Notice of the time date location agenda this meeting to the extent then known was provided at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of this meeting in the following manner pursuant to the provisions of chapter 235 of the law 1975. by posting such notice on the bulletin board in the municipal building, and by email notification dren generated by iq mtwo to the offices of independent press, Bloomfield life, Star ledger patch barista net, and tap into Bloomfield, please stand for the pledge allegiance.
I pledge allegiance
to the plight of United States of America and to
one nation under God, indivisible with liberty
and justice for all.
Luis please
call the roll. Councilman Mondale here. Councilman
Joanna here.
Councilwoman Cruz
here. Councilman Davis here, Councilman gamble
here, Councilman Rockwell here. Here all present.
Tonight, we are going to start off with a couple of proclamations. First up we have Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
We have the proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month for April 2021. Whereas Sexual Assault Awareness Month was first observed nationally in April 2001 and calls attention to the sexual violence that continues to impact many people in our communities and whereas every 73 seconds and American adult is sexually assaulted and every nine minutes of victim as a child. And whereas one out of every six American women has been a victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. And about one out of every 33 American men have also been victims or an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. And whereas from 2009 to 2013 child protection services agencies found strong evidence to indicate that 66% of children between the ages of 12 and 17 were victims of sexual assault every year, and 34% of victims were under age 12. And whereas sexual assault, sexual violence impacts all of demographics despite gender identity, sexual orientation, race and socio economic status. In addition, survivors of these crimes often remain silent, in fear of being blamed, shamed or not believed or re victimized. And the primary goal of the month is to bring awareness to a rising issue in society by right raising visibility of the teal ribbon which was adopted as the official color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the meaning behind it of trust, devotion and healing. And whereas by mid 2000, the month heavily focused campaigns on prevention and communities, workplace and college campuses to prevent an assault from happening. Sexual Assault Awareness Month also focuses on changing behaviors and promoting respect to prevent the psychological, emotional, physical and social impacts that affect survivors. And now therefore, be it resolved that I Michael jayven, easy as mayor of the township of Bloomfield, along with the members of township council do hereby declare the month of April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens to be mindful of everyone's boundaries and to speak up if they are someone they know is in need of help.
Thank you, counsel. I believe we have somebody here from organization. You come on up
next.
Next, we have a proclamation for the VFW post 711 miles a Suarez for the 100th anniversary.
Thank you, Mayor. I will read the proclamation for VFW post 711. Recognizing the 100th anniversary of this VFW post, whereas the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 711 was named after miles a Suarez, the first Bloomfield resident killed in action in World War One in 1918. And whereas post 711 has had a long history in Bloomfield with membership dating back to the Spanish American War, and whereas post 711 has opened its doors to many groups and organizations to host their monthly meetings, and have a place to call home such as Boy Scouts, 23, Cub Scouts troop 22, Girl Scouts, 1250, fmba, and fop. And whereas post 711 has also been a sponsor to many community programs, such as multiple sporting teams, high school senior events, the honor guard for fallen veteran funerals at three local cemeteries and whereas we celebrate their 100th anniversary with all post 711 members, but would like to recognize one of their longtime members who is served for 55 years at the VFW Joseph Elmer, whereas the impact Joseph Elmer has made on the community is unmeasurable, he has received many distinctions, such as the buddy poppies state district and post chairman. Past post 711 commander Bloomfield, citizen of the year recipient, Bloomfield joint Memorial parade chairman and usher at St. Thomas the apostle. And whereas Joseph Elmer will be stepping down after serving for 25 years as Quartermaster. Now therefore I Michael J. Venetia, as mayor of the township of Bloomfield, along with the township council do hereby recognize Joseph Elmer for his dedicated years of service, and congratulate the VFW post 711. On their 100th anniversary. We thank you for your service to our veterans and vital contributions to this community.
I know we have Joe and Alan here if you guys want to come up.
as Joe said, you don't want to give a commander a microphone, because I'll talk forever. But thank you to the township of Bloomfield for recognizing Joe recognizing our posts, and it's only been a pleasure working with every single one of everyone who comes in through our doors, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, it's always been fun going to literally games seeing the kids really enjoy and I can't thank the residents of Bloomfield for always supporting us. I grew up on Bruton AB and walk past that building every day. And every day I said I want to join that. I wanted to join that. That I went to our rack I got to join it. And it's been a blessing ever since. And yeah, I don't want to talk too much. Thank you.
