Westfield public meetings in 2022

Town Council Notifications

The Westfield Town Council is meeting to consider a large slate of year-end financial resolutions, including authorizing 2023 employee salaries for police, fire, library, and non-union staff, and approving budget transfers and debt service. The council will also hold public hearings on four Community Development Block Grant allocations totaling $225,500 and on four ordinances, including amendments to the land use code regarding projecting signs and power generators. The meeting includes a proclamation for the Westfield High School Girls Volleyball State Champions and an executive session on labor negotiations.

• Public hearings on four Community Development Block Grants: $21,000 for senior transportation, $100,000 for ADA playground at Memorial Park, $35,000 for Community Center roofing, $69,500 for YMCA special needs coordinator
• First reading of General Ordinance 2022-20 to amend land use rules on projecting signs
• First reading of General Ordinance 2022-21 to amend land use rules on power generators
• Resolution to approve insertion of special revenue from National Opioid Settlement into municipal budget
• Resolution authorizing funds from Affordable Housing Trust Fund for special needs housing

The Council approved salary schedules for police, fire, and town employees effective January 1, 2023. They also authorized funding for affordable housing and passed several land use and administrative ordinances. A significant portion of the meeting involved public testimony regarding the One Westfield Place development project.

• Approved 2023 payrolls for Police, Fire, Town employees, and Library staff
• Authorized $96,454 from Affordable Housing Trust Fund to Triple C Housing, Inc. for special needs housing
• Passed General Ordinance 2022-20 regarding projecting signs
• Passed General Ordinance 2022-21 regarding power generators
• Approved $719,035.72 in bills and claims
• Approved $100,000 appropriation for COVID-19 Vaccination Grant
• Authorized $1,000 in overpayment refunds to Wychwood Gardens Coop Assoc Inc
• Approved minutes from November 22, 2022 meeting

Recreation Commission

The Commission approved a Build Westfield Lego Workshop for February 11, 2023, and an Eagle Scout project to protect trees and fundraise for a picnic table. The board also noted the approval of a second county grant for Windsor Park Playground improvements.

• Approved October 3rd meeting minutes
• Approved Cameron Linenberg Eagle Scout project for tree protection and picnic table fundraising
• Approved Build Westfield Lego Workshop for February 11, 2023, with a $4,500 advance from the recreation department

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved the November 7, 2022 meeting minutes and the 2023 meeting schedule. The Board also approved bills for October ($11,013.39) and November ($8,653.02).

• Approved November 7, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved Health Department, Vital Statistics, Animal Control and Nursing Reports
• Approved October bills totaling $11,013.39 (Unanimous)
• Approved November bills totaling $8,653.02 (Unanimous)
• Appointed Dr. Marcus and Ms. Donnelly to the Nominating Committee
• Approved 2023 Meeting Dates (Unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission unanimously accepted the Historic Preservation Officer's opinions that 507 Rahway Avenue and 647 Downer St do not warrant nomination for designation. The body also noted the receipt of a $60,000 grant from the NJ Historic Trust for a downtown property survey.

• Approved minutes of July 25, 2022 meeting
• Approved minutes of September 25, 2022 meeting (as amended)
• Accepted opinion that 507 Rahway Ave does not warrant designation (unanimous)
• Accepted opinion that 647 Downer St does not warrant designation (unanimous)
• Approved minor request for 242 Kimball Ave to replace wood deck with PVC product

Town Council Notifications

The Westfield Town Council will consider four ordinances: two updating the personnel salary schedule for library staff and other positions, and two amending the land use ordinance regarding projecting signs and power generators. The council will also vote on resolutions including a $28,000 ARP Firefighter Grant, a $11,938 risk management consultant fee, and a contract for recyclable material disposal.

• General Ordinance 2022-18: Amends salary schedule for library staff covered by CWA collective bargaining agreement, with 5-year step increases for librarians and senior librarians
• General Ordinance 2022-20: Amends land use ordinance regarding projecting signs
• General Ordinance 2022-21: Amends land use ordinance regarding power generators
• Resolution to insert $28,000 in revenue from American Rescue Plan Act Firefighter Grant into 2022 budget
• Resolution authorizing $11,938 payment to Brown and Brown for risk management consultant services

The Town Council awarded a professional services contract to Bayshore Recycling for curbside recyclable material disposal. The council also authorized participation in the Union County Deer Management Program and passed first readings for four general ordinances.

