The Fanwood Borough Council on Monday, April 17, 2023, gave final passage to an ordinance that sets procedures and expectations for film and video production companies seeking to use Fanwood as a setting for future projects.
The ordinance creates Chapter 150 of the Borough Code, a process for production companies to apply for access to municipal facilities, road closures, police and fire support and associated fees. The ordinance comes at a time when the state of New Jersey is urging municipalities to become “film ready communities” to host production companies and their employees. Towns are urged to adopt the five-step process to earn “film ready” certification. This includes adopting an ordinance like the one Council adopted tonight, submitting site photos to the NJ Motion Picture and Television Commission website and designate a liaison to be point person if inquiries are made. Mayor Colleen Mahr said a production brings business to the town, from local restaurants to retail stores. Part of being “film ready” is a willingness of businesses to welcome and accommodate the influx of business brought by such productions.
“Being a municipality on a train line makes us very appealing to film crews coming out of New York,” said Borough Administrator Rayna Harris. “It can be a real boost if you make yourself desirable to these companies.”
Here’s the ordinance as passed by the Council.
In observance of Volunteer Appreciation Month, the Mayor and Council also paid tribute to many volunteers who do service in the community including 25 with ten or more years with the town’s boards and commissions.
“Your hard work and dedication has so much power,” remarked the mayor. “You have actual power to transform the lives of the people who have chosen to live here. Without you, we would not be able to offer our level of services.”
The mayor presented citations to those were present at the meeting. Honored were:
- Margaret Lewis, Board of Health
- Jane Frost-Guzzo, Library Board of Trustees
- Adele Kenney, Cultural Arts
- Sandra E. Redder, Environmental Commission
- Matt Juckes, Planning Board
- Neil Pierce, Recreation Commission
- Joan Skubish, Historic Preservation
- Kathleen Thomas, Board of Health
- Pat Plante, Library Board of Trustees
- Tom Plante, Cultural Arts
- David Schwartzberg, Environmental Commission
- Eric Gaulin Environmental/Planning Board
- Mike Kelly, Recreation Commission
- Jack Molenaar, Historic Preservation
- Steve Falco, Shade Tree Commission
- Jenn Coppock-Huegel, Library Board of Trustees
- Alex Pinto, Cultural Arts
- Gary Szelc, Environmental Commission
- Kevin Boris, Environmental/Planning Board
- Bruce Zakarin, Recreation Commission
- Joanne Muoio, Shade Tree Commission
- Ann Minski Library Board of Trustees
- Michael Lewis, Community Television
- Phyllis Sandrock, Environmental Commission
- Bill Lee, Planning Board
The Council also recognized the following volunteers and their projects:
- Councilwoman Trisha Walsh presented a proclamation to Dina Gh (correct spelling), a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) which advocates in court for foster children.
- Council President Jeff Banks presented a proclamation to the Fanwood Police Department for its recognition of Autism Awareness Month. During the month of April, each officer is wearing a hat which has a design recognizing autism awareness. The police department does special training to recognize and assist citizens with autism on an ongoing basis.
- Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker presented a proclamation to Lin Vlasaty of the Clean Community committee which, along with the Public Works Department, organizes the annual Earth Day town cleanup occurring this Saturday, April 22nd.
- Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell and Councilman Anthony Carter recognized Shade Tree Commissioners Steve Falco and Joanne Muoio for Arbor Day coming up on April 28th and for the designation of six acres of municipal property as the Borough Arboretum. The grounds of Borough Hall and Carriage House park contain many older and historic trees. Here’s a complete list along with an informative video by Fanwood’s master tree steward Dean Talcott.
- New Jersey American Water presented a check for $1,000 to the regional Salvation Army as part of a program that allows local mayors to suggest a worthy charity for NJAW to donate to. Kristin Bianco of NJ American Water presented the check to Eric Graham, Chairman of the Salvation Army Core Center and volunteer Towannia Hawk.
