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, 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 aforet 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. The prayer will be the
prayer will be given by committeewoman Patricia Gar Frasier and deputy mayor gentle Florio will lead us in the flexion. Please stand. Let us bow our hearts and minds. God of power, might, wisdom, and justice.
Through you, authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. 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. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[Music] Good evening. We have a a special proclamation uh this evening for roll. I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm kind of excited for this group that's coming up next. Can I have a roll call?
Mr. Figero here. Miss Terrell here. Miss Frasier here. Mr. Florio here. Mayor Bowser here. As I said earlier, uh we have a a proclamation to give to a very exciting group of individuals
for older American month proclamation. I'm going ask that uh Marie Theresa, the senior director, come up along with Patricia Patricia Witttech, the president of the Wednesday club.
Kathleen Shifter Shifter, president of the Friday Club, and Joanne Armenti to come up, president of the 60 plus club. [Applause] I will read this proclamation.
The Township of Union Proclamation Older Americans Month presented on May 2025. Whereas May is Older American Month, a time for us to recognize and honor the Township of Unions, older adults and their immense influence on
every facet of American society. And whereas through the wealth of life experience and wisdom, older adults guide our younger generation and and carry forward abundant culture and historical knowledge. And whereas older
Americans improve our communities through intergenerational relationships, community service, civil engagement, and many other activities. And whereas the community benefit from people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live
independently. And whereas upon whereas union must endure their older Americans have the resources and support needed to stay involved in their communities, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and connectedness. And whereas we call
upon all residents to join me in recognizing the contributions of our older citizens and promoting programs and activities that foster connections, inclusions, and support for older adults. And now therefore, I, Mayor James Bowser, Jr. on behalf of the
Township of Union in the County of Union, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as Older American Month. The 2025 theme flipped the script on aging. focus on transform trans transforming how so society perceives
talks about and approaches aging encouraging individuals to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions signed James Bowser Jr. Mayor, Township Committee, Joseph Florio, Manny Figero, Patricia G Frasier, and Sandra Terrell. Again, it's
my honor to get present this proclamation. Thank you. a little bit. Thank you. I'm the older American. Thank you. You know, just to add a comment here,
it's my privilege to be the commissioner of the seniors this year and I uh really it's a wonderful group of people. They get together. I can't say enough for our director there, Maria Terza, what she does. But you know I I I had a speak in
front of them last week regarding different subjects and stuff and they really ask good questions. They're alert. They're there and it we had I say 200 people there. They really participate. But these people including me and
Manny have contributed all their lives. A lot of them to the township of union and we're very happy for that. uh they're they're part of our core and our fabric here in our community and I wish them the best and uh like I said, we're going to continue to support seniors in this community.
[Applause] Just stay here. Could I have a motion to approve the minutes? So moved. All in favor? A second. Second. Second. All in favor?
I I uh Madame clerk, can we move on to the to the ordinances and resolutions? I for consideration on second final reading an ordinance creating a new chapter in the municipal code to prohibit the intentional release of blooms. Move the ordinance be taken up
for second and final reading. Second. An ordinance creating a new chapter entitled balloons release prohibited in the township of union, Union County, New Jersey. This ordinance prohibits the intentional release of balloons. Is there anyone wish anyone from the public who wishes to speak on this
ordinance? Move the ordinance be adopted. Second. Mr. Figerio. Yes. Miss Terrell. Yes. Miss Frasier. Yes. Mr. Florio. Yes. Mayor Bowser. Yes. Establishing a cap bank for the 2025 calendar year. Making
a motion to postpone the second reading to the July 11th meeting. June. June 11th. June 11th. My apologies. Second the motion. All in favor? I I. Mr. Figgorito? Yes. Miss Terrell?
Yes. Miss Frasier? Yes. Mr. Florio? Yes. Mayor Bowser? Yes. Providing for various 2025 capital acquisitions and improvements. Motion to postpone second reading to the June 11th meeting. Second. All in favor? I. Mr. Figero.
Yes. M. Terrell. Yes. Miss Frasier? Yes. Mr. Florio? Yes. Mayor Bowser? Yes. Following resolutions authorizing an award of contract to Clarion Events, Inc. for fire and EMS online training for an amount not to exceed $10,33. Move to approve the contract.
Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing the issuance and sale of the water bank construction notes by the Township of Union pursuant to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank Financing Program. Move for approval. Second. All in favor?
I. I. I authorizing the mayor to submit and execute the 2025 annual action plan for community development. Move for approval. Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing payment of all approved vouchers for solid waste collection hage and disposal at the interim rate of
$759 per ton for household waste and $11912 per ton for bulky waste for the month of April. Motion to approve the payment. Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing additional emergency repairs for squad 2 from fire and safety
services for an amount not to exceed $15,33422. Move for approval. Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing a cooperative agreement between the township and the American Theater Group for development and management of cultural programming at the New Box Theater. Move for approval.
Second. All in favor? I. I have an additional resolution authorizing a settlement agreement in the case of Zimzic versus Township of Union. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I ask you to approve the finances as listed on
the agenda. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Following communications from Atlanta tax collector requesting the township committee authorized checks issued to the following representing the redemption of tax sale certificates.
Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I Josephia Township Engineer requesting payment number eight to Crossroads Paving Corporation doing business as ADG Contracting in the amount of $417,582.70 for work completed through
May 15, 2025 in connection with the 2024 road improvement program. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I from Albert E Cook Jr. Georgie Cannon Elks Lodge, 103 Valley Street, requesting permission to hold a community day event on Saturday, July
5th, 2025 from 12 to 5:00 p.m. and to block off Tuxedo Place to Valley Street. Also requesting the use of the showmobile. Move to approve the request but closing Tuxedo Place in its entirety. Second. All in favor? I. The
following department reports from community development, police department, and senior center. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. That concludes my part of the agenda. Thank you, Madam Clerk. At this time, we move on to the committee reports. Uh, first
we have Patricia, I'm sorry, Sandra Terrell, police commissioner. Thank you, Mayor. Uh, so I'll be reporting on the period of of May 10th through May 26, 2025. Uh with regard to direct patrols
during that period, there were 1,335 direct patrols. There were 2,74 calls for service and there were 54 arrests made during that period. In our enforcement division for truck
enforcement, there were 15 stops, 18 tickets were issued, and zero were issued to local or residents of Union. In our red light enforcement, uh, we had 18 stops, 19 tickets were issued, and two of those were residents. And then in
our speed initiative, we had 60 stops, 54 tickets were issued, and five of those were issued to residents. Uh, with regard to highlights and announcements, uh, I have one highlight to share. On May 21st, 2025, a resident contacted the
Union Police Department to report uh a suspicious vehicle parked in front of their home. Due to a prior burglary incident at the same location, multiple officers were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers
located and detained two individuals who were attempting to leave the area. Through a thorough investigation, it was determined that the individuals had attempted to burglarize the residents prior to the officer's arrival. Both suspects were arrested and charged with
burglary along with several additional offenses. They were transported to headquarters for processing without further incident. And as a safety reminder, I just want to take a moment to thank our residents really just for being mindful um for continuing to look
out for one another. Your eyes and ears are one of our greatest assets in keeping the community safe. As a reminder, if you see something that doesn't look right, please say something. No concern is too small. We would rather check on a report that
turns out to be nothing than miss the chance to prevent a crime or protect our neighbors. We ask all residents to continue to stay alert, stay informed, and never hesitate hesitate to reach out to us. Your vigilance combined with
efforts of the police department create a safer and stronger community for everyone. Thank you for being and staying engaged. Uh and lastly, for more information on our neighborhood watch program, please contact our community policing bureau at
908851-5252. That concludes my report. Thank you, Commissioner. Next, we have the DPW public works commissioner, Emanuel Figarino. Thank you, mayor. Uh from our roads division, we had 360 streets that were swept. We filled 179 potholes. There was a location where a
patch was done and 17 overlay locations. We utilized 9 and 12 tons of asphalt material. During this time from our sewer division, we flushed out and cleared 32 sanitary lines for maintenance, one waterway cleaning. There were 44 enzyme applications to
