has been given as required by the open public meetings law a resolution was adopted on January 1st 2025 designating this date this fall and 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 led by committeewoman Patricia Garrett Frasier and Deputy Mayor Joseph Florio will lead
the flag salute would you please stand 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 i pledge allegiance 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 can we have a roll call mr figero here miss Terrell here miss Frasier here mr florio here mayor Bowser here can I have a motion to approve the
minutes motion to approve the minutes second all in favor i uh Madame Clerk can we move on with the ordinances and resolutions i for consideration on second and final reading an ordinance amending chapter 307-7 of the municipal
code entitled Board of Appeals this allows an appeal to the Union County Construction Board of Appeals move the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading second an ordinance amending chapter 307-7 entitled Board of Appeals by the Township Committee of the
Township of Union County of Union State of New Jersey this allows an appeal to the Union County Construction Board of Appeals is there 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 repealing section 270.2 of the municipal code entitled Board of Appeals move the ordinance be taken up for a second and final reading second an ordinance to
repeal section 270.2 of the code of the township of union entitled Board of Appeals is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance move the ordinance be adopted second mr figerto yes mr l yes Miss Frasier yes Mr
florio yes Mayor Bowser yes amending chapter 440-36 of the municipal code entitled registration fees amends the registration fee for vacant and abandoned properties move the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading second an ordinance amending chapter
440-36 entitled registration fees by the Township Committee of Township of Union County of Union State of New Jersey this amends the registration fee for vacant and abandoned properties is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance
move ordinance be adopted second mr figerto yes miss Derrell yes miss Frasier yes mr florio yes mayor Bowser yes providing funds for a portion of the joint meeting of Essex and Union County's capital improvement projects in the amount of $2,510,000
will the orders be taken up for second and final reading second bond ordinance providing for the local units allocable share of capital improvement projects for the joint meeting of Essex and Union counties buyin in the township of Union in the county of Union State of New
Jersey the local unit appropriating $2,510,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $2,510,000 bonds or notes to finance the cost thereof is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance move the ordinance be adopted
second mr figerto yes m trell yes miss Frasier yes mr florio yes mayor Bowser yes i have for your consideration on draft and first reading an ordinance amending chapter 434 article 3 of the municipal code pertaining to source system user charges move draft be taken
up on first reading by title at this time second an ordinance to amend article 3 of chapter 434 of the code of the township of union pertaining to source system user charges mr figero yes miss Terrell yes miss Frasier yes mr
florio yes mayor Bowser yes move the draft be taken up at the April 22nd meeting for second and final reading second mr figero yes miss Terrell yes miss Frasier yes mr florio yes mayor Bowser yes the following
resolutions amending resolution 2025.85 increasing the amount to Arley and Danu LLC by $4,000 for a total amount not to exceed $26,500 for a personnel matter move draft be taken up on first reading by
title at this time second all in favor sorry it's a resolution it's a resolution just move it just motion to approve second all in favor yeah i amending resolution number 2024191 increasing the
amount to a lawyer law firm by an additional $5,000 for legal representation in the matter of Cook versus Township of Union for a total amount not to exceed $25,000 motion to approve the amendment second all in favor i authorizing appropriation
transfers for the first three months of the fiscal year move to approve the transfers second roll call mr figero yes miss Terrell yes miss Frasier yes mr florio yes mayor Bowser yes amending resolution
2024227 increasing the amount to Gerubo and Capis PC by an additional $15,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $11,360 for legal representation in the matter of Signature Sports Bar LLC move
for approval second all in favor i authorizing a professional service contract with Neglia Group for a new signage throughout the township at an amount not to exceed $18,680 motion to approve second all in favor i authorizing payment of all approved
vouchers for solid waste collection holage and disposal at the interim rate of $759 per ton for household waste and $11912 per ton for bulky waste for the month of February motion to approve second all in favor i authorizing change
order number three and final decreasing the amount to Grenada Construction Court by $171,9325 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $2,727,737.95 for the 2023 road construction program phase 2 move for
approval second all in favor i authorizing an award of contract to Horizon Painting LLC to paint the bathrooms in the municipal building for an amount not to exceed $17,000 move for approval second all in favor i ask you to approve the finances as
listed on the agenda second all in favor following communications from Terry Milanda Tax Collector requesting the township committee authorized checks issued to the following representing the redemption of tax sale certificates as
listed on the agenda motion to approve the payments second all in favor i from Joseph Venezia Township Engineer requesting the following payments payment number two to Lancha Construction Corporation in the amount of $137,75566 for work completed through
