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 H 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.
This evening, the prayer will be given by committeewoman Sandra Terrell and Committeeman Manny Figurito will lead us in the flag salute. Would you 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. Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for
all. See roll call. Mr. Figero here. Miss Terrell here. Miss Frasier here. Mr. Florio here. Mayor Bowser here. It is my honor at this time to actually um give a resolution uh to a fantastic
group of young folks, the Diamondet, Baton, Twirling, and Dance Team. I'd like to welcome you guys uh for being here. Three of the five performance teams recently represented the township. These talented athletes showcased a
stunning blend of dance, cheer, and gymnastics and baton twirling. I have a resolution that I would like to read. Would you guys come forward? Come up stage. Yeah. Stage. Come up on stage. Stage. So
cute. young people. The challenge of union testimony resolution Diamondets baton twirl and dance group presented on May 2025. Whereas three of the five performance teams of the Diamondets, Baton, Twirl,
and Dance Group represented the Township of Union with pride and excellence at the NBT National Baton Twirling Association and Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship and Miss Majorette and DC competition of of Emittsburg, Maryland.
And whereas the talented athletes performed intrinsically uh choreographed routines at the prestigious PNC school complex on Mount St. Mary's University and showcased a dazzling combination of dance, cheer,
gymnastics, baton twirling before a panel of esteemed judges and whereas uh despite competition against the longestablished teams and renowned coaches, the Diamondets entered the competition with humility, aiming simply to perform with pride and represented
their program with respect. They exceeded all expectations by winning every single category by entered along with the outstanding solist performance. And whereas the following teams and athletes earned regional champion
titles. Team star first place primary small dance churl. The team skimmers first place youth small dance twirl team. Team radiance first place junior small dance twirl team. and Jade
Gayen Pierre first place as soloist and now therefore I James Bowser Jr. Mayor of the Township of Union in the county of Union state of New Jersey proudly commends the Diamondets batan baton
twirl and dance group for their hard work, dedication and remarkable accomplishments. Their passion, teamwork, and commitment to to excellence embody the spirit of our community, and we celebrate their welldeserved victory. Signed, Mayor
James Bowser Jr., also Joseph Florio, Manuel Figerito, Patricia Garrett Frasier, and Senator Serell as committee people. Again, let's give them applause. Smile. Congratulations. At this time, I'm happy to come back to
say a few words. Thank you so much, Mayor Bowser, and the committee for this honor and for acknowledging these athletes. I am beyond proud to run Diamond Baton and Dance. I don't have enough words to truly express how much I feel in my heart for this amazing
program and this amazing group of girls. This program is truly unlike your common youth sports. Not only is the art and skill of baton twirling unique, but I have designed a program model that blends my experience as a classroom teacher and brings purposeful
instruction and effective social emotional elements into the world of sports and coaching in hopes to strengthen every child's inner sparkle and reinforce a positive mindset that will allow true learning and mastery to take place. I'd like to recognize my amazing
Diamond Deets families. They are the foundation of this program and everything that I have accomplished over the years is because of the support of my Diamond Debt's parents. No youth program can flourish without the follow through of commitment
and responsibility that our parents instill in our children. And I am so thankful to have the support that you've given me to help me build this amazing program. I'm blessed to continue carrying the long tradition of the sport of baton twirling in our schools and in our
communities. Years ago, the infamous Miss Pat ran her baton studio called Patty's Dolls in Union. And she is the reason why baton twirling still exists in Union. Having come from a long line of her students, it is an honor that I
am able to keep this sport alive in this community. The accolades and experiences that my students have attained from this sport is remarkable and it is a true joy to experience. I'd like to congratulate all of my athletes on their accomplishments
and just to remind them how truly special they are for sticking with the sport that is truly unlike any other. This entire program is based on the idea that every single child can become an athlete. And what is successful for one
child is not the same for other other children. Success is based on the individual. The trophies that they've achieved are certainly welcome. But as far as the real win, the real win here is
taking a group of novice twirlers every year and being able to put them on that competition floor and seeing the beautiful routines they do. That is the real win that they are able to go out against studios who've been together for years and go out there and do a routine
just as beautiful. Um, I wanted to quickly just acknowledge three little girls. My my team stars. Do you want to step forward really quickly? Just raise your hand. Team stars, we have Juliana and Michaela. Um, they were
undefeated the entire season. And Michaela also won um second place this year as a show twirl. in the New Jersey Open uh championship in uh Rawway and Juliana won first place in Maryland for her one baton
solo. So, it is an honor. It's truly an honor to be your teacher, girls. And besides my own children, you are truly my world. And watching your confidence grow has been a beautiful journey. We are the underdogs of the performance arts of the world of
Baton twirl and we are the underdogs and um what these girls continue to do every year is just extraordinary and I could not be more proud to run such a special program. Um I just don't have words. May you always use the lessons of twirling in your real life. Never forget your
worth. You are amazing. Everything you do, make sure you do it from your heart. And most importantly, always keep shining bright like diamond debts. Thank you so much. Good job. They want your autograph. Mayor
the winner. Wasn't that something? Let's give him another round of applause. At this time, I'd like to call for a motion to approve the minutes. So moved. Second. All in favor? I.