• Approved recycling disposal contract with Bayshore Recycling not to exceed $280,000
• Authorized Union County Deer Management Program in Brightwood and Tamaques Parks
• Approved $120,395.72 in bills and claims
• Approved $11,938.00 payment to Brown and Brown for risk management services
• Approved $28,000 appropriation from American Rescue Plan Act Firefighter Grant
• Approved $163,000 in budget transfers across various municipal accounts
• Passed first reading of General Ordinances 2022-18 and 2022-19 regarding salary schedules
• Passed first reading of General Ordinances 2022-20 and 2022-21 regarding projecting signs and power generators

Downtown Westfield Corporation

The DWC Board will consider approval of October 2022 minutes and financial reports, and hear updates on 2023 planning and budgeting, Executive Director recruitment, new businesses and vacancies, and the Streetworks Preview Center. Committee reports from Design, Promotions, and Economic Vitality will be presented, along with liaison reports from Councilwoman Emily Root, DPW Supervisor Craig Gibson, and GWACC Director Gene Jannotti.

• Recruiting for Executive Director
• 2023 Planning and Budgeting Update
• Streetworks Preview Center
• New Businesses and Vacancies
• Approval of October 2022 Financial Report

The Board of Directors approved the October 2022 financials and the previous month's meeting minutes. Members discussed the progress of the Rialto Grant projects and upcoming holiday promotions. The board is currently reviewing candidates for a new Executive Director.

• Approved October 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved October 2022 financials

Board of Adjustment

The Board approved a project at 326 Benson Place with conditions to reduce the front porch depth. Several other residential addition applications were carried to the December 12, 2022, meeting for revisions or due to time constraints.

• Approved additions at 326 Benson Place with conditions that the front porch be reduced to 6 feet and remain open on three sides (7-0)
• Approved one-year extension to December 1, 2023, for application at 827 Clark Street (7-0)
• Adopted resolution for 519 Alden Avenue (5-0)
• Adopted resolution for 640 Maple Avenue (5-0)
• Carried application for 935 Cleveland Avenue to 12/12/2022
• Carried application for 711 Austin Street to 12/12/2022
• Carried application for 416 Elm Street to 12/12/2022
• Carried applications for 118 Virginia Street and 942 Boulevard to 12/12/2022

Town Council Notifications

The Westfield Town Council will consider resolutions including a contract for a cell tower facility, funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for a single-family group home, and a shared services agreement with the Board of Education. The council will also vote on several financial resolutions, including budget transfers and refunds, and will hold a public hearing on bills totaling $1,716,864.21.

• Resolution authorizing a contract for construction and maintenance of a cell tower facility
• Resolution authorizing $192,908 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for a single-family group home at 1 (address not specified)
• Resolution authorizing a shared services agreement between the Town and Board of Education
• Resolution to approve insertion of $3,000 from Electrify America grant into the municipal budget
• Bills and claims in the amount of $1,716,864.21

The Town Council approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a shared services agreement with the Board of Education to proceed with the Edison Fields Project. The project involves installing artificial turf and lighting to increase athletic field capacity. The decision followed extensive public comment regarding environmental and health concerns.

• Approved shared services agreement for Edison Fields Project (6-2)
• Authorized $192,908 from Affordable Housing Trust Fund to Community Options Inc. for special needs housing at 1753 Dakota Street (Unanimous)
• Awarded cell tower construction and maintenance contract to AT&T at Conservation Center (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,716,864.21 in bills and claims (Unanimous)
• Approved $500 road opening permit bond return to Premier Design Custom Homes LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved $17.40 payment to NJ Department of Health for dog licenses (Unanimous)
• Approved $3,000 budget insertion from Plug-in America/Electrify America grant (Unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 budget insertion from Greening Union County grant (Unanimous)

Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission approved a proposal to split the cost of Tamaques T6 field improvements between the town and Westfield Baseball League. The town's 50% portion of the project is $9,313. The Westfield Baseball League will fully fund the irrigation project at Gumbert.

• Approved October 3rd meeting minutes
• Approved $9,313 town contribution for Tamaques T6 field improvements

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved resolutions for Luxe Development of NJ, LLC and Lenox House, LLC. The board also approved the minutes from the October 3, 2022 meeting with specific revisions.

