Here are highlights of the regular meeting of the Fanwood Council and Mayor held Tuesday, February 22, 2022:

Dogs in Parks…Seven citizens spoke in favor of repealing the current ordinance, which dates back 21 years, prohibiting dogs in Fanwood’s parks. Carolyn Brink, leader of a group of Fanwood dog owners, presented a petition with signatures of supporters. Young Alexa Pugliese, 11, told the Council she would like to be able to walk her dog in the park. Mayor Mahr promised a continued dialogue on the issue.

Bill Populus Tribute…Mayor Mahr and Council President Anthony Carter presented a memorial plaque to the family of Bill Populus, Fanwood’s first African-American Councilman, a tribute coinciding with Black History Month. The plaque, featuring a favorite photo of Mr. Populus, was accepted by his widow Marilyn, children Erika and Peter and granddaughter Alexandra. A duplicate of the plaque will hang permanently in the Council chamber. Councilman Carter spoke fondly of his predecessor. “He was a gentleman with smaller feet but much bigger shoes,” said Carter. “I know from the short time I had with him, in the words of former President Obama, he was the best person for the job who just happened to be African-American.”

Energy Taxes Returned to Municipalities… Mayor Mahr and the Council expressed support for a pair of bills currently in the state legislature that would return Energy Tax Receipts to towns. Taxes paid by utility companies for their buildings and rights-of-way through the towns have been collected by the state over the years. The state failed to return the money directly to the municipalities. Passage and approval by the Governor would mean thousands of dollars in tax revenue being returned to Fanwood each year. The Mayor suggested a public information campaign to urge citizens to write or call legislators to show their support.

Joe Schott Proclamation…The Mayor and Council dedicated a proclamation honoring resident Joe Schott, a WWII veteran and lifelong volunteer who celebrated his 100th birthday over the weekend. Happy Birthday, Joe!