(Fanwood, NJ) – The Borough Council held their monthly agenda/work session meeting Monday night.
A resolution was approved in recognition of Cardiac Awareness Month. Luciane Reibin and Sebastiao Pinto, representing The Aliva Foundation, attended the meeting to accept the resolution from Mayor Colleen Mahr. The foundation had donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) unit, which is in LaGrande Park, and the Borough bought one for Forest Road Park.
Borough Attorney Russell Huegel gave an update on the lawsuit filed by resident Gary Morris against the town and the planning concerning NB Home Improvements, LLC approved application for 16-unit apartment building at 383 South Avenue and the borough’s adoption of its 2024 zoning-map ordinance. The property previously housed the Chippery and Nostimo’s Mediterranean.
“All parties appeared before the judge on September 30 for a case management conference to discuss the status of the case. The Court agreed with the town’s request that we should be dismissed from the case based upon her prior decision that there were no issues regarding the zoning ordinances that were adopted by the town. All parties agreed, including Mr. Morris, that the case against the town should be dismissed and a consent order has been prepared and circulated by the attorneys,” Huegel said.
“What does this mean? It means that the town did nothing wrong. It properly passed all of the ordinances and provided proper notice to the residents. It also means that the case against the town is over. Unfortunately, the case against the planning board will continue and is now scheduled for a trial in December. The planning board will have to wait until then to get a decision by the Court that it acted properly and in accordance with all of the local and state regulations. As always when information on this matter becomes available, we will continue to update the public,” the statement concluded.
The council approved an ordinance on second reading that that allows non-Fanwood residents to serve as members of the Fanwood Shade Tree Commission. During the public hearing on the ordinance several residents inquired about the need and concern for non-residents on the commission.
Mayor Colleen Mahr said she recently learned that a valued member who has served for years on the Shade Tree Commission has moved to Scotch Plains. In speaking with the commission member there was a desire to stay on the commission and the other members felt the same way. In addressing concerns raised about having people with ill intentions serve the Mayor said she or her staff speak to each interested person interested in volunteering on the numerous boards and commissions the borough has to ensure interests align and individuals understand the commitment.
The mayor said she is appreciative of individuals who give of their time and recognize that some of the boards and commissions have vacancies throughout the year and tries to ensure quorums are met.
Councilwoman Patricia Walsh further had to explain the shade tree volunteers work closely with the Department of Public Works and spends a lot time going to homes to look at the health of town shade trees at the request of residents. Fanwood has been a proud Tree City USA municipality for decades.
Police Capt. Dan Kranz said the police department is gearing up for the Fanwood 5k Pizza Run and Family Run on Sunday, Oct. 18. He said the 5k committee is still in need of road marshal volunteers. Anyone who would like to be a marshal should email police@fanwoodnj.org.
Councilman Jeff Banks said as of Monday 872 runners have signed up for the Pizza Run. Mayor Mahr added that profits from the event goes into a Recreation Commission dedicated trust to keep recreation programming costs low and affordable.
Capt. Kranz said the department is bringing back its Police & Pumpkins on Sunday, October 25 from 10 am-12 pm.
He said additional officers will be out on Halloween, which is on a Saturday this year. The town will hold its Halloween Parade and Costume Contest on October 31 beginning at 6 pm.
Councilman Anthony Carter said residents expressed to him about drivers making u turns on some streets such as Madison Avenue. Capt. Kranz said those turns are considered motor vehicle violations when done during high traffic times and motorists can be issued summons and that the traffic safety unit will monitor.
During the public comment portion of the meeting a resident asked the town to consider posting council agendas on the borough’s website within 48 hours of a meeting. He also commented on downtown redevelopment and how Fanwood bills for its sewer utility.
