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February 6, 2026

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

UPCOMING DATES

Every year, the Township Committee reviews and adopts its Bylaws along with amendments to clarify or improve the efficiency of both public Workshop and Official meetings. This week, we passed the Bylaws with amendments meant to further support public participation and ensure that meetings run fairly, efficiently, respectfully and safely for everyone.

The amendments do not curtail or shorten the five minute rule for individuals to address the Township Committee during the public comment portion of the meeting. The new policy came about after every Commissioner heard from residents who felt uncomfortable, unsafe and did not want to be filmed or photographed by other speakers. Every member of the Township Committee respects free speech and we understand that may come with criticism, but we have a responsibility to ensure the public feels safe and that one or more speakers do not prevent others from being heard. Therefore, we adopted the following amendments:

• Speakers must remain at the podium or another designated area for the duration of their comments.
• Signs, props and other personal effects must be kept in the possession of the speaker and these must be removed upon completion of comments.
• Signs, visual materials and other items that create a hazard, obstruct the public’s view or otherwise impede the meeting may be removed.
• Amplifiers, bullhorns, megaphones, noisemakers, whistles and similar sound-producing devices are strictly prohibited.
• Physical threats or disorderly conduct will not be permitted.

Without constructive, civil, respectful discussion and debate we may miss a great opportunity for collaboration and progress.

Kathleen Miller Prunty

Mayor

Township of Cranford

908.709.7206

Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty

• Names were put forward at the Workshop Meeting for appointment to a Task Force to explore potential uses for the Centennial Avenue Pool Property. Outreach will be made to those individuals to determine interest. 

• Township Committee Meeting Schedule will be adjusted to not conflict with Cranford High School graduation on June 23. Will hold a Combined Workshop and Official Meeting on Monday, June 22.

• Resolution on the Agenda to amend Township Committee Bylaws section related to Public Comments at Township Meetings. There is no change or reduction in the amount of time for public comments. Purpose of amendments is to provide an orderly atmosphere where Commissioners can conduct Township business and the public can address the Township Committee with concerns, questions and ideas. Shared that some residents have told Commissioners they feel uncomfortable at meetings, stated they do not want to be filmed or photographed by other speakers and are discouraged from attending because of disruptions and they feel unsafe—this is unacceptable. No one should feel uncomfortable coming to Town Hall to address elected officials.

Deputy Mayor Paul A. Gallo

Public Safety

• Thanked Department of Public Works Superintendent Ryan Elliot, Assistant Superintendent Jack Emanuel, and the entire DPW crew. DPW worked overnight Sunday into Monday and again Monday night clearing out snow.

• Thanked residents for moving cars off roads to help plows.

• Police Department Update: During the storm the CPD towed 10 cars and 25 summonses issued thanks to residents moving cars off the roadways, while noting neighboring towns had 75+ vehicles towed.

• Reminded drivers to remove snow/ice from roof, hood, trunk of your vehicle to avoid hitting other drivers with snow and ice falling off the car. 

• February 11 marks the 51st anniversary of the passing of Officer Robert Hand--the only Cranford officer to die in the line of duty. CPD will wear mourning wristbands Feb 5–Feb 12. Noted Scholarships in Officer Hand's memory by PBA and Union County College.

• New Statewide E-Bike & Scooter Law is enacted. No e-bikes or scooters for under 15 years old. 6-month compliance period (no fines until July 19, 2026). State law supersedes local ordinance. For questions: Contact Cranford Police Department or email me.

• Welcomed two new Reserve Crossing Guards. 

• Fire Department Safety Tips for Space Heaters: Use heaters with UL certification; Keep 3 feet away from anything that can burn; Choose heaters with thermostat & overheat protection; Never block exits; Keep children away; Plug directly into wall outlet (no extension cords); Turn off and unplug when leaving room or going to bed. Questions? Contact Fire HQ: 908-709-7360.

Commissioner Terrence Curran

Recreation & Parks

• February is Heart Health Month.

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death for men and women in the U.S, and leading cause of morbidity (general sickness). Recognize early warning signs of heart disease and stroke.

Seek care early to prevent long-term problems. Prevention strategies include regular physical activity, healthy diet and routine medical checkups

• Ordinance update: the proposed bike lane on Chester Lang (Lexington to Walnut Ave) is tabled until further notice after discussion.

Commissioner Brian Andrews

Public Works & Engineering

• Provided insight into the Public Works snow storm operations.

--20 hours shift for DPW crew working overnight stating at 7 am Sunday until 3 am Monday.

--Top priority was clearing streets for emergency vehicles.

--6 different vehicles went down and repaired

--Clearing crosswalks, downtown removal snow, hired outside contractor to help contractor to aid in downtown snow removal, salting ice

We still have storm response happening

--Large water main break Tuesday: DPW cleared storm drains/snow, and salting ice.

--Commended initiative of Asst Super Jack Emanuele who took four round trips to the port to pickup salt, as salt is in short supply and deliveries are delayed at the port.

• River desilting, expects permit in April and then can go out to bid to get the work done.

Commissioner Gina Black

Finance

• Wrapping up last year finances. Had annual debt statement prepared by department and audited. Every year goal to keep getting debt going down.

• Budget Meeting is February 14 at 8 a.m. Meeting provides insight into how we prepare that budget, what goes into it, the kinds of expenses that we are anticipating and what we're doing to to really keep the keep the expenses reasonable.

• March 20 anticipate the budget introduction and April 17 budget adoption.

Mayoral Proclamation

• Black History Month (watch the video)

New E-Bike/Scooter Laws Enacted in New Jersey

New Jersey has enacted new statewide laws regulating electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) to improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and motorists. These are now among the strictest e-bike regulations in the country. Any device with a motor that can move on its own is now treated as a motorized bicycle under New Jersey law. Most riders will need a license, registration and insurance. 
Learn more...

Meet Martha and George Washington at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue on Saturday, February 7, at 1 p.m. Join us in the Community Center auditorium and get to know the Washingtons as they were during the Revolutionary War. The Cranford 250 RevolutionNJ Committee, in conjunction with the Cranes Ford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, will be hosting this special performance by "George" and Alisa Dupuy who are renowned historical reenactors. 

In celebration of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Downtown Cranford is bringing back the Shop Local Olympics! Starting today, send us your receipts from shopping local. Every $20 you spend gives you the chance to win a Downtown Cranford gift card or a gift card to a local Downtown Cranford business!

Receipts can be emailed to DMC@cranfordnj.org and a winner will be chosen every day from February 6-22.

Stay Connected with the Township of Cranford