WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=x6jE2UENuD0

Part: 1

1
00:00:02.560 --> 00:02:08.959
Good job. And then drop it. Yeah. All right. Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the Open Public Meetings Act was provided through posting, mailing, and filing of the annual notice of regularly scheduled meetings of the

2
00:02:08.959 --> 00:02:25.120
town council on December 10th, 2025. This notice was on that date posted on the bulletin board of the municipal building provided to the Westfield leader and the star ledger and filed with the clerk of the town of Westfield. Miss Laos, may I have a roll call? >> Mayor Burman >> here. >> Council member Gilman

3
00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:46.599
>> here. here. >> Here >> cheers. Sorry. Here. >> Please rise for the invocation which be given by council mento and then remain standing for the salute to the flag.

4
00:02:49.920 --> 00:03:05.440
Today, may we be open to others ideas and beliefs, respectful of our differences, not threatened by them. May we grow in understanding of one another. Strength, real strength, can always find compromise. Working together may be a find, may we find a common ground,

5
00:03:05.440 --> 00:03:23.040
enable us to move forward with shared purpose. May we see what is truly important and unites us, focusing on that to banish roadblocks of ego and fear. Today, may we be open to others ideas and beliefs. To the flag of the United States of

6
00:03:23.040 --> 00:03:42.640
America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening everyone and thank you to all who are joining us tonight both here and in person and via the live stream on

7
00:03:42.640 --> 00:03:58.400
the town's YouTube channel. As always, the replay of the meeting will be available on Facebook, YouTube, and TV36. Public comment will be accepted in person only. Uh, I'm going to make a few brief remarks before we begin tonight's agenda. First, I would like to update everyone about the

8
00:03:58.400 --> 00:04:14.400
unfortunate accident that occurred on Saturday at Memorial Pool. A large tree branch fell and injured a 15-year-old boy who remained conscious and was transported to the hospital. I am grateful to the pool staff and our first responders for their swift and professional response. And it is our

9
00:04:14.400 --> 00:04:28.800
understanding that the child is thankfully now back at home and in good spirits. This entire council extends its best wishes to him and his family as he recovers from his injuries. On the local events front, I would like to thank everyone who joined us

10
00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:46.160
yesterday for our pride celebration. It was wonderful to see a great turnout, especially from our middle and high school students at this important commemoration of inclusion for all. Looking ahead to the next few weeks, I hope to see many of you this Friday night at the Quinnby Street watch party to cheer on Team USA as they take on

11
00:04:46.160 --> 00:05:02.639
Paraguay uh in the World Cup in their first match. This event begins at 8:00 with live music from the Westfield High School Blue Devil Steel Band and will also include a photo booth, fan activities, and more. Full details are available at the DWC website, and we will notify residents via Nixl if

12
00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:18.160
weather conditions cause an unfortunate cancellation. We also look forward to celebrating Junth, which is an opportunity to reflect on our history, honor the resilience and contributions of black Americans, and reaffirm our shared commitment to building a community where every resident feels

13
00:05:18.160 --> 00:05:34.720
valued, respected, and included. This Saturday, the town will partner with the Bethl Baptist Church to host their annual celebration from 11 to 4 in partnership with the Westfield Neighborhood Council, the Westfield Community Center, and the MLK Association of Westfield. On June 20th,

14
00:05:34.720 --> 00:05:49.919
the MLK Association will host Juneenth trolley tours highlighting African-American history in Westfield. Additional details and tickets are available on their website. Moving on to Tamakqua's Park. Thank you to everyone who has shared feedback on

15
00:05:49.919 --> 00:06:04.880
the proposed design plan. The thoughtful input we have received will help shape the future of our largest park and one of Westfield's most significant gathering places. With the June 15th deadline approaching, I encourage anyone who has not yet participated to complete

16
00:06:04.880 --> 00:06:20.479
the survey on the town's website. I also want to say a few things about the importance of ebike safety. With the arrival of summer and more residents and visitors outdoors, this continues to be a real concern and our officers will be

17
00:06:20.479 --> 00:06:37.280
enforcing the updated state regulations. Riders and parents should be aware of the July 19th compliance deadline that ebike riders must be at least 15 years old. Ebikes must be registered and licensed through the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission and riders must

18
00:06:37.280 --> 00:06:53.600
follow all the rules of the road. Penalties for non-compliance may include fines and in some cases impoundment of the bike. The Westwood Police Department will be hosting additional ebike safety presentations in the coming weeks, which will also be posted on our website. It

19
00:06:53.600 --> 00:07:08.800
is my very sincere hope that our ebike riders take these new laws seriously as the safety of our cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists remains a top priority. Tonight's legislative agenda, we have two bond ordinances on second reading

