this is a regular meeting of the township committee public notice of this meeting has been given as required by the open public meetings law the resolution was adopted on January 1st 2024 designating this date this whole and 7:30 p.m. as the time for this regular meeting of the township Committee of the township of Union in the county of Union a notice of each and every meeting of the township committee was posted in accordance with the affers said open public meetings law in one public place reserved for the posting of ordinances and official notices of the township of Union namely the bulletin board next to the clerk's office in addition theto a copy of said resolution was forwarded to the local Source in Star Ledger a copy of said resolution is on file with the clerk of the township thank you madam clerk good evening everyone and uh this evening the prayer will be led by committee man L and the flax will be led by committee man Bowser would everyone please stand as we gather as members of this Township committee we pray that we are NE ever mindful of opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community keeping in mind always the enduring values of Life exerting our efforts in those areas in on those things upon which future generation can build with confidence let us continue to strive to Make a Better Community amen amen I pledge allegiance to the flag United States of America to the stands Nation indivisible andice I have a roll call Madam clerk Mr Bowser here Mr Lewis Here M Frasier is excused Mr Florio here mayor figorito here uh let's begin by can I have a motion to approve the minutes of the executive conference and regular session on January 23rd 2024 may I make a motion to move to approve the minutes for January 23rd 2024 second all in favor I I Madame clerk can we move on with the ordinances and resolutions I have for your consideration on draft and first reading an ordinance amending article 3 of chapter 434 of the municipal code of the township pertaining to Source system user charges move the ordinance be taken up a second and final reading first first first first on draft of reading I have move draft move draft be taken up for first reading by title at this time second an ordinance to amend article three of chapter 434 of the code of the township of Union pertaining to Source system user charges Mr Bowser yes Mr lwis yes Florio yes mayor figorito yes move draft be take up at the next regular scheduled meeting for second and final reading may have a second second Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Mr floral yes mayor fig yes authorizing the private sale of Township owned property at 254 Monclair Avenue block 571 lot 33 will the draft be taken up for first reading by title at this time second the ordinance of the township Committee of the township of Union County of union state of New Jersey office authorizing the private sale of block 571 lot 33 in the township of Union at private sale pursuant to njsa 48 col 12-1 at SEC this ordinance authorizes the sale of an unsized lot located at 254 Montclair Avenue Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Mr Florio yes mayor figur yes move the draft be taken up by second for second and final reading our next reg scheduled meeting second Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Mr Florio yes mayor s yes repealing chapter 28-13 of the municipal code this ordinance repeals this section as it already exists in another section of the code move draft be taken up on first reading by totle at this time second an ordinance repealing chapter 208-1113 of the township code in the township of Union Union County New Jersey this ordinance repeals this section as it already exists in another section section of the code Mr Bowser second uh yes Mr Lewis yes Mr floral yes mayor fig yes move draft be taken up at the next regular scheduled meeting for second and final reading second Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Mr floral yes mayor figurita yes amending chapter 131 of the municipal code to remove reference to the position of fire Lieutenant move the drift be taken up for first reading by title at this time second an ordinance amending chapter 131 article 3 entitled division of Fire by the township Committee of the township of Union County of union state of New Jersey this ordinance adds the composition of the fire Division and removes reference to the position of Lieutenant Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Mr Florio yes mayor fig yes move the draft be taken up for second and final reading our next regly scheduled meeting second Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Mr floral yes mayor fig yes yes adopting the Bernat Avenue Redevelopment plan move draft be taken up for first read by title at this time second an ordinance of the township Committee of the township of Union County of Union New Jersey adopting the Bernett Avenue Redevelopment plan pursuant to the local Redevelopment and Housing law njsa 482 A-1 ATAC move move Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Mr Flor yes mayor fig yes move draft be taken up for next regular scheduled meeting for second and final reading second Mr Bowser yes Mr Lewis yes Mr Florio yes mayor fig yes out of the following resolutions authorizing an award of contract for the 2024 Pump Station inspection Engineering Services to colar engineering and design for an amount not to exceed $ 37,7 move to approve the contract second all in favor uh authorizing the Board of Health to execute an agreement with the city of Elizabeth for services rendered at the sexually transmitted disease clinic not to exceed $200 per patient from January 1st through December 31st 2024 Mo approval second all in favor I authorizing a one-year extension of the agreement between the township and the bur of Rosel park for use of the police firearms training facility M approval second all favor I authorizing a one-year extension of the agreement between the township and the burrow of Rosel for the use of the police firearms training facility move for approval second all in favor I I authorizing one-year extension of the agreement between the township and the burough of kennworth for the use of the police firearms training facility for approval second all in favor I authorizing an agreement with John H stamler Police Academy for the use of the police firing range for Union County Police trainees Mo foral second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of