DECEMBER 22, 2022

INTERIM TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR

Chief Ryan Greco  

[email protected]

Message from the Mayor

      As we near the close of 2022, I want to recognize and thank the many people who make Cranford a wonderful, desirable community.

       Thank you to the hundreds of Cranford residents who share their talents, time and generosity whether as part of an organization or on their own. You repeatedly step up to assist those facing incredible challenges; you organize fantastic events that entertain us or beautify the community; you plant trees, flowers and work on the annual town and river clean up; you guide us on ways to have a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable community; you make recommendations to make the streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. This is just a sample of what you contribute.

       Thank you to those serving on the many Township boards and committees like Planning, Zoning, Library, Downtown, Centennial Village, Flood Advisory, Environmental, and Recreation and Parks. There are 35 organizations and hundreds of residents who volunteer on these committees.

       Thank you to everyone who stood up for and stood alongside those facing racism, anti-Semitism, anti-LBGTQ rights and bigotry. You personify the words “Everyone Welcome Here” and Cranford is better and stronger because of your voice and support.

     Thank you to Township employees. We are fortunate to have women and men who embrace teamwork and cooperation because that’s the best path to better service for our residents.

       2023 will bring challenges but also opportunities to make our wonderful town an even better place to live, work and visit. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Township Committee and our volunteers.

       Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and wishes for a healthy and good New Year.

Best,

Kathleen Miller Prunty

Mayor

December 13 Official Township Meeting 

• Mayor Miller Prunty presented a plaque to Commissioner Mary O’Connor and read a statement in recognition of her nine years of service on the Township Committee and participation in various committees.

Adoption of Ordinances

• Setting fees for 375 Centennial Recreation facility 4-0 vote
• PILOT Agreement for 750 Walnut Avenue 3-1 vote
• PILOT Agreement for Walnut and South Avenue 3-1 vote

Resolutions

• Award of contract for purchase of Fire Department pick up truck
• Award of contract for purchase of Building Department vehicle
• Award of contract for purchase of Police Department motorcycle
• Award of contract with Animal Control Solutions for two years
• Award of contract with Colliers Engineering for services on Firehouse roof replacement project
• Award of contract with Colliers Engineering for services on various road drainage improvement and road projects
• Award of contract with Mott MacDonald for engineering services on Kensington and Edgar Drainage Improvement Project and the Riverside Dike Restoration Project; construction contract with Mesercola Excavation for Kensington and Edgar; construction contract 

• Support for the 2022 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over program through January 1, 2023

Cranford OEM has been monitoring the progress of a fairly large winter storm with our partners at the National Weather Service and NJ OEM. The remnant tropical moisture will interact with a frontal system near our area bringing heavy rainfall, gusty winds and a significant drop in temperature.

Impacts and Timing: Rainfall of 1.5 to 2 inches will begin this afternoon and be heavy at times tonight into tomorrow morning. Expect peak rainfall from about 7pm through 7am. Wind speeds increase overnight tonight and will peak in the late morning/mid-day tomorrow with the passage of an Arctic cold front. There may be a 1 to 2 hour window Friday morning into early afternoon with potentially damaging winds, causing localized tree and power line issues. Following the frontal passage, temperatures will plummet and be below freezing by 2pm and wind chills will fall to zero to -5 degrees during the evening/overnight Friday. Any surface water on untreated surfaces will quickly freeze over Friday evening.

Preparedness:

• Cranford DPW has been focusing on clearing storm drains and picking up as many leaves as possible prior to the storm. The Township is asking residents to assist by clearing storm drains near your home in advance of the storm.
• Residents are encouraged to prepare for the storm by clearing leaves and other debris from downspouts and drains on your property. It is also a good time to secure loose items, such as holiday decorations and inflatables.
• Use caution while driving tonight and tomorrow. Localized street flooding is possible, as are localized downed tree limbs and power lines. Areas of icing on untreated are also possible Friday evening into the overnight.
• Localized power outages are possible. Residents are urged to stay away from any downed wires, and treat all downed wires as “live” even if power appears to be out in the area.
• A period of bitterly cold temperatures will follow this storm and remain in place through the Christmas weekend.
• Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Do not run any fuel-powered generators in a garage or other enclosed space or near windows. This is a good time to test battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

For Further Details:

Monitor the latest weather forecasts at www.weather.gov/okx.

