(Fanwood, NJ) – The Mayor and Borough Council met Monday night for their monthly regular meeting. At the start of the meeting, Mayor Colleen Mahr was presented with the Plainfield Area NAACP Community Service Leadership Award by former Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson Briggs, the current president of the Plainfield Area NAACP.
Briggs said the award is in recognition of Mayor Mahr’s, “outstanding service to the residents of Plainfield and Fanwood and surrounding communities,” and for, “exemplifying a strong commitment toward the quality fairness and diversity,” while advocating on behalf of military, law enforcement, veterans, youth and family as well as the “economic equality for all citizens.”
“To be honored by the Plainfield Area NAACP as a community leader is a really a highlight for me in my career. I’m really always trying to do the best for our communities regardless of race and color and creed and socioeconomic barriers. We don’t do this to have people look at me. We do it because we have the ability to make a difference,” Mayor Mahr said.
During public comments, the Fanwood Memorial Library Trustees presented books to the Mayor, Council members and borough officials marking the opening of the new library building.
“The opening of the new library building last week and the response from the public has just been a dream come true,” Library Trustees President Ann Minski said.
Mayor Mahr added that the opening of the building was “a good legacy moment for the community.”
The council also passed proclamations for Ovarian Cancer Month and Prostate Cancer Month.
Two ordinances were introduced on first reading. The first sets the salary ranges for non-contractual employees. The second ordinance sets fees for street opening permits. Council President Katherine Mitchell said this ordinance mainly applies to utility companies. She said fees were increased to be more in line with surrounding towns. Second reading and adoption for both ordinances will be on Monday, October 7.
An ordinance was adopted on second reading setting fees to rent space in the Patricia M. Kuran Carriage House. A usage fee of $25 will be charged for residents and $35 for nonresidents per event. Municipal organizations and borough-sponsored events are exempt from fee requirements.
A resolution was approved awarding a contract for architectural services to conduct a design analysis for restorations at the Northside Historic Train Station. Mayor Mahr said the improvements are being funded through a grant.
A resolution was approved authorizing Christmas Décor of New Jersey to design, install, and take down lighting and holiday decorations.
A resolution was approved to authorize the sale of beer at the Fanwood 5k Pizza Run & Family Fun Run on Sunday, October 20.
Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker said the 5k Pizza Run & Family Fun Run begins and ends at Borough Hall. The Fun Run begins at 11:00 am followed by the 5k Pizza Run at 11:30 am. She said volunteers are needed and should contact her or Recreation Director Bob Budiansky if interested in helping out.
Councilwoman Trish Walsh said the four winning birdhouses in the Environmental Commission’s birdhouse building contest will be displayed at the Nature Center.
Councilwoman Mitchell noted that free flu vaccinations will be given out to seniors at the Fanwood Seniors Club meeting at 10:30 am on Monday, October 21 at the Forest Road Park building. The shots will be administered by Fanwood Pharmacy. People do not have to be a member of the club to receive the shots. Anyone interested is asked to contact Deputy Borough Clerk Courtney Agnello, the borough’s senior coordinator, at 908-322-8236, ext. 123.