proprietary software for the fire department incident reports from Alpine software Inc for an amount not to exed 8,132 188 move to approve the purchase second all in favor I authorizing the submission of a Grant application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in the amount of $1,050 to offer a support group and social network for families with special needs move for approval second all in favor I authorizing a shared service agreement with Union County for the installation and maintenance of a new traffic signal on boxwall road at the intersection of Commerce and Winslow Avenues for approval second all in favor I authorizing the settlement of certain tax appeals for the years 2020 and 2022 move for approval second all in favor I designating block 371 lot 2.01 on the tax map as a non- condemnation area in need of Redevelopment 650 Liberty Avenue Mo approval second all in favor I authorizing the personto person and place to place transfer of plenary retail consumption license number 201933 01105 to B4 Union New Jersey LLC 1100 Mars Avenue move for approval second all in favor I ask you to approve the finances as listed on the agenda so moved second all in favor I following Communications from Terry Manda tax collector requesting the township committee authorized checks issued to the following representing the Redemption of tax sales certificates as listed on the agenda Mo for approval second all in favor I from Cheryl Berger Connecticut Farms Church requesting to hang two 4X 5ft banners to advertise the nursery school program from February 1st through 28th 2024 move to approve the request second all in favor I from Chief Fred Seuss Jr kennworth Police Department requesting the use of the showman bill for the street fair on Sunday May 19th 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 4 P p.m. move for approval second all in favor Debbie Ivans TNT Fireworks requesting permission to hold a tent sale in the parking lot at 1701 Mars Avenue from June 12 through July 10th 2024 utilizing a 20x 4ot tent banners and flags also requesting permission for a 10x 20t container for storage and a small generator to operate the lights move for approval second all in favor I I the following Department reports from the clerk's office and Community Development approval second all in favor I that concludes my part of the agenda thank you madam clerk we go on to our committee reports we'll start with committee Louie um this is our report from uh public work uh the wood division continued to work on repairing poth holes and patching section of woods throughout the township since our last meeting the wood division has performed 92 B holes repairs and nine overlays the sewer division contined to maintain um catch basins pump stations in outfalls Daily they have performing repairs when necessary since our last meeting the S Division has performed 902 catch basing cleaning for the enzyme applications and two emergency calls the shed tree division uh continue to maintain trees in park and Township properties since our last meeting um the tree crws have performed 11 removals three trim nine stump removals all concern or inquiries regarding all division of public work can be addressed by calling public work at 908 6861 1922 or by using the report concern feature on chip website thank you mayor thank you committee Bowser uh thank you mayor Police Department report for the period January 19th through February 8th there were 2,797 direct patrols there was 1,672 calls for service 89 arrests under traffic control for the same period we had 257 stops 272 tickets Six 60 uh were residents truck enforcement for the same period we had 24 stops 26 tickets and two deliveries I have uh two highlights for this evening on uh January 30th detectors located a stolen vehicle on Route 22 eastbound the vehicle was suspected in two motor vehicle burglaries from our town earlier in the day along with multiple burglaries in Milburn detectives positioned their vehicle behind the suspect vehicle and attempted a motor vehicle stop the the stolen vehicle accelerated away from the officers initiating a motor vehicle Pursuit officers pursued the vehicle into Hillside where the vehicle became disabled officers were able to arrest both the occupants from the vehicle without further incident they were transported to the headquarters for processing and charged accordingly the second event here is uh on January 27th officers observed the vehicle parked illegally on IND indana Street upon approaching the vehicle officers found an individual sleeping in the driver's seat after a few attempts to wake the individual officers were able to get the driver to wake up and open the door officers immediately observed narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia in plain view of the driver's lap and passenger seat on and an open container of alcohol the driver was removed from the vehicle and arrested for a DWI along with possession of a controlled dangerous substance along with distribution of controlled dangerous substance charges this concludes my report mayor thank you Deputy Mayor Flor thank you mayor first I would like to put the following items up as a motion uh for private pumps Department of Public Works for Bob all assassins killer pasta 271 Mars Avenue for SVA quera 279 Mars Avenue Taco Mex Mexican Grill 1225 to 1255 senson Peri Peri 1040 B senson Avenue Pet Shops PetSmart 948 Springfield Road pedo 2698 Route 22 Center shapo 2195 Route 22 for amusements Chuck E cheese 2700 Route 22 Union Sports Arena 2441 Route 22 Costa Delo 2043 voxa Road Outdoor Cafe the garden 943 Maggie Avenue Van Go 1017 senson Avenue Cafe Z 2333 mors Avenue and Blue Ribbon Bakery 988 senson that's a form of a motion could I have a second on that second all in favor I uh sorry from our fire department um these are significant events over the last two weeks on January 25th a two-car motor vehicle accident on Route 22 East knocking over the utility pole Closing one lane Route 22 until the pole was replaced on January 27th a onec car motor vehicle accident on Route 78 a vehicle crashed into the guard rail at the high rate of speed five passengers transported the hospital with non-life threatening threatening injuries on January 31st apparatus responded to the Bank of America on Mars Avenue for several workers feeling nauseous and having headaches several agencies represented the responded including Union County Hazmat scene was cleared with no issues on February 3rd the apparat