December 6 2024 in connection with the 2024 Road Improvement Program Green Lane Improvement Phase 1 payment number nine and final to Grenada Construction Corporation in the amount of $16,169.75 for work completed through March 7th 2025 in connection with the
2023 road reconstruction program phase 2 move to approve your payments second all in favor i from the Dez Ricketts Union Haitian Civic Association requesting a Haitian Flag Day ceremony in front of town hall on Wednesday May 14th 2025
from 5:00 p.m to 7 p.m so moved second all in favor i from Betty Spirulus St demetrius Greek Orthodox Church requesting to host their annual Greek festival September 4th through 7th 2025 in their parking lot and also requesting
permission to erect several tents and to place four banners at various locations in the township motion to approve second all in favor from Jack Beta Gmbro requesting to display merchandise in front of the store located at 1745 Mars
Avenue for March 26 through July 6 2025 motion to approve second all in favor hi hi from Yanu Chen 99 Cents Plus requesting to display merchandise in front of their store located at 350 Chestnut Street from March 26th through
June 26 2025 move for approval second all in favor i from Kim D en First Baptist Church of Box Hall requesting permission to close Hilton Avenue from Berkeley Place to Laurel Avenue on Saturday July 19th 2025
from 11:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m for a church anniversary celebration with a rain date of Saturday August 2nd 2025 move for approval second all in favor i the department reports for municipal court police department and senior center
motion to approve second all in favor i that concludes my part of the agenda uh thank you Madame Clerk now for our committee reports at this time I ask that the committee woman Sandra Terrell police commissioner give a report thank
you so I'll be reporting the uh police department activity from March 8th uh through March 21st 2025 for direct patrols we had 142 direct patrols we had
254 calls for service and there were 75 arrests uh made during that period in our enforcement division for truck enforcement uh and I'm happy to see that there weren't that many uh this period but there was one stop and there
was one ticket issued and none of those uh were for residents so happy about that with the red light enforcement there were 27 red light stops 19 tickets were issued and seven were for residents and in our speed initiative there were
24 stops 22 tickets were issued and six of those were for residents uh I just have one highlight this week and then my regular public service announcement my highlight for this week on March 25th 2025 officers conducted a traffic stop
on Stson Avenue and this was due to multiple traffic violations during the course of their investigation they discovered a significant quantity of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle the driver was taken into custody and charged appropriately and the arrest was
made without incident the case remains under investigation and my PSA again for this week uh the Union Police Department is committed to community outreach and resident support prioritizing open clear and effective
communication to address concerns and provide timely responses as part of this dedication our neighborhood watch program plays a key role in crime prevention empowering residents to actively contribute to community safety
the Union Police Department continues to seek new members to help strengthen this vital initiative uh again very important for us to stay involved in order to keep our neighborhoods safe um for more
information or or to get involved please contact community policing the community policing bureau at 908851-5252 thank you very much this concludes my report thank you Commissioner at this time I would request that um DPW Commissioner Manny Figero give
his report thank you Mayor from a road division there were 295 streets swept there were 135 potholes that were filled and six overlays were completed they cut and patched two intersections utilized 9 and a half tons of asphalt material and
they prepped the parade route with power washing potholes and paver replacement from our sewer division they flush flushed out and cleared 16 sanitary line blockages there was one afterhour emergency call out for sanitary issues
44 enzyme applications were done to eliminate grease in various sanitary lines 29 catch basins were cleaned and power washed walkways again along the parade route from our shade tree division they removed 36 hazardous trees
cleaned up two locations with down trees branches removed 14 stumps and trimmed 15 trees from our grounds division they removed leaves from uh 15 township locations cleaned 62 township parks and
properties of various litter and debris removed overgrowth from the Jagger Bridge and the property adjacent to CVS they cleaned and removed debris also from the parade route cleaned 11 township lots cleaned seven bridges
repaired four plow and soiled and seated three township properties and as always if you have concerns or inquiries regarding anything with our Division of Public Works they can be addressed by calling public works at 9086861922
we do encourage you to utilize the report of concern feature on the township website and that concludes my report mayor thank you Commissioner next we have Committee woman Patricia Gar Frasier fire commissioner good evening everyone union Fire Department responded
to 199 emergency calls for this service period some significant events are as follows a brush fire that extended a house on Pinewood Road vehicle fires on Rosemont Avenue and Garden State Parkway and a motor vehicle accident with
utility service damage causing the temporary closure of Route 22 as the weather warms up it is important to stay fires safe both indoors and outdoors and here are some key fire prevention tips from our firefighters outdoor fire
