1 00:00:55,760 --> 00:01:43,749 Is 2 00:01:43,759 --> 00:02:59,270 We didn't talk 3 00:02:59,280 --> 00:05:01,189 How are you? 4 00:05:01,199 --> 00:05:09,029 Is that 5 00:05:09,039 --> 00:05:40,469 twice? 6 00:05:40,479 --> 00:05:44,950 Yeah. 7 00:05:44,960 --> 00:05:46,560 Adequate notice of this meeting is 8 00:05:46,560 --> 00:05:48,320 required by the open public meetings act 9 00:05:48,320 --> 00:05:50,400 was provided through the posting, 10 00:05:50,400 --> 00:05:52,160 mailing and filing of the annual notice 11 00:05:52,160 --> 00:05:53,919 of regularly scheduled meetings of the 12 00:05:53,919 --> 00:05:56,560 town council on December 10th, 2025. The 13 00:05:56,560 --> 00:05:58,960 notice was on that date posted on the 14 00:05:58,960 --> 00:06:00,320 bulletin board of the municipal building 15 00:06:00,320 --> 00:06:01,919 provided to the Westfield leader and the 16 00:06:01,919 --> 00:06:03,840 star ledger and filed with the clerk of 17 00:06:03,840 --> 00:06:05,600 the town of Westfield. Miss Lowshi, may 18 00:06:05,600 --> 00:06:06,560 I have a roll call? 19 00:06:06,560 --> 00:06:07,440 >> Mayor Burman 20 00:06:07,440 --> 00:06:09,360 >> here. Council members Gilman 21 00:06:09,360 --> 00:06:10,639 >> here. Tom McGall 22 00:06:10,639 --> 00:06:11,759 >> here. Per 23 00:06:11,759 --> 00:06:13,280 >> here. Keeper 24 00:06:13,280 --> 00:06:14,000 >> Saunders 25 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:14,560 >> here. 26 00:06:14,560 --> 00:06:15,199 >> Atlar 27 00:06:15,199 --> 00:06:16,080 >> here. 28 00:06:16,080 --> 00:06:16,880 >> Armentoto 29 00:06:16,880 --> 00:06:17,440 >> here. 30 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:20,800 >> Victor Ramen 31 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:22,240 >> please rise for the invocation which 32 00:06:22,240 --> 00:06:23,919 will be given by Councilman Saunders and 33 00:06:23,919 --> 00:06:25,600 then remain standing for the salute to 34 00:06:25,600 --> 00:06:28,160 the flag. 35 00:06:28,160 --> 00:06:29,759 >> We gather to make decisions for our 36 00:06:29,759 --> 00:06:32,319 community. We may may we use only our 37 00:06:32,319 --> 00:06:33,680 best skills in judgment, keeping 38 00:06:33,680 --> 00:06:35,360 ourselves impartial and neutral as we 39 00:06:35,360 --> 00:06:37,039 consider the merits and pitfalls of each 40 00:06:37,039 --> 00:06:38,800 matter that is placed before us and 41 00:06:38,800 --> 00:06:40,240 always act in accordance with what is 42 00:06:40,240 --> 00:06:41,680 best for our community and our fellow 43 00:06:41,680 --> 00:06:44,790 citizens. 44 00:06:44,800 --> 00:06:47,759 » I aliance to the flag of the United 45 00:06:47,759 --> 00:06:52,560 States of America and to the stands one 46 00:06:52,560 --> 00:06:54,560 nation 47 00:06:54,560 --> 00:06:57,199 indivisible with liberty and justice for 48 00:06:57,199 --> 00:07:01,110 all. 49 00:07:01,120 --> 00:07:02,160 Mr. Gai, 50 00:07:02,160 --> 00:07:04,160 >> thank you. Uh I just had a quick uh 51 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:06,560 comment for tonight, mayor. Um to advise 52 00:07:06,560 --> 00:07:09,039 the council and the community. Um the 53 00:07:09,039 --> 00:07:10,639 this week, probably as early as 54 00:07:10,639 --> 00:07:13,440 tomorrow, likely um we will be posting 55 00:07:13,440 --> 00:07:15,919 on our website the read it properly 56 00:07:15,919 --> 00:07:17,199 because it's a long title, but the 57 00:07:17,199 --> 00:07:19,440 Tamacquas Park design plan community 58 00:07:19,440 --> 00:07:21,280 engagement summary report. It's a 59 00:07:21,280 --> 00:07:22,960 mouthful just to remind you and the 60 00:07:22,960 --> 00:07:24,880 public. So last year we started the 61 00:07:24,880 --> 00:07:26,960 Tomakquis uh park design plan with a 62 00:07:26,960 --> 00:07:29,280 consultant Dresnner Robin. We started 63 00:07:29,280 --> 00:07:31,840 with