WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=v7rUPC03UDY NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: v7rUPC03UDY): - 00:02:28: Meeting Call to Order, Roll Call, and Invocation - 00:03:50: Mayor's Remarks: Memorial Day, Traffic, Safety, Recreation - 00:08:58: Proclamations: Mental Health Awareness and EMS Week - 00:12:37: Award Presentation to Frank Vuoso, Construction Official - 00:14:44: Approval of Minutes and Introduction to Public Comment - 00:15:31: Public Comment: Flynn Martin - Tomakquist Park Concerns - 00:19:28: Public Comment: Kenzie - Tomakquist Park Developments - 00:20:50: Public Comment: Jonah Kljinski - Tomakquist Park Impact - 00:23:50: Public Comment: Ree Chararma - Tomakquist Park Redevelopment - 00:29:02: Public Comment: Robert Parker - Open Space and Safety - 00:34:30: Public Comment: John McDevitt - Westfield Ice Rink - 00:37:24: Council Discussion on Public Comments and Concerns - 00:41:41: Bills and Claims, Standing Committee Reports Begin - 00:42:33: Finance and Policy Committee Resolutions Package - 00:43:35: Ordinance #2026-02, Hulahan Sidfeay Fields Parking Improvements - 00:47:19: Ordinance #2026-03, Hulahan Sidfeay Synthetic Turf Replacement - 00:48:06: Public Safety, Code Review, and Public Works Resolutions - 00:49:42: Motion to Adjourn Meeting Part: 1 1 00:02:28.959 --> 00:02:44.000 Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the open public meetings act was provided through the posting, mailing and filing of the annual notice of regularly scheduled meetings of the town council on December 10th, 2025. This notice was on that date posted at the bulletin board of the municipal 2 00:02:44.000 --> 00:03:00.000 building, provided to the Westfield leader and the star ledger and filed with the clerk of the town of Westfield. Miss Lowshi, may I have a roll call? >> Mayor Berman >> here. >> Council members Gilman. >> Dagalo >> here. >> Becker >> here. >> Keeper, >> yeah, here. 3 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:14.159 >> Saunders >> here. >> Adar >> here. Armentoto >> here. >> Toronto >> here. >> Please rise for the invocation which will be given by Councilwoman Adoir and then remain standing for the salute to the flag. We meet to serve our community and use 4 00:03:14.159 --> 00:03:31.920 our resources wisely and well to represent all members of our community fairly and to make decisions that promote the common good. We recognize our responsibility to the past and the future and the rights and needs of both individuals and community. As trusted 5 00:03:31.920 --> 00:03:50.560 servants, we seek support on our deliberations and on our efforts here today. May we act wisely and well. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, 6 00:03:50.560 --> 00:04:07.439 indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening. Thank you to everyone who is joining us tonight, both here in person and via the live stream on the tubes on the town's YouTube channel. As always, the replay of the meeting will be available on 7 00:04:07.439 --> 00:04:23.600 Facebook, YouTube, and TV36. Public comment will be accepted in person only. I'm going to make a few brief remarks before we begin tonight's agenda. Uh I do look forward to seeing everyone and gathering with the community on Monday for the annual Memorial Day events led by the Martin Wahberg American Legion 8 00:04:23.600 --> 00:04:40.800 Post 3 to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The day will begin with the traditional solemn ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Plaza with the per the parade to follow at 10:45 along East Broad Street and ending in Mindowcan Park. At 11:30, the Memorial 9 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:57.600 Day service in Fairview Cemetery will take place. Community gatherings will be held in Mindoscan Park from 11:30 to 1 and at the American Legion from 2 to 5. Um, as part of this year's America 250 celebration, we have expanded the Westfield Veterans Banner Program to 10 00:04:57.600 --> 00:05:14.400 display all banners, approximately 100 in total, honoring our veterans and active duty military personnel since the program began in 2022. If you would like to march in the Memorial Day parade, please register before Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the town website. We are closely 11 00:05:14.400 --> 00:05:30.639 monitoring the weather forecast, which currently does not look very good. Uh and we will communicate via NIXL on Monday morning if events need to be cancelled. Thank you to the American Legion, Keith Gibbons and Joe Mak for their time and effort to put this day of meaningful events together. I am very 12 00:05:30.639 --> 00:05:46.160 pleased to report some positive progress on traffic control measures at the intersection of North Avenue and Elm Street. Following a very recent change in leadership at the DOT, New Jersey State DOT, our previously reported concerns were finally addressed with 13 00:05:46.160 --> 00:06:01.919 some initial improvements implemented this morning. In addition to the initial uh traffic stop bar in front of the firehouse, there are now two additional traffic lights and another stop bar beyond the firehouse that are visible as you travel east on North Avenue. The 14 00:06:01.919 --> 00:06:18.400 timing has also been extended on the pedestrian signals for crossing North Avenue. I am grateful to the DOT for their responsiveness and we have agreed to jointly monitor the intersection to determine if additional short-term improvements are needed. Also on this public safety front, I am 15 00:06:18.400 --> 00:06:35.120 sharing some unfortunate news. Last week, two homes on the north side of town were burglarized for car keys and also had their vehicles stolen, which is extremely unsettling. I want to assure the community that we take these situations very seriously from both a law enforcement and legislative 16 00:06:35.120 --> 00:06:51.840 perspective. As safety remains our top priority, as always, we ask you to secure your property and always report any suspicious activity immediately to the police by calling 911. Moving on to recreation, I'd like to briefly cover a few items related to our 17 00:06:51.840 --> 00:07:07.599 efforts to upgrade the recreational facilities around town. First, thank you to everyone who has already provided input on the proposed elements