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Township Council Re-Org Mtg: 1-05-26
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, where attendees stood to honor the flag of the United States of America.
The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendees stood up and recited the pledge, showing respect and allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the Republic.
Roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of council members and the mayor to establish a quorum for the meeting.
During the roll call, the presence of Councilwomen Charis to Baris, Fishman, Toler Phillips, and Mayor Mendel was confirmed. This established the attendance of essential council members, ensuring the meeting could proceed with a quorum.
Special council committee reports were presented, highlighting the involvement and commitment of community members.
Reports from special council committees were presented, emphasizing the role of community members in local governance. The mayor acknowledged the significant number of individuals being sworn in to serve on various committees, expressing gratitude for their service and commitment to the community.
Resolutions were adopted for various boards and commissions, followed by the swearing-in ceremony for committee members.
The council adopted resolutions for several boards and commissions, including the Beautification Committee, Environmental Commission, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee, Civil and Human Rights Commission, Historic Preservation, and more. Following the adoption, members of these committees were sworn in collectively, acknowledging their roles and responsibilities in the local government.
Residents were given the opportunity to voice their concerns and comments to the council during the public comment session.
The public comment session allowed residents to address the council with their concerns and feedback. Participants included Jonathan Mejia who followed up on previous questions regarding ICE presence and township communication channels, expressing the need for action to keep residents informed and safe.
The council discussed and adopted several ordinance resolutions as part of the reorganization meeting for the new year.
As part of the annual reorganization, the council adopted various ordinance resolutions to ensure the smooth operation of municipal functions. This included resolutions for the cash management plan, designation of depositories, and authorization to sign checks, which are standard practices to begin the fiscal year.
Discussion on appropriations for interest, debt redemption, CFO designation to sell BANs, establishment of petty cash, and resolutions by the tax collector.
The meeting began with a discussion on appropriations for interest and debt redemption, designating the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to sell Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs), and the establishment of petty cash. There was also mention of four resolutions from the tax collector's office, including the designation of a tax searcher, authorization to conduct a tax sale, and setting interest rates on delinquent taxes and water. These resolutions are passed annually at the reorganization meeting. The council provided an opportunity for new members to ask questions, emphasizing the routine nature of these appropriations and resolutions.
Ordinance authorizing a special emergency appropriation for a mandatory property revaluation ordered by Essex County Board of Taxation.
The council discussed an ordinance for a special emergency appropriation to fund a full property revaluation as ordered by the Essex County Board of Taxation. This is a mandatory process that municipalities must undertake, allowing the cost to be paid back over five years. The ordinance is a standard practice to manage the financial implications of the revaluation process. It involves re-evaluating all properties in the township, and a company will be contracted to perform the assessments.
Four stormwater ordinances introduced focusing on waste disposal, drain retrofitting, litter control, and deicing material storage.
The council introduced a series of four stormwater ordinances required by the stormwater pollution protection plan. These ordinances address the improper disposal of waste into storm drains, storm drain inlet retrofitting to comply with DEP-approved catch basins, litter control on private properties, and the proper storage of deicing materials such as salt. These measures aim to improve stormwater management and are essential for compliance with state regulations. The ordinances will be posted on the engineering website once they are passed.
Council discusses sending a letter to the governor to finalize a Senate bill regulating THC product sales in non-dispensary shops.
Councilwoman Gonzalez requested support from the council and mayor to send a letter to the governor urging the finalization of a Senate bill that concerns public health and safety by regulating the sale of intoxicating THC products in non-dispensary businesses. The bill aims to prohibit sales of such products, like Delta-8 THC, in non-licensed establishments, shifting sales to CRC-licensed cannabis retailers. This move is intended to address youth access and public safety concerns related to these products.
Updates on the Youth Advisory Council meeting and upcoming events for Juneteenth and Black History Month.
The council received liaison reports and updates about the Youth Advisory Council. The mayor and a council member are hosting a meeting for the Youth Advisory Council, inviting former interns to discuss further involvement and youth concerns. Additionally, the Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee is planning events for Black History Month, including an open mic night and a community social. The council expressed enthusiasm for these initiatives aimed at increasing youth participation and cultural celebration.
Discussion on MLK Day events, including a food and coat drive and a book club supported by the Bloomfield Public Library Foundation.
The council discussed upcoming events coordinated by the MLK Day of Service committee, including a food and coat drive in collaboration with the Juneteenth committee. These drives will occur at various locations around town, with details available on social media and the township website. The MLK committee is also hosting a book club with support from the Bloomfield Public Library Foundation, which provided additional books for the event. These community events are intended to foster engagement and service in honor of MLK Day.
First reading of ordinances related to special emergency appropriations, stormwater control, parking for physically limited persons.
The council conducted the first reading of several ordinances, including one authorizing a special emergency appropriation for a complete reevaluation of all real property in the township. Other ordinances discussed involved stormwater control measures and amendments to provide parking for physically limited persons. These ordinances were moved and seconded by council members, indicating initial approval for further consideration.
Adoption of resolutions for financial procedures including cash management, signing checks, and establishing petty cash fund.
The council adopted several resolutions concerning financial procedures for the township. These included authorizing the cash management plan, designating officials to sign checks, and establishing a petty cash fund. The resolutions were discussed previously in the finance director's conference and were moved and seconded by council members during the meeting.
Resolutions passed for designating tax searcher, conducting tax sales, and setting interest on delinquent taxes and water charges.
The council passed resolutions related to the designation of a tax searcher, authorization to conduct tax sales for tax and water delinquent accounts, and setting interest rates on delinquent taxes and water charges. These measures are part of the township's routine financial management practices to ensure effective revenue collection and financial accountability.
The meeting concluded with motions to adjourn, following the approval of various ordinances and resolutions.
The meeting concluded with motions to adjourn after the council addressed all scheduled agenda items, including the approval of ordinances and resolutions related to township operations and financial management. Council members expressed agreement to close the meeting, marking the end of the session.