The Borough Council approved resolutions and proclamations and introduced several ordinances at Monday night’s monthly regular meeting.
A Proclamation was presented by Councilman Anthony Carter recognizing Juneteenth on June 19th to members of the Social Justice Matters Juneteenth committee: Joan Peters, Delois Dawson, and Sheila Greenwood. Peters said the 7th annual Juneteenth event will be held this Saturday, June 22 from noon until 7 pm at the Shady Rest Golf Club in Scotch Plains featuring music, speakers, food along with diverse activities including authors who will read their books intended for children and young adults.
A Proclamation recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 7th, 2024, was presented by Mayor Colleen Mahr to Joan Peters, Vita Larkin, and Janine McGarry of Moms Demand Action.
“We all know the toll that senseless gun violence takes on our communities so it’s heartening to know we have the backing of this government and the Town of Fanwood in fighting against it,” Larkin said. She said Moms Demand Action has tackled the issue through public awareness, advocating for the save storage of guns, and education. She said a Wear Orange and National Gun Violence Awareness Day event has been rescheduled for Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30 pm at Mindowaskin Park in Westfield.
A Proclamation was presented to outgoing Pastor David Jahnke of Fanwood Presbyterian Church by Council President Katherine Mitchell. Pastor Jahnke is moving to California with his family after 17 years in Fanwood.
Michelle Wayans was sworn in by Mayor Colleen Mahr as a member of the Recreation Commission.
Resolutions were approved appointing Matthew Borquist and Vincent Amato to the Fire Department.
An ordinance was adopted on second reading codifying the rules at the Fanwood Nature Center including that dumping and littering, alcohol and controlled substances, fires and smoking, bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited, and that visitors remain on marked trails. The Nature Center, operated by the Environmental Commission, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The borough adopted an ordinance amending the borough’s peace and good order chapter of the municipal code. The ordinance prohibits the discharge of a firearm as well as hunting in the borough.
The council voted to adopt the 2024 municipal budget. Planned initiatives (some of which have already been completed) include the construction of an emergency shelter at Forest Road Park, enhancements to police station accessibility with a transaction window, and investments in new vehicles and equipment for the Department of Public Works. Road improvements are planned (some of which are underway) for Willoughby Rd., Oak Ct., Pandick Ct., Robin Rd., Second St., South Ave.-LaGrande Ave. in addition to the continuation of sewer cleaning. Additional facility improvements are planned at La Grande and Forest Road Parks, along with repaving of the South Ave. Train Station Parking Lot.
The council introduced the borough’s annual capital bond ordinance for equipment purchases for the Police Department, Department of Public Works, Fire Department, and the resurfacing of North Avenue. The public hearing and adoption vote will take place at a special meeting on Monday, July 8 at 7 pm.
A resolution was approved for the repaving of the South Avenue train station parking lot.
