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Town Council Mtg: 12-08-25
The meeting notice was given as required by law and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Notice of the time, date, location, and agenda of the meeting was provided in accordance with legal requirements. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was recited by the attendees.
Roll call was conducted, and all council members and the mayor were present.
The clerk called the roll of the council members. Councilwoman Gonzalez, Councilman Joanna, Councilwoman Cruz, Councilwoman Chara to Baris, Councilwoman Davis, Councilman Pollis, and Mayor Mendel were all present.
A proclamation was read recognizing and honoring the dedicated members of the Bloomfield Township Council.
Councilwoman Cruz read a proclamation recognizing the value of civic service and the dedication of members of the Bloomfield Township Council. The proclamation highlighted the commitment required from elected officials and honored those who have served, including Dr. Wara L. Davis, Ted Gamble, Whitney Pollis, and Rich Rockwell.
Former council members were invited to speak and acknowledge their service and contributions.
Former council members were recognized for their service. They thanked the mayor, council, township employees, Clerk Louise Pano, and other key contributors. They highlighted the importance of their roles and the support they received during their tenure.
Proclamations were read honoring the Bloomfield Glen Ridge Streak E 8U travel baseball team for their championship win.
Councilwoman Davis and Councilman Pollis read proclamations honoring the Bloomfield Glen Ridge Streak 8U travel baseball team and their coaches for winning the Fall National Metro Division Championship. The team was recognized for their remarkable performance, discipline, and teamwork.
A brief recess was taken to allow for photos with the championship team and council members.
The meeting took a short recess so that the Bloomfield Glen Ridge Streak 8U baseball team and their coaches could take photos with the council members and receive their proclamations.
Mayor addressed the racial harassment incident involving a township firefighter and the community's concerns.
The mayor addressed the community regarding the racial harassment incident involving firefighter Patrick Thomas. She acknowledged the community's feelings of hurt and frustration, condemned the incident, and detailed the steps being taken to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
Public comments were invited, starting with Justin Bullock's statement on racial justice and accountability.
The floor was opened for public comment. Justin Bullock, a lifelong resident of Bloomfield, expressed concerns about the racial harassment incident and presented demands for accountability, including a public apology to firefighter Patrick Thomas and the termination of Walter Coffee without pension or transfer.
Residents express concerns about Fire Chief Lou Venezia and past leadership, calling for removal and accountability.
Various members of the public express deep concerns over the leadership of Fire Chief Lou Venezia, attributing a hostile work environment and culture of discrimination to his tenure. They demand his removal as a step towards rebuilding trust.
Residents express support for demands of accountability and reform in local government and departments.
Speakers emphasize the need for accountability and reform in local government, stating that unchecked racism and abuse lead to financial and social costs for the community.
Citizens demand a thorough investigation across all departments for discrimination and abuse of power.
A comprehensive investigation by the Attorney General is requested to review internal affairs and discrimination complaints across all townships and departments, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Public demands publication of all complaints related to bias, harassment, and discrimination on the township's website.
To ensure transparency, residents request that all findings and outcomes of employee complaints involving bias, harassment, racism, intimidation, and discrimination be published on the township website, with personal information redacted.
Speakers allege discrimination and misconduct in the fire department, calling for fair investigations and actions.
Public comments allege serious discrimination and misconduct in the fire department, highlighting specific incidents and calling out the lack of timely and appropriate responses from leadership.
Concerns raised about excessive police presence at protests and press conferences, impacting First Amendment rights.
Community members express concerns about the intimidating police presence at recent protests and press conferences, arguing it undermines their First Amendment rights and discourages civic participation.
Black Student Union leaders emphasize unity and accountability, rejecting claims of being anti-police or anti-firefighter.
Leaders from the Black Student Union assert their commitment to unity and accountability, addressing misconceptions about their stance on police and firefighters, and advocating for constructive dialogue and reform.
Multiple community members express their concerns about systemic racism and injustice in Bloomfield, particularly involving Firefighter Patrick Thomas.
