Town Council Notifications - Regular Meeting

Everybody here? Who we missing? Oh, Councilman Saunders. Okay. Good evening, everybody. Adequate notice of this meeting as required by the open public meetings act was provided through the posting, mailing and filing of the annual notice of regularly scheduled meetings of the town council on December 17th, 2024. The notice was on that date posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building provided to the Westfield leader in the star ledger and filed with the clerk of the town of Westfield, Miss Liy. May I have a roll call? Mayor Brindle here. Council members Havg here. Dardia here. Domcala here. Kefir here. Saunders

he just said here. Blink if you hear us say he's probably screaming here. [laughter] Doesn't want to wake the baby. He's not verified. Yeah, that's the problem. But I just heard him say here. here. Armentoto here. Contract here. Here.

Please rise for the occasion given by Councilman Dardia and remain standing for the salute to the flag. [clears throat] In this moment of coming together both here and remotely, let us reflect on the shared humanity that unites us all. Regardless of our individual beliefs, let us commit ourselves to justice, fairness, and the common good. May our deliberations be marked by empathy and our decisions guided by wisdom. Together, let us strive to create a community where all are valued and respected. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisibley and justice for all

Jim. No comments. All right. Um so good evening everybody. Thank you for everybody who's joining us. As a reminder,

oh jeez, my watch is speaking out loud. Um, uh, public comment will be accepted in person only, but you can always stream live on YouTube and, uh, and see the replay afterwards. Um, we had a election last week as most people know. Um, and thanks to the great turnout and, uh, we had an incredible turnout in Westfield as did the state, which is always terrific to see. I want to congratulate once again mayor elect Jerry Jeremy Burman and newly elected town council members Rashma Edward big Vector Becket Damemen Jen Gilman and Drew Pecker for their resounding election victory on Tuesday. I also want to thank the Republican slate including our councilman Mike Dmagala for putting for putting themselves out there and running um a good and strong and fair election. Contested elections are always great and healthy for democracy. There are years and years in this town when folks went without uh we went seats that were uncontested and I think um when you have lively debate and dialogue, it always brings the best outcome. So, thank you for those that voted and thank you for all the candidates that stood up and I think really um makes our democracy and our community stronger. Uh I have met with mayor elect Burman several times um since his election and then over the next eight weeks the municipal staff and I will work closely with the incoming administration to asssure a smooth transition and position them all for success. Um I think our team is deeply proud of all we've accomplished over the last eight years and really so grateful to our residents for their vote of confidence insuring that Westfield's going to keep moving forward. um kind of bittersweet and a bit jealous about all the exciting things that are um coming down the pike of which I think everybody on this council has been a part of um including the transformation of Quimby Street, the Goodloo property which is going to become a new park as is the new Westfield Crossing Park, the improvements to Hulahan Sid Fay and of course one Westfield Place. So I think many the five of us on this days that

are leaving are really excited about what what is coming down the pike. paving the last road

and paving the last roads. Absolutely incredible. Um I we did just announce yesterday that the there's a the 2026 call for volunteers to fill upcoming b vacancies on various boards and commissions and committees is now open on our website. I hope everyone will consider submitting an application. Always the talent and eagerness of our residents is really one of our biggest assets and strengths and what has contributed to so much of our past success. Um so please the um positions will be filled by the incoming Burman administration and the dead deadline to apply is Friday December 5th. I also want to thank everybody. I have to say in times of I think uh you know when folks are down a little bit is when our community rises to the occasion and we've seen it in particular over the last few weeks. I have gotten numerous questions and suggest and ask for suggestions on how they can people can help um s provide service to those experiencing disruption to their SNAP benefits. So, um, I've been talking to the Westfield Food Pantry, as has our health department. Um, and there's a countywide food drive, stock the shelves as to assist those in place in need. Donation boxes are here in town hall as well as inside the Union County Public Safety Building. The there's full information on that at the county website. And again, the food pantry, which just opened a new location on North Avenue, right across from the Karma Car dealership, um, they're accepting donations Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11:00. Um, and there's also donation boxes at the YMC entrance in Westfield PD. So, thanks always everybody for their ongoing generosity and eagerness to help those in need. And very importantly, uh, I think is it Thursday is a big day. It's the last day of the sign street sign auction and they're expecting a flurry of activity activity. Neighbors have been bidding against neighbors. We know everybody's waiting for the last day.

So, we've had more than 4500 bids have been placed. Way we raised or I think we anticipate raising way more money than what we thought for the public arts commission, which is fantastic. So, 5:00 pm Thursday, get your bids in. Um, I hope our site can sustain the traffic that's going to come through. But, it's been very it's been when this next Thursday. No, it's No, it's tomorrow. Tomorrow.