• Approved minutes from October 3, 2022 (with revisions)
• Approved resolution PB 22-09 for Luxe Development of NJ, LLC at 415-427 South Avenue West
• Approved revised resolution PB 22-14 for Lenox House, LLC at 227 Lenox Avenue, including a requirement for an ADA ramp or lift

Town Council Notifications

The Westfield Town Council will consider several financial resolutions, including refunds for street-opening bonds, recreation fees, and overpaid taxes, as well as a $2,715.10 body armor grant and a $22,907 increase to a contract for technical upgrades to Council Chambers. The meeting also includes a swearing-in ceremony for fire department personnel and a service project in Brightwood Park.

• Resolution to amend contract for technical upgrades to Council Chambers, increasing it by $22,907 to $59,538.68
• Resolution to insert $2,715.10 in revenue from a Body Armor grant into the municipal budget
• Refund of $1,500 street opening cash bond to Lizet Zuniga for 928 Everts Avenue
• Refunds totaling $545 for various recreation program fees (pickleball, yoga, mah jong, pool party)
• Bills and claims in the amount of $266,359.60

The Town Council conducted a swearing-in ceremony for six members of the Westfield Fire Department. The Council also approved over $614,000 in bills and claims and authorized several financial resolutions, including a contract amendment for municipal building technical upgrades.

• Sworn in Battalion Chiefs Michael Sawicki and Brian Piccola
• Sworn in Captain Thomas Bottini
• Sworn in Firefighters Gerry Peyton, Patrick Carey, and Scott Boyer
• Approved bills and claims totaling $614,833.73
• Approved $1,500 road opening permit bond refund to Lizet Zuniga
• Approved various recreation fee refunds totaling $445
• Approved $2,753.01 tax overpayment refund to Lisa Sun
• Approved $22,907 contract increase for CDW Government for Council Chamber technical upgrades

Downtown Westfield Corporation

The Downtown Westfield Corporation board will meet to approve September minutes and financials, and discuss 2023 planning and budgeting, the Streetworks Preview Center, and upcoming ribbon cutting dates. Committee reports from Design, Promotions, and Economic Vitality are also on the agenda.

• Approval of September 2022 minutes
• Approval of September 2022 financial report
• Discussion of DWC 2023 planning and budgeting
• Update on Streetworks Preview Center
• Ribbon cutting dates

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is reviewing several financial matters, including contract awards for library sustainability and council chamber upgrades. The agenda also includes requests for tax exemptions for disabled veterans and refunds for recreation fees.

• Award contract to Gabel Associates for Library Resiliency and Sustainability Energy Plan up to $15,000
• Award contract to Ackerson Drapery for Council Chambers upgrades up to $11,960.88
• Amend Brightview Engineering traffic safety contract from $17,000 to a maximum of $25,000
• Refund $1,500 street opening cash bond to Ultimate Drain Cleaning and Service LLC
• Authorize $19,740 in third quarter Construction Official's State permit fees

Downtown Westfield Corporation

The Board of Directors will review the August 2022 minutes and financial report. Discussions include downtown business updates, executive search committee reviews, and 2023 budget requests.

• Review of August 2022 Financial Report
• Discussion of 2022 Forecasts and 2023 Requests
• Streetworks Presentation and Preview Center update
• Downtown Business Update

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is reviewing several financial resolutions including budget insertions for community grants and municipal insurance renewals. The meeting also addresses public works needs such as the 2022 leaf collection program and a vehicle purchase.

• Insertion of $10,000 Clean Energy - Community Energy Grant into the municipal budget
• Insertion of $37,800 in Union County CDBG funding for ADA doors and senior transportation
• Awarding of 2022 Leaf Collection Program contracts not to exceed $145,000
• Refund of a $1,500 street opening cash bond for 227 Prospect Street
• Approval of an interlocal agreement for bulk waste disposal with the Township of Cranford

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council will discuss amending the 2021 agreement with the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority. The meeting also includes various administrative appointments, liquor license transfers, and the approval of bills totaling $634,316.66.

