The Council discussed and adopted ordinances related to the salaries of town employees, including police personnel, white-collar workers, and Department of Public Works employees. These ordinances were aimed at aligning salaries with recently signed contracts for the period of 2024 through 2027.

The town’s budget was a focal point, with discussions surrounding the current and capital expenditures received through April 10th, 2024, totaling $551,500. A special item of revenue was unanimously approved in the amount of $24,156.40 for the recycling tonnage grant. Additionally, the council authorized an application for a capital grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust to support the restoration of the Robinson Plantation roof, estimated at around $350,000.

Furthermore, the Council addressed the community’s involvement in environmental preservation efforts, announcing an upcoming meeting of the Clark Environmental Commission to discuss the cleanup of the Raway River. The Union County Parks and Recreation is set to lead the cleanup on April 20th, with a rain date of April 21st, focusing on areas upstream and downstream of the Winfield Park Dam. This event is expected to draw volunteers from Clark, Cranford, and surrounding communities.

The meeting began with the Mayor acknowledging the seventh-grade girls’ basketball team for their impressive achievements, including winning the eighth-grade championship in the Clark tournament and the Champion Paramis Christmas tournament. The Mayor presented the team with a certificate and encouraged them to continue their success. Additionally, the Council recognized the head coach and assistant coach for their roles in the team’s accomplishments.

The town’s initiatives and updates were brought to attention by the Mayor, who spoke about the completion of the spring lawn and leaf clean-up and reminded residents of the upcoming grass cleanup and branch pickup schedules. He also highlighted the Rock the Block street fair organized by the Chamber of Commerce and the receipt of a county infrastructure grant for paving Westfield Avenue.

Reports were given on behalf of the fire department, volunteer emergency squad, library, and recreation department. The fire department detailed calls responded to in March, and the volunteer emergency squad discussed recruitment efforts and upcoming events. The library informed about children’s activities and a financial seminar, while the recreation department talked about the community pool registration, summer rec camp, and events such as a pickleball tournament and a senior citizen trip to Atlantic City.

Public comments included a declaration by a resident, Michael Scholman, of his intention to run for Mayor. Scholman criticized the current leadership, calling for innovative solutions and a change in leadership. In response, the Mayor disagreed with the criticisms, citing the approved budget and his accomplishments during his tenure.

The council also approved several contracts and designations, such as appointing a Class 2 special law enforcement officer, maintenance contracts for Township pump stations and generators, and a contract for grass disposal services. The month of May was designated as “Let’s Move for a Healthier New Jersey Month,” and resolutions were passed to grant assistance to an affordable housing unit tenant and authorize a refund for overpaid sewer fees.