At this time, uh, can we move on to the ordinances and resolutions? Okay. It's up to them. At this time, I'm just going to call for a two-minute recess. If you don't want to stay, you can stay. Thank you.
Second and final reading and or something. Okay. Madam cler, I have your consideration on second and final reading an ordinance amending chapter 447 of the code to impose obligations on rental property landlords for improper
conduct of a tenant. Move the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading. Second. An ordinance amending chapter 447 entitled rental property by the township committee of the township of union county of union state of New Jersey. This imposes obligations on a
landlord of rental property for the improper conduct of its tenants. Is anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance? Move the ordinance be adopted. Second. Mr. Figero. Yes. Miss Terrell. Yes. Miss Frasier. Yes. Mr. Florio. Yes. Mayor
Bowser. Yes. Amending chapter 296 of the municipal code entitled filming to conform to state requirements. Move the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading. Second. An ordinance amending chapter 296 filming of the code of the township of union to conform the
ordinance to the film ready New Jersey requirements designated by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. Is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance? Move ordinance be adopted. Second. Mr.
Figuro? Yes. Miss Terrell? Yes. Miss Fraser? Yes. Mr. Florio? Yes. Mayor Bowser? Yes. I have reconsideration on draft and first reading an ordinance creating a new chapter in the municipal code to prohibit the intentional release of balloons. Will the draft be taken up by
title for first reading at this time? 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. Mr. Figero, yes. Miss Terrell,
yes. Miss Frasier, yes. Mr. Florio, yes. Mayor Bowser, yes. The draft be taken up at our next regularly scheduled meeting for second and final reading. Second. Mr. Figero, yes. Miss Terrell, yes. Miss Frasier, yes. Mr. Florio, yes. Mayor Bowser, yes. Establishing a cap bank for
the 2025 calendar year. Move the draft be taken up by first reading by title at this time. Second. Calendar year 2025 ordinance to establish a cap bank authorizing that any amount not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an
exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years. Mr. Figero, yes. Miss Terrell, yes. Miss Frasier, yes. Mr. Florio, yes. Mayor Bowser, yes. Move the draft be taken up at the next regularly scheduled meeting for second and final reading. Second.
Mr. Figero? Yes. Miss Terrell? Yes. Miss Fraser? Yes. Mr. Florio? Yes. Mayor Bowser? Yes. Providing for various 2025 capital acquisitions and improvements. Move the draft be taken up on first reading by title at this time. Second. bond ordinance providing for various
2025 capital acquisitions and improvements by and in the township of union in the county of union state of New Jersey appropriating $23,500,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $22,856,000 bonds or notes of the
township to finance part of the cost thereof. Mr. Figerto, yes. Miss Terrell, yes. Miss Frasier, yes. Mr. Florio, yes. Mayor Bowser, yes. Move draft be taken up at the next regularly scheduled meeting for a second and final reading.
Second. Mr. Figero, yes. Miss Terrell, yes. Miss Frasier, yes. Mr. Florio, yes. Mayor Bowser, yes. Adopting a municipal lot expansion redevelopment plan for lot 12 on Morris Avenue. Move ordinance be taken up by title at this time. Second. Ordinance of the township committee of
the township of Union County of Union, New Jersey, adopting the municipal lot expansion redevelopment plan pursuant to the local redevelopment and housing law. Mr. Figero, yes. Miss Terrell, yes. Miss Frasier, yes. Mr. Florio, yes. Mayor
Bowser, yes. Move ordinance be referred to the planning board. Second. Mr. Figero, yes. Miss Terrell, yes. Miss Frasier, yes. Mr. Florio, yes. Mayor Bowser. Yes. I have the following resolutions. Introduction of the 2025 municipal
budget for approval. Second. All in favor? I. Mr. Figero, yes. Miss Terrell, yes. Miss Frasier, yes. Mr. Florio, yes. Mayor Bowser, yes. Authorizing emergency repairs for ladder truck 4, squad 2, and engine one from fire and safety services
for an amount not to exceed $38,287.87. Move for approval. Second. All in favor? I authorizing the purchase of firefighter turnout gear from Skylands Area Fire Equipment in the amount of 66,970. State contract number 17 fleet
00809 and 0080 810. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing the emergency repair of the air conditioning unit for the police department from Newman's Heat and Air Conditioning for an amount not to exceed $92,000.
