MAY 26, 2023

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Finance – Commissioner Curran

• The 2023 Capital Budget set to be adopted includes expenditures for a new fire truck, roof at the Library, street sweeper, road projects and more without increasing the Township’s debt level.
• Reminded that the three municipal pools (indoor and 2 outdoor) cost $1.5 million to operate and are supported by membership. Cranford is facing the same lifeguard shortage that is affecting towns through the country. In addition, membership levels continue a 10 year decline.
• The pools will open this weekend. For more details on hours, please go here.

Engineering & Public Works – Comm. Miller Prunty

• Township received a $90,000 Infrastructure grant from Union County that will be used for an inflow and infiltration project in the Cranford Terrace area.
• Drainage and road work continues on Nomahegan Road and Blake Avenue.
• Spruce Street road improvements will be made from Brookside Place to West End Place. Work will begin when school recesses for the summer and conclude before reopening in September.

Public Safety – Jason Gareis

• Congratulated Officer Michael Gamba who received the Det. Joseph Seals Valor Award for extraordinary bravery in the line of duty.
• Reported the Fire Dept. responded to 21 serious parkway accidents since May 1.
• Thanked resident who volunteers many hours and days to refurbish the generator on the rescue truck.
• The Fire Department is seeking applicants for EMT positions. You can go here for more information.

Public Affairs/Parks and Recreation – Commissioner Black

• Reported the Township continues working on guidelines and an ordinance to regulate short term rentals and clarify length of time for short term rentals
• Encouraged residents to sign up for the Centennial Village Velocity 5K Race on June 4. See below for details.

OFFICIAL MEETING May 15, 2023

Proclamations

• Recognized the annual Buddy Poppy Day, Cranford VFW Post 335 and reminder of what Memorial Day stands for.
• Recognized the local Diamondettes Baton and Dance group

Ordinances

• Adopted 2023 Capital Budget 5-0 vote
• Introduced ordinance to amend the Code regarding peddling, soliciting and vending; update solicitor fee. Public hearing June 20, 2023. 5-0 Vote.

Resolutions adopted 5-0 vote

• Award contract to P & A Construction for Phase 2 of Inflow & Infiltration project
• Award contract to Colliers Engineering for construction and engineering services for above.
• Authorized purchase of bulk sodium hypochlorite under Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (for town pools).
• Authorized contract with Lizzard Inc to operate concession at Centennial and Orange Avenue pools
• Appointed Regan Holmes as communications officer in the Police Department
• Authorized clerk to advertise for bids for collection and recycling materials
• Authorized street closure for Kids Day June 10
• Authorized street closure for Pride Yoga event June 5

Sign up here!

The Cranford Recreation and Parks Department proudly announced the annual Cranford Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 29. The parade draws great crowds along its route and has been a mainstay for decades in town. Covid forced it not to be held in 2020 and limited in 2021, but 2022 saw a full rebirth of the popular event.  Cranford VFW Post #335 has announced that the Grand Marshall of this year’s Memorial Day Parade will be town resident Jay Boxwell. Boxwell is currently the NJ State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

The line up for the parade begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Center at 220 Walnut Avenue and the march commences at 9:00 a.m. The traditional memorial ceremony will be held at the parades end at Memorial Park on Springfield Avenue, between Riverside Drive and Central Avenue at 10 a.m. The parade route takes Walnut Avenue to North Avenue, west to Eastman Street. Then to Central Avenue to Springfield Avenue at the Memorial Park. Should there be inclement weather, the Memorial Service (only) will be held inside the Community Center at 10:00 a.m. 

 Many of the town’s organizations are represented in the patriotic parade. The line of march includes the VFW Color Guard, Grand Marshall Jay Boxwell, members of VFW Post #335, Cranford High School Marching Bank, the Mayor and Township Committee, Cranford’s Police, Fire & First Aid Squad, as well as Mayor and Council of the Borough of Garwood, along with their Fire and First Aid Department. Many Scout and Sports Leagues and political organizations will be marching among various other town organizations. The service at the park is peaked in tradition, featuring the Cranford High School band and the school’s Madrigal Ensemble. The reading of the “Cranford 86," the names of those Cranford residents on the Memorial Monuments, who have given their lives for our country tops off the solemn ceremony on this day of remembrance.

Need a summer job? Cranford Pools are hiring! Must be at least 15 years old. New lifeguarding classes are beginning soon. Sign a contract to work the 2023 Summer at the Cranford Pools to receive a discount on the lifeguarding course.  

For more info, call the pool at 908.709.7260 or email [email protected]. To inquire about lifeguarding classes, contact Billie from Middle Atlantic Safety Training at 609.667.8825 or email:  [email protected].

Summer registration for the pool is now open! Go here for more information on how to register and see below for the days and hours of operation.

• The Township of Cranford currently has a job opening for a Technical Assistant to the Construction Official. 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.

Union County Mobile Paper Shredding – Saturday, June 10

This paper shredding event will take place at Union College from 9AM-1PM. Go here for the full schedule for Union County.

In an effort to accommodate all those wishing to participate, there is a limit of 4 bags or boxes per car weighing no more than 10lbs. each.

1. Material should be brought in Paper Bags whenever possible (not leaf bags)
2. PLEASE DO NOT BRING SHREDDED PAPER • NO WET PAPER
3. This event is garbage-free: boxes and plastic bags will be returned
4. Limit papers to confidential / sensitive materials only

Union County Residents Only • Please No Businesses