steering committee uh community 64 00:07:31,840 --> 00:07:33,360 engagement with various stakeholder 65 00:07:33,360 --> 00:07:36,000 groups uh public meetings in this room 66 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:38,240 in the community community room uh more 67 00:07:38,240 --> 00:07:40,000 state uh steering committee meetings. So 68 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:41,440 what Dresd and Robin we've asked them to 69 00:07:41,440 --> 00:07:43,440 do is put together a summary of the 70 00:07:43,440 --> 00:07:44,800 public engagement report everything 71 00:07:44,800 --> 00:07:46,319 they've learned through the process from 72 00:07:46,319 --> 00:07:48,639 the the public from the stakeholder 73 00:07:48,639 --> 00:07:51,039 groups uh from the steering committee 74 00:07:51,039 --> 00:07:52,720 and put that in a report which will be 75 00:07:52,720 --> 00:07:55,039 posted on our website this week. Uh and 76 00:07:55,039 --> 00:07:56,879 then basically we'll get feedback from 77 00:07:56,879 --> 00:07:58,800 the public after that and then the next 78 00:07:58,800 --> 00:08:00,479 steps in the process are to continue 79 00:08:00,479 --> 00:08:03,360 with this and then that those uh the 80 00:08:03,360 --> 00:08:05,599 feedback they receive will now inform 81 00:08:05,599 --> 00:08:07,520 them uh to begin putting together a 82 00:08:07,520 --> 00:08:09,440 concept or concepts for the council to 83 00:08:09,440 --> 00:08:11,440 look at uh and ultimately the steering 84 00:08:11,440 --> 00:08:12,560 committee to make recommendations with 85 00:08:12,560 --> 00:08:14,479 the recreation commission together to 86 00:08:14,479 --> 00:08:16,319 start looking at what concepts are 87 00:08:16,319 --> 00:08:18,160 appropriate uh what the public feedback 88 00:08:18,160 --> 00:08:20,160 is and ultimately what will be the first 89 00:08:20,160 --> 00:08:22,160 phase to be implemented in Toacquis 90 00:08:22,160 --> 00:08:24,080 Park. still a while to go, but I wanted 91 00:08:24,080 --> 00:08:25,199 to make sure the public knew that was 92 00:08:25,199 --> 00:08:26,400 happening this week. The council have 93 00:08:26,400 --> 00:08:28,720 it. It's a very comprehensive, very 94 00:08:28,720 --> 00:08:32,800 detailed report. So, I think that it's a really good job your Robin did 95 00:08:32,800 --> 00:08:34,320 and then that'll lead to the next steps 96 00:08:34,320 --> 00:08:35,760 of the process. So, thank you. 97 00:08:35,760 --> 00:08:36,959 >> Thank you, Jim. 98 00:08:36,959 --> 00:08:38,719 >> Uh, good evening everyone and welcome to 99 00:08:38,719 --> 00:08:40,080 the first regular meeting of the town 100 00:08:40,080 --> 00:08:42,479 council for 2026. Thanks to everyone who 101 00:08:42,479 --> 00:08:45,040 is joining tonight, both here in person 102 00:08:45,040 --> 00:08:47,120 and via liveream on the town's YouTube 103 00:08:47,120 --> 00:08:48,959 channel. As always, the replay of this 104 00:08:48,959 --> 00:08:50,640 meeting will be available afterwards on 105 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:53,680 Facebook, YouTube, TV36, and public 106 00:08:53,680 --> 00:08:56,240 comment will be accepted in person only. 107 00:08:56,240 --> 00:08:57,680 We have a fairly short agenda this 108 00:08:57,680 --> 00:08:59,040 evening, and I'll just make a few brief 109 00:08:59,040 --> 00:09:01,519 remarks before we begin. First and 110 00:09:01,519 --> 00:09:03,440 foremost, I'd like to address the recent 111 00:09:03,440 --> 00:09:05,120 increase in car thefts in certain areas 112 00:09:05,120 --> 00:09:07,279 of town over the last 6 weeks, which has 113 00:09:07,279 --> 00:09:08,800 included both thefts of cars and 114 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:10,640 driveways and less frequently, 115 00:09:10,640 --> 00:09:12,880 residential burglaries to obtain keys to 116 00:09:12,880 --> 00:09:15,040 steal