eliminate grease in various sanitary lines, 47 catch basin cleanings, and we repaired two catch basins. From our shade tree division, we removed five hazardous trees, removed six stumps, trimmed three trees, and removed three
hangers. And as always, all concerns and inquiries regarding all divisions of public works can be addressed by calling public works at 9086861922. And we encourage you though to utilize the report of concern feature on the township website. And that concludes my report. Mayor, thank you,
Commissioner. Next, we have fire commissioner Patricia Garrett Frasier. Okay. Good evening, everyone. Uh before I read my report, um I'm making a motion to approve the following license. BYOB for Peruvian Flavors Restaurant LLC,
1020 Stason Avenue. Second motion. All in favor? I I Thank you. Okay. Union Fire Department. For this reporting period, the Union Fire Department responded to a total of
297 calls for service. This included 170 related incidences, 105 EMS incidences, and 22 motor vehicle accidents. Some significant events. May 15th, the fire department apparatus responded to a
senior complex on Tucker Avenue for a smoke condition inside the building. Upon entering, uh, the crew navigated through the smoke and found on the first floor the smoke was contained to a wing of the building. Smoke did not travel
due to the fire doors closing and securing that area of the building. It is it was finally determined that a motor on a washing machine burnt up causing the condition. Machine was removed to the outside building was ventilated and the alarm system was
reset. On May 17th, two utility poles fell on private property between 642 North Michigan Avenue, Brink Security, and 18 Sydney Circle, Qatargo, releasing an estimated 500 to one 550 to 100
gallons of trans uh transformer fuel oil. The oil spilled into the parking lot and flowed into the wooded area adjacent to Qatargo. Downed wires blocked access to bring security driveway. PSENG responded, secured the
area, and cut power to both businesses. Union County Hazmid and UFD assess the scene. PSEG's uh environmental contractor began cleanup operations. Safety tips for this uh
grilling season. Please take note. Place your grill well away from siding, deck railings, and out from under leaves and overhanging branches. Only use propane, charcoal, and wood pellet barbecue grills outside. Indoor use can cause a
fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not store or use grill on a porch or balcony. Keep an eye on your grill at all times. Do not walk away when it is lit. Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a
fire. Personal actions to take if a fire does start. Remember to get out, stay out, and call 911. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Do not get on the elevator. All your things, leave all of your things where
they are and save yourselves first. If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your
exit. Close doors behind you. Once you are outside, go to your meeting place. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency communication plan. And that concludes my report. Thank you, Commissioner. Next, we have for the senior center and recreation department, Commissioner
Joseph Florio. Thank you, Mayor. uh from our senior citizen uh development area for health and wellness. On Tuesday, June 17th, between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., a nurse will be providing health maintenance check and prevent services.
Please, if you need that, stop in spring dance for a cure. There you go. Twirl into spring. Support Alzheimer's awareness. This is This is on May 30th at 11 to 2:30. Join us for a joyful afternoon of food, music, and DJ Tanya
Ray and fun as we welcome spring and raise awareness for Alzheimer's. The senior's farmer market nutrition program. E benefit in the amount of $40 benefits can be used at approved farmers market sites. To
schedule an appointment and apply, call the senior center. You're going to need some documents. age verification and birth certificate, residency verification, utility bill and income verification, the 2204 income taxes, social
statement. Splash into fitness summer session. There will be eight classes every Wednesday from July July 9th through August 6th from 9 to 10 in the morning. Senior splash water aerobics class at the YMCA indoor pool. This
instructor-led class is designed to help you improve cardiovascular fitness, increase flexibility, and enhance your range of motion. Whether you are new to exercise or looking for a low impact workout, this class offers something for everyone. Space is limited, so please
reserve as soon as possible. Tap your troubles away. Wednesday on June 11th at 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Come join us for a live and and lively and welcome dance workshop with Deborah Mitchell, founder
of New Jersey Tap Dance Assembly. Whether you're a first timer or a seasoned dancer, this is your chance to have fun, learn, and connect with the rich history of tap dance and reminisce about the beloved American art form of tap
dancing. Movie day, the miracle The name of the picture is the Miracle Club. Wednesday, May 28th at 1:30 and we'll be serving popcorn. I think about that. Columbus Flea Market visit Thursday on June 5th. The cost is $3 per