Next up, we have a proclamation for the Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Thank you I have a proclamation for Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was on April 8, whereas the governing body of the township of Bloomfield and its residents share the vision of a better world for all humankind built upon the ideals of love and respect for one another, committed to ensure the safety, sanctity integrity of life. And whereas on Yama Sha Holocaust Remembrance Day, we stand in solidarity with our Jewish community in Bloomfield across the US in Israel and around the world to remember and reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust. And whereas an estimated 6 million Jews were systematically murdered alongside other many innocent victims by the Nazis and their collaborators in one of the cruelest and most heinous campaigns in human history, and whereas we disapprove and condemned the growing number of all anti semitic incidents, and all acts of violence towards specific races, religions gender, and whereas those who survived the Holocaust are an inspiration to every single one of us. And whereas every child and grandchild of a survivor is a testament to the resilience and a living rebuke to those who sought to extinguish the future of the Jewish people and others who were targeted. And whereas Yom hashoah reminds us, not only of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, but also reinforces our ongoing duty to counter all forms of dehumanizing bigotry directed against the LGBTQ plus disability, black indigenous people of color Asian communities and other marginalized communities. And now therefore, I Michael J. Venetia, as mayor of the township of Bloomfield, along with the township Council, to hereby recognize Holocaust Remembrance Day in our commitment to combating all forms of anti semitism with the last lasting pledge to ensure the safety and well being of all residents.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Do we have anybody here for public comment? Okay, and our No. And our new township administrator Anthony disenzo.
Welcome
to your first meeting.
Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, mayor and council. So number one for the based on the recent fluctuation with the COVID. I thought it would be a good time for a informational update from our Director of Health and Human Services. Karen Laurie.
Good evening, Mayor Council. Can you hear me? Okay.
Let's put the microphone down a little more. Perfect.
Okay, Is this good? Okay. We're hoping that at this point, we are beginning to turn the corner. I know that in the news or reporting a lot of the high numbers in New Jersey, I just wanted to kind of review for you what we've been looking at, and what some of the specifics are. In Bloomfield. Since January, we've had over 1500 cases that we've had to investigate. Out of those investigations, what we found is that 60 plus 60 years and older, were 13% of the population 40 to 59 years old, was 33%. And then 39 and younger, was 52%. So what we are starting to see is that there's a shift in terms of the people that are testing positive, it's younger. And we're starting to see that in that demographic. In terms of the racial breakdown, out of those 1500 cases, we have 57% that are unknown, which would not identify their race. But out of those that did identify their race, we had 24% that were white 12% that were Black or African American, four point 57% that were Asian, and then less than 1% that was of American Indian. Additionally, what we found is that of the people that were vaccinated, we have in Bloomfield 16 cases that have been breakthrough cases. So what that means is that people that are vaccinated, have tested positive after receiving the vaccination. So this number, we can see It hurt to be low. But the good news additionally is that those cases that have been positive, their symptoms have been mild, there have been no hospitalizations, and there has not been significant illness. So the messages, the vaccination, even if you do become infected, your disease and your course of the illness will be less severe. Right now, we are in the process of continuing to do the COVID testing that has taken place on the corner of belval and Broad Street on Saturday and Sunday. So residents can continue to sign up for testing at to be tested at that site. Registration is online, or you can also walk up and receive testing. As of yesterday, we had been fortunate enough to partner with the County of Essex, they are providing assistance with transportation to people who need the vaccine and also have no way to get to the vaccination site, the county site. So with the assistance of the Essex County special transportation and recreation department, we are now scheduling, we are continuing to schedule people who need the vaccine and also transportation. So we have right now 15 slots per day that are available to those residents. So anyone that needs transportation for the vaccine, can call the hotline that has been set up with the township, but it opened up today it's and residents can also call tomorrow. And that hotline number is 973-259-3152.
And then as a non COVID announcement, we do have a little fun happening in town, we have been working with the police department to have a bike walk program that will be starting on April 18. So encourage all the residents to get out in this time when people have been very isolated and unable to really interact. Because a good activity for people to participate in. So we encourage all to attend.
Any questions?
Does anybody have any questions for Carolyn?
I just wanted to thank you for the the level of work that you all are doing in health department. It's just absolutely incredible. This, this the circumstances that we've been in, you know, all of that, and how health department has really sort of stepped up and fill the gap. And I really appreciate it, I want to say that and, and I want to just reiterate about the testing part of it, because I found that, you know, moving it the location to across from the Belleville High School is just an excellent, it's visible for people to see it. And I think people should should get tested. And when I tell people that in other towns like we have it available, and you can just all you have to do is drive up to do it, you can do it from your car, you don't have to get out. It's you know, you can be walking around Ace MB asymptomatic and still test positive. So it's important to do the testing. So I just wanted to thank you for what you all are doing and underscore how important it is for those individuals to even if you feel fine to get tested.
Thank you for that counsel. middays. Yes, you're absolutely right. Even though we've seen a decrease in the number of people requesting the testing, it's still very important for us to understand what's happening, particularly with the new variants. So we're still encouraging people to be tested and to be tested frequently. So that testing is available Saturday and Sunday, and there is no cost to residents. So anybody that wants to be tested should take advantage of that opportunity.
Anybody else? Thank you, Karen, we appreciate it. Okay, thank you.
Thank you. Number two, items number two, three and four will be presented by assistant administrator to the three resolutions.
Hi, good evening, Mayor Council, any public that are watching. Item number two is really informational. We do work with the health department. Thank you Karen and her team. We've actually updated our employee vacation and travel policy to include that vaccinated people no longer need to quarantine, which is in line with what the CDC and the New Jersey Department of Health has made that decision recently. Thanks. Okay, item number three. This is a bill we're asking if you would support that's in the senate right now. Many people want more oversight for the public employee retirement system. So this bill, really He's just supporting breaking off creating a new board of trustees to oversee the local part of the pension system. And item number four, we're asking to award our prescription broker contract to reliance for for calendar year 2021.
