapy and significant educational hurdles including partial blindness. We invite you all to please purchase tickets or
make a donation via uniontownship.com to help show Isabella and her family that the entire Union community stands behind them. Puerto Rican is an experience. Uh Puerto Rican is a vibrant Ola award-winning hiphop musical
debuting at the DMK Blackbox Theater this April. This high energy production blends soulful storytelling with high beatboxing to explore the hilarious moving realities of modern fatherhood and cultural identity. For tickets,
please go to the DMK Blackboxtheater.com. Taste of Union. Yummy. That's always a hit. Come support a wonderful cause at the Taste of Union benefit on April 23rd from 6:00 to 900 pm at the Knights of
Columbus located at 10:34 Janette Avenue. This evening is dedicated to raising essential funds for Marcos Rodriguez, a member of our community navigating the financial and physical hardships of lifealtering spinal cord injury. We invite you to enjoy an
evening of food and fellowship to help ease the Rodriguez family's burden. Please visit uniontownship.com for more information. The AAPI uh food and music festival. Join us on the for the third annual AAPI Heritage
Festival on Saturday, May 2nd from 1 to 5:00 p.m. on Styverson Avenue in Union. This free outdoor celebration features an afternoon of live music and performances, a diverse selection of food, trucks, and a market place of
local AAPI owned business vendors. It is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and honor Asian-American and Pacific Islander heritage in a festive, familyfriendly atmosphere. Don't forget to license your pet. It is
now time to license your dogs and your cats for 2026. State law requires proof of vaccination when licensing. You can license in person with in the clerk's office or online at www.unanttownship.com and also sign up for Everbridge
notification for emergency and general general notifications online at www.unanttownship.com. These updates are also posted on Facebook at TWWU UnionNJ. That concludes my report.
At this time, I will open comments up for the public. Reminder, there is five minutes um per person and please state your name and address when you come up to the mic. Ruth Slovvic, 1221 McGee Avenue. Um,
question for you. During the time that I've been coming here, it's been a few years now, have you ever had um the time of prayer, different clergy people come and give the prayer because I think it'd be nice if the township were united in the sense that they're invited to come and they're welcome and they can see
what goes on. And as you know um uh the Bible requires that the uh churches pray for their leaders and you are all covered in prayer. So uh it would be nice to invite them and and >> we we have >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Thank you. I didn't realize that in the last four years I haven't seen it. So
that's why I asked. Okay. Then I have a question on um number 11. The historical street signs. Um I've seen street signs that are really pretty. They can't make it out. I've seen street signs that are like pillars
and you can't when it snows you can't see the name of the street. I was wondering what kind of street signs you have and why you got them. And is this taxpayer funded or is this a grant? >> This is for in celebration of our 250th
um uh our country's anniversary. Um they will replace um the worn out um aluminum signs that we have and they are for historic um places in township. So they would look the same. They'd be up high in aluminum or something like that.
That's what I was wondering because sometimes they're so decorative and pretty, but you can't make them out. So, thank you very much. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Any other comments? Seeing none. >> Motion to adjurnn. Second. >> All in favor? I.
>> Thank you so much and have a great evening.