safety yard cleanup remove dead leaves dry grass and debris from your yard to reduce fire hazards grill safety keep grills at least 10 ft away from structures never leave them unattended while in use burning debris local
regulation prohibits outdoor burning of debris fire pits keep fires in approved containers supervised and fully extinguished with water before leaving indoor fire safety check smoke alarms test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
replace batteries if needed inspect electrical cords replace damaged or frayed cords to prevent electrical fires spring cleaning safely dispose of flammable materials like old newspapers rags and chemicals hvac maintenance
clean dry vents and uh service air conditioner units to prevent overheating and fire risk by taking these precautions we can all help prevent fires and keep our homes and communities safe this spring that concludes my report thank you Commissioner next we
have Commissioner Joseph Florio for the senior department and recreation thank you very much Mayor uh from our recreation department uh the Union Recreation Department is proud to announce that the fifth grade boys
travel basketball team are champions the boys won their division of the Jersey Basketball League with a close two-point victory over Marstown with a final score of 33-31 the team ended with a 16-2 record for the season including their four wins
in the playoff bracket congratulations to Coach David Parish and his team of future stars really really good glad to hear that save the date the Union Recreation Department Easter egg hunt will be here before you know it the event will be held on Saturday April
12th at Rapkin Park for event details please see the flyers posted on the town's website and social media in the event of inclement weather the modified event will be held indoors if you have any question about the event please call
the recreation department at 6864200 from our senior division health and wellness tuesday April 8th from 9:30 to 11:30 a nurse will be providing health maintenance
check for and preventable service please seniors take advantage of that if you need that silverstep Performers march 28th from 11 to 11:30 a talented group of high school students with passion for dance will be
performing a variety of dynamic routines from multiple cultures including Bollywood K-pop and hiphop come celebrate the art of dance and cheer them on as they're bringing an energy of create and creativity and cultural diversity don't miss this
vibrant and engaging performance we look forward to seeing you today i was at a meeting today and I'll tell you our high school students are doing a lot with our seniors and the seniors appreciate it keep up the good work union High School allied health students wednesday April
19th from 11 to 12 wellness check with students this session will focus on social interracial and health benefits diabetes workshop Monday Arch 7th
October ends October 6th from 11:15 to 12:15 are you looking to take advantage of your health and prevent our delay type 2 diabetes our 26-week program led by a friendly and supportive lifestyle coach is here to help you every day and
every step of the way in this workshop you will learn practical strategies for healthy eating discover simple delicious meals that fuel your body and keep you energized physical activity find ways to stay active boost your
energy and feel great making actionable changes set realistic goals and make sustain sustainable charges to last this program is designed to help adults with pre-diabetes make positive lifestyle
changes that can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes you don't have to do it alone join a community of others on the same journey and feel supported along the way wing Creek Casino again for all your gamblers uh seniors Bethlehem
Pennsylvania on April 10th 2025 $40 per ticket departures on Janette Avenue drum Thacket i think I said that right library april 16th at 10:30 departure from the senior center step into Drum Thacket the official residence
of the governor of New Jersey and explore its rich history on a guided tour wander through the beautifully preserved historic stateooms and take in the breathtaking grounds of the iconic White Mansion learn how this remarkable
estate evolved from a modest homestead into a stately residence of today don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in a historic and beauty join us for an unforgettable tour see any additional information you can call the senior
center at 908851-5290 that's my report for tonight mayor thank you commissioner before we dive into our upcoming township events I would like to congratulate Raymond Riley a dedicated security officer at Bernett Middle School for demonstrating
extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of danger at approximately 5:50 a.m on Route 70 in Lakewood Rally encountered a severe car accident involving a vehicle on fire with occupants trapped inside without
hesitation and at great risk personal risk he acted his historically heroically to rescue and and trap the individual from the burning vehicle sustaining burns to both his hands during the rescue his actions not
only saved the life but also served as inspiration to the Bernett Middle School community and the township of Union as a whole reminding us of the power of selfless acts and the importance of looking out for one another raleigh thank you for your historic and heroic
actions and extraordinary act of bravery so let's give him a round of applause for that activity and event next I would like to also congratulate three outstanding students who were recently recognized by the Union Union Rotary Club for the
exemplary character and dedication to their school's community ali Desmute a student at Kowami Middle School Charles Robling Jazz a student at Bernett Middle School and Jerome Star a student at Jefferson School were each presented with the
