APRIL 21, 2023

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Finance – Commissioner Curran

·        Introduced the 2023 Municipal Budget for adoption. The $43,996,168 Budget represents a 3.9% increase or $104 for the average home. The Township faced several big increases that were beyond our control: pension payments, increased health care costs and Rahway Valley Sever Authority. Thanked Chief Financial Officer Lavona Patterson, Interim Administrator Ryan Greco and Department Heads for their hard work and commitment to keeping costs down and still providing services. Decision was made to use $4.9 million from surplus to keep the tax rate down. In 2022, the Township applied $4.5 million to the budget.

·        The 2023 $6,490,000 Capital Budget that reflects our priorities will be introduced and includes new fire truck, roof for the Library, street sweeper, pedestrian safety projects, new pumps for use during storms, various stormwater projects and road improvement projects.

Engineering & Public Works -Commissioner Miller Prunty

·        Met with residents from Kensington and Edgar Avenues to explain two upcoming projects: repair and restoration of the dike on Riverside Drive and stormwater drainage improvement project. The second will increase the piping from 18” to 27”, add inlets to capture more stormwater runoff and bring the system up to a 50 year storm capacity from the current 10 year storm event design. This would increase the capacity of the drainage system consistent with the South Interconnecting Sewer System and pumpstation on Riverside Drive.

·        NJ Dept of Transportation notified the Township that North Avenue (a state road) will be repaved beginning Monday, April 24. We are waiting for details on the schedule and any road closures and will share that information when we receive it.

·        The 2023 Capital Budget introduced includes several Engineering and Public Works projects: two new pumps and pump monitoring to replace the 50 year old pumps that are usually deployed to Balmiere Parkway during major storms, replace 2014 Street Sweeper, Rahway River Desilting project, South and High Stormwater Drainage Improvements and road paving projects.

Public Safety – Jason Gareis

·        The 2023 Capital Budget biggest item is $1.6 million for a new Fire Dept Rescue Truck. The cost is significant but a necessity. The new truck will replace the existing 40 year old vehicle. Credited the Fire Dept for being resourceful with continued repairs to keep the engine in operation after numerous breakdowns. The build time is approximately 30 months. The Fire Dept is working with an engineer on temporary measures until the new truck arrives.

Public Affairs – Commissioner Black

·        Discussed improvements and sprucing of Memorial Park and thanked the VFW, Green Thumb Garden Club, Jaycees and Public Works for working together to accomplish this in time for the annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29.

·        The Cranford Canoe Club will reopen Saturday, April 29.

·        Recreation and Parks Advisory Board are working on plans for the Annual July 4^th celebrations.

·        Registrations are available for Recreation Dept. programs: www.cranfordnj.org/recreation.

OFFICIAL MEETING - April 18, 2023

·        Commemorating Holocaust Days of Remembrance April 16 through April 23

·        Recognizing the Cranford Public Library during National Library Week

Ordinances 5-0 Vote

Township held public hearing and adopted various municipal budgets for 2023. The Township budgets have also been approved by the State of NJ. These documents are posted on the Township website, www.cranfordnj.org/finance.

Municipal Budget and User-Friendly Budget - $43,996,168 (3.9% increase). Like most towns, Cranford faced expenditures beyond our control: increased pension and health care costs, sewer fees and general inflation. This budget provides a healthy reserve of $4.9 million for emergencies and unexpected issues; no cuts in services.

Downtown District Management Corp (DMC) - $180,745.

Ordinance Introduction 5-0 Vote

Capital Budget - $6,490,000. For acquisition or replacement of various equipment and apparatus (fire truck, Public Works vehicle), road paving and drainage improvement projects, flood stormwater improvement projects, roof for Fire House and Library, pedestrian safety improvements.

Resolutions 5-0 Vote

·        Authorized agreement with Union County for expense sharing for the Drug Recognition expert callout program.

