skip to main content
Township Council Mtg: 3-23-26
The meeting was called to order with a notice of the time, date, and agenda provided in advance, followed by a welcome.
The meeting was called to order with a notice of the time, date, and agenda provided in advance. The council welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Participants stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
All present stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, showing respect and patriotism.
A roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of all council members and the mayor.
Council members Gonzalez, Joanna (remote), Cruz, Showers Tab Barris, Fishman, Toler Phillips, and Mayor Mundell were all present.
New committee members Clayton and Molly were sworn in, along with any others present for boards or committees.
A swearing-in ceremony was conducted for new committee members Clayton and Molly, with the oath of office being administered and repeated by the new members.
Councilwoman Cruz read a proclamation celebrating Women's History Month and recognizing Bloomfield Women to Watch.
Councilwoman Cruz read a proclamation celebrating Women's History Month, recognizing the achievements of local women, and highlighting women nominated for their dedication and vision.
Certificates from local government offices were presented to the Women to Watch honorees.
Certificates from Senator Andy Kim's office, Governor Mikey Cheryl's office, and the county commissioner's office were presented to the Women to Watch honorees.
Councilwoman Fishman read a proclamation honoring the achievements of the Bloomfield suburban wrestling team.
The wrestling team was recognized for their achievements in the Essex County Suburban Wrestling League and the Tri-County League, with several members receiving specific honors.
The minutes from the Combined Organizational Conference Meeting were approved by the council.
Councilwoman Gonzalez moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Councilman Joanna, with no objections.
Several members of the public expressed concerns about local issues including bus stops, redevelopment plans, and flood management.
Public comments were heard from several individuals regarding the elimination of bus stops, redevelopment plans near schools, flood management, and the merging of the flood advisory board with the environmental commission.
Residents express concerns about flood mitigation and oppose disbanding the flood mitigation advisory committee. The legality of ordinances and the municipal budget are also discussed.
Residents voiced their concerns regarding flood mitigation efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the flood mitigation advisory committee. They opposed recent moves to disband the committee and highlighted potential conflicts with state law. Additionally, concerns about the municipal budget not being introduced on time and issues with the manipulation of public records were raised. Residents stressed the need for lawful oversight and transparency in governance.
Several ordinances are introduced, including those related to green development and expanding the environmental commission. Council members discuss the implications and legality of these changes.
The council introduced multiple ordinances for first reading. These included amendments to require a green development checklist with certain land use applications and an ordinance to expand the environmental commission. Council members discussed the potential conflict with state laws regarding the environmental commission's membership expansion. Concerns were raised about the overlap of responsibilities and the need for legal review before proceeding.
Council members debate the merging of the flood mitigation advisory committee into the environmental commission. Discussions focus on the effectiveness and legal compliance of this restructuring.
The council engaged in a heated discussion about the proposal to merge the flood mitigation advisory committee into the environmental commission. Some members supported the move, citing efficiency and consolidation of resources, while others opposed it, raising concerns about the reduction of focus on flood issues and potential legal conflicts with state law. The debate also covered the contributions of the flood committee and the need for transparency and adequate representation in decision-making.
Ordinances to amend various chapters of the township code are presented, with a focus on parking for physically limited persons and animal regulations.
The council moved forward with ordinances to amend the township code, addressing issues such as providing parking for physically limited persons and updating regulations concerning animals within the township. These amendments were part of ongoing efforts to ensure the township code remains current and effective in addressing residents' needs.
A new ordinance is proposed to regulate donation bins, focusing on permits, maintenance, and preventing illegal dumping and public health issues.
The council proposed an ordinance to establish clear permitting requirements and maintenance standards for donation bins. This ordinance aims to address concerns about overflow, illegal dumping, and public health by ensuring that donation bins are properly monitored and maintained. The goal is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community while providing a structured process for managing these bins.
Discussion and vote on an ordinance to ensure accountability for maintaining township permit integrity.
The ordinance aims to create accountability among owners for maintaining the integrity of township permits. The council discussed the ordinance and proceeded to a vote. Councilwoman Teller Phillips moved the ordinance, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. A roll call vote was conducted with all members voting in favor.