Can I get a motion for three and four? Marin motion to move by Councilman Cruz.
I get a second. Second mayor, Councilman
Joyner any questions comments? Louise, please call the roll. Yes,
yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes. Yes.
Yes. Thank you. And welcome to the new position. Number five.
Number five is in regard to emergency snow removal. So it's been determined that it's been quite some time since the streets have been reevaluated. We're going to put together a committee of the Department of Public Safety as well as the pw formulator recommend recommendation have is reviewed by the township traffic engineer and then presented to the council. So if anybody has any information or streets of concern, please also
any any council members have any streets that they want to see studies positive possible snow, emergency Street, please get it to Anthony, and then we'll look to see what's on the list. Number six,
number six is discussion on outdoor dining. And the planning director Bonnie Flynn will present that
Good evening Marin Council, we have a resolution, we're proposing a resolution basically, it's somewhat of a summary resolution. We're waiving the 2021 license fee, we are allowing license holders from last year who aren't changing their plans to just provide a renewal application. And we have renewal and the full applications online and they can be submitted to the township clerk. We're repeating the Hours of operation just for everyone's information. And the 2021 season is running until the end of December. And we're finally we're clarifying that the outdoor dining is permitted for all existing restaurants. And you know, of course, that have the space to provide it on the adjacent sidewalk or parking lot. So again, just a kind of a summary of where we are. And any happy to answer any questions.
Does anybody have any questions for Bonnie?
I do have a question, what makes a determination of where the restaurant can do outdoor dining, like if it's the sidewalk or on the street?
Well, for a sidewalk, you have to allow the clearance of at least four feet. So if the if the sidewalks five feet wide, then you wouldn't be able to do it. You'd have to allow that pass through for anyone, you know, with different different abilities. And in the parking lot if they're allowing it. Basically, anywhere, it's safe. I mean, we certainly don't want to have any interactions with traffic or other there are real parking happening. A lot of restaurants proposed tents to kind of corral you know, in parking lots. So we didn't see any issues that I know from last year.
So they don't have a parking lot. They're able to do it on the street.
Yeah, and some were able to put barriers, the police barriers, like on Washington Street and Glenwood our temple film, they could use parking spots for that. Yeah. Just wondering
if there was like a limit
well as distance between the tables, the six feet, and then that pass through.
I think when we're talking about like the number of restaurants and having the space going up a Bloomfield Avenue, like will we start to see a lot of restaurants with on street, outdoor dining, possibly?
Well, I guess if they can provide it in their, you know, in terms of their kitchen and capacity, and they would have to get permission from their adjacent, any adjacent neighbor to go in front of their space. So that's also something that we require for the application.
So we met with the restaurants and we basically told them if you have space next door, you would have to ask the property owner next door and if they agree, you can put the tables out front. I personally think it's a it's a great thing. You look at certain restaurants going above and beyond what they're doing and it's you know, it's just showing a vibrancy that is well needed. And it's just gonna keep on improving. Thank you Do we have any other questions? Comments? Okay, thank you.
Item number seven in a directive Scarman has presentations for those two.
Good evening, mayor and council. Before you on your in your packet, you have a resolution authorizing the grant for the next phase of the restoration of the Collins house.
Okay, somebody
got a second second Councilman gamble. Any questions or comments? All in favor, aye. Number eight.
In February, I had the opportunity to present a municipal park bench Donation Program, which was conditionally approved, but there was some concerns about the original cost of the park bench, and a memorial tree Donation Program was proposed. So I met with Sam dipalma, from the pw as well as Tom Patel, our forest or both were very, very, very helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating. So we came up with a similar system that mirrors the park bench donation for Memorial tree donation, I believe in your packet, you have that agreement, which again, I mirrored towards the park bench. Again, the park benches $1,750 for complete purchase installation. And the memorial tree donation is a economic more economical $450 donation. And what we would do is we have met with the forester. He's gone to three parks already to identify areas that we could be planting these new trees. And we'll continue with that process throughout the whole entire municipal park system, as I've done with the facilities subcommittee of our recreation Advisory Committee, they've gone to each of our parks and identified places that would be beneficial to the park bench.
Okay. Can I get somebody to move this? and move it was that Councilman gamble? Can I get a second? Second? Second? Councilman Davis?
I just think the only question that I did have was in your packet, you saw either a tree tag or there was a plaque where you were able to put the name on the plaque and that would be somewhere in a public building, whether it be here the recreation, civic center, not 100% sure what, what you want to see as far as
I personally think if people are paying for the tree planting that we do it as close to the tree has gone on the tree.
Okay, so the tag, yeah, so we would do something similar to them. This, this process, and this would be a similar tag that would go on the bench as well. Yep. Okay, that's fine.
Do I have any other questions, comments? All in favor? Aye. Aye.
Thank you, Mike. Number nine.
