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Township Council Mtg: 3-9-26
The meeting begins with a welcome note and notice of meeting details.
The meeting is called to order with a welcome message. The notice of the time, date, location, and agenda of the meeting was posted and distributed as per the required provisions.
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited.
Attendees stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll call is conducted with all council members present.
The clerk calls the roll for the council members. Councilwoman Gonzalez, Councilman Joanna, Councilwoman Cruz, Councilwoman Charis, Councilwoman Fishman, Councilwoman Toler Phillips, and Mayor Mendell are all present.
A proclamation is read recognizing Arbor Day and its benefits.
Councilman Ano reads a proclamation about Arbor Day, highlighting the history and benefits of trees, such as reducing erosion, providing oxygen, and enhancing property values. The township is recognized as a Tree City USA.
Proclamation read for Black History Month, acknowledging contributions of African Americans.
Councilwoman Cruz reads the proclamation for Black History Month, recognizing the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans to the township, state, and nation. The proclamation also acknowledges local events celebrating Black History Month.
Recognition for CASA's work supporting foster children in Essex County.
Councilwoman Gonzalez reads the proclamation recognizing CASA for Children of Essex County for their advocacy and support for children in foster care. The proclamation highlights CASA's volunteer efforts and commitment to ensuring children's best interests.
YWCA of Northern New Jersey is honored during Women's History Month.
A proclamation is read honoring the YWCA of Northern New Jersey for their work in advancing gender and racial equity. Their programs supporting women and girls, such as workforce development and veteran support, are highlighted.
The sixth grade girls basketball team is recognized for winning the championship.
The Bloomfield Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department's sixth grade girls basketball team is honored for winning the Essex County Suburban Basketball League championship, under Coach Clayton Barker.
New committee members take their oaths of office.
Several committee members are sworn in by taking the oath of office, pledging to support the Constitution of the United States and the state of New Jersey, and to faithfully perform their duties.
Update on the building incident and response efforts.
Tom Michael Larry, coordinator for OEM, reports on the roof collapse incident at a multi-family unit. The police, fire department, and Red Cross responded to evacuate residents and provide temporary housing at Bloomfield College. Ongoing efforts are made to address building repairs and support displaced residents.
Discussion on the challenges faced by displaced residents and efforts to provide emergency housing and legal advice.
The meeting focused on the ongoing challenges faced by residents who have been displaced from their homes. Officials discussed the measures being taken to provide emergency housing and the legal advice available to help residents navigate the situation. The importance of continued support and communication with the affected individuals was emphasized. The town is working to ensure the residents' needs are met, despite the limitations of what the town can do directly.
The Chief of Police presented an update on crime, community engagement, and internal affairs.
The Chief of Police gave a detailed report on the current state of crime in the township, highlighting thefts as the majority of incidents. He mentioned a recent attempted homicide where the victim survived and the suspect was apprehended. The department's ongoing community engagement efforts, including events and outreach programs, were also discussed. Internal affairs complaints and use of force incidents were reviewed, with all found to be within department policy.
The Transportation Subcommittee presented findings from a survey on local transit issues and proposed municipal actions.
The Transportation Subcommittee, formed to address transit concerns, presented the results of a survey conducted among residents regarding transportation issues. Key findings included the need for complete street improvements and better transit reliability. Proposed municipal actions included improved lighting and crosswalks, and a 'Kiss and Ride' pilot program. Legislative advocacy priorities were also outlined, focusing on permanent service improvements and better data tracking.
Residents expressed concerns regarding the immigration resolution and its effectiveness.
During the public comment session, several residents spoke about the proposed immigration resolution, expressing concerns about its lack of specificity and enforceability. They advocated for stronger protections for immigrant residents and clearer guidelines for municipal employees. Speakers highlighted the need for accountability and enforcement mechanisms, as well as the importance of community input in shaping the policy.
Multiple speakers express concerns over language accessibility in the Safe Bloomfield resolution and the need for community inclusion.
Joshua Prasad, HEA Mirran, and others express concerns about the Safe Bloomfield resolution. HEA Mirran, a member of the Bloomfield Immigrant Justice Network, criticizes the resolution for inadequate language accessibility measures and failure to meet community-led priorities. She calls for more multilingual 'Know Your Rights' materials and formal referral pathways. The speakers urge for community inclusion in the resolution process to ensure it truly serves and protects immigrant communities.
