(Fanwood, NJ) – The Borough Council held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd.
At the start of the meeting, new Fanwood Memorial Library Director Kelly Yim introduced herself to the Council and Fanwood residents. She said the month of September is Library Card Sign Up Month. She urged any residents that do not have a card to visit the library and the staff will assist them in getting library cards.
The council passed three resolutions to authorize the Borough to submit applications to the Union County Improvement Authority capital grant program for apparatus for the Fanwood Volunteer Fire Department, for improvements at LaGrande and Forest Road Parks, and for a Senior and Office of Emergency Management Center at Forest Road Park.
An ordinance was introduced to change the hours of operation for fenced-in-areas at Forest Road Park, which includes the tennis and pickleball courts and the skate park, to 8 am to dusk.
Another ordinance was introduced that will allow non-Fanwood residents to be members of the Borough’s Shade Tree Commission.
The council adopted an ordinance on second reading that establishes procedures for promotions within the Department of Public Works. Peter Falco, co-president of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Special Education Parent Advisory Group, or SEPAG, a state-mandated parent-driven advisory group, said their responsibility is to “gather feedback from families, and identify systemic issues affecting students with disabilities.”
“The SEPAG gives parents and caregivers a place to learn, ask general questions, share their experience and help identify opportunities for improvement,” Falco said with a common goal of “ensuring that students with disabilities and their families feel supported, included, and connected.”
Several residents spoke on the noise from pickleball activity at the Forest Road Park courts.
Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker advised the residents that no decision on additional courts has been made and that discussion by the Recreation Commission is for a combined court, not just for pickleball.
Councilman Jeff Banks reminded residents that Fanny Wood Day is this Sunday, September 27th “weather permitting” at South and LaGrande Avenues.
Councilwoman Patricia Walsh said the Department of Public Works advises residents not to place any more brush or branches in the street as the fall brush pickup has concluded with the next one not scheduled until January.
The Councilwoman also advised that major renovation work has begun on the Fanwood Historic Train Station.
Elizabeth Jeffery, director of economic development, announced that a new bagel store – Amboy Bagel – has signed a lease on South Avenue in the previous location of Fanwood Pharmacy.
She also said FanWOOF Day will be held from 10 am-12 noon on Sunday, October 4th at the Northside Train Station parking lot.