of the Tomakquist design plan. As I announced in my Friday newsletter, the survey will now remain open for uh additional days until June 15th in order to capture as 18 00:07:07.599 --> 00:07:24.720 much input as possible. I'll also be hosting my next town talks in Democus Park on Thursday, May 28th at noon. We will meet in the parking lot next to the tennis courts and walk through parts of the park to discuss any questions or concerns. Additionally, on the recreational front, we have two bond 19 00:07:24.720 --> 00:07:39.919 ordinances on first reading tonight to fund important improvements at SIDF Hulahan Fields. The first authorizes additional funds for the Hulahan Sidfeay parking lot expansion and restroom storage facility construction after the multiple construction grids 20 00:07:39.919 --> 00:07:55.919 received were all above the original estimates and bond authorization. This additional $862,000 covers the extra funding needed for the project with a small contingency. The second authorizes $880,000 in funding 21 00:07:55.919 --> 00:08:10.879 for the replacement of the two turf fields at Hulahansid Fay which have reached the end of their life and are in need of replacement to serve our youth sports programs. The amount of this funding is in line with the anticipated cost discussed during the annual budget process. 22 00:08:10.879 --> 00:08:26.639 On tonight's legislative agenda, I just want to take a few moments uh a few things to highlight. Uh in additional to a handful of standard financial actions, we have four resolutions authorizing the purchase of DPW equipment, all of which were planned for in the capital budget. 23 00:08:26.639 --> 00:08:41.760 On the revenue side, we have a resolution to approve the insertion of our clean communities grant funding, which helps offset the costs associated with the conservation center. And lastly, we have a resolution authorizing an award of contract to ACMS for 24 00:08:41.760 --> 00:08:58.320 crossing guard management services following a public bidding process. And before we begin our actual legislative agenda, we have uh two proclamations and an award to talk about. We're going to start with our proclamations. Uh first for mental health awareness month. 25 00:08:58.320 --> 00:09:14.959 Whereas mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being at every stage of life and one in two people will experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime. And whereas prevention, early identification, and intervention significantly improve outcomes for individuals and strengthen 26 00:09:14.959 --> 00:09:31.680 families and community. And mental health is a shared responsibility and communities thrive when schools, families, businesses, healthcare providers, and local leaders work together to support well-being. And whereas stigma and barriers to care 27 00:09:31.680 --> 00:09:48.320 continue to prevent many people from seeking help. And so we support the important work of Westfield's stigmafree task force and the New Jersey Cross Town Mental Health Coalition to promote mental health awareness, education, and advocacy. Now therefore, the town council of the town of Westfield hereby 28 00:09:48.320 --> 00:10:03.760 proclaims May of 2026 as mental health awareness month, joining in the 14 town coalition. Together, we stand united in raising awareness, reducing stigma, encouraging open conversation, promoting access to care and support. We call upon 29 00:10:03.760 --> 00:10:19.680 residents, organizations, schools, and businesses to help build communities where mental health is prioritized and supported. Next up, it is emergency medical services week and we're lucky to have members of the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad here. 30 00:10:19.680 --> 00:10:35.120 Uh, and here is the proclamation for them. Whereas emergency medical services is a vital public service and the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. and emergency medical 31 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:52.560 services fill health care gaps by providing important out of hospital care including preventive medicine, follow-up care, and access to tele medicine. And the members of the emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours 32 00:10:52.560 --> 00:11:07.920 of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their life-saving skills. And it is appropriate to recognize the value and accomplish accomplishments of the emergency medical services providers by designated the emergency medical services week. Now 33 00:11:07.920 --> 00:11:25.279 therefore, I, Mayor Jeremy Berman, on behalf of this town council, do hereby proclaim May 17th through 23rd of 2026 as Emergency Medical Services Week in the town of Westfield and encourage the community to recognize the EMS profession and the essential services it 34 00:11:25.279 --> 00:12:37.920 provides. So, I'm going to call up our volunteers. So we can award the proclamation and take a a photo. And lastly, before we start the legislative agenda, I did have the honor of being down in Atlantic City with Jim Gay to honor Frank Vuoso as construction 35 00:12:37.920 --> 00:12:59.920 official of the year. If we could all give him a round of applause. What's especially great about this is that this was an award that was given to him by his peers of all 564 municipalities uh around the state of New Jersey. And of all of them, they named Frank uh for 36 00:12:59.920 --> 00:13:14.720 this award. So, we're going to have Frank come up. Jim, do you want to say a few words? >> Thank you, mayor. Um again, as you said, uh you know, no one more deserving than Frank Voso. We were lucky. Frank has been with the town of Wesville since 2020. He's really transformed our 37 00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:29.200 building department to be a much more um open public service perspective uh place for residents to get information for their permits. And he's really uh built an amazing staff uh around him since that time as well. One of the staff members, Gina, is here tonight an 38 00:13:29.200 --> 00:14:21.199 excellent uh techn um uh person in the office and she does a great job. So just no one more deserving than this and uh Frank has done such a great job for the town of West Hills since 2020. So, thank you for recognizing him, mayor. >> Come on up, Frank. I really don't like public speaking. So, 39 00:14:21.199 --> 00:14:44.800 I'm just going to say thank you to the governing body for supporting us. And of course, thank staff uh for helping me out every day and the and the residents of West. >> Thank you. Okay. May I please have a motion to approve the minutes from the town council 40 00:14:44.800 --> 00:15:01.839 conference and regular meetings of May 5th, 2026? >> Uh, Councilwoman Adoir, second. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Daggala. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Yes. Opposed? This motion is carried. Now it's time for open discussion by 41 00:15:01.839 --> 00:15:31.760 citizens. Uh, anyone may come up to the microphone and speak to the council on any subject on which the council has jurisdiction. Please state your name and address for the record and limit your comments to 5 minutes. Hello members of the town council. >> Wait, Flynn. Flynn, say say your name 42 00:15:31.760 --> 00:15:46.399 and your state say your name and address. >> Sorry. Uh, my name is Flynn Martin. Um, I live at 921 Pennsylvania Avenue in Westfield, New Jersey. Um, and I'm I'm currently I'm a senior at Westfield High School. Um, I'm here today with some uh 43 00:15:46.399 --> 00:16:00.720 uh uh with some talking points about the uh Smokus Park redevelopment uh plan that's uh being proposed right now. Uh my main concern is uh regarding the piece of uh underutilized uh natural 44 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:17.920 area as is stated in the plan. Um I for me as someone growing up very nearby to Tomquist Park uh I have spent basically my entire life uh going to Tomquist Park and spending time in the more forested areas there um including that underutilized natural area and I've 45 00:16:17.920 --> 00:16:33.440 found that um me myself along with my friends and many other people who I don't know but frequently see in those areas uh get great utility out of that space um and as sort of a space that's not school, it's not necessarily home or the town But it's sort of a place you 46 00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:50.480 can go and be yourself. Um like essentially free from any sort of like restrictions. Um and uh while not like an officially recognized activity, I feel like it is an it was very much an important uh an important thing for myself growing up and for a lot of the 47 00:16:50.480 --> 00:17:06.480 people that I know um to be able to have a space where we were just essentially free to enjoy nature um as it as it is. Um and I understand that the plan uh intends to sort of cut into that area. um in order to allow for space for some increased parking and some other um like 48 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:22.799 buildings. Um it is my personal feeling that that uh that cutting into that area should be limited if possible because uh the more space that's available there, the more uh people uh people feel like they're able to explore and like have a natural place that's nearby and to 49 00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:39.440 themselves. Of course, we have Wang reservation very nearby as well, but I feel like this offers this is in ter both in terms of proximity, especially for younger kids. Um it just offers a space where you can that's not necessarily constructed like a playground where you can just go and uh be yourself which I really appreciated. 50 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:55.440 Um so that was that's been a very influential thing in my life and that was the main thing I wanted to address. I also wanted to address um the uh it I I in the plan there's also uh some discussion of imp like improved lighting or different lighting for for biking for 51 00:17:55.440 --> 00:18:13.120 bikers and pedestrians at night. Um I like or in darker lower light hours. Um in my experience, I've often been told that like going into the park later at night that I'm not allowed to be there uh later at night. So I just don't really see the utility of these increased lights other than to like 52 00:18:13.120 --> 00:18:30.160 disrupt that could potentially disrupt uh any wildlife that are living in the park with just increased uh like ambient light. Um, so if uh that is something that's being considered, I would request that that is also something that you guys think about when you're considering that. Um, and my final point is 53 00:18:30.160 --> 00:18:47.280 regarding uh any potential use of turf fields in Tomquist Park. Um, like artificial turf fields. I I the runoff from that could be harmful to the creek ecosystem which is already not doing the best. Um, and I am just concerned about as well like in as well with increased 54 00:18:47.280 --> 00:19:04.400 parking, uh, drainage in general because, uh, the more like spaces that you have that aren't paved or covered with artificial ground, the more the easier it is for water to seep into the ground, make its way into rivers, and just have overall a more natural path um through like our wershed. So, uh, those 55 00:19:04.400 --> 00:19:28.160 are the main concerns that I wanted to raise here. Thank you for hearing me um, and uh, have a great rest of your day. >> Thanks, Flynn. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Kenzie. I live at 32 Carol Road here in Westfield. I'm also a senior at Westfield High School and I 56 00:19:28.160 --> 00:19:46.160 would also like to speak some concerns on the Democus Park developments. Um, growing up in Westfield, I've seen the ways that Democrus Park has shaped the identities and lives of like my friends, my peers, everyone around me. And it's just such a iconic part of our town that 57 00:19:46.160 --> 00:20:02.080 I fear that any developments made to it could hurt this like iconic nature or um the experiences of those who visit. The developments you currently have planned, many of them are very hard to reverse. um especially when it comes to 58 00:20:02.080 --> 00:20:18.160 like the trees and the forestation. So I would just like to raise some concerns over the um reversibility and permanence of such decisions. And um I urge everyone to like look at this with 59 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:36.159 great care and I know that like recently Westfield High School students were able to visit Park for an environmental trip yesterday and