News from the Township of Cranford for April 6, 2023

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TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD

NEWS

APRIL 6, 2023

This newsletter is published twice a month by the Township of Cranford to provide residents with important information and updates.

CRANFORD TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

Mayor Brian Andrews

[email protected]

Deputy Mayor Jason Gareis

Public Safety

[email protected]

Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty

Public Works/Engineering

[email protected]

Commissioner Gina Black

Public Affairs/Recreation & Parks

[email protected]

Commissioner Terrence Curran

Finance

[email protected]

INTERIM TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR

Chief Ryan Greco

[email protected]

Message from the Mayor

In December last year, President Biden signed legislation making Rahway River flood mitigation study a national priority. Thanks to the hard work of many locally and in Congress, this measure ensures that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will return to the table to evaluate regional solutions to prevent future flooding in our area.

As the next step in that process, Cranford will host the Army Corps of Engineers for two days of meetings with the Mayor’s Rahway River Coalition and professional staff in May. Cranford is preparing extensive information on past flood damage as well as our ongoing flood initiatives to make the strongest case possible for Federal action. Following the May session, the Army Corps will hold a separate meeting for the public at a later date – we will share that information when we have it. While advocating for regional solutions, Cranford continues our “All of the Above” flood mitigation strategy, which includes home elevations, home buy-outs, enhanced river maintenance, drainage improvements, repairing the dike, flood response equipment upgrades, and other actions.

I wish a happy Passover and Easter to all who celebrate. Enjoy Spring Break!

Best,

Brian Andrews

Mayor

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Finance – Commissioner Curran

Spoke about the increasing costs of health care coverage and impact on local municipal budgets. Encouraged residents to contact Federal elected officials to examine huge profits for health insurance companies while they regularly deny claims. Expressed concern that health care costs will continue to rise and affect towns like Cranford.

Public Works & Engineering – Commissioner Miller Prunty

Annual River Clean Up will be Saturday, April 22, Earth Day, 9 am to 1 pm. Join the Green & Clean Committee to clear the river banks. Sign up by emailing: [email protected].
The Bike & Pedestrian Safety Committee has been working to identify and rate locations for pedestrian improvements and finding grant opportunities. The Committee is also working on a more comprehensive Complete Streets Policy to promote safe mobility and street design for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorist and transit users for people of all ages and abilities.
Downtown Management Corp (DMC) is working on two very important projects: Parking Study to evaluate current parking inventory, how spaces are allocated (shoppers, downtown employees, downtown residents, commuters) and determine future demand. This study was funded in 2020 but on hold during height of COVID Pandemic. Streetscape Capital Improvement program to improve pedestrian connections and public spaces downtown. The existing sidewalks, public spaces, street furniture, lighting were designed almost 38 years ago. In the coming months, the public will have an opportunity to see the proposals.
Hanson House, built in mid 1800s, is in need of repairs that include foundation, roof, piping and rear patio and steps. Thanked Hanson Park Conservancy for contributing to the cost to repair patio and steps and Public Works Assistant Superintendent Ryan Elliot for finding a grant opportunity. Estimated cost to repair steps and patio is $30,000.

Public Safety – Deputy Mayor Jason Gareis

Spoke about Resolution 2023-159 authorizing application to Rutgers Water Resources Program to conduct an Impervious Cover Assessment (ICA) to identify and rate impervious surfaces in the Township and make recommendations to reduce quantity of water discharged into Rahway River during a major storm. The assessment and Action Plan will be valuable in securing funding for stormwater management projects. Thanked the Environmental Commission and the Stormwater Infrastructure Planning Group for work on this project. In particular, Jason Stevens, Pat Vogler and Ann Dooley.

Recreation and Parks – Commissioner Black

Reported the remaining netting at the 375 Centennial recreation facility will be installed this week. The facility is closed this week and next to complete the work and due to spring break for schools.
Announced registration is open for spring and summer recreation programs. View the programs and enrollment in the brochure here.
Cranford West, the Township camp site in Hope, NJ, is looking for camp directors. For information contact Recreation Director Steve Robertazzi, 907-709-7283.
Reported work being done to install an underground sprinkler system at Memorial Park on Springfield Avenue
Reminded everyone to visit the Bunny Stroll display on Centennial Avenue and thanked the Centennial Village Group for organizing the event.

OFFICIAL MEETING - April 4, 2023

· Proclamation to Calvary Nursery School & Child Care recognizing “Week of the Young Child."

· Proclamation to recognize the importance of Autism Advocacy

· Proclamation recognizing Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Union County

Cranford Fire Department Announcement and Resolutions

· Authorized advancement of Carmen Giordino to Lieutenant

· Authorized appointment of Samuel Scher as Probationary Firefighter

Ordinance Adopted 5-0 Vote

· Amend Township Code Chapter 186, Sec. 2 regarding construction codes and uniform fees.