Speakers urge the council to dismiss the proposal to remove bus stops, citing the need for public transit improvements instead.
Stephanie Santiago and others oppose the proposal to remove the bus stop at Carroll Place and Broad Street. They argue that removing infrastructure will harm commuters and reinforce perceptions of limited representation. Instead, they advocate for expanding local public transit to improve accessibility and inclusivity for all residents.
Speakers discuss council's role in confronting unlawful immigration enforcement and the need for legislative changes.
Stephanie Santiago, founder of the Bloomfield Immigrant Justice Network, emphasizes the importance of legislative action to confront unlawful immigration enforcement. She highlights the ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure the council uses its legislative power to protect constitutional rights. The discussion calls for results that prioritize public safety and accountability beyond mere optics and political alliances.
Speakers address concerns over the town's credit rating and the need for budget transparency and public involvement.
Stephanie Santiago raises concerns about the town's credit rating announcement and increasing taxes. She emphasizes the need for budget transparency and public confidence by ensuring timely submission of the annual budget and facilitating public discussions on budget items through town halls or surveys.
A resident raises concerns about compensation practices involving the assistant to the mayor and council.
Doug Grant addresses item 15 on the agenda concerning professional service for an admin exec consultant. He raises concerns about potentially improper compensation practices involving the assistant to the mayor and council, pointing to a lack of transparency in budget allocations and compliance with municipal salary ordinances. Grant urges the council to investigate these practices before proceeding with any contract awards.
A speaker requests the council to reconsider merging the Flood Mitigation Committee into the Environmental Commission.
Gregory Baula, a former member of the Bloomfield Environmental Commission, expresses concerns about the proposal to merge the Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee into the Environmental Commission. He argues that flood mitigation requires specialized attention and separate advisory bodies, as seen in other municipalities. Baula urges the council to gather more information and consult with best practices before making any changes to the current structure.
The discussion focused on the importance of evaluating changes to the Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee to avoid weakening Bloomfield's flood response capabilities.
The meeting discussed the Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee, emphasizing the need to carefully evaluate any structural changes to ensure they enhance rather than weaken Bloomfield's ability to manage flooding.
Residents expressed concerns about temporary housing, renter's insurance, and the building's safety after a partial roof collapse, seeking answers and assistance from the township.
Several residents, including Emily Holland and Herbert Forsburg, spoke about the challenges they face after the partial roof collapse at their building. They highlighted issues such as lack of temporary housing, insufficient renter's insurance coverage, and uncertainty about the timeline for returning to their homes. The township was urged to provide clear communication and support to affected residents.
Joan Hussey spoke about Ida B. Wells' work against lynching, highlighting the ongoing impact of racism and the importance of addressing it in Bloomfield.
Joan Hussey, a resident, addressed the council during Women's History Month to discuss Ida B. Wells' contributions to civil rights and her efforts to raise awareness about lynching. Hussey connected Wells' historical work to modern racial issues in Bloomfield, referencing a lawsuit involving the Bloomfield Fire Department and emphasizing the need for justice and education regarding racism.
Victoria Marbles, a teacher, highlighted the impact of the crisis on educators and suggested community support for transportation and clothing needs.
Victoria Marbles, a teacher affected by the building crisis, spoke about the difficulties faced by educators in terms of transportation and clothing, especially those who lack renter's insurance. She proposed seeking support from local government and community resources to assist displaced teachers and residents.
Residents shared their traumatic experiences with recent events and expressed gratitude for community support.
Residents, including Aisha Downing and Nelson Lenahan, spoke about the traumatic events they experienced, thanking emergency services, the mayor, and community members for their support. Aisha Downing highlighted the impact on her daughter and the need for understanding. Nelson Lenahan commended the fire department and emphasized community solidarity.
Recommendation to amend township website contract to add a legal notices module and refresh the police department site.
The council discussed a recommendation to amend the contract with Civic Plus to include a legal notices module, which would allow public notices to be published on the website instead of in newspapers, and to refresh the police department's site to maintain ADA compliance.