•  Report Power Outages to PSEG: 1-800-436-7734 Download the PSE&G mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
• Register for MyAlerts to receive text notifications at pseg.com/outagecenter.
• Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to 4PSEG (47734). You can also report your outage through our app, website at pseg.com/myaccount

Report non-emergent wires or trees down, or other non-emergency calls to Cranford Police & Fire at (908) 272-2222

Report all Emergencies (wires down sparking, trees into homes or buildings, utility emergencies, cars trapped in water, etc) by calling 9-1-1.

As a reminder, do not rely on email or social media to report these issues, even if they seem minor or non-emergent. Please always call the non-emergency number if you are concerned and don’t believe it is an emergency situation warranting a 9-1-1 call.

Other Utility Contact Information:

 PSE&G

1-800-436-7734

Outages: Report Map

Elizabethtown Gas

1-800-242-5830 Website

Comcast

1-800-266-2278 Website

Verizon FiOS

1-888-438-3467 Website

New Jersey American Water

1-800-272-1325 Website

Beginning January 2023, Cranford residents will experience changes in the Recycling Pickup Schedule. In advance of the New Year, residents will receive a flyer in the mail outlining the updated recycling schedule - providing residents an ample opportunity to review these changes or ask questions of the hauler, Giordano Recycling.

The current recycling collection route was determined by the hauler based on tonnage of recyclables in an effort to avoid missed or delayed pick-ups while streamlining Cranford’s collection process.

The new recycling schedule continues to separate northside and southside collections by week, but then divides each week into either a Monday or a Tuesday pick-up date based on resident’s street address. A complete recycling calendar with specific collection dates is attached to this message.

In the initial weeks of 2023, the Township of Cranford will remind residents of the pick-up dates to help facilitate the community’s acclimation to this new system of recycling collection.

All questions about this new recycling schedule may be directed to Giordano Recycling by calling 800-216-2250 extension 2.

Christmas tree pickup will start on 1/9 and trees can also be brought to the Conservation Center.

The Conservation Center will be closing at 2pm on Christmas Eve, 12/24, and New Years Eve, 12/31, which are Saturdays. The Center will also be closed on Sundays for January and February, starting on Christmas Day 12/25. This will last through Feb. 26.

Paper Bags for Leaf Recycling can be picked up at the Conservation Center, 10 per household. Residents are encouraged to use the bags for the remaining pick ups during December.

Representatives of Cranford PBA and FMBA met with Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty and Deputy Mayor Jason Gareis to sign contracts for members of the Police and Fire Departments.

The Cranford Environmental Commission is sponsoring the Cranford Canopy Project! Through this program, residents can purchase a tree to plant in your yard and help rebuild the tree canopy in Cranford. Plant a tree as a tribute, to celebrate a milestone in your life, or simply to enjoy the beauty and shade it will give. 

The trees will be in containers, and will be approximately 4-6 ft tall, at a heavily discounted price of $25 per tree (these trees retail for about $75). You will be able to pick up your tree in Cranford in Spring 2023 (more details to follow). Planting and care instructions will be provided, and you will be responsible for planting in your yard. Supplies are very limited, so reserve yours today!

The program is supported by the Township of Cranford, the Cranford Environmental Commission, with funding from the NJ Shade Tree Federation William J. Porter Community Tree Project Award. Our goal is to plant at least 100 new trees to beautify the town (and your yard!), reduce stormwater runoff, and ensure trees thrive in our town for today and the future.

Trees are very effective at reducing the risk of flooding. Large shade trees absorb thousands of gallons of water, reducing stormwater runoff and soil erosion. Trees also increase the value of properties, reduce the cost of heating and cooling and act as a valuable resource, improving appearance and tranquility of the neighborhood. Contact [email protected] with questions.