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Township Council Mtg: 9-15-25
Notice of the meeting's time, date, location, and agenda was posted and distributed via email to local media outlets.
The meeting's time, date, and location were posted on the municipal building's bulletin board and distributed by email to media outlets including Independent Press, Bloomfield Life, Star Ledger, Patch, and Tap Into Bloomfield.
Participants were asked to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, with all attendees standing to recite it together.
The roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of council members and the mayor.
Roll call was taken with Councilman Joanna, Councilwoman Cruz, Councilwoman Charis Tabis, Councilwoman Davis, Councilman Pollis, and Mayor Mendel all present.
A proclamation was issued honoring Union Baptist Church for its historical and ongoing contributions to the community.
Councilwoman Cruz introduced a proclamation honoring Union Baptist Church for its leadership and community service. The church has been a significant part of Bloomfield's community, led by various pastors including Reverend Daniel H. Smith and Reverend Robert Sidney McCaskill, Sr., contributing to its growth and community involvement.
A proclamation recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Councilwoman Chair Tabis read a proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month, acknowledging the accomplishments and contributions of Hispanic Americans to society, culture, and the economy. It highlights their role in the military and other sectors, and celebrates their rich cultural heritage.
Discussion on Bloomfield's Affordable Housing Plan, including current obligations and future steps under recent legislation.
Representatives from McMan, Scotland & Bauman and the township's consulting planners presented the current status of Bloomfield's Affordable Housing Plan. They discussed the Mount Laurel doctrine, historical compliance, and the new state laws that affect affordable housing obligations. Bloomfield is focusing on rehabilitation of existing units, with plans to amend ordinances and implement a rehabilitation program funded by affordable housing trust funds.
Residents provided comments on various issues including rent control, immigration enforcement, and public safety concerns.
Public comments included a range of issues such as the challenges faced by the Rent Leveling Board in enforcing rent control, concerns about ICE activities and their impact on the immigrant community, and support for a proposed gun safety ordinance. Residents expressed the need for transparency, better communication, and proactive measures to address these issues.
Discussion on community concerns regarding ICE operations, transparency, and the impact on local residents.
Several residents and representatives from the Bloomfield Immigrant Justice Network voiced concerns about ICE operations in the area, requesting greater transparency and town protocols to protect immigrant communities. They shared personal accounts of ICE raids and the fear they instill, calling for the township to be more proactive in safeguarding its residents.
Residents express concerns about ICE activities and request a town hall for transparent communication.
Several residents voiced concerns about the presence and activities of ICE agents in the community. They urged the mayor and council to uphold the immigrant trust directive and protect the rights of all residents. They requested a public town hall to discuss incidents involving ICE and to develop a process for transparent communication about immigration enforcement activities.
A resident raises issues about pedestrian safety due to ongoing construction at crosswalks.
Rachel Herman from Orange Street spoke about the lack of notice regarding street construction affecting crosswalks, which poses a danger to pedestrians. She highlighted that the construction sites are not marked until one reaches the corner, making it unsafe for pedestrians, especially those with mobility issues or with children.
Lackawanna Coalition discusses the Glenwood Avenue bus shelter and upcoming resolution.
Veto Havrilla from the Lackawanna Coalition addressed the council about the Glenwood Avenue bus shelter near the Bloomfield train station. He mentioned that the coalition supports this issue and a resolution is forthcoming, which will be sent to the Bloomfield Town Council.
Residents advocate for solar energy projects to reduce costs and support renewable energy.
Members of the Bloomfield Citizen Solar Campaign spoke about the importance of transitioning to solar energy to reduce property taxes and combat rising electricity costs. They questioned the progress on installing solar panels on municipal buildings and urged the council to take advantage of federal subsidies before they expire.
Hearing on ordinance changes to prioritize Bloomfield residents in Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Director Pikes explained the changes to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which prioritize Bloomfield residents. The public was given the opportunity to comment on these changes, which were previously published in the newspaper for public review.
Council approves resolutions to revise housing program plans to prioritize local residents.
The council discussed and approved resolutions authorizing revisions to the administrative plan of the housing agency to prioritize Bloomfield residents for Section 8 vouchers. The importance of this change was reiterated during the meeting.