Number nine, referring to the big belly garbage cans at the new mine day facility. I think those are like us. Yes,
I do.
Good afternoon, mayor and council Good evening. Currently, the township has an agreement with big belly solar, where they provide five of their smart waste system units at different locations throughout the township. And now there's desire to add four additional units at the lion Gate Park once it's opened. The company has proposed an additional fee of $662 per month for a two year agreement. So that's just a little bit under $16,000. Since the original agreement we had with them was led by a bit. We can't just tack this one on. We can't extend the term. But we would like to enter into a separate agreement with them for these four additional units. I think if you're familiar with them, they are combined garbage recycling compacting units and people seem to be very satisfied with them and they're powered by solar. So this would be for a two year agreement to do that. At Lionsgate.
Can I get a motion? So moved by Councilwoman Mondale? Second Councilman Joanna. Any questions or comments? I think this is good. I think we need to expand even more the original five of Diana start working on something with it. I think it was a huge everything. It was a huge success. I think we started looking to put it throughout the township and other locations and we did the additional five.
Yeah, when we were up for renewal again, we could help her find them all together and have a larger
Okay, perfect. All in favor, aye. Thank you. Number 10.
Number 10 is a contract award for professional service historic survey services. Director Flynn has some information on that. Hi again.
The historic preservation commission hopes to continue to a phase two of their historic survey project that was started last year. The Commission work with Richard Grubb and associates to identify historic resources that may be worthy of additional protection. And phase two involves a deeper dive for approximately 30 properties of the 76 that were initially reviewed. The second phase was contemplated in our initial bid, and we would just like to continue with our ga and enter into contract for this year. Okay,
can I get a motion for a woman crews? Second, Councilman Davis. Any questions or comments? All in favor, aye. Number 11.
Number 11 is a word of a contract for elevator inspections. Again, Director Flint,
I get something with this.
We currently use a third party company to perform all our setup code review and inspections and that needs to be reviewed. We did go out to bid and we did receive one qualified bidder who was our current inspection company, municipal inspection Corporation. We're very satisfied with their work and we'd like to offer them another contract through the end of 2023.
Okay.
Moved by Councilman Cruz second council mundo. Any questions, comments? All in favor? Aye. Thank you. Number 12. Number 12
is a change order with regard to the council chambers audio video. And it director john de Latour has some information on that.
Good evening, mayor and council. In your package, you have a description of the deletion. And this was triggered by in November of last year of the the initial configuration of this council chamber has changed. And if your package you'll see four deletions and six additions to the project, and that triggered the change order.
Okay, can I get some more, Councilman Davis? Councilman gampo. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Aye. Number 13.
Number 13 is phase two and three of the police department door access panic buttons. And again it directly on the tour has some information on that.
Yet this is an ongoing project. The first phase, the first two phases, initially was the town hall, their whole door system was changed out. We've upgraded since the exterior doors and internal doors. And then we had we moved to the police side where we did external doors and internal doors with a smart system. The old system has been sunset and no longer in service. Phase Two and Three of the police side is now the panic buttons and the intern interior or wireless doors. And this is the proposal for that project. And that should finalize it. And this has been an ongoing project for about five years to get this moving because the old company is no longer in service. Okay,
Councilman Davis second second. Councilwoman Cruz. Any questions or comments? All in favor?
Okay, thank you. Thanks, john.
1415 and 16 and 17 is the police department.
Public Safety director the mail is here
at Mayor council number 14 is a recipe for authorization to conduct a vehicle auction of our vehicles that are piled up over at ecrb to Gov deals calm our new vendor for
auctions. Whoa, can
I get somebody to move this? move it back Councilman gamble. Second, Councilwoman Mandela, any questions? Comments? All in favor? Aye. Number 1515
is a handicap parking request. 64 Park Avenue has been vetted by the traffic unit and they're recommending it be granted moved by Councilman
Davis. Pregnant Second. Second. Second. Councilman Rockwell. Any questions comments? All in favor? Aye.
1616 is requesting authorization to accept the 2021 you drive you tax you pay a distracted driver grant which we'll be conducting enforcement in the month of April. Okay.
went by Councilwoman Cruz second. Councilwoman Davis. Any questions or comments? All in favor, aye. And number 17.
