Garwood public meetings in 2020

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a virtual regular meeting on December 28, 2020. They will consider a consent agenda that includes resolutions honoring outgoing Fire Chief Allan Tweedle and Councilman Richard McCormack, approving a $3,000 budget transfer, and awarding the 2021 insurance package to Acrisure, LLC. The agenda also includes routine reports from officials and committees, and public comment.

• Resolution 20-376 honoring Fire Chief Allan Tweedle for service through Dec 31, 2020
• Resolution 20-377 honoring Councilman Richard McCormack for service through Dec 31, 2020
• Resolution 20-378 approving 2020 Budget Transfer #3 of $3,000
• Resolution 20-379 awarding 2021 Insurance Package to Acrisure, LLC
• Resolution 20-380 to renew membership in the Statewide Insurance Fund for 3 years

The Garwood Mayor and Council held a routine year-end meeting, adopting the consent agenda (5-0, one excused) which included resolutions honoring outgoing Fire Chief Allan Tweedle and Councilman Richard McCormack, approving 2021 insurance with Acrisure and renewal with Statewide Insurance Fund, and authorizing budget transfers. The council also approved the payment of claims. No ordinances or other substantive new business were considered.

• Adopted consent agenda including 8 resolutions (5-0, 1 excused)
• Approved 2021 insurance package with Acrisure, LLC
• Renewed membership in Statewide Insurance Fund for 3 years with $26,156 savings for 2021
• Approved 2020 budget transfer #3 of $3,000
• Approved payment of claims
• Honored outgoing Fire Chief Allan Tweedle and Councilman Richard McCormack with resolutions

Meeting

This is a notice from the Township of Cranford Municipal Clerk to neighboring municipalities about a recently-adopted ordinance (2020-17) that amends the Township's Land Development Code for 6 Centennial Avenue. The agenda is purely procedural: it transmits the adopted ordinance and notifies surrounding communities, with no new decisions or discussions scheduled for this meeting.

• Ordinance 2020-17 adopted, amending Land Development Code for 6 Centennial Avenue, Cranford
• Notice sent to surrounding municipalities and county planning board
• Certified hard copy to be mailed to recipients

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a virtual public meeting to consider adopting Ordinance 20-13, which sets salaries for municipal officials and employees, and to vote on a consent agenda that includes resolutions for 2021 police and public works pay rates, budget adjustments, and service contracts. The agenda also includes reports from the engineer, attorney, and administrator, as well as public comment.

• Ordinance 20-13: fixes salaries and wages for certain officials and employees
• Resolution 20-368: 2021 police salaries, e.g., Captain $115,752, Lieutenant $110,515
• Resolution 20-369: 2021 DPW hourly rates, e.g., Laborer/Foreman $43.74/hr
• Resolution 20-370: HVAC maintenance contract with In-Line Heating & Air Conditioning Co. for $7,280 over two years
• Resolution 20-371: Phase III Builders contract for $15,911 for window installation

Meeting

The Garwood Planning Board held a virtual meeting on December 9, 2020, addressing two applications. It granted a certificate of non-conformity for a two-family house at 337 Myrtle Ave. and continued a use variance request for 242 Second Ave. to January 27, 2021. The board also approved an extension for subdivision deeds, adopted 2021 meeting dates, and authorized the attorney to accept service in litigation.

• Granted certificate of non-conformity for two-family house at 337 Myrtle Ave. (Block 408 Lot 8) in R/A zone.
• Continued use variance application for 242 Second Ave. (Block 205 Lot 26) to January 27, 2021.
• Extended time to perfect subdivision deeds for 604/608 Willow Ave. by 120 days due to COVID delays.
• Adopted 2021 meeting dates.
• Approved invoices totaling $3,652.50 from Harbor Consultants and $2,655.00 for legal services.

Meeting

The Garwood governing body is being asked to consider and potentially pass a resolution, drafted by Long Hill Township, that demands legislative action on Mt. Laurel affordable housing obligations. The item was circulated by email ahead of the meeting; no other agenda items are listed.

• Resolution demanding legislative action on Mt. Laurel affordable housing (RESO 20-313)
• Request to send signed copy back to Long Hill Township if passed

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a virtual public hearing and vote on a $40,000 Community Development Block Grant application for senior citizen social service programs. They will also consider a consent agenda with resolutions for tax refunds, a CARES Act grant for the library, a tree maintenance contract, an auditing contract, and a residential cleanup contract.