I've been a like very glad to hear about the ways that my friends enjoyed the trip and were able to connect with nature especially in such like a technologydriven time. So, 60 00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:50.400 Tmuckus Park is very important to me. It's very important to the people around us, even young people. And um I thank you for listening now and for the care and consideration I'm sure you'll put into these plans. Um thank you. I yield the remainder of my time. 61 00:20:50.400 --> 00:21:15.120 >> Thank you, Kenzie. >> Hello, my name is Jonah Kljinski. I live at Fourthorn Place, Famwood, New Jersey. I am here to talk about as well as u my peers the um acts to change Tamacquwayis Park and its surrounding areas or the 62 00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:30.159 surround the area of Tamacquwayis Park. I have grown up there while not a Westfield resident. I have gone there with my friends. I've met many of my best friends in Tamachis Park. While as my other friend Flynn said, it is not 63 00:21:30.159 --> 00:21:47.039 necessarily a designated a um a activity zone, I have found that this is actually very beneficial to the young mind of me and my peers. I was able to, you know, h 64 00:21:47.039 --> 00:22:03.039 explore a zone that was free of restrictions and free of mental clutter. You know, from somebody who has struggled with mental health and many of my friends who struggled with mental health, I find it very very 65 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:20.159 useful to have a place to go that's judgmentf free that's is able to connect with not only myself but you know the environment and nature on a deeper level than just going on a hike and you know walking around some nice green park you know while that is nice. I think being 66 00:22:20.159 --> 00:22:37.360 able to go through trees and other stuff, it's it's very very beneficial on a deeper level. And while I do think it is a very good idea to refurbish some of the existing area um park and uh structural structures in Tamakways Park, 67 00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:53.840 I think refurbishing that is a very good idea. Maybe, you know, refurbishing the bathrooms and adding a little space is much needed and would be appreciated. I think by going into the existing and the irreversible damage of the forest would 68 00:22:53.840 --> 00:23:09.440 be something that we would find later generations would regret. From somebody who you know dreams about what it could have been like in the 50s or the 60s or even you know 70s and 80s 90s I imagine what how green our town used to be. And 69 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:26.159 by us slowly just a few more feet just a few more feet in a few generations there won't be any feet left. And I think by kind of putting our foot down here and saying maybe we should take a step and think what will this be for our future generations. I think that this would be 70 00:23:26.159 --> 00:23:50.799 very something very wise to consider not just for us but for the people who will follow us and so I think that is very important for us to do. I use the rest of my time. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Hi, I'm Ree Chararma. I live at 12 71 00:23:50.799 --> 00:24:07.200 Mohawk Trail in Westfield and I'm here to raise similar concerns about the redevelopment of Tomquist as my peers. I feel like since I was maybe 10 or younger, the park has been a big part of 72 00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:22.559 my life there. For a time, I lived with my grandfather on uh Norwood, and the park was basically in our backyard. I feel like I grew up there as much as I grew up in my house. When I was young, I'd go with my friends and play pretend. when I was by the time COVID rolled 73 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:38.400 around and we were trapped inside all day once virtual school was finished, we could go there to the woods and sort of just um learn some independence and self-direction that couldn't be given through a more structured activity. And in the plans there's a or in the 74 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:54.559 proposed planning document there's an emphasis on providing more structured more like u things for children like uh baseball the baseball fields there the structured activity which I think is 75 00:24:54.559 --> 00:25:10.720 important but I also think we can't overlook the importance of selfdirected um recreation for children. I also have more things that I think are more objective and less personal about the 76 00:25:10.720 --> 00:25:27.520 redevelopment. The obviously if we're redeveloping a park, if the town is redeveloping a park, there's a concern about keeping improving it but keeping it natural. And I think a big um point to that is the bioell that's meant to be put as a divider among the road loop of 77 00:25:27.520 --> 00:25:43.200 Tomas Park. While I think it looks good on paper, it does require the expansion of the road in both directions. And anyone who walks there, watches their little siblings sports there, anything knows that the uh trees that surround that street loop are very close to the 78 00:25:43.200 --> 00:25:59.360 road. And I think it would cause serious harm to expand the road and therefore remove those trees, the old large trees, not little ones that can be quickly replaced because honestly from this time of year on till like even sometimes September, a October, it gets sweltering 79 00:25:59.360 --> 00:26:13.440 hot and the shade that they provide I believe is really important. And I for anyone who's sitting watching sports, for going for a run, for a walk, for a bike ride, anything, I think it would do a damage to the open space there to 80 00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:29.760 remove them. Also, um I'm concerned about any pavement that's added in the per in the proposed plan. There's a large section about a quarter if it's to scale this of the size of the field right now cut out of the woods, that's 81 00:26:29.760 --> 00:26:46.080 just potential redevelopment area. I don't think it makes I don't understand the point of labeling something as like if it's a proposed plan. I don't see the point of leaving an ambiguous label. I think we should know the public should know what