20
00:07:08.800 --> 00:07:24.880
tonight to fund necessary improvements at Sidfeay Hulahan Fields. The first authorizes additional funds for the parking lot expansion and restroom storage facility construction. The second authorizes funding for the replacement of two turf fields at a

21
00:07:24.880 --> 00:07:41.039
holahance at Fay which have reached end of life and are in need of replacement. In addition uh to a handful of standard financial actions, we also have resolutions from finance policy committee to establish an estimated tax rate until the county certifies their

22
00:07:41.039 --> 00:07:58.240
final tax rate this summer, as well as a resolution confirming compliance with the local finance board rules after a successful 2025 audit. From public safety, we have a resolution authorizing our annual payment for the police department's bodywn cameras and also a

23
00:07:58.240 --> 00:08:14.319
resolution authorizing an award of contract to purchase and install a security system here at town hall. From code review, we have a resolution authorizing an award of contract to Harvest Group for the Adamsfest beer and wine concession at the Charlie's Ale

24
00:08:14.319 --> 00:08:30.879
Garden on October 17th following a publicly uh advertised bid process. And we also have a resolution authorizing an agreement with the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad that allows public works to conduct snow plowing services on their property. And lastly, from code review,

25
00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:47.839
we have a resolution that authorizes Westfield to enter into a court approved affordable housing settlement as part of New Jerseyy's updated affordable housing process. As you'll recall, we finalized our fourth round affordable housing plan earlier this year. This resolution is essentially the very final step in

26
00:08:47.839 --> 00:09:04.320
securing the town's affordable housing certification from the court, which protects us from the affordable housing lawsuits through 2035. And before we actually begin our legislative agenda, um I'm going to read one proclamation for National Gun Violence Awareness Day, which was

27
00:09:04.320 --> 00:09:22.080
actually last Friday. Um and we have uh Vita Larkin, who we're going to award that to come up momentarily. Whereas every day more than 30 Americans are killed by gun violence and more than 200 are shot and wounded with an average of more than 19,000 gun homicides every

28
00:09:22.080 --> 00:09:39.120
year. And Americans are 26 more times 26 times more likely to die to die by gun homicide than people in other highincome countries. And whereas cities and small towns across the nation, including Westfield, are working to end the senseless violence with evidence-based

29
00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:56.320
solutions. And support for the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens goes handinhand with keeping guns away from people with dangerous histories. And whereas public safety, protecting that in our communities is our highest responsibility. and our law enforcement officers know their communities best,

30
00:09:56.320 --> 00:10:12.240
are the most familiar with local criminal activity and how to address it, and are best positioned to understand how to keep our citizens safe. And in January 2013, Hadia Pendleton was tragically shot and killed at age 15. And on June 5th, 2026, to recognize her

31
00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:27.839
29th birthday, people across the United States recognized National Gun Violence Awareness Day and wore orange in tribute to Hadia Pendleton, other victims of gun violence, and the loved ones of those victims. And whereas we renew our commitment to reduce gun violence and

32
00:10:27.839 --> 00:10:43.680
pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the hands of people who should not have access to them and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our families and communities safe. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Mayor Jeremy Burman, along with the members of this town council, declare June 5th,

33
00:10:43.680 --> 00:11:00.519
2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the town of Westfield, and in doing so, encourage all citizens to support efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives. So, I'm going to have Vita come on up.

34
00:11:30.959 --> 00:11:47.440
Okay, Ms. Lowshi, are there any advertised hearings? >> Yes, mayor. We have two advertised hearings tonight. Starting with special words 20262 words to appropriate an additional sum of $862,000 for the undertaking of the pool field

35
00:11:47.440 --> 00:12:03.440
parking lot restroom and multi-purpose facility approvement project in by the town of Westfield the county of state of New Jersey to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such additional appropriation and to provide for the issuance bond anticipation notes in anticipation of

36
00:12:03.440 --> 00:12:21.680
the issuance of such bonds. Anyone wishing to be heard on specials 262, please come to the microphone to state your name and address for the record. >> Seeing no one, Mary closing. >> This hearing is closed. >> Next is special ordinance 20263, a bond ordinance to authorize the replacement

37
00:12:21.680 --> 00:12:37.920
of synthetic turf athletic fields and the making of other improvements at Bulan Syn Fields in, by, and for the town of Westfield in the county of the state of New Jersey to appropriate the sum of 880,000 to cost thereof to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to

38
00:12:37.920 --> 00:12:55.440
finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. Anyone wishing to be heard on special words 603 please come to the microphone state your name and address for the record seeing no

39
00:12:55.440 --> 00:13:10.800
>> this hearing is now closed. Councilman Pcker, please move for the adoption of these ordinances. >> Thank you mayor. I would like to move on second reading special ordinance number 2026-02 upon an ordinance to appropriate an additional sum of $862,000

40
00:13:10.800 --> 00:13:27.600
for the undertaking of the Hulahan Sidfa 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 appropriations and to provide for the issuance of bond

41
00:13:27.600 --> 00:13:43.279
anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. May I have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Councilman Armento. Any discussion? Please call the role. >> Council member Gilman. >> Yes. >> Yes.