·        Accepted retirement of Firefighter Steven DiPaolo

·        Approved Federal Family Medical Leave for Police Department employee

WORKSHOP MEETING April 17, 2023

·        Presentation of Updated Township Emergency Operations Plan by Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Matthew Lubin. The document is scheduled for adoption at May 2. The Plan, required by the State to be updated every two years, outlines policies and procedures for emergencies from flood and storm disasters, Pandemic, hazard and threat emergencies; sheltering, responsibilities of public safety (police, fire, first aid), health, public works, engineering, finance and building departments; evacuations, communications and coordination of volunteer assistance. Following adoption, the 250-page document will be posted on the Township website.

·        Discussion on converting the tennis courts at Orange Avenue Pool into dual use for tennis and pickle ball. During pool season, use would be limited to pool members.

·        Discussion on updating the Township Code regarding short term home rentals (i.e. AirBNB and VRBO). Residents addressed the Committee with specific concerns about the impact to a neighborhood. Township Commissioners agreed to follow up with the specific concerns and directed the Township Attorney to recommend changes to the Code to prohibit short term rentals.

·        Proposal to establish a Public Art Commission to encourage, foster, promote programs and activities townwide such as art exhibits, concerts, theatrical productions, historical exhibitions and similar activities. Mayor Andrews asked Commissioners to forward comments and suggestions.

There are still spots available in this CSI class at the Community Center for students in grades 6-12. You can register here.

Sign up here!

The Cranford Fire Department will support “Autism Awareness Month” throughout April by wearing custom t-shirts and by lighting up Fire Headquarters blue. According to Chief Dan Czeh, “The Cranford Fire Department fully supports the Autistic Community and will do whatever possible to show love and support to those affected by this developmental disability. As Firefighters, our job goes above and beyond protection and service. We need to set the standard and stand together with those affected by this disorder. We will serve as an advocate for these individuals and continue our awareness efforts.”

According to Autism Speaks, approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Most children were still being diagnosed after age four, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age two. “We all know someone who is affected by autism. We know it is a difficult life for them and for their parents. Our goal is to have a positive impact on them and let the autistic community feel the love and acceptance they deserve.” 

The Cranford Fire Department, along with FMBA Locals 37 and 237 are selling a Puzzle Piece T-Shirts and Puzzle Piece Patches. Both are available for purchase via Venmo (@Cranford-Local)or by visiting Cranford Fire Headquarters at 7 Springfield Ave. Cost of the shirt is $25 and patch is $10. Proceeds will go towards Autism Speaks. If purchasing a shirt in person, please have exact change. Checks will also be accepted and must be made out to Cranford FMBA Local 37. 

Cranford Fire Department is happy to announce a new hire and promotion to the department. Congratulations to Samuel Scher, who was recently hired, and to Carmen Giordino, who was promoted to rank of Fire Lieutenant.

CFD has posted Spring Fire Safety and Spring/Summer Emergency Preparedness tips to the Township of Cranford website. You can see them by clicking the links below as well.

Spring Fire Safety Tips

Spring/Summer Emergency Preparedness Tips

Summer registration for the pool is now open! Go here for more information on how to register.

Do you have questions about the Cranford Pool? Please go here to review some Frequently Asked Questions.

• The Township of Cranford currently has a job opening for a Part-Time Finance Clerk in the Finance Office. To view this job listing and apply, please visit our website: Township of Cranford Employment Opportunities.

• Cranford DPW is accepting applications for Summer Help and Conservation Center Attendant. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a Valid NJ Drivers License. Hourly salary is $15.00 an hour. Summer Help hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm and Conservation Center Hours are Saturdays and Sundays 9:20 am to 3:50 pm. To apply, please email [email protected] or call (908) 709-7217 for more information.

This Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day and Annual River Clean Up Day, 9 am to 1 pm. The Green & Clean Cranford Team is looking for volunteers! Sign up by emailing [email protected].