• General Ordinance No. 2022-17 to amend the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority agreement
• Contract award to Mott MacDonald for stream cleaning in Mindowaskin Park and Fairview Cemetery
• Interlocal Agreement with Township of Scotch Plains for leaf collection services
• Place-to-place liquor license transfer for Akai Lounge from 102 East Broad Street to 47 Elm Street
• Payment of bills and claims in the amount of $634,316.66

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is considering an ordinance to amend salary schedules for certain police and fire department employees. The meeting also includes several resolutions regarding municipal fund transfers, contract awards, and infrastructure payments.

• Ordinance to amend salaries for Fire Department personnel including Battalion Chiefs and Captains
• Resolution for emergency purchase of Tamaques Way Sewer Pumping Station repair
• Change Order No. 2 and final payment for 2021 Prospect Street Improvements
• Change Order No. 2 and final payment for 2021 Willow Grove Road Improvements
• Bills and claims in the amount of $938,429.97

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council will consider an ordinance to amend salary schedules for police and fire department employees. Additionally, the council will review grant applications for street improvements and various financial resolutions.

• Ordinance 2022-16 to amend salaries for Police and Fire Department employees
• Grant application for 2023 Clover Street & Frances Terrace Improvements project
• Grant application for 2023 Clark Street Improvements project
• Resolution for person-to-person transfer of liquor license at 127 Central Avenue
• Bills and claims totaling $815,039.95

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is considering the sale of a non-buildable lot at 619 Stirling Place to a contiguous property owner. The body will also discuss amendments to commercial loading zone regulations in the central business district and award a contract for road improvements.

• Special Ordinance No. 2022-02: Sale of 619 Stirling Place to 623 Stirling Place, LLC for $75,000
• General Ordinance No. 2022-15: Amendments to Chapter 13 regarding commercial loading and unloading zones
• Contract award for 2021/2022 Various Road Improvements
• Collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Westfield and the FMBA bargaining unit
• Annual renewal of Alcoholic Beverage Liquor Licenses

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is meeting to discuss municipal budget updates, tax rate estimations, and local ordinances. The body will consider the sale of town property and various fee refunds for recreation and construction departments.

• Special Ordinance No. 2022-02: Authorization to sell town property at 619 Stirling Place
• General Ordinance No. 2022-15: Amendment to Chapter 13, Motor Vehicles & Traffic
• Budget insertions: $59,130.30 for Clean Communities and $274,735.00 for Public Health Capacity
• Board of Education tax payment schedule totaling $109,594,132.00
• Bills and claims in the amount of $2,699,097.30

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is reviewing several financial resolutions including tax refunds, escrow returns, and police vehicle leases. The agenda also includes a proposed redevelopment agreement for block 2504 and various licensing approvals.

• Redevelopment agreement with Ferris Prospect Development LLC for block 2504, lots 12, 13 and 14
• Police vehicle lease agreement with Enterprise not to exceed $87,600.00
• Escrow return of $2,500.00 to Robert A. Panza for landscaping compliance
• Award of contract for council chambers AV closet and flooring upgrades
• Award of contract for solar-powered speed displays

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is reviewing ordinances to establish new vehicle towing and storage rates and to amend the Downtown Westfield Scattered Site Redevelopment Plan. The meeting also includes appointments for the Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk, alongside various financial resolutions.

• Ordinance 2022-13 establishing towing rates, such as $100 for Class I passenger vehicles on weekdays
• Ordinance 2022-14 amending the Downtown Westfield Scattered Site Redevelopment Plan to include 74-76 Elm Street
• Resolution appointing Maureen Lawshe as Town Clerk for a three-year term
• Resolution appointing Nathalie Bernier as Deputy Town Clerk
• Resolution to reject bids for 2022 ADA Door Improvement at Town Hall

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council will consider the 2022 Municipal Budget and Special Improvement District budget. The meeting includes the appointment of Michael Duelks as Fire Chief at a salary of $159,500 and the temporary filling of a Ward 1 council vacancy.

• Appointment of Michael Duelks as Fire Chief ($159,500 salary)
• Appointment of Emily Root to temporarily fill the Ward 1 council vacancy
• Public hearing for the 2022 Municipal Budget
• Public hearing for the 2022 Special Improvement District Budget
• Ordinance to amend motor vehicle and traffic codes regarding left turn prohibitions and loading zones

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is meeting to discuss a bond ordinance for equipment and infrastructure and a budget cap bank ordinance. The body will also consider rules regarding alcohol consumption in certain areas and amendments to motor vehicle and traffic codes.

