(Fanwood, NJ) — The Borough Council held its monthly regular meeting on Tuesday, February 18. The council approved several resolutions and issued a proclamation for February as Black History Month.
At the start of the meeting, Mayor Colleen Mahr swore in Diane Cukrow as an alternate member of the Board of Health.
The Mayor also read a proclamation for Black History for the month of February. In celebration of Black History Month, members of Social Justice Matters (SJM) attended the meeting and were recognized by Mayor Mahr.
Tashira Wheeler, president of SJM, said through SJM’s efforts the Kramer Manor neighborhood has been included in the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. Kramer Manor is a neighborhood of about 100 households straddling Scotch Plains and Fanwood that was established as a Black enclave in 1924.
The council approved the following resolutions:
- Authorizing acceptance of a $350,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to be used to renovate the La Grande Park tennis courts, including new surfacing, netting, and fencing.
- Approving a shared services agreement with the Plainfield Area Regional Sewer Authority (PARSA) whereby PARSA will clean the borough’s local sewerage lines for $18,859.40 per year ending for a period ending on March 31, 2034.
- A resolution authorizing the borough to advertise and seek bids for the town’s curbside recycling collection program. Bids will be accepted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22. The current contract with Grand Sanitation Service, Plainfield, ends on December 31, 2025.
- Authorizing acceptance of a grant with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for $1 million for general capital improvements. The funds will be utilized for a new street sweeper, various Department of Public Works facilities pertaining to architect and engineering studies, replacement of the roof at the La Grande Park recreational center, implementation of new courts at Forest Road Park, and installation of tile flooring at Borough Hall.
Councilman Anthony Carter said the borough was successful in selling an ambulance for $94,000.
Mayor Mahr and the council agreed to have Borough Administrator Jesse Moehlman begin discussions with the borough’s planner and zoning officer regarding whether to allow for the licensing of cannabis in the borough. Fanwood previously opted out of having such an establishment in town.
Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker said the borough will be conducting final interviews with candidates for a police officer opening, replacing a retiring officer. She said two more retirements are expected this year.
Councilwoman Katherine Mitchell said the Shade Tree Commission will be offering its tree planting program for residents who would like a borough tree planted in front of their home. Residents can fill out a form on the borough’s website to request a tree.
She also announced that Fanwood has been selected to receive the Tree City USA designation for the 32nd year.
Council President Patricia Walsh said the Fanwood and Scotch Plains historic preservation commissions will meet on Friday, March 7th to review plans for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026.
Councilman Jeff Banks said the Memorial Day Committee is considering having Brian Santos and his brother, Rev. David Santos, to again be designated as co-marshals of the 2025 parade. Both were selected last year, but the parade was cancelled due to inclement weather.