Debate on removing a bus stop at Carol Place due to safety concerns, with discussion on pedestrian safety and ADA compliance.
The council debated the removal of a bus stop on the corner of Carol Place. Concerns were raised about pedestrian safety and the recommendation by the police chief to move the stop in front of TD Bank. Council members discussed the need for a pedestrian walkway and signal for safety, ADA compliance, and potential hazards. Public comments were heard, and council members expressed differing views on the safety implications and the need for a crosswalk before removing the bus stop. The ordinance was voted on, with some members opposing due to safety concerns.
Public comments on the ordinance, focusing on bus stop safety and potential discrimination issues related to ADA compliance.
Members of the public were invited to comment on the ordinance regarding bus stops. Concerns were raised about the discriminatory impact of removing bus stops without ADA compliant crosswalks, which may affect visually impaired and wheelchair users. The discussion also included the implications for pedestrian safety and the township's liability.
Introduction and discussion of a non-condemnation redevelopment plan for Locust Street, with public input on its availability.
The council introduced an ordinance approving and adopting a non-condemnation redevelopment plan for the Locust Street development area. Public concerns were raised about the plan's availability and transparency, as it had not been shared publicly on the township's website. The council noted that the plan was still in draft form and discussions were ongoing.
Public raised concerns about redevelopment on a flood-prone, contaminated site; lack of community engagement noted.
During the public comments section, residents expressed significant concerns regarding a proposed redevelopment plan for a site known to be in a flood zone and with a history of contamination, notably with tri chloral ethylene (TCE). Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency and community engagement in the process, the potential exacerbation of flooding issues, and the impact on the disadvantaged community living in the area. The public urged the council to pause the plan to allow for more community involvement and a thorough review of environmental and flooding concerns.
Council members debated the redevelopment plan, discussing flood mitigation and environmental assessments.
Council members deliberated over the proposed redevelopment plan for the site, focusing on the environmental impact and flood mitigation strategies. Councilman raised concerns about the site's contamination and flood zone status, suggesting the need for an environmental impact study and a storm water management plan. Other council members expressed the need to consider open space as an alternative, while some emphasized the importance of developing the land responsibly to benefit the community.
The council voted on the parameters for the redevelopment plan, not a specific project.
The council conducted a vote to approve the parameters of a redevelopment plan for the site in question. This vote was not on a specific development project but rather on the guidelines that would govern any future proposals for the site. The vote passed with a majority in favor, though some council members opposed due to concerns about the environmental and flooding implications.
Amendment to traffic regulations was discussed and approved by the council.
The council discussed and approved an amendment to the township's traffic regulations. The specifics of the amendment were not detailed in the transcript, but it was moved by Councilwoman Cruz and seconded, passing with unanimous consent.
Council approved an amendment to the police department's ordinances.
An ordinance amendment related to the township's police department was discussed. The amendment was moved by Councilwoman and seconded, and it passed with one abstention. The details of the amendment were not provided in the transcript.
Ordinance amendment to update employee titles and salary ranges was approved.
The council reviewed and approved an ordinance amendment that updated titles for employees and fixed salary ranges. The amendment was moved by Councilwoman Fishman and seconded, passing with unanimous consent.
Various consent resolutions were approved, with some councilmembers abstaining.
The council approved a series of consent resolutions. The specific resolutions were not detailed, but the transcript notes that Councilwoman Fishman abstained from voting on certain items. The resolutions passed with majority support.
Resolution to appoint Yesenia Montalvo as secretary to the rent leveling board was approved.
The council approved a resolution appointing Yesenia Montalvo as the secretary to the rent leveling board. The appointment was moved by Councilwoman Gonzalez and seconded, passing with unanimous consent.
Agreement with E Styles LLC for Juneteenth Celebration was authorized.
The council authorized an agreement with E Styles LLC for organizing the township's Juneteenth Celebration. The resolution was moved by Councilman Joanna and seconded, passing with unanimous support.
Various licenses for businesses and services were approved by the council.
The council approved licenses for several businesses and services, including Mr. Softy, Bloomfield Fine Jewelry, and others. The motion was moved by Councilwoman Cruz and seconded, with all in favor.