And number 17 is our monthly report on police activity. complaints against personnel for the year so far, we're at a total of 14 for 2021 compared to 20 at the same time last year, which is a 30% reduction in complaints against police officers. One of the things that we really attribute that is to you you will walk the rising us to the purchase of body cameras for every police officer. And what we're finding is the body cap cap The camera really curves and corrects the activity of the police officers when they're in the street, especially with the training process that we do with them. for the month of March, there were three external complaints made by citizens. One was a citizen who received the parking summons, and felt that he was the only person on the block that received a summons. We checked our electronic ticketing system and saw that there were multiple summonses issued on the block. It was explained and show to the complainant, and he was satisfied. Number two was a person who was stopped in a radar trap by one of our traffic division officers and received the summons. He came in and complain that there were multiple vehicles speeding, and he was the only person that received the summons. Again, we went back and checked the ticketing computerized system and saw that the officer on a detail issued nine separate summonses to two other vehicles during the duration of his radar detail. Number three, was an actual complaint against made against Internal Affairs for the outcome of one of their investigations. I had an overseen by deputy chief schwindt and myself and handled by the captain being It was a sergeant in there that the complaint was against. We had him recuse himself from it. And it turns out once we reviewed all the camera footage and the phone conversations, what was the sergeant was being asked to do was actually criminal and he wouldn't be able to do it. We tried to explain it to the complainant a number of times, but it was just the complainant really didn't want to hear it. But the investigation has been closed and the sergeant acted more than properly. We had one internal complaint for the month, which was a motor vehicle accident by one of our police officers. After reviewing the car camera and the body camera footage. It was deemed that the officer was in fact at fault. It wasn't his first accident that he was involved in it was I believe it was his third this time. You officer is facing discipline as far as the suspension of driving privileges and restitution for the damage to the vehicle in the cost to repair it. We had a total of two uses of force in the month of March by our police officers. One was a stolen vehicle that was was boxed in and the vehicle came out the officers. their weapons were drawn in constructive authority. Suspect stopped and a suspect was taken into custody without further incident. No injuries to the suspect or the officers. Second was a domestic violence incident where the person's girlfriend call this u officers responded he was inside of the apartment she was in the hallway. They went inside and retrieved him and he he tussled with them a bit compliance holds were used was placed in custody almost immediately, and then no injuries to that person or to the officers involved. Both of those incidents were reviewed by the use of review, use of force review board and myself. All the video footage was viewed and what were the officers did act properly. Motor Vehicle stops for the month of March, we had a total of 752 of those 750 to 223 29.65% were Caucasian drivers 263 34.97% were African American drivers, and 233 of the stops 30.98% were Hispanic drivers. And again another thing that we're doing now is we're looking at where to stop taking place. And we have we really don't have Bloomfield Avenue is our heaviest spot for motor vehicle stops. But the stops over in the north end of town with speeding on Broad Street and the radar details that we do there. It's really kind of equated now throughout the township where there are eight different zones, motor vehicle stops and zones are are pretty much consistent throughout the township. We had 68 arrests for the month of March of those 68 arrests. 60 were initiated by calls for service from the from the community. eight of those were initiated by the police. of the 60 arrests that were made. We had three for robbery, two for aggravated assault, one for burglary 20 for shoplifting 10 for simple assault, five for receiving stolen property, two for fraud, three for criminal mischief, and one DWI. of the police initiated arrests we had one for theft, two for receiving stolen property, six for DWI, three for service of warrants, and one for other offense which was a municipal town code.
Overall Part One crime for the year in a township, thankfully is still still reducing read 118 Part One crimes in 2021 right now, compared to 131 at the same time last year to 10% reduction. As we move through the next few months though we do anticipate seeing that change a bit. As we're in the time last year we were in the in the midst of COVID. We did still have crime during COVID. But it did dip significantly. So we're going to be watching where and when it's taking place. Training updates. We've received the scope of work proposal from the records police Institute. We're reviewing that now to see if what they're looking to do and what they're looking to analyze is adequate or do we need more or is it a little overkill? Do we need less a significant part of the cost factor for that comes from the grant from PSE and G that there Working with police departments on your will be a cost factor for us once we see exactly what it's going to be, hopefully at the next May conference meeting, I'll be able to present it in. And we'll identify a funding source. We've also identified training for our police officers. Now in crisis intervention, which I've been dealing with Paula Pakistan, we've, we're going to be contracting with a company that we've used before Cavanaugh and Kenan. What we're looking to do is have 50 of our patrol officers trained in crisis intervention, and de escalation to the next level. This will give us 25 officers to start on each shift h patrol shift. So they'll always be an abundance of officers out in the street that have received this training. It really goes a long way, in having the officers know how to deal with a situation that's going sideways pretty quick. I watched a couple of incidents on television today that happened in different parts of the country just over the last couple of days. And you you watch these, and you see that if there was even this much the escalation used, or this much crisis intervention use, the incidents would have escalate would not have escalated to the point that they did. And so I think this is extremely important to have our officers all being trained in this. We also have our task force that's put together discussing dealing with emotionally disturbed persons at town and how we do that. We're working together with the health department. To that end, what it's we're looking at now is probably a three tier response to dealing with emotionally disturbed person calls, starting at the dispatch level with them being trained, and how to deal with it and triage it on the telephone. And then the next level being a police officer and a social worker response. And third level being total police response when that would be necessary. But in the main conference meeting, we're going to have a presentation for you all, showing what we're proposing. And with the cost factor for that would be how its operated, or emotionally disturbed person calls for March was a total of 23 of those 2312 are referred to the health department. Three were handled by emfs. Five, only five handled by police, with the reports being submitted to the health department. We're also working together with Bloomfield college, my latest meeting was just a couple of days ago, there's two things we're working together with them on. One was at the suggestion of Councilwoman Davis, we're having a structured internship program with their new criminal justice program. And we are putting that together and we're moving forward with that. But I think even more importantly, and I discussed it with Melissa Faulkner here today was recruitment. They're going to have a large group of students taking criminal justice that are interested in the law enforcement field. And one of the things that we're looking to do with the civil service test coming, I believe it's coming in early 2020. To get out way ahead of that, and offer training for that civil service test. There are groups out there that do this training, but it's expensive, it's 2500 $3,000, to go to the classes, and it really gives you an edge in taking the test. So we're working together, which we've discussed this months ago with the NAACP out of East Orange, they want to get on board with it, right funding sources in the private community and host the classes at Bluefield college, we're going to students and any other student, minority students in town that want to come in and get the classes done for free. I think it's going to be a great opportunity for us to increase diversity in the police department, which is certainly something that we've been trying over the past five years to do. And that's the conclusion of my report this month.