responded to Mars Avenue and Bernett Avenue for an overturned vehicle and damage to a utility pole One driver had to be extricated from our vehicles the pull has significant damage and needed to be replaced you almost think people have something against the poles in our town how many we get hit some fire some winter fire safety tips heating cooking decorations and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months some home fires occur more than the winter than any other season be careful snow blocked exhaust vents for your furnace and water heaters be cautious of space heaters practice candle safely play safe in the kitchen have a fire extinguisher on hand and accessible probably one on one on the least floor if you need more that's a good thing to have be sure your smoking carbon monoxide detectors are working not good to have a smoke detector that's not working so make sure you check that that's my report for tonight mayor thank you Deputy Mayor um I'd like to begin by congratulating um all of our Union High School students for competing in the annual American Legion oratorical contest at UHS few weeks ago Kayla Joseph won first place in the contest with her speech immortality junior l Nasco took second place with Pledge of Allegiance and Peter nanguo a junior won third place for United We Stand and divided we fall Kayla will next compete at either the district or state level which has yet to be determined again Cong congratulations to all I also want to congratulate two uh of our Union High School seniors who have been accepted to West Point Military Academy and for those of you that don't know how hard it is to get in look it up Google it an extremely selective institution that has a 12% acceptance rate and we have two of them from our own high school congratulations to Josel and dealo and nesa Filas both members of Union High Schools award-winning Junior Roc program so congrats to them and for their hard work they've earned it and continuing with our Black History Month events if you missed it this past weekend we had a wonderful play put out by one of our very own Daryl Stewart it was crowns a musical event uh great great play uh join us for our annual black Excellence Art Gallery which is this Friday February 16th from 6:00 to toight at the Donald Payne Vox hall meeting Center and that's at 333 Russell Street come celebrate black art with us as we feature local black artists and various Township of Union students plus you'll have the opportunity to hear The Talented violinist vocalist and a ranger Kiara fasi as she breathes new life into traditional live stream performances and I must say one of our very own on this deas will be featured at that position our very own James Bowser so uh stop by real treat closing out our there's Applause from the audience see made him in Bowser very nice it was a three Clapper but we'll take it three two I heard two closing out our Black History Month uh events is our second annual uh Black History Month Expo and vendor fair on Saturday February 24th from 1 to 5: p.m. at our Union Senior Center there will be live music performances local blackowned businesses vendors Vu trucks and much more all event details can be found online via Union township.com and there's one more event black history again at Jefferson School uh that'll be this Saturday Township of Union human relations commission are proud to present the black Americans journey through gospel music a family affair uh this event will be hel held at Jefferson Elementary School 155 Hilton Avenue in boxall will feature choirs Praise Dancers historical narratives and refreshments this is a free event and is open to the community from 1: to 300 p.m you see I'm wearing a red tie Valentine's Day tomorrow okay now back for a second year in a row join us for our Valentine's Day Speed meet whether you're looking to make friends network with Business Leaders or even spark um I hesitant to say this a potential romantic connection just come with an open mind and a positive attitude that'll be this Thursday uh at lar restaurant $20 covers admission to the event Swag Bags past appetizers and more you must be 21 or over to attend for more information on that please visit Union township.com uh grab your gallentine a loved one or your partner and join us this Saturday for our Valentine's Day Paint and Sip at paint Noir and Union Center tickets are still available for our 4M gallentine session and for our 7 p.m. couple session cost is $20 which includes all paint materials and some light bites there please note both events are BYOB and you must be 21 years or older to attend visit union centers.com today for tickets um our wreck travel basketball team the union Rec Department's program is nearing an end of a phenomenally successful season we are proud to announce that our fourth grade boys went undefeated at 14- zero and our eighth grade boys who finished 12- two are currently first in their division and will be battling for gold division championships many of the other teams are also in the running for a birth in the playoffs and hopefully a run at the finals we would like to encourage residents to come out and support these teams by attending a game and cheering on our young Allstars games are typically held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at kuami for those who can't make it in person select home games will be live streamed on YouTube by Union TV please call the recre office at 98686 4200 for the full game schedule and check Facebook for the live stream links and also the rec department has a number of enrichment programs that still have space available for those interested coming up soon our arts and crafts for prek to 2 grade and cartooning for ages 8 to 16 the newest addition to the schedule is a winter volleyball Clinic that will be held at Bernett on Tuesdays and Thursdays for grades 3 through 8 for more details again contact the rec office at 98686 4200 and I can't believe we're saying this the Easter Egg Hunt is coming soon save this date for the annual Easter egg hun this will be held at rapkin Park on Saturday March 23rd more details will be coming soon so keep an eye on social media and with that that concludes my report I will open up the meeting to anyone wishes to speak again a reminder there's a fem minute limit please step up to the microphone seeing none can I have a motion to adjourn motion to adjourn second all in favor I have a good evening everyone and Happy Valentine's day everyone