would be being done before 82 00:26:46.080 --> 00:27:02.720 it's done. and any sort of any turf field, any pavement right there in the Robinson's branch of the Rawway River that goes straight into the basin. Any turf, pavement, bits of tire, anything uh worsens are already polluted water and they're not pollutants that are easy 83 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:17.679 to just treat or remove. They're potentially carcinogenic and I don't think that can be overlooked. Um, also in terms of drainage, as we've been seeing in the past few years, especially over the summer, we get these freak storms, houses flood. Um, already a big portion 84 00:27:17.679 --> 00:27:32.480 of the creek there is uh paved rather than a dirt bottom, which is not good for drainage. I don't know when it was originally paved, but it already causes overflow of water that goes alongside that alongside the whole not just to 85 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:49.360 park, but uh everywhere before and after along the creek there. uh anything I believe that that prevents drainage such as pavement that isn't easily removed, turf that doesn't drain is harmful to is harmful to that. And I think I've said 86 00:27:49.360 --> 00:28:06.480 in the beginning, I'll say it once more, the benefit to development of children, both like young and more adolescent, to have a space to be in nature that isn't like isn't Wa Chung, isn't uh South Mountain 87 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:21.360 that you can walk to or bike to if you live nearby where you could meet some like I've met my best friend who also spoke here uh from another town just in the woods and I think there's something special about being able to run into people or meet people or make your own 88 00:28:21.360 --> 00:28:38.640 entertainment in an unstructured place like that. Thank you for listening and I yield the remainder of my time. >> Thank you. >> So before we have the next person, I I just want to applaud all four of you. It public speaking at its best is um 89 00:28:38.640 --> 00:29:02.960 public speaking at its best is very hard to do and to stand in front of in this audience in this room and and speak in front of this group of adults uh is pretty impressive. So, thank you all for doing that. Uh, do we have any other comments? >> Uh, Robert Parker. I live at 330 90 00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:20.000 Edgewood Avenue in Westfield. Uh, so first I concur with what you said. So, as a resident of Westfield from 1982, uh so before you were born, I actually agree with these guys and um appreciate 91 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:36.399 what they're saying because uh that I I didn't come here to do this, but from 82 until now, there has been a decrease kind of in open space. So, I think it kind of I would appreciate you thinking about what they said. uh that I've 92 00:29:36.399 --> 00:29:51.600 noticed it in 50 years of being a resident. Um secondly, thank you to U5 for saving my lives and so I'm pretty humbled by being here. And thirdly to Jim Gilde and his team that yeah 93 00:29:51.600 --> 00:30:07.120 whenever I've called the town um always get really great responses. So thank you. So, with all of that, and I have four minutes left, um, what I wanted to raise was perhaps not in in an articulate way, but I live at the corner 94 00:30:07.120 --> 00:30:24.080 of uh, Edgewood and Coleman. And so, recently, I guess it's been about 10 days, there was a house broken into uh, on Coleman that I think you all are aware of. And for the residents on our street, I say ours, Coleman, it's kind 95 00:30:24.080 --> 00:30:39.840 of really upset people. and maybe more than you perhaps can appreciate. So people have started uh exchanging emails and email chains and how do we how do we protect ourselves? What can we do about this? And everybody feels pretty 96 00:30:39.840 --> 00:30:54.880 helpless and I don't have a great suggestion as to what to do. But again, going back to 1982 to now, I've never quite f had this sensation of not feeling totally safe 97 00:30:54.880 --> 00:31:10.080 when I go to sleep at night and fearful that there's somebody at 4:00 in the morning that's kind of maybe walking around the streets trying to see which house, you know, has a is vulnerable. And it's a uncomforting feeling, a 98 00:31:10.080 --> 00:31:25.600 discomforting feeling. Um, so I don't have a great suggestion, but what I would appreciate is for you to consider that maybe there'd be a task force or a discussion or an agenda item because when I look through the agenda, I don't 99 00:31:25.600 --> 00:31:42.159 see any reference to a discussion that our town leaders um discuss like this might be a bigger issue than we realize. It might be of more importance to our our fellow citizens than we might realize or I'm sure you do realize it. And I know it's a difficult issue to 100 00:31:42.159 --> 00:31:59.200 address, but I feel like it needs to be addressed to say, well, what can we do or what at least get it on an agenda and have a a constant kind of discussion of upgrading and and trying to come up with different ideas. So that's not I'm not as articulate as these four young people 101 00:31:59.200 --> 00:32:15.919 in terms of the ask, but hopefully you understand the concept of it seems like it should be an agenda item that you know our town should have that same sense that it it had certainly when you know when I was here prematurely ago that I never worried about that. You 102 00:32:15.919 --> 00:32:32.080 know, I never had any fear. And as a senior citizen, you know, for my wife and I at night to kind of say, did we pull down all the shades? You know, did we take everything out of view? Did we hide the car or something like that? It's it's it's not not what we're used 103 00:32:32.080 --> 00:32:48.240 to. So, I don't have a specific suggestion. you all um are very bright, but I just ask that you consider trying to come up with some way to get it on um an agenda and and that you revisit it and that you could discuss it and say, 104 00:32:48.240 --> 00:33:02.880 did we consider different things? I know I asked about the flock cameras, you know, but there must be other ideas like that that um maybe the town could do to consider and so I just asked you to kind of get it onto the agenda. So that's it. 