• Public hearing and application for Year 47 CDBG: $40,000 for Senior Citizen Social Service Programs
• Resolution 20-356: Insert $11,927.66 CARES Act grant revenue for Garwood Library
• Resolution 20-357: Award tree maintenance to M & A Tree Service, not to exceed $10,425
• Resolution 20-358: Auditing contract with Suplee, Clooney & Company, fees up to $40,300 plus additional services
• Resolution 20-360: Award 2-year residential cleanup contract to Waste Management of NJ, $60-$62.50 per permit

The Garwood Mayor and Council approved a $395,000 state grant for the 2021 Municipal Project, which will pave Hazel, Hemlock, Spruce, and Third streets and add curbs on Hazel, Hemlock, and Third. The council also set the 2021 bulk permit fee at $105.00 and adopted a consent agenda that included tax refunds, a tree maintenance contract, and a new auditing contract. All resolutions and the payment of claims were approved unanimously (6-0).

• Approved $395,000 state grant for 2021 road paving and curb project (unanimous)
• Set 2021 bulk pickup permit fee at $105.00 per household (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda including tax refunds, tree maintenance, and audit contracts (unanimous)
• Approved $40,000 CDBG application for Senior Citizen Social Service Programs (unanimous)
• Awarded 2-year residential cleanup contract to Waste Management of NJ (unanimous)
• Approved $11,927.66 and $36,875.00 CARES Act fund budget insertions (unanimous)
• Authorized Mayor to execute CARES Act reimbursement agreement with Union County (unanimous)
• Approved payment of claims (unanimous)

Meeting

This is a notice from the Cranford Township Clerk to neighboring municipalities about Ordinance 2020-17, introduced Nov. 10, which would amend the Township's Land Development Code. A public hearing and adoption vote are scheduled for the Dec. 15 Township Committee meeting at 7:30 p.m. The agenda is a procedural notification, not a full meeting agenda.

• Ordinance 2020-17 to amend Land Development Code
• Introduced at Nov. 10 Township Committee meeting
• Public hearing and adoption Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Meeting

This is a transmittal from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to municipal clerks, including Garwood's, about Ordinance 821-2020 introduced at their November 12, 2020 meeting. The agenda is procedural, providing notice of the ordinance's introduction and no other business items.

• Ordinance 821-2020 introduced by Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders on November 12, 2020

The Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority (RVSA) approved 15 resolutions at its October 15, 2020 regular meeting, including awarding contracts for cogen relief valve installation, screw pump parts, disability insurance, and ten professional service agreements for 2021. The board also approved two Treatment Works Approval (TWA) applications for new residential developments in Roselle Park and Clark, and requested a late submission of its 2021 budget to Trenton due to COVID-19 delays. A first reading of a by-law amendment to change meeting times to 6:00 p.m., limit agenda work sessions, and allow virtual meetings was also approved.

• Awarded Contract #186 for Cogen Flameless Explosion Relief Valves to Spectraserv Inc. for $158,000
• Awarded Contract #2039 for Lakeside Screw Pump parts to Fleet Pump & Service Group for $388,398 over two years
• Awarded Contract #2040 for Long Term Disability Insurance to UNUM for an estimated $10,431.70
• Awarded 2021 professional service contracts for legal, financial, engineering, and lab services (Contracts #2101-2110)
• Approved TWA application for 87-unit residential building at 450 West Westfield Ave, Roselle Park
• Approved TWA application for 42-unit apartment building at 1019 Raritan Road, Clark
• Requested late submission of 2021 budget to Trenton due to COVID-19 delays
• Approved first reading of by-law amendment for 6:00 p.m. meetings and virtual meeting option

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a virtual regular meeting on November 12, 2020. They will introduce Ordinance 20-13 fixing salaries for municipal officials and employees, and consider a consent agenda with resolutions including a $3,905,000 bond anticipation note, a $3,362 Union County Kids Recreation Trust Grant, and several personnel hires and salary adjustments. The agenda also includes routine reports, minutes approval, and public comment.