Motion to approve the emergency repair. Second. All in favor? I. Amending resolution 2024309 increasing the amount by $2,220 to Survivor Fire and Security, Inc. for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of sprinkler systems, fire
extinguishers, and fire alarms for various buildings for a total fee not to exceed $13,320. Move for approval. Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing a contract with Garden State Fireworks to provide fireworks for the July 4th celebration for a fee not
to exceed $24,000. Move for approval. Second. All in favor? I mending resolution 2024237 increasing the amount in Newman's heat and air conditioning by an additional $7,97918 for the HVAC for various buildings for revised total contract
amount not to exceed $47,87510. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Requesting approval from the director of the division of local government services to establish a dedicated trust by Ryder for the purpose of a tree replacement fund. Motion to approve.
Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing the purchase of a Polar Techch Plus AC machine for the fire department from Snap-on Industrial for an amount not to exceed $8,945.50. Move to approve the purchase. Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing the tax
collector to prepare and mail estimated tax bills. Move approval. Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing the extension of plenary retail license number 2019 33059011 trading as Joe's place to Donna
Buchanan and William Ambacher, co-administrators of the estate until July 30th, 2025. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing an agreement with Robert Pansula, Esquire to represent the Township of Union in the litigation matter of Yuri Sims
versus Township of Union at Al for an amount not to exceed $10,000. Motion to approve the agreement. Second. All in favor? I. Authorizing an award of contract to Newman's heat and air conditioning to replace the air conditioning unit for the dispatch server room at the police department for
an amount not to exceed $9,200. Move to approve the contract. Second. All in favor? I authorizing the sale of property for block 2906, lots 17, block 2908, lots 4 and 5 in an unimproved portion of Melee Avenue, designating
them in an area in need of redevelopment and designating 1900 Mars Avenue LLC as redeveloper. Move for approval. Second. All in favor? I I urging the Port Authority of New York, New Jersey to assume responsibility for air traffic control operations at airport.
Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I ask that you approve the finances as listed on part of the on the agenda. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. Following communications from Terry Melanda, 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 I township clerk requesting a refund to Barbara Sap in the amount of $7 for a garage sale permit. Approval. Second.
All in favor? I. From Ernestine Fry, UTCAO, requesting to close off Hilton Avenue at Jefferson School on June 5th, 2025 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for the red carpet prom event. Move for approval. Second. All in favor? I. from Angie
Deanni, Mayor Berkeley Heights, requesting the use of the show mobile for the Berkeley Heights block party on Sunday, June 8th, 2025 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Motion to approve. Second. All in favor? I. From Daryl resident, requesting to hold a block party on Cross Street, Saturday,
June 28th from 3 to 8:00 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday, June 29th, 2025. Motion to approve the block party. Second. All in favor? I. Ratifying a request from Connecticut Farms Church for the use of the showmobile on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Move for
approval. Second. All in favor? I department reports from the clerk's office and senior center. Move they be received and filed. Second. All in favor? I. That concludes my part of the agenda. Now for the committee
reports. First we have police commissioner Terrell. Thank you, Mayor. Uh so I'll be reporting on the period of a April 19th through May 9th. Um this period was a little bit longer than uh usually reported so the numbers may seem
a little bit higher but uh just wanted to make sure you you were aware of that. So for directed patrols um during that time frame we had tw 2,235. We had 4,261 calls for service and there were
119 arrests. In our enforcement divisions, truck enforcement, red light, and speed, uh, in truck enforcement, there were 27 stops, 22 tickets were issued, and five of those were for local deliveries. In red light enforcement,
