Here are the highlights of the regular monthly meeting of the Fanwood Borough Council and Mayor, Monday, May 16, 2020:
Proclamations and Honors:
Mental Health Awareness Month—Councilwoman Francine Glaser read the proclamation; Mayor Mahr reminded all that Fanwood was designated a Stigma-Free Zone a year ago which specifically addresses community resources available to those with mental illnesses; Police Director Bramhall informed the Council that every police officer in town has been trained on how to interact with those suffering mental health emergencies with an emphasis on de-escalation.
Memorial Day Proclamation—Council President Anthony Carter proclaimed Fanwood’s observance of Memorial Day upcoming at the end of the month and read the names of Fanwood’s deceased servicemen in all wars. Memorial Day Committee member John Mooney informed the council and the public of the list of activities for the four-day weekend, co-sponsored by Scotch Plains and Fanwood. The events are listed on fanwoodnj.org.
National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day—Police Director Michael Bramhall received a proclamation from Councilwoman and Police Commissioner Patricia Walsh. Director Bramhall paid tribute to his department and its officers.
Rescue Squad president Jamie Pednioff and Captain Ian Lewis with baby Paisley
National Rescue Squad Month and EMS Week—Squad president Jamie Pedinoff and Captain Ian Lewis accepted the Council’s proclamation and thanks for the squad’s volunteer work. Capt. Lewis’ baby daughter Paisley stole the show.
Fanwood Green Team—Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell proclaimed a recommitment to the goals of the Fanwood Green Team, volunteers who implement the necessary elements of our recycling and conservation programs towards Fanwood’s Sustainable Jersey certification. On hand were Green Team members Caleb Cohen and Ruvi Perumal, who announced a public survey on the Team’s activities will be released soon.
Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell with Green Team members Ruvi Perumal and Caleb Cohen
Gun Violence Awareness Month—Mayor Mahr, an original supporter and founder of the local Mothers Against Illegal Guns chapter, presented a proclamation to local members Joan Peters and Jane Frost-Guzzo. The proclamation came the day after a mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo leaving 10 people dead.
National Nurses Week—Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell, a retired nurse, read the proclamation honoring nurses and their professionalism. “If I had to live my life over, I would be a nurse again,” she remarked
Historic Preservation Month—Scott Pierce of the Fanwood Historic Preservation Commission accepted the proclamation and highlighted recent projects including improvements at the old train station and the Carriage House.
Bridget Davis, Aislinn Mooney and their families.
Local high school senior swimmers—Aislinn Mooney and Bridget Davis received proclamations from the Mayor for their outstanding academic achievements and extraordinary performances at YMCA swim meets. Aislinn maintained a 4.3 grade point average while achieving multiple placements at the YMCA Short Course National Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a member of the National Honor Society and will attend Duquesne University in the Fall. Bridget, with a 4.0 grade point average, achieved personal bests at the 2022 YMCA Nationals. She is a member of the National Honor Society, honor roll student and is a student ambassador. She will attend the University of Connecticut in the fall.
Borough Business:
- Sewer fees—2022 bills for annual sewer maintenance will be in the mail shortly. Payment is due July 1.
- Budget introduced—The Fanwood budget was introduced and will be subject to a public hearing before final passage.
- Dogs in parks—The Council has drafted an amendment to Chapter 118 of the Borough Code that will allow dogs in Borough Parks with exceptions and with certain rules in place. The ordinance will be finalized and a public hearing will be scheduled. Councilwoman Walsh restated her opposition to the amendment. Council President Carter conveyed the Recreation Commission’s opposition to the amendment.
- County $40,000 grant—The Borough received a $40,000 grant from Union County to be used for upcoming road repairs.