prestigious Herb SJ senior uh senior cit Citizen Student Award a distinction given to those who embody the value of Rotarian networking for a cause is coming up tickets are still available for the third annual Network for Cause
event on Thursday April the 10th at 5:30 to 900 PM at Lagar restaurant for just $30 join us for an evening with networking and community as we support 9-year-old Leila and her fight against leukemia and lymphia visit
uniontownship.com for tickets and donations rabies clinic mark your calendars for a free rabies clinic on Saturday April 26 from 11:00 a.m to 1 pm located across from the Boys and Girls Club at 1050 Janette Avenue don't miss
the chance to keep your dogs and cats up to date on their rabies vaccinations for more information contact the health department at 9088518507 pet license if you ha if you have not yet got your license for for the year please remember you can easily
do so by contacting our clerk's office applications can be picked up in person or via uniontownship.com website please do not forget the proof of vaccination is required if you have any questions please contact our clerk's office at
9088518500 everbridge notification sign up for emergency and general notifications online at www.uniontownship.com these updates are also posted on Facebook at WWPUNJ at this time I'd like to open it
up for public comments remember that five-minute rule if anyone wishes to speak and make any comments please come up and remember to state your name and address ruth excuse me Ruth Slovic 1221 McGee
Avenue i just had a question on the finances section it said on the first one authorize the payment of bills as recommended by the department heads and approved by majority of the members of the township committee i'm just confused about the wording of that i'm assuming
when you get a bill you have to pay it i I'm just wondering like you know how what you authorize certain ones and not pay the other ones or how does that work you still have to authorize no matter what but I'm sorry you still have to authorize no matter what oh yes I understand that but it says as
recommended by it's like just confused by that we pay all the bills oh I know you do i'm just saying the way the wording on it is confusing to me makes me think you pick and choose the bills that you mayor if I I may respond briefly yes so uh every
meeting uh there's uh at least once a month there's a bill list that's prepared and this governing body is the only body that could authorize payment of those bills yes we have to pay our bills but this body needs to authorize
the payment of those bills so it's not what's recommended it's just what's due at the time and that's what has to be rep approved by well obviously there's many department heads throughout the township there's a lot of uh expenses that may be incurred throughout the day for certain things uh contracts for
example uh could be something smaller uh but again any of those bills there department head gets them over and a bill list is created and then this body then approves those payments okay and then the third item under the finances
it said authorize the refund of overpayment of taxes as listed by the tax collector's office so if the tax colle I'm I'm reading into this you tell me if I'm wrong i probably am if you um if there's an overpayment by taxes into the tax collector's office do the
residents who pay those taxes get refunds the answer is yes and it must be done by an act of the governing body it is a pro- form of thing but only the governing body can authorize a refund of an overpayment that is in fact what
they're doing under that section so it's um it's authorizing it as a um an overarching group of taxes or each individual case has to be on each individual case it's done on an individual case and very candidly if you
were to overpay your taxes by $2 you can't apply it you've got to get an overpayment so a return of That's what happens and how do how does a taxpayer know that they overpaid some sometimes the taxpayer knows but uh in most cases we have a very
knowledgeable experienced tax collector who makes sure that uh if a penny is due the uh the taxpayer that that gets refunded but to the administrator's point whether it's out of the tax office it could be out of the clerk's office someone applies for or the building department I should say applies for
permit that they no longer are going forward with a project but they have paid for uh the construction official himself can't authorize that refund he makes a request and then it gets approved by this governing body that that applies to any any refunds from any department we don't want uh individuals
being uh being the one to determine whether or not the refund is appropriate it has to be approved by the the governing body it's a check and balance yeah I understand these are all are financial controls that are not suggestions they're requirements requirements not both by our extern our
internal auditors but also from the the uh local government uh uh division of uh DCA so the taxpayer would know when they overpaid yeah you would know you'd get the refund check for Okay so you don't have to you
have to apply for I'm just I'm trying to recap what you just told me i'm sorry i'm trying to recap what you just told me um they have to apply for the refund or they get the notice automat they get the refund automatically in in some cases they may in the example I just gave someone applies for a permit right
to uh install a deck and they're no longer going through right yeah they'll make that request but in the instances for example with the tax collector if someone makes an overpayment she determines that a refund's due and owing then obviously that request comes and approved by the town committee frankly
I'd be speculating to know what a taxpayer knows about whether or not they overpay taxes or do a refund but again that's why we have a very knowledgeable tax collector that does that for us okay thank you very much thank you thank you anyone else wishing to speak
seeing none can I have a motion to adjurnn motion to adjurnn second all in favor all right