there were 50 stops, 34 tickets were issued, and nine of those were residents. And in our speed initiative uh enforcement, there were 128 stops, 95 tickets were issued, and 21 of those
were for residents. Uh I have just a few highlights and announcements to share. Uh on May 6, 2025, quality of life officers identified a vehicle listed as a felony vehicle out of South Planefield. Officers conducted a motor
vehicle stop on Route 22 within town limits. During the investigation, the driver was arrested after officers discovered a large quantity of narcotics, a defaced loaded handgun, and multiple active warrants. The individual was transported to headquarters without
incident and charged accordingly. along those lines. Um, and in light of some of the enforcement that we have in place, I just wanted to share with you that uh over the next coming weeks or months, you will likely see an increase
uh increase in our traffic enforcement. So, the the police department will be increasing the enforcement of speeding and red light violations throughout the community. You may also notice visible police presence as we work to enhance public safety and promote responsible
driving. We appreciate your cooperation in helping our roads uh uh helping our roads stay safe for everyone. Um and this just is in alignment with our zero tolerance policies and it's really um at the top of our our agenda to make sure
that our streets are safe. The last thing I'd like to mention is this week is National Police Week. Um, Sunday starts Sunday, May 11th. And we can clap for that. So, Sunday, May 11th through
Saturday, May 17th. This is a time to express our gratitude to those who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. Please join me in the township committee in honoring and recognizing the dedication, service, and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers. Please
take some time to show your support and appreciation for the men and women who serve to protect us every day. Thank you. Uh this concludes my report. Thank you, Commissioner. Next, we have DPW Public Works Commissioner Manuel Figaro. Thank you, Mayor. In our road division,
we had 307 streets that were swept. We filled 188 potholes and utilized four tons of asphalt material from our sewer division. We flushed out and cleared four sanitary line blockages. Two after our emergency call outs for sanitary
issues. We had 44 enzyme applications to eliminate grease and various sanitary lines. 47 catch basin cleanings and repaired two catch basins. From our shade tree division, we removed 15 hazardous trees, cleaned up two
locations with down trees and branches, removed three stumps, trimmed eight trees, and assessed 15 trees. From our grounds division, we cleaned 83 township parks and properties of various litter and various
debris, 151 field cuts, and cleaned two private properties. And as always, any concerns or inquiries you have uh uh concerning the Division of Public Works can be addressed by calling them at 9086861922, but we encourage you to
utilize the report of concern which is on the township website. And mayor, that concludes my report. Uh thank you, Commissioner. Next, we have fire commissioner Patricia Ger Frasier. Good evening, everyone. Before I read my report, um I want to make a motion to approve the following license
applications. Outdoor Cafe Mambbo Cuban Restaurant 2185 Route 22 West and a BYOB for Nest Creole Restaurant 2117 Springfield Avenue. Second motion. All in favor? I I Thank you. Okay. The fire
department report for this reporting period. The Union Fire Department responded to a total of 303 calls for service. This included 172 fire related incidences and 105 EMS incidents and 26
motor vehicle accidents. Some significant events noted. Tower Street, an SUV crashed into um parked car overturned and trapping the driver. The vehicle was stabilized and the driver was was extricated. The driver was
transported to the hospital with no uh with non-life-threatening injuries. Oakland Avenue, a US Postal Service mail truck was involved in a motor vehicle accident and was overturned landing up against the utility pole with a vehicle underneath
it. Vehicles were stabilized and both drivers were transported to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. Training and readiness. Our members completed over 200 hours of combined training this period on fire
strategies, hazardous materials responses, fire fire survival. We also initiated a new round of officer development training aimed at preparing our upcoming leaders for future command roles, equipment and maintenance.
