Berkeley Heights Named “Healthy Town to Watch
- Meeting Overview:
Berkeley Heights has recently been distinguished as New Jersey’s “healthy town to watch” by the New Jersey Healthcare Quality Institute, highlighting the Town Council’s ongoing commitment to health and wellness.
The meeting’s discussions spanned from the announcement of the town’s accolade to the allocation of a $750,000 state appropriation for the sewer plant. The Council addressed the town’s infrastructure projects, including collaborations with the street Scapes company and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Westside drainage and sewer upgrades. The importance of these projects was emphasized.
Another infrastructure development was the completion of the first in a series of mass tree plantings across the township. The Council acknowledged the need for an education campaign to inform residents about township property rights and easements, which would ensure the success and preservation of these environmental efforts.
In the realm of community enrichment, the Council heard from a group of fifth-grade girls presenting their Bronze Award project, aimed at enhancing the Old Cannon Trail. The project proposed improvements to lots along the trail, and Council members deliberated over lot ownership and how to integrate the girls’ initiative with other planned projects. There was a consensus on the need for careful coordination to avoid disruption due to overlapping activities.
The budget also surfaced as a topic of discussion, with the introduction of the budget postponed due to a delay in document reception. In related financial decisions, the Council opted to reject the lowest bid for the residential cleanup program in favor of the second lowest bid from Regional Industries.
Regarding community health initiatives, the Council passed a resolution to expand the Mayor’s Wellness campaign task force to 21 members. Additionally, the Council’s plans for mental health awareness were articulated, with initiatives to promote support and resources. Events such as the Festival 124 and an event to honor sheroes were mentioned as part of these mental health and wellness efforts.
The Council addressed the authorization of a $10,000 litigation cost to defend the Zoning Board of Adjustment via Oz Custom Builders LLC. Further legal and regulatory matters included the potential amendment of the senior affairs committee, the introduction of a new chapter on lead-based paint to the township code, and the vacation of a portion of Berkeley Avenue. The Council also contemplated the sale of surplus personal property through a public auction website.
Public involvement was encouraged through updates on the Economic Development Committee’s efforts to enhance the township’s online presence and the Veterans Affairs Committee’s rebranding of the Memorial Park committee.
In response to a resident’s concerns about overbuilding and its impact on trees, the Council assured that they were addressing these issues through a new ordinance aimed at preserving the town’s greenery.
The Council also observed several awareness events and initiatives, such as the International Day of Forests, Purple Day for epilepsy awareness, and celebrations for the Hindu festival of Holi. These acknowledgments depict the Council’s recognition of diverse cultural and health-related matters.
The meeting concluded with the acknowledgment of the Mayor’s absence, the proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention month, and the confirmation of the next Council meeting date. No executive session was held following a motion to close.
Angie Devanney
City Council Officials:
Susan Poage, Manuel Couto, Bill Machado, Paul Donnelly, Margaret Illis, John Foster
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
03/26/2024
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Recording Published:
04/04/2024
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Duration:
46 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Union County
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Towns:
Berkeley Heights
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