• Ordinance 20-13: Fixing salaries and wages of certain officials and employees
• Resolution 20-346: Designating $3,905,000 bond anticipation note and $84,000 special emergency note as tax-exempt
• Resolution 20-341: $3,362 Union County Kids Recreation Trust Grant budget insertion
• Resolution 20-343: Hiring Enrique Cruz Jr. as full-time Class C Laborer at $27.79/hour
• Resolution 20-349: Professional services contract with Gruskin Group for $8,750 plus expenses for service windows

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council adopted Ordinance 20-12, which updates construction permit fees to align with the Township of Cranford's fee schedule per the 2017 shared services agreement. The council also approved a consent agenda that included a $13,100 contract for ball stop netting at the Sports Complex, a $3,362 grant application for recreation equipment, and the hiring of a new DPW laborer. A separate resolution honoring the Green Team and partners for the rain garden was also adopted.

• Adopted Ordinance 20-12 updating construction fees (6-0)
• Approved $13,100 contract with Capital Fence LLC for ball stop netting (consent agenda)
• Authorized grant application for $3,362 for recreation equipment (consent agenda)
• Hired Frank Pizzi III as full-time laborer at $34.06/hour (consent agenda)
• Adopted Resolution 20-332 honoring Green Team, Union County Freeholders, and Rahway River Watershed Association (6-0)
• Renewed liquor licenses for multiple establishments (consent agenda)
• Approved $886.54 sewer tax refund to Garwood Mall Associates (consent agenda)
• Authorized executive session for contract negotiations (all in favor)

Meeting

The Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority approved Resolution #20-33, changing how flow-right exceedances and excess rental charges are calculated, by a 9-1 vote. The board also approved two Treatment Works Approval applications for properties in Springfield, awarded contracts for oxidation catalyst modules, engine rebuild, and technical advisory services, and authorized a CARES Act reimbursement agreement with Union County. All other resolutions and the bills and claims totaling $1,254,190.77 were approved.

• Approved Resolution #20-33 changing flow-right monitoring and excess rental charge calculations (9-1, Clark opposed)
• Approved TWA application for 200 Springfield Avenue, Springfield (PFAS treatment system, 20,000 gpd)
• Approved TWA application for Morris Avenue, Springfield (162 residential units, 29,500 gpd)
• Awarded Contract #2025 to Catalytic Combustion Corp. for oxidation catalyst modules ($78,165)
• Awarded Contract #190 to Foley, Inc. for Caterpillar Engine #4 rebuild ($526,610.25)
• Awarded Contract #2037 to Great Lakes Environmental Commission for NJHDG technical advisory services ($7,553)
• Approved 2019 Annual Audit and adopted Section 125 Cafeteria Plan
• Authorized CARES Act reimbursement agreement with Union County (up to $658,898.29)

Meeting

The Garwood Borough Council introduced Ordinance 20-12, a clean-up ordinance regulating construction fees, and awarded a $150,410 sidewalk repair/replacement contract to Cifelli & Son General Contracting. The council also approved a consent agenda including a tax appeal counterclaim, a DOT grant application for road resurfacing, a liquor license transfer, and a tree planting grant application. A resolution accepting the retirement of DPW laborer Richard Byrne was adopted separately.

• Introduced Ordinance 20-12 regulating construction fees (6-0)
• Awarded $150,410 sidewalk repair contract to Cifelli & Son (6-0)
• Authorized tax appeal counterclaim for 346 North Avenue (consent agenda)
• Approved DOT grant application for resurfacing Hazel, Hemlock, Spruce, Third Ave (consent agenda)
• Approved liquor license transfer to Makkan Brothers, Inc. t/a Liquor Vault (consent agenda)
• Approved $5,000 grant request for tree planting project (consent agenda)
• Accepted retirement of DPW laborer Richard Byrne effective Dec 31, 2020 (6-0)
• Approved payment of claims (6-0)

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council adopted Ordinance 20-09, a $225,000 bond ordinance authorizing the 2020 Sidewalk Repair/Replacement and Tree Removal/Replacement Program. The vote was 6-0, with Councilman Benoit absent. The council also introduced Ordinance 20-10, which would require licensing and registration of landscapers, passing 3-1 with one abstention and one absence.