105 00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:18.320 I got 59 seconds. And I guess lastly, thank you to all of you. I'm impressed that you do this every two weeks and give so much of your time. So, thank you. >> Thank you. I I I do um I do just want to say a few things. Thank you for your 106 00:33:18.320 --> 00:33:33.840 comments. Um I I do want to assure you of a few things. One is that all of us up here do empathize um with you and with the people who have suffered uh these incidents and the the neighborhoods. Um, and I also want to assure you that much time and effort and 107 00:33:33.840 --> 00:33:49.519 energy is being spent discussing alternative ways to do this. Our police, we talk to them every day. Chief Baloro is in the back and um, we do spend a lot of time I I don't think one thing that's not going to probably happen is we're going to not go into too much detail in 108 00:33:49.519 --> 00:34:05.279 terms of means and methods publicly about what we're trying to do to stop it. Some things we can talk about and other things we probably can't talk about. Um but there are a lot of time and energy and effort um and funds spent on trying to combat this and there is no magic bullet. Um 109 00:34:05.279 --> 00:34:24.760 >> so it would be great if the town at large understood that but that it is considered talked about. >> Okay that might be better. >> Well noted thank you. Are there any others? 110 00:34:30.159 --> 00:34:46.639 Good evening. My name is John McDev. I live at 631 Summit A and have been a resident of Westfield for 20 years. Our three children all went through the school system and played ice hockey at Westfield. I manage the Westfield Hockey Club and was involved in the initial 111 00:34:46.639 --> 00:35:02.079 concept for the Westfield Rink, working alongside Ken Anderson and the town council at the time to bring it to fruition. First, I want to thank the council for approving the renewal of the agreement uh to keep the Westfield Rink 112 00:35:02.079 --> 00:35:17.119 operating for another couple years. However, I'd like to strongly encourage the council to now seek a more permanent solution in town. The current setup was always intended as a test pilot to gauge community demand 113 00:35:17.119 --> 00:35:32.480 before committing major town resources to a permanent location and structure. In my opinion, that pilot has been a resounding success. The rink is heavily utilized for public skates, family hockey, and by local 114 00:35:32.480 --> 00:35:47.359 clubs with deep roots in the community. Specifically, it allows our Westfield Middle School hockey program to operate three full teams with over 60 kids participating each season, and it supports five high school uh hockey 115 00:35:47.359 --> 00:36:03.440 teams. To my knowledge, this combined level of youth participation is higher than any other town in New Jersey. Furthermore, the town's own recent park survey highlighted a permanent ice rink as one of the top first priority 116 00:36:03.440 --> 00:36:18.880 amenities residents want to see added to our parks. We have proven beyond a doubt that the demand exists and that the facility is actively used. We have also proven that we have an incredibly capable organization to 117 00:36:18.880 --> 00:36:35.760 manage through our successful public private partnership with the town of Westfield and the Anderson family. While I recognize that none of you on the council currently were here for those initial discussions, I hope you have heard from your constituents just how 118 00:36:35.760 --> 00:36:51.760 much of an asset this has become. I encourage you to take the next step and make this a permanent part of Westfield so future generations can enjoy it with confidence in long-term viability. Thank you for your time. I'm happy to answer any questions in the future and 119 00:36:51.760 --> 00:37:09.359 can provide information regarding Westfield's strong ice hockey community and history and a historical perspective around the Westfield rink. Thank you, John. Appreciate your comments. Uh, are there any other 120 00:37:09.359 --> 00:37:24.720 comments? Okay, seeing no others, I close this portion of the meeting and move to bills and claims. Councilman. >> Oh, can I can I say something before? >> Okay, great. Thanks. I just want to say that I was very heartened to hear the comments from the young folks here that 121 00:37:24.720 --> 00:37:40.960 spoke about the park and uh I shared the sentiments that you you expressed and it's it's good to hear people your age actually talk about the natural part of the park. Um, and so thank you. Um, I just want to tell you though that um, you're not alone on this. There was probably the biggest single item in the 122 00:37:40.960 --> 00:37:56.880 survey was maintaining the natural beauty of the park. And so I think what you'll find from the proposed designs is that's that's sort of throughout the design. So the the hiking trails obviously absolutely going to be preserved. In fact, we're going to kind of the plan 123 00:37:56.880 --> 00:38:11.920 would be to label them a little better so people aren't as intimidated as to go back there because sometimes people one of the comments we got was it looks kind of spooky and I don't want to get lost. Um, and the other thing is it would propose to connect that those trails to the more the heart of the park but where 124 00:38:11.920 --> 00:38:27.359 the current basketball courts are. So people could actually venture in from that direction too. Be more inviting. And then those little wetland areas that are over there would be preserved and labeled and have a little bridge over there to bring out some more people who can uh use the park in the ways that you 125 00:38:27.359 --> 00:38:43.359 described. So I would encourage you to take, you know, heart in the fact that the the proposed designs that we're seeing, and again, nothing's cast in stone yet, but they really are trying to capture and enhance the natural beauty of the park. And I think you'll find that that's that's the case. The one final thing I will say is it's great 126 00:38:43.359 --> 00:38:59.040 that you talk to us because ultimately we're going to be the people that vote on this, but the design team that's working on this is really really going to capture the comments that are put into the website. Uh that's not just for show. That's that's