The 13th. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Yes. Tomorrow. Oh. better get your bid in. It's tomorrow. Tomorrow at 5 o'clock, November 13th. So, yes. Um, another exciting uh opening is the Westfield Rink. Um, it's now open for its eighth season with open skate sessions and learn to skate programs as well as open hockey, hockey clinics, practices, and games. The town's partnership with rink owner Ken Anderson has proven to be a wonderful addition for winter recreation and the expans expansive local hockey opportunities. So, I do want to remind everybody, people have gotten to be pretty good about it over the years for both public safety and neighborhood courtesy. All rink parking is in the lot across South Chestnut next to the baseball building. Vehicle iding is not allowed. You're not allowed to drop people off in front of the rink. Um, there's no parking, standing, stopping, drop off, or pickup anywhere along South Chestnut Street. People have been pretty cooperative over the years, but there's always new users. So, I just remind them, and you can visit the Westfield Ranks website for full information. Um, and then we have a pretty full agenda tonight. I'm going to ask each committee chair um to provide some brief information on those items as we move through the meeting. So, with that, let's get to work. May I have a motion to approve the minutes from the town council executive meetings of August 12th and town council conference and regular meetings of October 28th.

So, moved. So, moved by Councilman Dardia, a second. Second by Councilman Hapkood. Any discussion? All in favor? Yes. Yes. Opposed? This motion is carried. Now it's time for open discussion by citizens. Anyone may come up to the microphone and speak to the council on any subject on which we have jurisdiction. Please state your name and address for the record. And please limit your comments to five minutes.

Hi, I'm Jessica Raldi, 150 Harrison Avenue. I just want to thank the outgoing um mayor and her team for a wonderful eight years and the present town council for their you know dedication also and I'm looking forward to um a new administration and I hope everybody can cooperate with one another and move Westfield forward. So thank you. Thank you Jess. And you're not allowed to sit down with us acknowledging to tomorrow is Jess's last day as a crossing guard, a Franklin school crossing. And how many years has it been? 19.

19 years. So a well welldeserved retirement for [applause] [applause] so um it's been a pleasure. See, I I was at Franklin yesterday reading the kids and uh I was once again across the street by Jess. So anyway, so grateful to um anybody else hearing none or no further comments, I close this portion of the meeting and move to bills and claims. Councilman Hapood. Uh thank you, mayor. I'd like to move bills and claims in the amount of $813,69184. May I have a second? Second.

Second my council contract. Any discussion? All in favor? Yes. Opposed? This motion is carried. Next is reports to standing committees beginning with the finance policy committee. Councilman Hef,

thank you again. Um I'll just give a little bit of overview of what we're going to be approving tonight before I get into um proposing the resolutions for a vote. Um we have the following resolutions that we're voting on tonight. Um one to authorize the affordability assistance grant for an affordable uh through our affordable housing trust fund. um a resolution authorizing award of contract for the design and preparation of the bid specifications so that we can replace the roof at the public works building. Um that's already been funded through previous capital budget authorizations, but we need to get going on that work so that the actual roof repairs can happen next year. Um and then we have three resolutions to insert items of revenue um for the following grants that we've received. um the Greening Union County grant toward 2026 tree plantings, the kids recreation trust fund um which is toward the upgrade of Memorial Park tennis courts um including some I understand for pickle ball. So that's exciting. Um and drunk driving enforcement fund um which monies will go toward drunk driving enforcement. And we'll also hear an ordinance on first reading tonight to approve new commu commuter parking rates. Um, the proposed new rates are for the main lot, lot three. They're going up to $776 annually, up from $696 in the past, and $460 semiannually, up from $420. Um, with similar increases proposed for the Wat Street Lot. Um these rates were approved by our um finance policy committee and it is the first time that we've increased these rates um uh in 10 years. So uh we tried to not make it too much of an increase. It doesn't actually

even in reflect fully inflation over that period. So um I hope that everyone is amanable to those new rates. Um so with that I will um move on to proposing the actual resolutions. Um there are 11 10 of which I'd like to move as a package. The first is a resolution authorizing the CFO to draw a warrant for dog licenses for October 2025. The second is a resolution authorizing the CFO to refund recreation department fees. The third is a resolution authorizing the CFO to draw a warrant for board of adjustment escrow monies. The fourth, a resolution authorizing the CFO to draw a warrant for planning board escrow monies. The fifth, a resolution authorizing the CFO to draw warrants for overpaid taxes. the sixth, a resolution authorizing an affordability assistance grant pursuant to the town of Westfield's affordability assistance program for a tenant of an affordable um housing unit at 2312 Echol Lane, unit 2312. The seventh, a resolution authorizing an award of contract for professional architectural services for the design and preparation of bid specifications for a replacement roof at the public works building. Eighth, a resolution to approve insertion a special item of revenue in the municipal budget for the 2025 Greening Union County um grants. Nine, a resolution to approve insertion of special item of revenue in the municipal budget for the 2025 kids recreation memorial park tennis courts. And then the 10th is a resolution to approve insertion of special item of revenue in the municipal budget related to the monies received for drunk driving enforcement.