• Adopted Ordinance 20-09, a $225,000 bond ordinance for sidewalk and tree work (6-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 20-10, requiring licensing of landscapers (3-1, 1 abstention, 1 absent)
• Approved the consent agenda, including cancellation of a redeemed tax lien for $2,673.02
• Approved payment of claims resolution
• Approved minutes from the July 9, 2020 meeting
• Agreed to pursue a free PSE&G energy savings audit
• Closed public hearing on Ordinance 20-09
• Received and filed all communications

Meeting

The Garwood Borough Council adopted Ordinance 20-08, which requires food service facilities to install and maintain grease traps to prevent sewer blockages. The council tabled Ordinance 20-07, which would have required landscaper licensing and registration, after discussion about the insurance requirement. The council also introduced a $225,000 bond ordinance for sidewalk repairs and tree removal, and approved a consent agenda including a $42,099.99 CARES Act grant.

• Adopted Ordinance 20-08 requiring grease traps in food service facilities (6-0)
• Tabled Ordinance 20-07 on landscaper licensing and registration (all in favor)
• Introduced Ordinance 20-09, a $225,000 bond ordinance for sidewalk and tree work (6-0)
• Adopted consent agenda including CARES Act grant resolution and audit certification (6-0)
• Approved payment of claims (5-0, Council President Blumenstock absent)
• Authorized submission of intake form for council laptops for remote meetings

Meeting

The Garwood Borough Council introduced two ordinances: one requiring licensing and registration of landscapers (Ordinance 20-07) and another implementing grease trap regulations for food and drinking establishments (Ordinance 20-08). Both were introduced with a 5-1 vote, with Councilman McCormack voting against both. The council also directed the borough administrator to prepare a bond ordinance for a sidewalk repair project estimated at $184,000, and approved a consent agenda including hiring a civilian police dispatcher and a COVID-19 disinfection consulting contract.

• Introduced Ordinance 20-07 (landscaper licensing) (5-1)
• Introduced Ordinance 20-08 (grease traps) (5-1)
• Directed preparation of bond ordinance for sidewalk repairs ($184,000)
• Approved consent agenda including hiring Michael A. Medina as Civilian Police Dispatcher ($29,355/yr)
• Approved consent agenda including Pennoni Associates COVID-19 disinfection contract (up to $5,500)
• Approved consent agenda including Clean Communities Grant budget insertion ($8,359.64)
• Approved consent agenda including Union County cooperative agreement modification
• Approved consent agenda including bulk waste program specifications for 2021-2023

Meeting

The Garwood Borough Council adopted two bond ordinances: one for $550,000 to resurface Cedar Street, Hazel Avenue, and Oak Street (with a $380,000 state grant and $170,000 in bonds), and another for $144,000 to install granite block curbing on Third Avenue. The council also approved a consent agenda including resolutions for estimated third-quarter tax bills, outdoor restaurant seating, a $9,000 ambulance contract, a $35,000 Union County grant, and two new hires. The meeting included discussion of police policies following the George Floyd protests, with council members committing to review use-of-force and training procedures.

• Adopted Ordinance 20-05 authorizing $550,000 for 2020 road improvements (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 20-06 authorizing $144,000 for granite block curbing on Third Avenue (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 20-297 setting estimated 2020 tax levy at $18,584,356.47 and rate at 2.517
• Approved Resolution 20-298 establishing outdoor seating process for restaurants (no fee)
• Approved Resolution 20-299 contracting $9,000 with Garwood First Aid Squad
• Approved Resolution 20-300 accepting $35,000 Union County infrastructure grant
• Approved Resolution 20-302 hiring Glenn Lewis as part-time DPW laborer at $23.84/hour
• Approved Resolution 20-303 hiring Brielle Ramirez as part-time violations clerk at $13.50/hour

Meeting

The Garwood Borough Council unanimously adopted a consent agenda approving four resolutions: $48,592.50 in 2019 LOSAP benefits for fire and first aid squad members, $14,516.69 for ladder truck accessories, $75,555.81 for two police vehicles, and $9,000 for a DPW lawn mower. The council also voted to hold the May 28 meeting by phone conference and cancel the workshop. No ordinances were introduced or adopted.