high-end vehicles. I want to be 117 00:09:15,040 --> 00:09:17,200 very clear. We are taking the situation 118 00:09:17,200 --> 00:09:19,440 seriously and we are treating it these 119 00:09:19,440 --> 00:09:21,279 incidences with the urgency they 120 00:09:21,279 --> 00:09:23,440 deserve. I'd like to thank Michael Ring 121 00:09:23,440 --> 00:09:25,440 for his comments at the January 6th 122 00:09:25,440 --> 00:09:26,959 organizational meeting and also for 123 00:09:26,959 --> 00:09:28,560 speaking in tonight's 7:30 conference 124 00:09:28,560 --> 00:09:30,320 session. I've spoken to several 125 00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:31,920 residents about their experiences and 126 00:09:31,920 --> 00:09:33,760 concerns and have been kept fully 127 00:09:33,760 --> 00:09:35,360 apprised of all activity by Chief 128 00:09:35,360 --> 00:09:38,480 Baloro. I acknowledge the fear and anger 129 00:09:38,480 --> 00:09:40,720 that some of our residents are feeling. 130 00:09:40,720 --> 00:09:41,839 For those who have been directly 131 00:09:41,839 --> 00:09:43,839 impacted, I am truly sorry for what 132 00:09:43,839 --> 00:09:46,320 you've experienced. On a local level, 133 00:09:46,320 --> 00:09:47,920 please be assured that the Westfield 134 00:09:47,920 --> 00:09:48,959 Police Department is working 135 00:09:48,959 --> 00:09:50,959 aggressively to address this issue, 136 00:09:50,959 --> 00:09:52,959 which is impacting many towns across the 137 00:09:52,959 --> 00:09:55,040 region. We are grateful for the work of 138 00:09:55,040 --> 00:09:56,800 the Westfield PD and making two recent 139 00:09:56,800 --> 00:09:59,600 arrests. One related to the incident on 140 00:09:59,600 --> 00:10:02,640 Senica and one on Coolage. I'm going to 141 00:10:02,640 --> 00:10:04,560 ask administrator town administrator Jim 142 00:10:04,560 --> 00:10:06,160 Gildet to speak in more detail about the 143 00:10:06,160 --> 00:10:07,600 department's ongoing efforts to combat 144 00:10:07,600 --> 00:10:09,600 this problem. 145 00:10:09,600 --> 00:10:11,920 >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, and as you said, 146 00:10:11,920 --> 00:10:14,079 we talked a little about this in the um, 147 00:10:14,079 --> 00:10:15,200 conference session before the meeting 148 00:10:15,200 --> 00:10:16,560 and we also had a public safety 149 00:10:16,560 --> 00:10:18,560 committee meeting tonight uh, where the 150 00:10:18,560 --> 00:10:19,760 committee obviously talked a lot about 151 00:10:19,760 --> 00:10:21,440 this with Chief Baloro, professional 152 00:10:21,440 --> 00:10:24,079 staff and uh, what we're doing. Um, so 153 00:10:24,079 --> 00:10:25,440 just a couple things to remind the 154 00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:28,320 council and the public about um, you 155 00:10:28,320 --> 00:10:30,240 know, a couple things. First, uh, the 156 00:10:30,240 --> 00:10:32,399 police department is continues to be and 157 00:10:32,399 --> 00:10:34,800 is at high highest level of staffing. So 158 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:38,000 resources are adequate um, and actually 159 00:10:38,000 --> 00:10:39,920 in abundance with the police department. 160 00:10:39,920 --> 00:10:42,079 Um and uh I want to thank Chief Balora 161 00:10:42,079 --> 00:10:43,440 and the entire police department staff 162 00:10:43,440 --> 00:10:46,240 because this is a constant issue. This 163 00:10:46,240 --> 00:10:48,480 is a top priority of the department. Uh 164 00:10:48,480 --> 00:10:50,000 has been and will continue to be going 165 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:52,079 forward. Um you know, property crime, 166 00:10:52,079 --> 00:10:54,959 which is I've lived in town since 1979. 