May I have a second? Second. Second by Councilman Armentoto. Uh any discussion? All in favor? Yes. Yes. Moren, I just want to make com. I'm I'm recusing myself from number three from a relationship I have with the person that's on that list. Approve everything else. Um opposed. This motion has carried. Council Hood. I'd also like to move a resolution to make a budget ch transfer. You have a second by Councilman Arment. Uh who was that? Damagawa. Um any discussion?

I'll just note, mayor, that this is um this happens frequently at the as we move from the end of the year into the point next year when we approve the new budget. Sometimes we just need to move monies from one place to another. Uh please call the role. Council members, yes. Dardia, yes. Yes. Kefir, yes. Sers, yes. Fmentoto, yes. Contract, yes. Healey, yes. Mayor Riddle, yes. This motion is carried. I'd like to move general ordinance number 2025-20 on first reading, an ordinance to amend the code of the town of Westfield, chapter 13. May I have a second? Second.

Second by council contract. Any discussion? Please call the role. Council member, yes. Daria, yes. Domo, yes. Keer, yes. Saunders. Yes. Arnetta, yes. Contract, yes. Yes. [clears throat] Yes. I love how it says he's unverified up there. Yeah. [laughter] A little unnerving. I haven't either. I'm like, oh, that this motion is carried. Next. Public safety, Transportation, Parking Committee. Councilman Dardia.

Uh, thank you, mayor. Um, so, uh, we are going to be voting on two resolutions authorizing award of contracts for the purchase of new vehicle computer systems and a new computer server, both for the Westfield Police Department and both planned for in the 2020 2025 capital budget. Number one, resolution authorizing an award of contract for the purchase of new vehicle computer systems for the Westfield Police Department. and two resolution authorizing an award of contract for the purchase of a new computer server for the Westfield Police Department. May I have a second? Second by Councilman Armentoto. Any discussion? All in favor? Yes.

Opposed? This motion is carried. Code review and town property committee council contract.

Uh thank you, mayor. So tonight we're going to be voting on four ordinances on first reading. So I'll just quickly take you through all four and then we'll vote on each one. So the first one is an ordinance that prohibits the posting of signs with offensive language in public spaces. This amends our current ordinance that out that doesn't allow this except at the at the at the governing body's discretion. So we're removing that concept of the of this body allowing it which makes us in compliance with federal and state law. So that's a good thing for us. The second is an ordinance establishing controls and regulations for the cutting of plastic that creates uh unhealthy plastic dust during construction. It's similar to regulations other towns have adopted in the state. And I think it just sends a clear message that we want healthy construction in town. Uh the third is an ordinance establishing a requirement that bicycle parking be provided in new building construction or certain renovations. And this is consistent with recommendations in the town's bike and pedestrian plan as well as our uh land use and circulation element of the master plan. Again, this supports the town's desire for more biking, less cars, healthier lifestyles. Uh so I think this makes sense for our town. And last is an ordinance establishing requirement for a zoning permit to be obtained prior to commencing work on your property. Again, consistent with other New Jersey municipalities. This really comes out of two things. One is there are a lot of projects in this town that um are not governed by our building codes and don't require building permits. So they allow residents in their discretion to do things primarily in their backyard like putting in new patios, putting in, you know, uh sheds, fences, outdoor fire pits, expanding driveways. That can actually create storm water management issues where the water gets displaced and pushed to your neighbor. It also unfortunately some residents have put things in that actually are against the town code but because the town doesn't actually have any oversight on these

projects residents have actually spent money to invest in their property and then had to unfortunately spend money to remove those investments. So by putting this process in place we actually avoid that. We mitigate storm water issues and it just gives the town a little bit more control over what people are doing to make sure it's consistent with our current ordinances. Um, lastly, I would say this is a process that many towns around us have, so we're a little bit out of step with our neighbors. All right, so that's a quick overview, so we'll kind of go one at a time. The first is general ordinance number 2025-21, an ordinance to amend the code of the town of Westfield to prohibit the posting of signs displaying advertisements or offensive language in public spaces.