Ordinance Introduced 5-0 Vote

· Amend Township Code, Police Dept. Rules and Regulations, prohibiting officers from consuming alcoholic beverages, regulated cannabis and drugs that will impair ability to perform duties

Resolutions Approved 5-0 Vote

· Award contract to R. Circelli Services for concession services at the Cranford Canoe Club for the 2023 and 2024 summer season

· Award contract to Servpro of Central Union County for mold remediation in Municipal Building

· Authorized preparation of an Impervious Coverage Assessment to identify impervious surface and manage stormwater management. The assessment report will be used for grant applications to secure funding for stormwater management projects

· Authorized salary increase and title change to Assistant Chief Financial Officer for Jamie Haynes

· Accepted resignation of Marilyn Beltran-Morales as Communications Officer in Police Dept.

· Authorized submission of grant application to NJ Historic Trust for patio repair at Hanson House

· Authorized submission of grant application to NJ Dept of Transportation for Pedestrian Improvement Project

· Approve Cranford Jaycees use of Hanson Park for Installation Barbeque on June 10, 5–10 pm

· Support for the 2023 “Distracted Driving Crackdown”

WORKSHOP MEETING April 3, 2023

· Discussion and approval of job description and posting for part time Public Information Officer to manage website, newsletter, announcements and general Township public information to residents.

· Discussion about creating a Public Arts Commission. Will continue at April 17 Workshop Meeting.

· Interim Administrator Greco and Chief Financial Officer Patterson presented the revised 2023 Capital Budget which has been trimmed to $3,722,232. The Capital Budget is to fund engineering projects (road improvements, flood and stormwater management), pedestrian improvements, new fire truck, new temporary pumps, library roof and TV 35 system. Grants and developer contributions of $2,761,990 will support several projects.

375 Centennial facility is closed this week and next week while remaining netting is installed.

Enrollment is open for spring and summer Recreation Department programs. You can register here.

2023/2024 Conservation Center Stickers are now for sale - click here for the Conservation Center permit application.

This month, CPD recognizes and celebrate Autism Awareness and Acceptance. Each of their radio cars will showcase custom Autism Awareness decals for the entire month of April. Cranford Police works to continuously bridge any gap between their officers and the special needs community through sensory perception kits, their special needs registry, ongoing crisis intervention training, and sensory-friendly events. For more information on their outreach efforts, contact their Community Outreach Unit at 908-272-8989 or message them through the Cranford PD App.

Wondering why there are blue flags on the front lawn of the Police Department? CASA of Union County has announced that this month is Child Abuse Prevention Month and their Flags 4 Foster Youth 2023 Campaign is underway.

To learn more, visit: www.casaofunioncounty.org/Flags4FosterYouth-2022.

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.

Help us divert materials from landfill while encouraging environmentally friendly creation at our second annual Community Art Swap! Bring new or gently used arts and craft materials to the Community Center and swap them for something new on Saturday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The last hour of the swap is pickup only, please do not bring donations after 11:00 a.m.

You can make the swap amazing by sticking to four simple rules:

1. Arts and craft materials only

2. Donations must be fit for reuse (new or gently used, not expired)

3. Donations must fit in your car

4. When in doubt, use the "bestie" rule: ask yourself, "would I give this item to my best friend?"

How to participate:

• Bring your donations to the swap!

• Can't make the swap but have materials to share? Drop donations off in the Children's Department from April 12-14!

• Pre-swap your most loved goodies on the Facebook event page. Share the art supplies you have and those you want on this page. Line up some sweet swaps and then exchange goods at the event!

• Follow the Facebook Event Page for updates and reminders.

The Township of Cranford currently has a job opening for a Part-Time Finance Clerk in the Finance Office. To view this job listing, as well as other employment opportunities, please visit our website: Township of Cranford Employment Opportunities.

The Union County Board of Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and General Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2023. In addition to receiving a stipend of $300.00 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote on Election Day.

“Bilingual poll workers are especially helpful in our diverse community, so we encourage everyone with a second language, specifically Spanish, to participate in this very important civic service,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can qualify to become a poll worker. No experience is needed. Before Election Day, each new poll worker must attend an in-person training course. Persons interested in becoming a poll worker are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot.

For more information and to obtain an application form, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/pollworker. To request an application form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email [email protected]. For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

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

Hanson Park Conservancy has a number of programs and events coming up, including Arbor Day Celebration, Kid's Craft Workshops, and more. Visit Hanson Park Conservancy's website for more information on these events and learn how you can get involved.

Please note that in observance of Good Friday, Township offices and facilities will be closed on April 7.