A contract award for consulting services to assist with the renewal of the cable TV franchise agreement.
The township is required to renew its cable TV franchise agreement, and a contract for consulting services was recommended to Duke Multimedia Productions to assist with the process, including municipal reports and public hearings.
Recommendation to place liens on vacant properties where snow and ice were not removed.
The fire department identified vacant properties where owners failed to remove snow and ice, creating safety hazards. The council discussed placing liens on these properties to cover the costs of cleanup by the Department of Public Works.
Contract for training services to improve communication and resilience in high-stress environments.
The council discussed awarding a contract for training services for the fire department, focusing on communication under stress, supporting employees after traumatic incidents, and building resilient teams. The training includes eight sessions and targeted workshops.
Proposal to amend the ordinance to ensure maintenance and accountability of clothing donation bins.
The proposed ordinance aims to address public complaints about clothing bins by establishing permitting, maintenance standards, erosion controls, and enforcement provisions to prevent nuisances and ensure community safety.
Amendment to authorize enforcement of the latest Property Maintenance Code version.
The Board of Health proposed an amendment to ensure the township uses the latest version of the International Property Maintenance Code, preventing the need for repeated ordinance updates and ensuring up-to-date compliance.
Proposal to amend the ordinance to reduce financial hardships and improve compliance with vaccination requirements.
The amendment aims to reduce financial hardships from late fees, limit court involvement, and improve compliance with state vaccination requirements for rabies. A progressive late fee structure was proposed to provide flexibility for residents.
Resolution approving emergency appropriations to address flood damage caused by roof issues at town hall.
The council discussed a resolution to approve emergency appropriations for repairs needed due to flood damage caused by roof issues at town hall, affecting multiple offices.
Request for additional funds to cover unexpected costs in snow removal operations.
A change order was requested to cover additional costs incurred during snow removal operations beyond what was initially budgeted.
Proposal to expand outsourcing of park maintenance to more parks, saving costs and improving service.
The council considered expanding the outsourcing of park maintenance to five additional parks, which would save costs and allow the redeployment of town manpower to other tasks such as pothole repairs and park improvements.
Awarding a contract for tree planting, aiming to plant 150 trees around Arbor Day.
The council discussed awarding a bid for tree planting to Parsippany Greenhouse, focusing on planting 150 trees in certain geographical areas around Arbor Day, prioritizing areas where trees have been removed.
Resolution to accept funds from the Safe and Secure Communities grant program.
The council reviewed a resolution to accept funds from the Safe and Secure Communities grant program, which requires a formal acceptance resolution from the township to proceed with the application.
Recommendation to remove a bus stop on Broad Street due to safety concerns and community complaints.
The chief of police recommended removing a bus stop on Broad Street near Carroll due to numerous resident complaints about safety issues, litter, and public nuisance. The council discussed the concerns, alternative bus stops, and the need for additional amenities like shelters and waste bins.
Council members discuss the potential relocation of a bus stop, emphasizing the need for ADA compliance and considering impacts on the community.
In this agenda item, council members discuss the potential relocation of a bus stop, expressing concerns about ADA compliance and the need for proper infrastructure like crosswalks and flashing lights. They highlight the importance of waiting for New Jersey Transit approval and the implications of setting a precedent for moving bus stops based on private property owner requests.
The township attorney presents several contract amendments and awards for labor and legal counsel services, seeking council approval.
The township attorney discusses amendments to current contracts with labor counsel and awards new professional services contracts to legal firms Cleary, Jacoby, et al., and Dakota Fitzpatrick, citing their expertise in upcoming issues. The presentation includes details on the scope of work and the need for council approval before proceeding.
Council discusses a proposed redevelopment plan, addressing community concerns about environmental impacts and the need for public input.
During this agenda item, the council reviews a proposed redevelopment plan for a property with a history of contamination and flooding issues. There is a discussion about the need for community involvement, safety concerns due to proximity to a school, and compliance with DEP regulations. The council emphasizes the importance of public hearings and thorough assessment before moving forward.
The finance director presents a budget transfer for appropriations, explaining the process and timing for council approval.
The finance director explains the budget transfer process, which allows for reallocation of funds in the last two months of the fiscal year and the first three months of the subsequent year. The transfer addresses outstanding bills from the previous year, and the director seeks council approval to ensure all financial obligations are met.