You have a second by Councilman Domala. Uh, any discussion? Please call the RO. Council member Tak, yes. Dardia, yes. Domagala, yes. Kefir, yes. Saunders, yes. Armentoto, yes. Contract, yes. Healey, yes. Mayor, yes. This motion is carried. Okay. Next is general ordinance number 2025-22 on first reading. an ordinance amending chapter 8 buildings and chapter 35 exterior property maintenance code of of the town code for the town of Westfield to establish regulations for the control of plastic dust and contaminants. May I have a second?

Second by Councilman Hapkood. Any discussion? Please call the role. Council member Hood, yes. Dia, yes. Domo, yes. Keeper, yes. Sanders, yes. Contract, yes. Yes. Mayor Riddle. Yes. This motion is carried. Okay. Next, I'd like to move general ordinance number 2025-23 on first reading, an ordinance to amend the land use ordinance of the town of Westfield requiring the provision of bicycle parking and establishing standards. Therefore, may I have a second? Second. Council Dia. Any discussion? Please call the role. Council members, yes. Yes. Yes. Keeper, yes. Saunders,

yes. Armentoto, yes. Contract, yes. Yes. Mayor Bendle, yes. This motion is carried. Todd, you can say yes when David says yes because there's a delay. [laughter] That's right. Or you can say no, obviously. Um, last, I'd like to move general ordinance number 2025-24 on first reading, an ordinance to amend the land use ordinance of the town of Westfield requiring the issuance of a zoning permit. May I have a second? Second. Second by dollar. Any discussion? I'd like to say something. Oh, sure.

Yeah. I think I I just want to explain my thinking on this because this is a really interesting uh ordinance for me because I think if this had been presented to me like the first week I got on council, my my initial reaction would be to vote no on it. um because I think I would have reacted by saying why do we need yet another layer of bureaucracy to tell homeowners or property owners what they can and cannot do with their property. But sitting here now, I'm voting yes because I've learned a lot being a councilman and listening to a lot of what residents have said and shown me. And and the reason I'm voting yes is because people uh residents, myself included, have done alterations to their property that can have negative effects to their neighbors. Um and and we need to be more conscious of that. Um storm water runoff is like one of the biggest problems and complaints that I get in my ward. I've experienced it myself. I've lost two vehicles to flooding. Um thankfully they were used cars for my son, but still was not cool. Um and and uh and so we have to take a little bit more notice of what we're doing on our own property and as it affects others. I had a resident show me uh his backyard and what happened was almost like a tragedy of the commons where his neighbors built up their uh their land and their property and their backyards legally but to make made uh impervious uh services and all the water came into his backyard and it's a swamp land and it's really uninhabitable and so we have to work a little bit more to prevent that sort of thing. Anyway, it's a long way of saying that this is a small small intrusion on people. This is just a matter of like David said and I agreed with everything he said is just finding out what you can and cannot do ahead of time before you do it. Um so for anyone who might later see what we voted on today and think ah come on another thing they have to get like a permit from the town for it's for everyone's benefit really is. So uh that's my thinking and hopefully uh everyone else thinks the same.

Dave, thanks for saying that. I I think when we first started talking about this at the code committee, we talked about listen, we're not interested in regulation, but we are interested in smart regulation. And this to me is smart, right? It's a very minor requirement that will actually save residents money, time, and and sort of minimize the impact on your neighbors because you don't really think about that. I think every single one of us has dealt with issues, you know, dealing with what people do in their backyards and the impact it has on those around you, you know, and I know that in Councilman Saunders and W he's dealt with unfortunately people have put things in to their properties that have to get ripped out because they don't comply with town ordinance and nobody wants to see a resident waste money. I think one of the other concerns was that there'd be a significant delay, but we were assured that the process would be very uh speedy and expedited. So, you residents are not going to have to wait a long time if they want to put a shed in to get approval.

Yeah, I think it's 10 days. Jim, is that the requirement? Okay. Uh, my comments are a little different. Um David Contract who's been here for eight years is irrepressible and when he wants to get something done he wants it done and uh he there was there's some reluctance there was some reluctance persistent to go forward with this uh Councilman Damagalo and as uh Councilman Kefir already said he had some hesitance about this and uh it makes me

and so did Councilman Ranto too. I was the only one helping me again. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