Does anybody have any questions, comments? Councilman Davis,
so that was rich, there's so much in there. So I'm going to go home on one little part of it, which was when you were looking at saying you were looking at the how we'll we'll do a comparative to comparative analysis of crime this summer as compared to next in the lab, because last summer was different circumstances. And I was just wondering if it might be a value because I can imagine that some people might look at if we just always do year to year, if we might consider in this year a looking at two years back in addition to that we because I think that would be more in alignment with what
we do. We always go back historically, we do like a five year look back, actually, just to see, but we want to know basically is so at this time of year in previous years, you know, what was the time of day, day of week and locations in a township that crimes were taking place. So if we know we're having stolen cars being stolen between midnight and six o'clock in the morning, historically, in zone six and zone seven, well then we're going to go there and that's where we're going to deploy our resources this time of year to save time and see if that if that helps it at all. But it's always a historic five year look back at that crime in general, especially what a year like last year because we know the numbers are going to be skewed based on COVID.
I guess I was just concerned that people might pick up the the the year to year kind of thing and just say oh crime is going up in Bloomfield wanted.
Luckily for us over the pivot, we've had a consistent reduction each year. And you know, at some point, obviously that's the bottom out. There's never going to be a time to say realistically there'll be zero crime in any municipality but We do our best to curb it and keep it as low as we possibly can by doing strategic analysis and in intelligence led policing. Thank you.
Anybody else questions, comments?
The only the only question I have is, is, do our officers do training to differentiate taser verse gun at all? Or is there any training for this?
There's there's a whole training program they have to go through before they're allowed to carry a taser. And meet that job that we saw on TV. I didn't see where the taser was on the officers belt, but it's specifically worn opposite the gun. And so I mean, your go to training for your weapon, it's constantly from your holster out from your holster out. So you know, that's your hand that's your conscious hand that if you knew when a split second you had to grip your gun, you're going with that head, taser is the exact opposite. They keep it on the weak side. So it would be you know, if you're going for your taser, you're obviously not doing your gun draw motion, you're doing reverse cross draw to get the taser out. But that is all pointing to train. And it's an extensive training before they're handed the taser. And going out to the street.
Perfect.
Anybody else? Questions? Comments? All right.
Thank you, Director dykema.
Contract attorney.
Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Again, Mayor Council. Number one is an update to or seeking enough to update our vacant property registry ordinance. Fire Chief Venetia is recommending amendments to the existing township ordinance that will update and refine the definitions that we have, as well as the requirements and penalties to keep current with state statute. These vacant property register tree ordinance. I guess the most common example is if you have homes that are bank owned properties that have been foreclosed on, want to make sure the goal is to ensure that the entity registers with the township so that it's maintained and if it's not maintained that the penalties are sufficient.
Okay, do we need to do anything or now is going to be on the next meeting.
It'll be on the next meeting. Perfect.
Number two, yeah, number
two food truck RFP. So as
I hope
you all remember a few months or so ago, we updated and created a new food truck ordinance. So we're now preparing specifications to advertise for request for proposals requesting proposals to provide food truck services consistent with our recent changes. This will be advertised as a concession. So that means licenses will be issued and the successful vendors will pay a payment to the township for the right to have those to have that license. And as you'll recall, the revised ordinance limits the number of licenses that are available. So we're hopefully hoping this will be a good, robust, competitive process. Okay, and we hope to get those out by early next week.
Okay. Does anybody have any questions, comments on that?
Thanks, Michael.
There were three items three through six are really I'll call them update or transitional type resolutions where we are replacing mats name with Anthony desenhos. Name number one. In the past, the administrator was given authorization up to $1,000 to waive overpayments on water bills or fines that were found to be erroneous fines. So that would just give that authorization prior authorization to Mr. Vicenzo. Number four is an update of public agency compliance officer This is something required by the state. So again, it would replace Anthony desenho for Matt Watkins. Number five is Matt was designated as the township's Commissioner with the Garden State municipal Jeff, this would name Anthony senzo, as that one minor change to the written resolution that you have. It has my name as an alternate alternate, but it has been in should remain as Anthony nesto is the alternate so we'll update that on the other resolute on the body of the resolution. But I just wanted you to be aware of that. Finally, this updates the petty cash funds to include Anthony's name in there in two places as well. And that is it for my cat get
somebody to move that move by Councilman Davis Second. Second council Mundo any questions, comments? All in favor? Aye.