• Approved 2019 LOSAP benefits totaling $48,592.50 for fire and first aid squad members (unanimous)
• Approved $14,516.69 for Spartan Ladder Truck accessories from Witmer Public Safety Group (unanimous)
• Approved $75,555.81 for two 2020 Ford Utility Interceptor police vehicles from Winner Ford (unanimous)
• Approved $9,000 for a Walker lawn mower from Eardly T. Petersen Company (unanimous)
• Voted to hold May 28 meeting by phone conference and cancel workshop (unanimous)
• Accepted April 23 and May 1 minutes as presented (unanimous)
• Accepted officer reports for March and April (unanimous)

Meeting

The council adopted an amended 2020 municipal budget that eliminates the previously proposed average $61 tax increase, achieving a zero-dollar increase for the average assessed household. The amendment cut $192,068, including freezing non-union salaries, halving capital improvement funds, and removing a planned 17th police officer. The council also adopted an ordinance reducing liquor license fees by 20% and approved a consent agenda including a near-zero delinquent tax interest rate for Q2 and a dispatcher promotion.

• Adopted amended 2020 budget with zero tax increase (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 20-04 reducing liquor license fees by 20% (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 20-282 amending the 2020 municipal budget (6-0)
• Adopted consent agenda including Resolution 20-284 setting Q2 delinquent tax interest at 0.00001% until May 31 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 20-285 promoting Lisa Desimone to Class I Dispatcher at $35,671/year (6-0)
• Approved payment of claims (6-0)

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council held their first phone conference meeting due to the COVID-19 emergency. They voted unanimously to cancel the April 9 and April 23 workshop sessions. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports and public comment.

• Cancelled April 9 and April 23 workshop sessions (unanimous)

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council held a workshop meeting on March 12, 2020, primarily focused on COVID-19 preparedness, including cancelled events and cleaning measures. No formal votes were taken; the council discussed a proposed revision to land use ordinances and received reports on county GIS and electric vehicle planning.

• Cancelled most events/activities for the rest of March due to COVID-19
• Discussed proposed revision to Article XII of Chapter 106 (land use fees) for future workshop
• Received presentation on Union County Asset Management and Maintenance System
• Received presentation on electric vehicle infrastructure planning from NJTPA

Meeting

The workshop meeting included reports and discussions but no formal votes. Councilman Benoit reported that the Laws & Licenses committee unanimously supports drafting a grease trap ordinance based on Roselle Park's model, with introduction planned for the next meeting. Mayor Todisco provided updates on NJ Transit service, the town-wide revaluation, and a climate change presentation. No substantive decisions were made.

• Grease trap ordinance recommended for drafting (unanimous committee support)
• Public comment closed (all in favor)
• Workshop adjourned at 8:15 p.m. (all agreed)

Meeting

The Garwood Borough Council held a workshop meeting on January 23, 2020, where they agreed to fund the purchase of netting for the Garwood Sports & Recreation Complex from the 2020 budget. The council also directed the Borough Engineer to contact PSE&G to install a street light at 52 North Avenue, despite a suggestion to wait. No formal votes were taken; decisions were made by consensus during the workshop.

• Agreed to fund sports complex netting from 2020 budget
• Directed engineer to contact PSE&G for street light at 52 North Avenue

Meeting

The Garwood Borough Council held its reorganization meeting, swearing in Councilwoman Jennifer Blumenstock and Councilman Marc Lazarow for three-year terms, and Councilman Russell Graham for an unexpired term. The council elected Blumenstock as Council President and approved a series of professional service contracts, appointments, and the 2020 temporary budget. Councilman Benoit abstained from the vote on the municipal attorney, citing a potential conflict of interest.

• Swore in Councilwoman Jennifer Blumenstock and Councilman Marc Lazarow for three-year terms, and Councilman Russell Graham for an unexpired term
• Elected Councilwoman Jennifer Blumenstock as Council President (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda Part A, including the municipal attorney contract (6-0, Benoit abstained)
• Approved Consent Agenda Part B, including tax appeal attorney, labor attorney, engineer, prosecutor, and public defender contracts (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda Part C, including the 2020 temporary budget, meeting schedule, and various appointments (unanimous)
• Appointed Allan Tweedle as Fire Chief and John Scalzadonna as Assistant Fire Chief
• Appointed Linwood Navarro as DPW Foreman
• Appointed Sandra D. Bruns as Tax Collector