person. The bus departs 9:30 from the senior center. The Columbus Flea Market offers a vibrant mix of indoor and outdoor vendors featuring antiques, produce, clothing, collectibles, and more. With a wide variety of food options, and welcoming atmosphere, it's
a great destination for shopping, exploring, and enjoying the day out. For any information, feel free to call our senior center at 908851-5290. That's my report for tonight. Mayor, thank you, Commissioner. Before we dive into our upcoming events, I just want to take a moment to
recognize our dedicated Memorial Day parade committee for organizing yet another beautiful parade this past Monday. Also, a special thanks thank you to Bob Johnson, this year's Grand Marshall. This event not only showcased the spirit of our community, but also
served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces. Let us carry that spirit of remembrance as we move forward with our upcoming events. The market is returning this
season with a new name and location. Join us at the market at Union on to the uh Union Public Library parking lot, 1980 Mars Avenue, starting on June 5th. Join us every Thursday from 5:00 pm to
8:30m for a season filled with uh local flavors, unique vendors, and familyfriendly fun. For updates, follow at TWWP unionfrmkt and visit www. Union TWWP
farmersmarket.com. Library grand opening. Join us for an unforgettable weekend as we celebrate the grand opening of the Union Public Library and Art Center. Join us from June 6th to June 8th for a weekend packed with
ribbon cutting, live music, art exhibits, family activities, and much more. This vibrant space is a gift to our community, offering creativity, learning, and connection for all ages. Visit uniontownship.com for more information.
Junth is coming up. Celebrate freedom and and community at Union Junth festival on Saturday, June 14th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm at Bear Temple Park. Enjoy uh live performances, delicious food
trucks, and over 40 vendors, all with free admission for all vendors and performances. Follow at TWWP Union andJ on social media. Pet licensing. If you have not yet licensed your pet for the
year, please remember you can easily do so by contacting our clerk's office. Applications either by pickup or in person or via uniontownship.com website. Please do not forget that proof of vaccination is required. If you have any
questions, please contact our clerk's office at 908851851. Everbridge notifications. Please sign up for emergency and general notifications online at www.uniontownship.com. These updates are also posted on Facebook at
TWWPUNJ. And with that, I if I may, I missed the recreation report. Give me a minute, please. From our recreation department, uh save the date. The Union Recreation Department's next movies under the stars event will be held on Friday, June 6th
at Rapkin Park. We'll be showing the newly released Mona Mona 2 movie, a sequel to the 216 Disney Sensation. This family focused comedy follows Mona on a new what am I saying? Moana. Moana. I
got there you go. Moana on a new adventure with her friends Maui. The film was a star-studded cast of familiar voices and full of memorable songs. Premov entertainment including food, vendors, DJ, photo booth, and face
painter will begin at 700 p.m. The movie will begin after sundown at approximately 8:30. Bring your lawn chairs, blanket, and whole family to enjoy my own Moana. I'll get that one of these. Newest open sea adventure. Thank you, mayor. That's my Thank you,
Commissioner. Uh with that I'm opening up the uh meeting for public comment. Reminder that it's fivem minute rule. Anyone wishing to speak or make comments please come up and remember to give your name and your address. Hello, my name is Paul Gorman. I live at
9417 Oh, can you hear me now? Yes. My name is Paul Gorman. I live at 941 Sav Place and I've lived here for about almost three years and I didn't think to come forward and ask this sooner, but on
the intersection of Savit Place and Elmwood Avenue, there is no um crosswalk or any crosswalk intersection for that area. And you've got a lot of students who who come
between like 2:30 and 2:40 every day crossing not only across Morris Avenue, but they're all crossing across like Elmwood Avenue to get home by way of Sabbath Place. Um, if you could have
someone put a any kind of like basic simple crosswalk there. I know that the school session is over, but even just for regular pedestrians like me. Um, it would be it would be really good for, you know, people who walk or that need
to just get around. And, uh, yeah, that's that's pretty much it. By the way, uh, Mayor Bowser, thank you for the letter that you sent me regarding the community solar program. Is that going to be in effect later in this year or is it immediate for the solar credits? I'm
sorry. You got to speak up. I keep Oh, the solar. Yeah. Yes. Is that immediate or is that going to be later in the year? Later in the year. Okay. Like um by by the fall roughly. Thank you so much. Thank you. All right.
Any additional questions from the public? Hearing none. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? Motion. Second. All in favor? I