Thank you.
Finance. Yep,
emergency pepper and budget. First time is great three month period, the second three month period
transformation.
Okay. Somebody removed this. Will they Councilwoman Cruz, can I get a second? Second Councilman gamble. Any questions, comments? All in favor? Aye. And township engineer up Good evening, Mayor
Council.
Okay, the first item I have is an emergency water main break repair at the area of elbow Avenue and Memorial Parkway. It was a significant leak. We managed to have public works shut it down. But basically then with that left you with was another dead end, poor flow through the system. And we even had a question to the pressure at the apartments in that area. So subsequently, we hired corner brothers to make this repair because we don't want to have low pressure and lack of flow over a long period of time because it can create issues in the system. They perform the work in one day. The total was $18,371. I recommend approval and the funding is available in our capital. Okay,
can I get a motion? Motion to move that counseling? Joanne? Oh, second, Councilwoman Cruz. Any questions? Comments? All in favor? Aye. Number two.
All right, this is a authorizing resolution for the five alarm street is for a simplified watermain extension of the water operator needs to sign off on that and we just need a authorization from the mayor and council for me to do that.
Okay, somebody removed this move by Councilman Davis. Second Second. Second, Councilman Rockwell. Any questions, comments? All in favor, aye. Number three.
The next item is we went out to bid for air conditioning upgrades for the municipal building. Specifically, the chiller on the roof is kind of past its prime by quite a few years. We put it out to bid. The low bidder was assessed the engineering company at $207,000. In 207 $500. I recommend approval and as an item for action because some of this equipment has a lead time, meaning it takes a while to produce and I want to get this done as quick as possible before the warm weather comes.
Okay, can I get a motion? Moved by Councilman McDowell second Councilman gamble. The only question I had there was, I think three or four different price points that ranged from 207 to I think it was 800,000.
Well, what that was was actually word cut, it's there's a lot to the system, there's the chiller, which is in my opinion, the main problem because it doesn't work the way it should, then you've got some air duct work. That could be added on as an additional improvement. And then there's also some electrical upgrades that can be done. My opinion now is let's try to break it down at least get the chiller fixed because the basically the air ducts work. They're a little bulky at times, but they're sufficient enough to run the system. The biggest problem we have is the chiller because it loses its charge of a Freon and it just sometimes they'll stop for an apparent reason. So I'd rather get that done. And we'll probably save on electricity because the newer units are going to be much more efficient and hopefully quieter.
Okay. All right. Yeah, I just saw that. I wanted to make sure we weren't going to get hit with that. The large charge?
Yeah, well, that's why I kind of phased that. So we can kind of like do it step by step and not, you know, get everything all at once. That would have prolong the word anyway.
Any other questions, comments? All in favor?
Aye.
And number four.
All right. This is another award of a contract. As you recall, we originally went out for building maintenance and cleaning. The bids were were all unresponsive. We rebid it. The low bidder was tropical cleaning services. We review their new we've never used them before. But we did check the references they did check out and the prices are comparable to what we're used to maybe a little bit more, but that might be a good thing in some respects because they won't try to cut corners. So I recommend we award it to tropical cleaning services. Okay.
Okay. Got a motion. Moved by Councilman Davis. Second Councilman gamble, any questions, comments? The only thing I have is if we can make sure they're doing more with the floors, and I saw that was in the price and make sure they're washing the doors and windows. That's
Yeah, well,
I plan to I mean, I plan to sit them down here and give them an idea of what we expect. That's why I tried to stress on this the square footage for the floors, because sometimes when They say they're going to do it for nothing. They're not going to do nothing. So I figured we'd try to get a an established price for it. Okay, perfect.
All in favor? Aye. And number five.
All right, this is the state of New Jersey, we're a tear, a tear a stormwater system. And the requirements of the DDP are that we adopt a minimum standard stormwater control ordinance. So what we have here is, is a recommendation to adopt this ordinance so that we can remain in compliance as far as stormwater management goes,
Okay. Can I get a motion? I'll move it moved by Councilman Joanna. Second, Councilman gamble. Any questions or comments? All in favor? Okay. township Council.
Yes, mayor and council. The environmental commission by its own ordinance requires that we, FYI, the mayor and council on the synopsis of the activities within the Environmental Council, within the concern of the environmental commission, no action needs to be taken other than the approval of acknowledgement that we that has it has been received marrow.
Okay, number two,
opposition to the Tennessee gas pipeline, I just want to read a very short paragraph as to why that opposition is being requested, whereas Tennessee pipeline company has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a certificate of public convenience and necessity. And to the New Jersey Department of Environmental commission for a high land sec exemption from air pollution permits freshwater wetland permit stormwater management purpose and other purpose of permits required for its proposed East 300 upgrade project. recommendation to the council for this resolution is in opposition, since they are asking for these major exemption exemptions would have an impact on the environment in the people living in that neighborhood mayor. Okay. So it's a resolution that we should support for those reasons. So I would so move it. Okay.
I got a second.
I guess I just have a question that, like. So if we do the resolution in opposition, how does that fit in with the big, big picture? Like how does it what is the our resolution do?