• Special Ordinance No. 2022-01: $3,175,000 bond for road resurfacing (including Elmer Street), DPW equipment, and public building improvements
• General Ordinance No. 2022-10: Establishment of a budget cap bank to increase CY 2022 appropriations by 3.5% ($1,236,504.08)
• General Ordinance No. 2022-11: Authorization of alcoholic beverage consumption in certain town areas
• General Ordinance No. 2022-12: Amendments to Chapter 13 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) of the Town Code
• Approval of bills and claims totaling $478,757.71

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council will discuss the 2022 Municipal Budget and a Special Improvement District Budget. Additionally, the council will consider a bond ordinance for public improvements, equipment, and a new vehicle.

• 2022 Municipal Budget introduction and approval
• $3,175,000 bond ordinance for public improvements, machinery, and an automotive vehicle
• 2022 Special Improvement District Budget introduction and approval
• Ordinance authorizing alcohol consumption in certain areas of the town
• Resolution to award contract for North Side Train Station restaurant/bar operator

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is considering an ordinance to update land use application fees and escrow deposits for the first time since 2008. The body will also review the designation of three properties as historic landmarks. Additionally, the council will address various financial resolutions and a bulk waste agreement with Scotch Plains.

• General Ordinance 2022-06: Updates to Land Use Ordinance fees and deposits
• General Ordinance 2022-07: Designating 23 Stoneleigh Park as a historic landmark
• General Ordinance 2022-08: Designating 112 Ferris Place as a historic landmark
• General Ordinance 2022-09: Designating the Coffee Kiosk at South Avenue Train Station as a historic landmark
• Bills and Claims in the amount of $491,961.25

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is considering ordinances to regulate small cell wireless facilities within public rights-of-way. The agenda also includes designating several properties as historic landmarks and approving various financial resolutions.

• Ordinance regarding poles, wires, and wireless telecommunication facilities
• Historic landmark designation for 23 Stoneleigh Park
• Historic landmark designation for 112 Ferris Place
• Historic landmark designation for the Coffee Kiosk at South Avenue Train Station
• Contract award for playground equipment at Windsor Park

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council will consider several resolutions regarding municipal finances, including sewer fees and pool membership rates. The agenda includes multiple ordinances to amend the town code regarding street excavations, telecommunications facilities, and public comment durations.

• Resolution to approve 2022 sewer fees (max $245 for single-family)
• Ordinance to reduce public comment time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes
• Ordinance regarding signage for multi-family dwellings with more than four units
• Application for $20,000 in PSE&G Sustainable Jersey Grants Program funding
• Change Order No. 1 for the 2021 Leaf Collection Program

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council will discuss three general ordinances, including changes to exterior sign regulations. The body is also considering the release of Affordable Housing Trust Fund money for a single-family group home and a grant for the Prospect Street Striping Improvement Project.

• General Ordinance No. 2022-03 regarding exterior signs in the Land Use Ordinance
• Release of Affordable Housing Trust Fund funds to the ARC of Union County for a single-family group home
• NJDOT grant application for the Prospect Street Striping Improvement Project
• Bills and claims totaling $852,600
• General Ordinance No. 2022-02 regarding addressing the Council

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council will discuss participating in nationwide opioid crisis settlements and refer three properties for historic designation. The body is also reviewing tax refunds, community solar support, and municipal grant funding.

• Participation in nationwide opioid settlements with Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen
• Historic designation referrals for the South Avenue Train Station coffee kiosk, 23 Stoneleigh Park, and 112 Ferris Place
• Bills and claims totaling $506,269.03
• FY 2023 Municipal Alliance Program grant with DEDR funding of $8,548.00
• Tax overpayment warrants for multiple properties, including $11,875.11 for 200 South Avenue West

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council is appointing members to various municipal boards, commissions, and committees for the 2022 year. The body is also voting on professional service contracts and the 2022 temporary budget.

• Appointment of David C. Battaglia as Town Engineer
• Appointment of Howard Egenberg as Municipal Prosecutor and Robert S. Bohrod as Town Public Defender
• Adoption of the 2022 Cash Management Plan
• Approval of the 2022 Temporary Budget and Temporary Pool Utility Budget
• Appointment of Mark Parmelee as Acting Mayor and Dawn Mackey as Alternate Acting Mayor