Preventative maintenance continues to be a priority for all apparatus. The focus on apparatus maintenance results in safer equipment, decreased out of service time, and better delivery of services. We currently just tested and
certified our fire hose. Fire pumps and ladders as we do annually. Community outreach. Last month, the fire department sponsored the after the fire presentation to the senior class at Union High School. This
presentation is made by survivors of the Satan Hall dormatory fire and highlights not only their story but also fire safety and awareness while on college campuses. The Union Fire Department wants to remind everyone that the
firehouses are always open and available for visits. Fun, right? You want to go visit fire department? Okay. So whether you're curious about the fire engines, want to meet the firefighters, or just want to stop by and say hello to the firefighters, come on over. You are all
welcomed. Our firehouses are more than just places where emergency calls begin. They're part of the community. We encourage families, students, and local groups to visit, ask questions, and learn more about the fire safety and the work that they do every day. If you're
interested in scheduling a group or educational visit, please do not hesitate to reach out to our fire prevention division at 9088515444. And that concludes my report. Thank you, Commissioner. Next, we have for the Senior Center and Recreation Department, Commissioner Joseph Florio. Thank you, Mayor. First,
I'd like to welcome all of the scouts that we have here. Let's give them a hand coming out to do. Thank you for coming out. This is a report from our recreation department. Uninsul band begins their summer series of concerts on Monday, May
19th at Rapkin Park. The series continues with outdoor concerts in two Union neighborhoods. The first will be on June 16th in Putnham Manor at the corner of Plymouth Road and Bennington Drive. The second will be on June 23rd in the Fairway Drive area on Black Ferry
Lane. All concerts begin at 7:30. The Union Municipal Band is one of the union's longest traditional playing concerts for residents for nearly 100 years. That's amazing. The summer series, not the same people obviously, but you
know, the summer series program includes a number of patriotic songs in honor of the Memorial Day and Independence Day holidays. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music. The band is always looking for new members with a any age or abilities. If you're
interested in joining the band or getting to concert series, please call the Union Recreation Department at 908-686-4200. As I mentioned all the time, our recreation department is not just sports. It's a major it's a a multitude of activities and different
events. Please check our website to see. I'm sure a lot of children and adults will be interested in a lot of different programs there. From our senior citizens division and department for health and wellness on Tuesday, May 27th from 9:30 through 11:30 a.m. a nurse will be
providing health maintenance and check and prevention service. Please take advantage of if you need it. There's a movie day. The Miracle Club is the name of the movie on Wednesday, May 28th at 1:30. The Miracle Club is a heartfelt
drama film set in the 1960s Dublin, Ireland. The story follows a group of women who embark on a life-changing pilgrimage to the sacred town of Lords. Each woman is carrying her personal hopes, secrets, and burdens seeking healing, whether physical,
emotional, or spiritual. We're also celebrating Older Americans Month on May 28th at 9:30 to 11. This May, we proudly celebrate Older Americans Month with an inspiring theme, Flip the Script on Aging. We all could use a little that. Together, we honor
the strength, wisdom, and vibrant contributions of older adults in our community. Join us for a series of engaging presentations focused on promoting healthy aging. Topics will include physical health, nutrition, volunteer opportunities, and more
designed to empower and inform our seniors. This event is brought to you by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services. Let's celebrate aging with a pers with a purpose, positivity, and pride. Upcoming trips again, Women Win
Casino for all you people like to put money down on the the tables. On May 15th, I'm Bethlehem. Going to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. $40 per ticket departs on Janette Avenue. The Columbus Flea Market visit
Thursday, May 22nd. A cost of $30 per person. Buses depart 9:30 from the senior center. The Columbus Flea Market offers a vibrant mix of indoor and outdoor vendors featuring antiques, produce, clothing, collections, and more. With a wide variety of food
options and welcoming atmosphere is a great destination for shopping, exploring, and enjoying the day out. Riverview in on for senior called for the senior fever on May 20th. $90 per ticket includes a charter transportation
and show buffet style lunch, dessert, beer and wine, coffee, hot tea, tax and gratuitity. Departure is on Janet Avenue at 900 a.m. Get ready to boogie the day the way at the senior fever. That's my report for tonight, mayor. Thank you, Commissioner. Uh before we dive into
into the upcoming events, I want to acknowledge the fourth grade uh Cub Scouts of PAC 68 who are attending tonight's meeting. These dedicated scouts are taking the essential steps in their scouting journey as they earn their ranks in this year.
Congratulations. I would also like to take a moment to recognize and congratulate Ryan Lopes, a fourth grade student from Connecticut Farms Elementary School on receiving the prestigious Herb Singro Senior Good Citizen Student Award from the Rotary
Club of Union. This honor recognizes exemplary character and dedication to his school community. Ryan's kindness, respect, and selflessness are truly commendable, and I hope he serves as an inspiration role model for his peers.