It just are our resolution, along with the many others as pressure to firk, the federal agency to negate the exemption for these permits that are asked to be waived? The pipeline company is asking that certainly all these permits that would normally be required, they should be exempt from meeting those criteria. So in essence, we are just, it's support by this mayor and council for if you're going to do a pipeline and follow the regulations that New Jersey Department of Education has on its books, that's what we're requesting. Okay. Thank you.
You're welcome.
Can I have a second? Any other questions? Comments?
All in favor?
Aye.
Okay, number three.
Thank you, Mayor. I know there's been some conversation on social media and a number of residents have actually approached me to ask if the town would consider creating a COVID-19 Memorial. So I wanted to bring it to the table with the recommendation that if we do something, we consider doing something that's open. That does not necessarily list names. I think unfortunately, we're going to see the impact of this pandemic for some time. And I know that the losses that people have experienced are fairly measured. So it's something I wanted to put on the table see if it's something we could explore maybe put put something on the green
Yeah, I I agree. We should look at something maybe we should have Diana gather ideas from either weather department heads, residents, or even council members to see something that we could possibly do.
And then we'll give a timeline. And then we'll put our heads together and decide to do something. liaison reports
I have one thing. Counselor woman Mundo The beautification committee is hosting the townwide, cleanup on April 24. And folks can continue to register for that until April 15. We've made it really easy. The pw has made it really easy. All you have to do is sign up, let us know where you'll be what your T shirt sizes, and D pw will come and drop off your materials at the location of your choice and actually pick them up. When you're finished. You just give them a call. And it works really well last time. So we're looking forward to having people participate. I think we're already above 300 people for the cleanup so far. So there's still time this week to register. Thank you. Perfect.
And the other reason, Councilman Rockwell
for the Morris canal Greenway committee just wanted to add to the the grant application for the Collins house at our next meeting on the 26th. The Greenway committee is going to be doing a presentation about the Collins house to inform everybody what what work has been done so far, and what we're proposing to do in the future. And also, we have a an Eagle Scout working on a project on the Greenway to remove some invasive species and plant native pollinator plants and improve the native plants along the Greenway. Thanks.
Okay. Councilman Davis.
I just quickly the Civil Rights Commission is going to be holding a voting voting information session in I'm looking at Luis may, I believe? I don't know the date, but they're holding it in May we'll put the word out. Do you know that may. So our our esteemed Luis poligono will be presenting again. And so stay tuned for those meetings and for those sessions, and they're also planning a some events or an event around June 10. So I will give you updates as they come along
for counseling gamble. Yes, thank
you. I just want to highlight that the parks recreation and Cultural Affairs Department along with the Advisory Committee, and the Bloomfield center Alliance, just recently hung up a open art gallery that is in the basically town center part of town. 50 local artists submitted their work, it was professionally photographed and printed on signs, they really printed very beautifully. And it really, you know, brings an attraction to the downtown now that the weather's warming up and you can take a stroll around town comfortably. I suggest checking it out and you know, stopping by one of our local businesses as well on the way so just want to thank everyone for their work on that. And also highlighting that the spring programs are starting this week for the recreation department. baseball and softball and track teams will also be starting in the coming week. And then there is going to be an opening day, obviously on a smaller scale due to COVID. For the major division on Saturday, April 17. at Vassar field, the American Council is welcome to attend. Those are the updates from that department. In terms of the the animal shelter, they're just exploring a fenced in dog turf run area. At this time, there isn't a high need for it because the shelter population has really remained low during COVID. But just exploring that idea, just you know, thinking there may be an influx of animals once people get, you know, back to you know, things opening up and returning to work. We just want to have those ideas explored ahead of time. So that is all there. Okay.
Conference driver. Wednesday, we the township of Bloomfield will be hosting a virtual meeting with the open space Institute in the New Jersey walk and bike coalition regarding the Essex Hudson Greenway, which is an incredible project that goes in part through Bloomfield. It's a Nine Mile Greenway that begins in Glen Ridge, Montclair. Bloomfield of belval in into Newark, and eventually finds its way into Secaucus, in carny. So it would be an incredible infrastructure project along with the recreational benefits that all of these towns would benefit from. So for those who are interested, and go to our web, our Facebook page and our web, a web site where on Wednesday evening at seven o'clock, there's the link for you to be able to participate at this meeting. And certainly better educate yourself as the potential for an incredible project that will have such an outstanding impact on this on this Township. Thank you, Mayor.
Thanks, Councilman. And before we go into closed, let's do a motion for these action items for we'll do one through nine. If everyone could just take a look at it real quick. And then Councilman Mondale, would you move action item resolutions one through nine?
Yes.
We can't do
this. Okay.
Sorry. motion. Second.
Second. Councilwoman Cruz. Any questions or comments? All in favor?
Aye.
And Councilman Davis okay. Number 10.
I'd motion to approve the bulk bill list for April 12 2021. So
moved. Second Councilman gamble. Any questions or comments? All in favor?
Aye.
Can I have a motion to go into close motion motion? All in favor?