The township engineer presents several engineering contract awards and project updates, including sewer cleaning and road improvements.
The township engineer provides updates on various projects, including the award of contracts for sewer video and cleaning services, lead service replacements, and road improvements on Ferncliff Road and Ampire Parkway. The engineer discusses the need for construction inspection services and compliance with DOT requirements.
Discussion on adopting a green building checklist and consolidating environmental committees to streamline sustainability efforts.
The council discusses the adoption of a green building checklist recommended by the Environmental Commission and the consolidation of various environmental committees, including the green team and flood committee, into the Environmental Commission. The aim is to streamline efforts related to sustainability and ensure effective execution of environmental policies.
Debate on merging water mitigation and green team into environmental commission. Concerns about stifling creativity and administrative support.
The council discussed the potential consolidation of the water mitigation and the green team into the environmental commission. There were concerns that merging these groups might stifle creativity, as the green team has thrived due to its flexibility in membership and meeting structure, leading to achievements like gaining Sustainable New Jersey certifications. There was also a mention of administrative support provided to the green team, which has been crucial for its success. The discussion emphasized the need to maintain the effectiveness of these committees while considering consolidation.
Concerns raised about the Flood Advisory Committee's lack of communication and attendance by key town officials, questioning its effectiveness.
A council member, who was the chair of the Flood Advisory Committee, expressed concerns about the committee's lack of communication and participation from key officials such as engineers and the Department of Public Works (DPW) in meetings. The member argued that the committee could be more effective if it adhered to its founding resolution, which required attendance by these officials. The discussion highlighted the potential of the committee to address flooding issues with the expertise available among its members, if properly supported.
Discussion on the resolution regulating the use of township property, emphasizing dignity and safety. Input from public and legal review included.
The council discussed a resolution aimed at regulating the use of township property while ensuring the dignity and safety of its residents. It was noted that the resolution incorporated feedback from both the council members and the public. The language of the resolution was carefully crafted to reflect the community's input and ensure compliance with legal standards. The resolution is a collaborative effort reflecting democratic process and was reviewed by the township attorney to ensure legal compliance.
Extensive debate on the immigration policy resolution, focusing on legal compliance and community protection. Concerns about federal overreach discussed.
The council engaged in a lengthy debate regarding a resolution on immigration policy, which aims to protect township residents from federal overreach while ensuring legal compliance. Council members expressed concerns about the resolution's language, particularly around the role of the business administrator and the requirement for judicial warrants. The discussion included references to federal and state laws, previous legal precedents, and the impact of current federal policies on local communities. The township attorney emphasized the importance of balancing community protection with legal defensibility to avoid unnecessary litigation.
Discussion on the personal impact of immigration raids and support for a resolution supporting immigrants.
Council members discussed the personal impact immigration raids have had on community members, particularly undocumented immigrants. The township has undertaken efforts such as distributing 'know your rights' pamphlets and holding open meetings to support immigrants. There was a strong endorsement of a resolution to support immigrants and a discussion on the need to balance actions with potential legal consequences.
Reports from liaisons and announcement of Earth Day town cleanup event.
Liaisons provided updates on various committee activities. There was an announcement for Earth Day, which will include a town cleanup event. Committees are encouraged to form groups and participate in the cleanup.
Updates on community events and committee activities, including recycling and animal shelter events.
The council provided updates on community events such as the Bloomfield Recycling Committee's shredding event and upcoming animal shelter adoption events. The recreation department also announced track and field programs and community garden availability.
Introduction of ordinances for first reading, including traffic and redevelopment plans.
Several ordinances were introduced for first reading. These included amendments to traffic regulations and the adoption of a redevelopment plan for non-condemnation areas. The council voted on these ordinances after a brief discussion.
Approval of various resolutions including property use and grant participation.
The council approved several resolutions, including those regulating municipal property use in connection with immigration enforcement, participation in the New Jersey Safe and Secure Communities Grant program, and the award of professional service contracts.
Motion to enter executive session followed by adjournment of the meeting.
The council made a motion to enter into an executive session. After returning, the meeting was adjourned following final discussions and votes on remaining agenda items.