167 00:10:54,959 --> 00:10:56,880 My house where my parents still live 168 00:10:56,880 --> 00:11:00,480 today was broken into uh in 1985. I 169 00:11:00,480 --> 00:11:02,640 still remember it. So these are not 170 00:11:02,640 --> 00:11:04,320 things you forget lightly. This is a 171 00:11:04,320 --> 00:11:06,079 violation of your personal space. And so 172 00:11:06,079 --> 00:11:08,720 we understand that. Um, but we have 173 00:11:08,720 --> 00:11:10,560 highest levels of staffing, highest 174 00:11:10,560 --> 00:11:12,000 levels of resources given to the police 175 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:12,880 department. It's important for the 176 00:11:12,880 --> 00:11:14,800 public to know that we also have 177 00:11:14,800 --> 00:11:16,480 invested in technology, which we've 178 00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:17,920 talked about some time. It just bears 179 00:11:17,920 --> 00:11:20,160 repeating a little bit. Um, we have 180 00:11:20,160 --> 00:11:22,399 license plate readers. Um, it sounds 181 00:11:22,399 --> 00:11:24,640 simple, but we have 25 license plate 182 00:11:24,640 --> 00:11:27,279 readers. We are the uh, I guess the 183 00:11:27,279 --> 00:11:29,519 third largest license plate reader um, 184 00:11:29,519 --> 00:11:31,279 town in the county behind Elizabeth and 185 00:11:31,279 --> 00:11:34,880 Lyndon or Rawway, excuse me. Um, and we 186 00:11:34,880 --> 00:11:36,320 have 25 and they're positioned at 187 00:11:36,320 --> 00:11:38,320 different parts of town. Why is that 188 00:11:38,320 --> 00:11:40,720 important? License plate readers will 189 00:11:40,720 --> 00:11:43,120 pick up license plates of cars that are 190 00:11:43,120 --> 00:11:45,200 stolen and alert the police immediately 191 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:46,959 of when cars are in the town. And 192 00:11:46,959 --> 00:11:48,079 because of where our license plate 193 00:11:48,079 --> 00:11:49,680 readers are located, the police can help 194 00:11:49,680 --> 00:11:51,600 triangulate where those cars are. And 195 00:11:51,600 --> 00:11:53,760 our goal is to intercept them, drive 196 00:11:53,760 --> 00:11:55,519 them out, or apprehend them when 197 00:11:55,519 --> 00:11:57,600 possible and obviously prevent the crime 198 00:11:57,600 --> 00:12:00,079 that's about to take place possibly. Um, 199 00:12:00,079 --> 00:12:01,839 we've actually had some things. We've 200 00:12:01,839 --> 00:12:04,079 had these 25 uh breeders, license plate 201 00:12:04,079 --> 00:12:05,279 readers for some time, but we're moving 202 00:12:05,279 --> 00:12:07,040 them around now to be more in strategic 203 00:12:07,040 --> 00:12:09,360 locations. So, for example, someone 204 00:12:09,360 --> 00:12:11,200 coming in on Central Avenue, passing 205 00:12:11,200 --> 00:12:12,880 down Central into like Virginia Street 206 00:12:12,880 --> 00:12:15,839 area, we'll pass one there and then we 207 00:12:15,839 --> 00:12:17,519 can if they don't hit another one for 208 00:12:17,519 --> 00:12:18,639 the street, we know they're in a certain 209 00:12:18,639 --> 00:12:19,760 neighborhood. The police can go out and 210 00:12:19,760 --> 00:12:21,360 fan out and get that thing. So, we've 211 00:12:21,360 --> 00:12:23,360 been successful uh these have really 212 00:12:23,360 --> 00:12:25,120 helped us be successful not only in 213 00:12:25,120 --> 00:12:27,360 helping to prevent the actual thefts or 214 00:12:27,360 --> 00:12:29,920 crimes, but also sometimes the attempts. 