Keep up the fantastic work, Ryan. The Township of Union presents business lending 101, making me more bankable, a financial literacy workshop on May 15th from 9 to 11:00 a.m. at Nova's coffee shop in collaboration with Mnt Bank and
the New NJSBC. This event will provide resources for small business preparing for financing. Breakfast included. Pre-registration is required at uniontownship.com. Open Road 18th and 19
and 25th of May from 9 to 11:00 a.m. Join us on the Raritton Avenue which will once again become a car-free hub for walking, biking, skating, and community fun. Bring your family,
friends, and furry and fury companions to enjoy this lively pedestrianfriendly space. This is a free opportunity to register and registration is required. The Memorial Day enactment
and parade. Join us honoring our fallen heroes during Union's Memorial Day event. The encamp encampment will take place on Sunday, May 25th from 1 to 4:00 p.m. at Town Hall showcasing the Revolutionary War reenactment. The
parade will commence on Monday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m. from VF VFW allow followed by a ceremony at Honorroll Park. Let's remember their sacrifices and what they've given to us to keep us safe.
UTCAO Foundation. The UTC FAO Foundation is accepting applications from former graduates of Union High School and the class of 2025 for the Oliver E. Young Scholarship. The foundation awards scholarships up to $1,500 per recipient.
Applications are eligible and eligibility guidelines are available via the UTCAO website. The deadline for completion completing the application is June 13th. Pet licensing. If you have
not yet licensed your pet for the year, please remember you can easily do so by contacting our county clerk. Well, really our city clerk applications can either be picked up in person or via union.com website. Please don't forget
the proof of vaccination is required. If you have any questions, please contact our clerk's office at 908851-8501. Everbridge notifications, please sign up for emergency and general notifications online at union uh township.com. This update also provided
on Facebook at township union uh New Jersey. Also, I'd like before I conclude, also like to piggyback on a topic that committee woman Terrell had talked about in terms of um traffic safety. Uh
traffic safety is high on our list. It's it's very alarming to see drivers not obeying traffic laws as you drive around town. A number of residents have approached the township committee at various times uh regarding traffic safety, drivers
running uh red lights not stopping at red at our stop signs and speeding. I've asked director uh Chris Donley to develop a plan to focus our police efforts at those troubled locations. I just have to say that speeding, red light running, and not stopping at stop
signs will not be tolerated. If if you commit these acts, you will be ticketed. No more warnings. I just want to put that out there so that you understand the seriousness of the situation in the town and be aware of those conditions as you
drive. At this time, I'd like to open it up for public comments. If anyone wishes to speak, there's a five-minute rule. and please give your name and address. Seeing none, can I have a motion to adjurnn? Oh, there is someone.
Greeting mayor and council, I mean committee. My name is Lucius Jones and uh I came to speak before you guys ladies and gentlemen regarding uh couple of things. One is to introduce myself to
the governing body uh as uh a small business in town. I am one of I think I'm the only one the only legally blind real estate broker in the state of New Jersey. This is a lot of work went into
it and uh I started originally working with Wikard and I was taught uh by a great group with WER. We wanted to open the doors of opportunity for people with disabilities and why not start with real
estate. So, a lot of people ask me, "How do you sell real estate if you're legally blind?" I open the door and the rest is magic. People make up their own minds and I memorize the forms and I work with my my cited staff and if they
make mistakes, we do it over and over until they get it per perfect. But I am honored to be a uh small business in town. I grew up in here in in town on Vox Voxell Road, the Springfield Avenue.