You know, I try to say things that are profound, David. Uh so when I was a young man, there was a a guy that ran for president who said that uh government's not the answer to your problems. Government is the problem. And I never really was too comfortable with that because I grew up in this town where the government was pretty well-run almost all that time of my youth republicans. And uh there was another Nobel Prize winner I also like to site who says you can have too much government you can also have too little. That's uh Paul Krugman. And uh this one there is there is a balancing on this one that you're adding another level of before somebody does something with their own property they have to come to the town under certain circumstances but but I think Councilman Kefir has explained it the best which is and obviously this is why David Contract was pushing this from the start which is that impervious border with somebody overbuilds or overpaves, let's say, uh on their own property and it has a residual effect on other people. Uh and here but here's where I come down. So, I had very mixed feelings. And by the way, in my entire more than a year of speaking back on the council, there's only been one vote that there was any opposition. One was five to four. And that was and Mike Damagalo did vote against the one Westfield program. make that clear. Uh that issue has been decided, but that's the only time we've never been able to get consensus and unanimous in my year and a half or year and a little more, I would say. Uh but here's what weighs me in favor this town administration and I'm looking

at each and every one of the employees that I work with and observe. This is just phenomenal government situation here we have in Westfield. People need to appreciate that and some people have said that. It was said earlier in the conference session that we are blessed to have a town administrator who worked under a Republican mayor for 12 years, a Democratic mayor, and then now for eight years with uh Mayor Brindle. and he just has a way of making things happen and making things happen in a efficient way and he's he's a great he's got a great leadership team. I might comment tonight Don Sam's not here but Don Sammon has done a fantastic job in uh in his role as the planner. So David I I don't know how I could go against you. So I'm going to go vote in favor of it.

Thank you. [laughter] All right. [applause] When an unstoppable force mids movable object, [laughter] please call the role.

What's that? Did we already do Oh, I thought I was on discussion. No, we didn't do it yet. That after the discussion? No, we have We haven't done it yet. We haven't voted yet. We haven't voted yet. That was discussion. I thought that was discussion. Yeah, I still That was all discussion. Yeah, I think it worked. Council member, yes. Dia, yes. Yes. Yes. Keeper, yes. Saunders, yes. Yes. Contract. Yes. Yes. Mayor, yes. This motion is carried. Congrats, David.

Mayor, can I can I just I just want to thank you, Jim, for your comments. Um, and Don Sam is not here, but it is important. This this ordinance um had a lot of input, not just from the council committee members um but the staff. So Don Samid, Frank Luoso, Mike Bignell, our engineer, construction official, and and planner Don particularly. And again, thank you for your comments. We have we have an exceptional staff and because of that and Miketo's comments, we we committed to the to the council that when this does get passed, the staff wanted this because they're the ones on the front line dealing with these issues that come up on a phone call every day. So they wanted this as well and they're eager to put it in and make it as easy as possible for residents and as quick as possible. So again, thank you for your support on that. Thanks. And just one last comment which is I think this was a really good example of our committee and our council working well together. Right. We talked about this multiple times. We talked about it at a 7 pm legislative meeting and it came back to the to the committee. So I just want to applaud everybody on the committee and the council for working this through with the staff and coming up with I think a really good ordinance, right? Lowered lowered fees, quickened up timelines, but ultimately I think will serve residents well

and having open minds. Yeah. Say that's which is great. really hats off. So, well said, David. Okay, next uh public works committee. Councilman Healey. Mayor, I I'm going to uh move be moving two resolutions. And by the way, I'm going to skip skip strict to sorry, I'm going to stick to the script that I've been given. Uh David Contract did not skip this win

because [laughter] apparently apparently I've been out of line all these years and uh and I've now been given you have to read this. So uh I'm going to move resolutions authorizing to participate in the Union County Deer Management Program. Once again, uh we've had five previous uh successful season. This does mean uh uh eliminating some deer, culling, culling the uh herd, so to speak. And we everybody knows we we do have a herd of deer circling the uh community. God, you know, I can remember when I was raising my children and we were driving in rural Pennsylvania and we saw some deer. I said, "Oh my god, deer. They're actually there." And my kids were really excited about it like and and it was [laughter]

Oh, I forgot. I forgot. Okay. And this this will include Brightwood Park and sections of Tomquist Park uh along Lambert's Mill Road. And I'm also going to be moving uh a resolution authorizing emergency contract for sanitary Stewart Maine on Kimble Avenue. So I go back and move the uh two resolutions, Union County Union County Deer Management and Purchase of Sanitary Sewer Main Repairs. Thank you. May I have a second? Second by Councilman Contract. Any discussion? All in favor? Opposed? This motion has carried. May I have a motion to adjurnn? So moved. Moved by Councilman Contract. Second. Second.

Second by Council Halfood. All in favor? Yes. Opposed. This motion is carried. This meeting is adjourned. Good night everybody. And Thank you.