real. So I would encourage you to go on to the website for folks like you. It's really easy. 127 00:38:59.040 --> 00:39:14.560 You just click and right you know how to use better than I do, but you click and you can write your comments just kind of stuff you talked about today. Put that on the website or put it in there and then the design team will know about it as well. Okay. Thanks, >> Mayor. Can I can I comment as well? >> Sure. Um, I just want to comment to to 128 00:39:14.560 --> 00:39:30.079 Mr. Parker's comments. Thanks for coming to the meeting. Um, I've been on the public safety committee for almost three years now, and I will say at almost every one of those meetings, we have this conversation. So, although you might not see it on the agenda at this meeting every two weeks, it's on we I 129 00:39:30.079 --> 00:39:44.720 think we have a public safety meeting every six weeks, every six weeks, and it is constantly talked about in that smaller committee. Um, I'll say that since being on there, we've approved I don't know the exact number, but a lot of flock cameras have been installed. I'm sure Jim knows the the actual 130 00:39:44.720 --> 00:40:00.000 number. And I'll say like even outside of the committee meeting, I know Rishma and I had a conversation about it last week. The mayor and I had an hourlong conversation on Saturday. Um there's conversations happening consistently, I will say as frustrated as we all are, 131 00:40:00.000 --> 00:40:16.800 there is no silver bullet answer. If there was, trust me, we would be doing it and spending the money to get it done. Um the real big thing will be everyone just has to be look out for their neighbors. Bring your car into your garage and um start to make it that 132 00:40:16.800 --> 00:40:33.280 Wessel is a place that these folks want to go. There's only so much we can do. I think we have a 100 mile how many miles of roads? >> 100 miles of roads. So even if we wanted to hire triple the police force, they still couldn't show up. The likelihood of them being on Coleman at 4:41 in the 133 00:40:33.280 --> 00:40:49.359 morning isn't that high. Um, but there's other things that we can do. There's other things that the police are doing that aren't necessarily talked about, obviously for good reason. Um, but I just want you to know we talk about it a lot. You might not see on the agenda. It's a lot of behind the scenes work and a lot of stuff that can't necessarily be talked about for those reasons. Um, 134 00:40:49.359 --> 00:41:07.359 >> I just wanted to share that I think it's it's probably concern. >> I think it's the deepest concern. >> I don't think there's anything like we can talk here about fields and all that stuff. At the end of the day, public safety is, at least for me personally, I don't want to speak the most concerning 135 00:41:07.359 --> 00:41:41.359 thing out there. Nothing else really matters when >> we understand. We're taking it seriously. >> And I just want to add to what I Okay. Thank you. All right. Councilman. >> Yes. >> Sorry. I did want to add um also to Mr. 136 00:41:41.359 --> 00:41:57.200 Parker, I live very close to you. I understand it. I share the concern. I have friends that live on Coleman as well. Um what I wanted to add was last week, in fact, we did have a public safety forum. The mayor hosted it with the chief and and so it was it was something that we hosted here that was 137 00:41:57.200 --> 00:42:16.280 advertised to the community. So, it is being talked about. Um, and like uh, Councilman Saunders said, it is the deepest concern. >> Councilman Vader. >> Thank you, mayor. I'd like to move bills and claims in the amount of $735,246.16. 138 00:42:17.359 --> 00:42:33.280 >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Councilman Dagala. All in favor? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All opposed? The motion is carried. Next on the agenda is reports of standing committees beginning with finance and policy committee. Councilman Venator. >> Thank you, mayor. I have eight 139 00:42:33.280 --> 00:42:48.400 resolutions I would like to move as a package. One, resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to refund recreation department fees. Two, resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to refund police department fees. Three, resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to draw a warrant for board of 140 00:42:48.400 --> 00:43:03.920 adjustment escrow monies. Four, resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to refund street opening cash bond. Five, resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to draw warrants for overpaid taxes. Six, resolution to increase the bid 141 00:43:03.920 --> 00:43:19.760 threshold. Seven, resolution to reappoint tax collector. Eight, resolution to approve insertion of special item of revenue clean communities grant. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> So, Councilman Armento, any discussion? >> All in favor? Yes. 142 00:43:19.760 --> 00:43:35.440 >> Opposed. >> The motion is carried. >> Bless you. Councilman. >> Uh I have two ordinances. I would like to move on first reading. Starting with special ordinance number 202602 bond ordinance to appropriate an 143 00:43:35.440 --> 00:43:52.400 additional sum of $862,000 for the undertaking of the Hulahan Sidfeay Fields parking lot restroom and multi-purpose facility improvement project in by and for the town of Westfield in the county of Union state of New Jersey to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such additional appropriation 144 00:43:52.400 --> 00:44:07.920 and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation not in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. >> May I have a second? >> Second. Second by Councilwoman Adoir. Any discussion? >> Yeah. Can I comment on the mayor? Um I just want to be sure we're 100% sure on the answers and Jim maybe you can help 145 00:44:07.920 --> 00:44:23.760 me out on this. What is the the total percent increase this is on the the total number? And then um we talked about it in the meeting, but just for the public like the sports teams are involved in this and this isn't all us. If you could just bring that back to the conversation, that'd be great. >> Sure. Uh again, as I mentioned in the 146 00:44:23.760 --> 00:44:39.520 preme meeting, uh we the previous town council authorized $2,339,000 for this project based upon engineering estimates from last year. Um and uh but the project didn't go out to bid till recently in that time frame. Of course, the world has changed, marketplace has 147 00:44:39.520 --> 00:44:54.720 changed, and there were uh realized that there's some additional environmental and soil disposal costs that were had to be added. So the cost estimates were revised by the engineering firm we used to 3.1 million. We actually went out to public bid, got seven bids, very competitive bids which range between the 148 00:44:54.720 --> 00:45:11.839 low of 2.9, high of 3.3. Uh, and we are awarding to the lowest responsible bidder. Uh, and then what you do there, you authorize the price. Uh, you have to have the funding to to award the project and then you put a contingency amount in there as well. Uh, part of the other thing about this project when we 149 00:45:11.839 --> 00:45:28.079 authorized the funding last year, both the Westville Soccer Association and the West Lacrosse Club participated in the down payment money of last year's ordinance and will participate for the next four years in contributing money in the neighborhood of $80,000 a year between the two of them uh to offset the 150 00:45:28.079 --> 00:45:43.760 town's debt service for the parking lot uh building and bathroom facility. So, they are very vested in this and we're happy to have them as a partner. doesn't happen very often, but you have private organizations contributing towards the cost of the project on an annual basis the next four years in addition to their costs that they put in last year for the 151 00:45:43.760 --> 00:45:59.680 down payment. So, uh, again, obviously very exciting projects for this complex and when this is all done, a brand new facility probably for the next couple decades. So, >> thanks. >> Yep. >> Thanks, Jim. Councilman Dagaw. >> Uh, yes. Um, so I'd like to go ahead and make an additional comment about the 152 00:45:59.680 --> 00:46:15.200 facility itself. I think this project was kind of conceptually brought to us maybe 10 to 15 years ago like the grand scheme of what they wanted there and it wasn't allowed to be completed funds weren't necessarily available and I think this is really seeing the fruition 153 00:46:15.200 --> 00:46:32.160 of a dream that the teams really wanted to go ahead and have um I know that there's a lot of conversation whether somebody likes turf or doesn't like turf but if there's any place that turf really belongs is where turf was already existing. It takes a lot of money to go ahead and roll back the clock and go ahead and put in lawns and go ahead and 154 00:46:32.160 --> 00:46:48.000 maintain all of that. But this is a facility that was built for it along railroad tracks and I think it is appropriate for it to be there to go ahead and make sure that the teams have a space to go ahead and play, practice, uh, and do everything that they need to do. So, thank you. 155 00:46:48.000 --> 00:47:03.520 >> Any other comments? May I have a second? >> Second. Second by Councilman Saunders. Any discussion? Any other discussion? Please call the role. >> Council members Dagalo, >> yes. >> Pecker, >> yes. >> Keeper, >> yes. >> Saunders, >> yes. 156 00:47:03.520 --> 00:47:19.839 >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Burton, >> yes. This motion is carried. I would also like to move on first reading special ordinance number 202603 bond ordinance to authorize the replacement of the synthetic turf athletic fields and the making of other 157 00:47:19.839 --> 00:47:35.119 improvements at Hulahansi fields in by and for the town of Westfield in the county of Union state of New Jersey to appropriate the sum of $880,000 to pay the cost thereof to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond 158 00:47:35.119 --> 00:47:51.200 anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. May I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Dagmagala. Any discussion? Please call the role. >> Council members Dagala, >> yes. >> Pecker, >> yes. >> Keeper, >> yes. >> Saunders, >> yes. 159 00:47:51.200 --> 00:48:06.800 >> Adoir, >> yes. >> Armentoto, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Burton, >> yes. This motion has carried. Councilwoman Adoir, please move the items for public safety and transportation committee. >> Thank you, mayor. I would like to move a resolution authorizing an award of contract for crossing guard management 160 00:48:06.800 --> 00:48:22.000 services. May I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Saunders. Uh, any discussion? >> All in favor? >> Yes. >> Opposed? This motion is carried. Councilman Pcker, please move code review and town property resolutions. 161 00:48:22.000 --> 00:48:38.240 >> I have two resolutions I would like to move as a package. One, resolution to approve child children's amusement device license. Two, resolution to approve peddler's license. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Councilwoman Adoir. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Yes. Yes. Opposed. The motion is 162 00:48:38.240 --> 00:48:54.559 carried. Councilwoman Adoir, please move public works committee resolutions. >> I have five resolutions. I would like to move as a package. Resolution one, resolution authorizing stipent of recycling program coordinator. Two, resolution authorizing an award of contract for the purchase of equipment 163 00:48:54.559 --> 00:49:09.839 for the depart Department of Public Works, SANDP Pro. Resolution authorizing an award of contract for the purchase of equipment for the Department of Public Works, ASVRT-40. Resolution authorizing an award of contract for the purchase of equipment 164 00:49:09.839 --> 00:49:26.800 for the Department of Public Works, Toro Groundmaster. And five, resolution authorizing an award of contract for the purchase of equipment for the Department of Public Works, Fisher Plow. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Arnto. Any discussion? >> All in favor? 165 00:49:26.800 --> 00:49:42.160 >> Opposed? This motion is carried. May I have a motion to adjurnn? So move. >> So moved. >> Uh, Councilman Vankador second. Second. >> Second by Councilwoman Edward. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Yes. Opposed? This motion is carried. This meeting is adjourned. Thank you all 166 00:49:42.160 --> 00:49:45.559 for being here.