Uh my mom's worked in Sids on Milbour Avenue. She was a cook there. And you know, growing up it was a a lot of fun, different different experience than than than a lot of than what we experience
today with, you know, uh in this world. So I just wanted the opportunity to introduce myself. Uh my other career was 38 years in public education where I served as the uh uh served as the
president of three large organizations to improve parental involvement. I worked on the school construction authority as a facilitator to get the schools rolling in the pipeline projects. I also uh I lost my vision in
high school in 1985 in Velsburg High School and I got jumped in the hallway, but that didn't stop me. I met three met my wife and three daughters who all graduated from college and I'm still going and I'm not going to give up. So,
my my my I come here today to tell you about that work and the 600 kids I sent through college with the nonprofit organization. Uh, you know, it it's been
a lot of work just trying to be, you know, be included and be involved. It is not my dream to be on welfare or public assistant. It has always been my goal to say, you know what, I'm going to use everything I have to be the best that I
can be. Uh, I just have one concern and if the the governing body could address that, my office is at 1539 Styverson Avenue and my only issue with that is that uh, you know, it's a great space, but I have a gentleman behind me and he
smokes all day. He's in the garage and it causes my assistant who sight who cited to have asthma attacks. Uh I have talked to the health department and uh Chris is you know we've been trying to work together. I don't really want to
punish the gentleman. I understand he's retired but we got to do something because he's smoking me out with the cigarettes. So if the you know that that being said, I want to thank you for the opportunity to meet the governing body and I hope to see much more of you going
forward as I raise money and donate money to the town and to the town events and and uh a lot of folks here, you know, may now I know uh the police former police uh chief, good friend of
mine from from Newark and um I'm not going to hold you any longer. Thank you for your opportunity. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to speak? My name is Raphael. My name is Raphael Palanco. Oh, I have this concern about
this street that I live nearby. Its name is Whitewood. A lot of people have been speeding there ever since I moved here. Here. It's like they don't even know that the thing it's right next to the
school I go to. So I like and people always park on the street too where they're not supposed to. So people almost get run over every day and I'm concerned that people aren't following the speeding limit because it's 25 miles
an hour and people are going up there like 50 miles an hour and I'm afraid someone's going to get hurt because when I was in kindergarten someone got hit by a car. All right. I'm afraid that will happen again. I don't want it to happen
again. And my address is 223 Long View U Road. Thank you. Thank you. Not that much taller. Um I'm Raphael Palano's mom, Natalie Palano. Uh we live on 223 Long View Road. They go to Washington
Elementary School. Um, so every day we walk down the street down Long View to Whitewood. Um, if you're familiar with that area, there's no sidewalks. Um, and then we walk up to Washington School.
So to speak to his concern, you know, like he said, there's constantly people parked on the street where it says no street parking 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Um, my kids, we all, the three of us, four of us, walk to school every day on that road. Um, there's people parked
there, so we have to walk in the middle of the street. Since we've lived there and we moved to March 2020, I don't think we've seen any like police presence on that street specifically. there was a speeding study on Long View Road. Um I don't know if there was one
on Whitewood or not. Um he says not. He's usually right. Um but he also did unfortunately see a person get hit by a car um when he was
crossing to go to school one day. So crossing Whitewood over Washington on that corner. someone was making a right turn um off of Washington Street onto Whitewood to go up and he saw a lady get hit by a car at 5 years old which was
not a pleasant experience for anybody for him for my dad who walked into school. Um so I don't know if it's you know speed bumps, if it's making that street maybe even a oneway. Um, I don't
know what would be the best solution, but I think that one there should be some sort of traffic study definitely there. Um, and just in that whole area in general because we don't have sidewalks. So, kids are constantly walking in the street, people walking the street with their pets and there's
definitely a lot of speeding issues. Thank you. Thank you. Police Donley is in the back. You can give him the your information and we'll take a look into doing a study there. Any further questions? I see a hand go up in the
back. Hello everyone. My name is Wagens Jerome and I am oops, excuse me. I am the owner of Happy Heart Sensory Program and I just wanted to introduce myself as a new business in town. I run a business for six months to three year olds and we
create sensory experience for them where they because you know most parents don't want their kids to play with paint and water in the house. So I offer a space for them to create that that mess that they want to create and where they can just be a kid and have fun. And I just wanted to thank the town for allowing me
to be part of their Easter egg hunt. And thank you for the mayor and everyone for stopping by my space to say hi. And so I just want to say just want to to introduce myself and just say hi to everyone and just be part of the town. Um right now it's free until June. It's
been free since March until June. Um so in June I'll be starting to um to to charge, but I just wanted to just be part of the community. Um, I was working in New York City doing the same thing, but I wanted to bring it here because I live here in town and I know it's a f
it's a family based town and it would be a great place for sensory program for for kids to just enjoy themselves and just be kids. So, I just want to say thank you, introduce myself. My name once again wagons Jerome Company. It's h it's happy hearts. Thank you. Thank
you. Any additional questions from the public? One more. Okay. Hello, I am George Perez, a fourth grade student at Hannah Caldwell. I'm also the student council president.
One of my concerns is that our school doesn't have the same resources as all the others as we don't have a place to have recess outside. So, I don't usually get to see my friends in the other classes.
Uh my school, it used to be a normal one just like all the others, but there was an issue with mold in the school. So, we had to move over to a building at Kane University and we don't have the same
resources, so we can't do a lot of important things. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. and a Cwell will be open in the fall. Absolutely. Yeah, it was only a temporary move while they did the remediation at that
facility. Any further questions, comments? If not hearing none, could I have a motion to adjurnn? Some move. Second. All in favor? I should we go shake their hands? Okay.