skip to main content
Township Council Mtg: 4-13-26
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited as part of the opening of the meeting.
Roll call was conducted, and all council members were present.
The Clerk called the roll, and each council member confirmed their presence. All members were present, including the Mayor.
A proclamation was presented recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month.
The council issued a proclamation for Autism Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of recognizing neurodiversity and supporting autistic individuals and their families. The proclamation highlighted the township's commitment to research, education, and inclusive practices.
A proclamation was issued honoring the late Mayor James P. Norton for his service.
Mayor James P. Norton was honored with a proclamation recognizing his service to the community, his founding of the Harvest Fest, and his contributions to local environmental preservation. Family members were present to accept the proclamation.
Reports from special council committees were presented, including a resolution for CATV appointment.
Councilwoman Gonzalez presented a resolution for the appointment of Tom Ryan to the CATV program committee. The resolution was moved, seconded, and approved by the council.
Public comments were heard on various issues including budget transparency and public engagement.
Members of the public raised concerns about budget transparency, the conduct of council meetings, and the lack of communication between council members and residents. Suggestions for improvement and requests for more engagement were made.
A presentation was given on the Bloomfield Center Alliance (BCA) budget and activities.
Olin Leman, Executive Director of the BCA, presented the budget and highlighted key activities and partnerships from the previous year, including events like Dinner Under the Stars and the Halloween Costume Parade.
Discussion on the 'Adopt a Planter' initiative, holiday lights, and clean team efforts.
The meeting discussed the 'Adopt a Planter' initiative where local businesses can sponsor planters for a fee. New holiday lights funded by a state grant were also introduced. The clean team maintains streets and improves areas with township and grant support.
Facade improvement grants awarded to local businesses and mention of new business openings.
The facade improvement grant program, funded by community development block grants, saw participation from women-owned businesses. There were five new business openings in Bloomfield last year.
Plans for upcoming events and outreach through social media platforms.
Upcoming events include sidewalk sales, Halloween parades, and partnerships with local entities. Marketing efforts on Instagram and Facebook have increased engagement.
Crime statistics, community policing efforts, and traffic data updates.
The police chief reported steady crime rates, community outreach programs, and traffic data collection efforts. Initiatives include reading programs in schools, senior safety presentations, and plans for junior Olympics.
Presentation on fiscal challenges, budget timeline, and introduction of sewer user fees.
The township is facing budget challenges due to rising costs. A new sewer user fee is proposed to alleviate tax burdens and distribute costs based on usage, similar to water billing.
Discussion on transitioning budget reliance from tax base to user fees, aiming to add a new revenue line item to the township budget.
The council discussed the implications of shifting the budget reliance from the tax base to user fees. This transition is intended to create a new revenue line item that does not currently exist, and involve realigning the burden from commercial to residential sectors. The goal is to achieve savings for the township budget by making this changeover.
Awarding contracts for historical architecture projects to Connolly and Hickey and PPD Design for future projects.
The administration discussed awarding professional service contracts to Connolly and Hickey for historical architecture projects and to PPD Design for park improvement projects. Although no specific projects are currently identified, these firms are being added to the pool in anticipation of upcoming capital expenses and grants.
Discussion about awarding a contract for fireworks services, emphasizing past satisfaction and sponsor support.
The township is considering awarding a contract for fireworks services to the company used in previous years. They have been pleased with the company's performance and professionalism. Part of the funding comes from the municipal budget, supplemented by successful fundraising from sponsors. The upcoming show will feature additional special effects.
Recommendation to award a contract to Marucci Engineering for zoning consultancy services.
The council discussed awarding a contract to Marucci Engineering to provide zoning consultancy services. There were no questions or objections from the council regarding this recommendation.
Appointment of a new volunteer firefighter to the township's fire department.
The council discussed the appointment of a new volunteer firefighter. There were no questions from the council, and the appointment was acknowledged.
Discussion on purchasing a Chi Line Dura Patch P2 system to improve pothole repairs and road maintenance.
The council considered purchasing a Chi Line Dura Patch P2 spray injector trailer, a pothole repair system that allows for efficient and versatile road maintenance, including potholes, rutting, and spider cracking. The system is praised for its durability and efficiency, reducing the need for frequent repairs and lowering the risk of worker injuries.
Consideration of requests for seven new disabled parking spaces following completion of an audit.
The council reviewed and approved requests for seven new disabled parking spaces, acknowledging the patience of residents who had been waiting for the completion of a township audit before making these requests.
Discussion on adding a requirement for zoning approval to the limo ordinance for business operations.
The township clerk proposed an amendment to the limo ordinance that would require businesses to obtain zoning approval, either through a zoning permit or board resolution, before operating in the township.
Planning for the Municipal Youth Guidance Council's summer program, including dates and expansion of slots.
The council discussed the upcoming Municipal Youth Guidance Council summer program, scheduled for late July to early August. They plan to expand the number of slots available due to new grant opportunities and formalize student participation in township advisory roles.
Addressing safety concerns at a bus stop, including the possibility of a crosswalk and bus shelter installation.
The council discussed safety concerns at a bus stop, including disruptive behavior and the potential installation of a crosswalk and bus shelter. They are coordinating with New Jersey Transit and local authorities to assess and address the issues.
Discussion on documentation related to county communications and ensuring council members are kept informed.
A council member raised a concern about not being informed regarding communication with the county. The speaker assured that emails would be forwarded to keep everyone in the loop, acknowledging the importance of council members being updated on such matters.
Various council members provided updates on community events and initiatives, including the Bloomfield Repair Cafe and voter information session.
Council members presented updates on several community initiatives. These included the Bloomfield Repair Cafe, a recycling event, a town-wide cleanup, a voter information session via Zoom, and the upcoming Juneteenth celebration. Details about a rabies clinic, spring programming, and a farmer's market kickoff were also shared.
Councilman Jono moved an item for township approval, which was seconded and voted on by the council members.
An action item was introduced by Councilman Jono for approval, which was seconded by Councilwoman Cruz. The council voted on the item, with each member's vote being recorded by the clerk as the roll was called.
The meeting was adjourned following a motion to close, with all in favor.
The mayor called for a motion to close the meeting, which was moved, seconded, and agreed upon by all present council members, marking the end of the session.