During the public comments section, several community members voiced their concerns about systemic issues of racism within the Bloomfield community. The discussion was particularly focused on the case of Firefighter Patrick Thomas, who has been at the center of a controversy involving racial discrimination. Speakers, including Ariel O'Neal and Michael Isaacson, highlighted the need for accountability and justice, emphasizing that issues of racism are not merely political but deeply personal and impactful for those affected. The comments section also addressed the presence of immigration enforcement operations in the community and the fear and disruption they cause.
The council plans to wait for the conclusion of an important hearing before taking further action on the discussed issues.
The mayor addressed the public, thanking them for their comments and expressing the importance of the upcoming hearing scheduled for tomorrow. The mayor stated that the council would wait for the conclusion of this hearing before taking further actions regarding the issues discussed, particularly those concerning systemic racism and discrimination.
The township discussed awarding a contract for parking management services to Pro Park America.
The township administrator presented a recommendation to award a contract to Pro Park America for managing the parking garage. This contract is part of the township's ongoing efforts to improve parking management services.
The township considers entering a contract with SHI for support of ancillary software programs.
The township discussed entering into a contract with SHI for the support of all ancillary software programs. This contract is a state-awarded contract that supports various software needs of the township.
The township plans to use grant funds for substance use disorder prevention and education.
Director Paula PIs presented information on the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Use Disorder grant. The funds from this grant will be used for community programs focused on substance use prevention and education, including school programs and seminars on various topics such as vaping and drunk driving.
The council discusses the annual reappointment of special police officers, known as Leos.
The township council addressed the annual reappointment of special police officers, ensuring continued law enforcement support and presence within the community.
Standard budget appropriation transfers are conducted to reallocate funds as needed.
During the finance director's report, it was explained that budget appropriation transfers are a standard procedure conducted in the last two months of the year to cover areas where appropriations may have been insufficient, without changing the total budget.
An authorizing resolution for a public works project to reconstruct a sewer under the Garden State Parkway is discussed.
The township engineer presented an authorizing resolution for the NJDEP treatment works approval, which is necessary for a public works project involving the reconstruction of a sewer line running underneath the Garden State Parkway.
Discussion about a bill requiring unmasking of law enforcement officers, with questions on exceptions and public safety.
The council discussed a bill currently with the assembly that requires unmasking of law enforcement officers. The bill aims to prevent masked individuals from engaging in enforcement without being clearly marked. Exceptions, such as undercover operations, were considered, and the council was asked to express support for the bill.
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by the council.
The council approved the minutes from the previous combined conference and regular meeting held on Monday. Councilwoman Gonzalez moved for approval, and it was seconded by Councilman Ano.
Notice received from DEP about suspected hazardous substance discharge.
The mayor announced that the council received a communication notice from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding a suspected hazardous substance discharge notification.
Hearing on ordinance approving a long-term tax exemption and financial agreement with Bloomfield Broad Street Associates.
Councilman Joanna presented an ordinance approving a long-term tax exemption for Bloomfield Broad Street Associates, Urban Renewal LLC. The public was invited to comment and ask questions regarding the length of the pilot program, parking provisions, and financial implications for the school district.
Resolution passed to authorize transfer between budget appropriations.
The council passed a resolution authorizing the transfer of funds between budget appropriations. Councilman Polly moved for the resolution, and it was seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Resolutions passed to approve items of revenue and appropriations for police and fire department grants.
The council approved resolutions for the acceptance of police and fire department grants, including the A-L-P-R-D-O-J grant for the police and the DCA Belleville Regional Training Grant for the fire department. These resolutions were moved and seconded by various council members.
Several resolutions passed regarding property and casualty insurance.
The council addressed multiple resolutions related to property and casualty insurance, passing them with motions and seconds from various council members. Each resolution was voted on, and the results were recorded by the clerk.
The meeting was closed with a motion and seconded by members.
A motion to close the meeting was made and seconded. The motion was approved by all in favor, and the meeting was officially closed with a cheerful 'Happy holidays everyone'.