42
00:13:43.279 --> 00:13:58.000
>> Yes. >> Keeper. >> Yes. >> Sanders. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. This motion is carried. I would also like to move on second reading special ordinance number 202603 bond ordinance to authorize the replacement of the synthetic turf fields and the

43
00:13:58.000 --> 00:14:13.199
making of other improvements at Hulahan Sidfeay 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

44
00:14:13.199 --> 00:14:28.800
to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. >> May I have a second? >> Second. Second, councilman Dagala. Any discussion? >> Please call the role. >> Council members, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Becker, >> yes. >> Keeper,

45
00:14:28.800 --> 00:14:44.959
>> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. This motion is carried. May I have a motion to approve the minutes from the town council conference, executive, and regular meetings of May 19th, 2026. So moved. >> Uh, Councilman Saunders, second.

46
00:14:44.959 --> 00:15:00.000
>> Second. >> Councilman Pcker. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Yes. >> Opposed? This motion is carried. Now it's time for open discussion by citizens. Anyone may come up to the microphone and speak on to the council on any subject on which the council has

47
00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:19.279
jurisdiction. Please state your name and address for the record and limit your comments to five minutes. Seeing none, I close this portion of the meeting and move to bills and claims. Councilman Pcker. >> Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to move bills and claims in the amount of 9

48
00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:36.560
$922,29757. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Count second by uh Councilwoman Gilman. Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> Opposed? The motion is carried. Next on the agenda is reports of standing committees beginning with the finance

49
00:15:36.560 --> 00:15:52.160
policy committee. Councilman Pcker. >> Thank you, mayor. I have 10 resolutions I would like to move as a package. Number one, resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to refund dumpster security payment. Two, resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to refund street opening cash bond. Three, resolution

50
00:15:52.160 --> 00:16:08.480
authorizing the chief financial officer to refund to refund performance bond. Four, resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to refund recreation department fees. Five, resolution authorizing the chief financial officer to draw Lauren for dog licenses for May 2026. Six, resolution authorizing an

51
00:16:08.480 --> 00:16:25.120
affordability assistance grant pursuant to the town of Westfield's affordability assistance program for a tenant of an affordable housing unit at 2212 Echol Lane. Um, unit one, unit 2212, unit 1. A seven, uh, resolution revising an

52
00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:40.480
affordable affordability assistance grant pursuit of the town of Westfield's affordability assistance program for a tenant of an affordable housing unit at 440 North Avenue, East Echo Lane, Unit 1A. Eight, resolution establishing payment schedule for board of education tax payments. Nine, resolution

53
00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:57.120
establishing estimated tax rate. 10, resolution confirming compliance with local finance board rules regarding recommendations of annual audit. >> May I have a second? >> Second. Second by Councilman Armenta. Any discussion? All in favor?

54
00:16:57.120 --> 00:17:12.240
>> Yes. Opposed? This motion is carried. Councilwoman Gilman, please move the items for public safety. >> Thank you, Mayor. I have two resolutions I would like to move as a package. One, resolution authorizing payment to Axon Enterprise for the Westfield Police

55
00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:29.120
Department. Two, resolution authorizing an award of contract for the purchase and installation of security access control equipment for the Westfield Police Department. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Councilman Saunders. Any discussion? >> All in favor?

56
00:17:29.120 --> 00:17:45.280
>> Yes. >> Opposed? This motion is carried. Councilman Pcker, please move the code review and town property resolution. >> Thank you, Mayor. I have seven resolutions I would like to move as a package. One, resolution to approve children's amusement device license. Two, resolution authorizing an award of

57
00:17:45.280 --> 00:18:01.679
contract for Adam's vest beer and wine garden concession. Three, resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with the Westfield Rescue Squad. Four, resolution authorizing the mayor and clerk to execute an agreement with the county of the union to modify the cooperative agreement. Five, resolution authorizing renewal of agreement with Eastgate Square

58
00:18:01.679 --> 00:18:18.880
Condominium Association. Six, resolution authorizing renewal of the agreement with Westfield Crossing Condominium Association. Seven, resolution authorizing the affordable housing council to sign compliance certificate consent order with Fair Share Housing Center. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Council Mento. Any discussion?

59
00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:33.039
All in favor? >> Yes. >> Opposed? This motion is carried. May I have a motion to adjurnn? Uh, Councilman Dagal, may I have a second? Second, Councilwoman Gilman. Uh, any discussion? All in favor? >> Yes.

60
00:18:33.039 --> 00:18:36.480
>> Opposed? This motion is carried.