The Union Town Council took a step by approving an amendment to Chapter 447, an ordinance imposing responsibilities on rental property landlords for the improper conduct of their tenants. The amendment aims to ensure that property owners are proactive in managing their tenants’ actions, thereby improving neighborhood quality of life. This ordinance will be revisited in the next meeting set for May 13, where further discussions and a potential final reading will occur.

In addition to the landlord ordinance, the council approved several draft ordinances and resolutions. The council revisited an ordinance to create a handicap parking space in front of 1632 Kenneth Avenue. Another ordinance amending the designation of restricted parking spaces for those with special vehicle identification cards was also approved. Amendments to local registration fees for non-life hazard uses and street parking and parking lot fees were presented and received unanimous approval for the first reading. The council also considered an ordinance to amend municipal court violation fees.

In terms of financial approvals, the council authorized a professional service agreement for legal representation in redevelopment tax appeals, approving a sum of $10,000. A resolution authorized an agreement with the county for the municipal drug alliance aimed at alcohol and drug prevention, with a budget of $12,641. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of three new vehicles for the Department of Public Works, not exceeding a total expenditure of $387,810. Firefighter training sessions for structural collapse and rope rescue operations were authorized at a cost of $12,450, and the cleaning and TV inspection of sanitary sewers for the 2025 road program was awarded to Oswald Enterprises Inc. for $39,600.

The council also approved shared service agreements with the Board of Education for waste disposal, collection, and providing a school resource officer. The temporary budget for 2025 was amended and approved, and the purchase of furniture for the new main library was authorized for $4,944.34. Community requests such as the closure of Aelia Road for a spring arts event, the erection of a tent for a furniture sale, and the use of Bear Temple Park for a fundraising kickball game were also granted.

During the meeting, police activities were reported, highlighting 1,567 direct patrols and 2,734 calls for service, resulting in 72 arrests. Specific enforcement efforts included truck enforcement, with 26 stops and 24 tickets issued, as well as significant red light and speed enforcement initiatives. Notably, two individuals were arrested with burglary tools following a report of suspicious activity. The police commissioner encouraged community involvement through the neighborhood watch program and opportunities for law enforcement careers.

The Public Works Department reported on its activities, noting that 413 streets were swept, and 84 potholes filled, among other maintenance tasks. A paper shredding event is scheduled for April 9th at Blackbrook Park, and residents are encouraged to visit the township’s website for more information.

Fire safety updates were provided, with the Fire Department responding to 176 emergency calls over the past two weeks. A serious incident involved a fire on Maxwell Street caused by a grill, and another notable event was a structure fire on Julian Terrace, where a deceased resident was found. The Union County Cause and Origin team is investigating, and the township committee extended condolences to the affected family.

Deputy Mayor Joseph Florio highlighted upcoming community events, including an Easter egg hunt, health maintenance checks, and a nutritional workshop. The meeting celebrated local educational achievements, and the Special Improvement District is organizing an Easter scavenger hunt on April 19th.

During the public comment period, resident Debbie Austin raised concerns about noise disturbances from a school near her home. She described late-night celebrations affecting her quality of life and expressed frustration over the school’s lack of response. The council advised her to document occurrences by calling the police and suggested she discuss her concerns with the police director present at the meeting for further assistance.