215 00:12:29,920 --> 00:12:31,760 and our goal is to push them out of our 216 00:12:31,760 --> 00:12:34,240 boundaries. Um, crime like this does not 217 00:12:34,240 --> 00:12:36,320 know municipal boundaries. It will 218 00:12:36,320 --> 00:12:37,440 happens everywhere. It's happening all 219 00:12:37,440 --> 00:12:38,959 the towns around us. We're no exception 220 00:12:38,959 --> 00:12:42,240 and at 85 um it's been happening for 221 00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:43,680 decades and will not stop. 222 00:12:43,680 --> 00:12:44,800 Unfortunately, we have a lot of things 223 00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:46,959 in this town people want. Um, but our 224 00:12:46,959 --> 00:12:48,399 police department does a phenomenal job 225 00:12:48,399 --> 00:12:51,200 pushing the crime out of the town. In 226 00:12:51,200 --> 00:12:52,959 addition to that, just technology wise, 227 00:12:52,959 --> 00:12:55,760 we also have um an officer on staff and 228 00:12:55,760 --> 00:12:57,519 a few we have drones that we use. So 229 00:12:57,519 --> 00:12:59,279 when officers are out on patrols, extra 230 00:12:59,279 --> 00:13:01,120 patrols, they do use drones. That helps 231 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:03,120 us obviously aerally see what's going 232 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:05,839 on. It helps us actually um uh locate 233 00:13:05,839 --> 00:13:07,760 these vehicles where he puts them out. 234 00:13:07,760 --> 00:13:09,600 Last thing just to mention about this, 235 00:13:09,600 --> 00:13:11,600 um I think Mr. Ring had, you know, 236 00:13:11,600 --> 00:13:13,440 comments last meeting. Um I want to 237 00:13:13,440 --> 00:13:14,959 continue that conversation. And so one 238 00:13:14,959 --> 00:13:16,639 of the comments he brought up was could 239 00:13:16,639 --> 00:13:18,720 we have additional patrols or additional 240 00:13:18,720 --> 00:13:20,240 supplemented staff at different times? 241 00:13:20,240 --> 00:13:21,680 And I want to let the public know we do 242 00:13:21,680 --> 00:13:24,320 that. Um so for example in the cooler 243 00:13:24,320 --> 00:13:26,480 street area uh where we knew there was 244 00:13:26,480 --> 00:13:28,399 being targeted there for a while you 245 00:13:28,399 --> 00:13:29,920 might not have seen us there and that's 246 00:13:29,920 --> 00:13:32,320 by design. uh police department has 247 00:13:32,320 --> 00:13:35,279 undercover patrols um that happen in 248 00:13:35,279 --> 00:13:36,720 areas that are targeted and sometimes 249 00:13:36,720 --> 00:13:38,800 it's coolage it's two years ago it was 250 00:13:38,800 --> 00:13:41,279 Hillside Avenue it can be anywhere in 251 00:13:41,279 --> 00:13:43,120 town and we actually will have have 252 00:13:43,120 --> 00:13:45,040 supplemental patrols overnight 253 00:13:45,040 --> 00:13:47,440 undercover uh and we found that that 254 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:49,519 works but even when we're doing that one 255 00:13:49,519 --> 00:13:51,440 of the lights were on coolage undercover 256 00:13:51,440 --> 00:13:53,360 we had an incident on Senica different 257 00:13:53,360 --> 00:13:55,120 side of town so it's never perfectly 258 00:13:55,120 --> 00:13:56,480 predicted where this is going to happen 259 00:13:56,480 --> 00:13:59,120 but we do do that we will continue to do 260 00:13:59,120 --> 00:14:01,360 that uh as long as we continue to be 261 00:14:01,360 --> 00:14:02,959 successful and some of those undercover 262 00:14:02,959 --> 00:14:04,959 patrols have yielded what mayor mayor 263 00:14:04,959 --> 00:14:07,519 Burman actually said before um sorry 264 00:14:07,519 --> 00:14:09,440 still getting used to it um mayor Burman 265 00:14:09,440 --> 00:14:11,839 said before of arrests place we had an 266 00:14:11,839 --> 00:14:13,199 arrest connected to that we had an 267 00:14:13,199 --> 00:14:14,639 arrest for coolage and they're working 268 00:14:14,639 --> 00:14:16,240 on other possible arrests going forward 269 00:14:16,240 --> 00:14:18,160 so our staff and police department is 270 00:14:18,160 --> 00:14:19,920 doing a phenomenal job but this is a 271 00:14:19,920 --> 00:14:23,040 constant problem it's county statewide 272 00:14:23,040 --> 00:14:25,040 uh and Union County is unique in the 273 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:27,040 sense that we are very close to 274 00:14:27,040 --> 00:14:29,760 Elizabeth to uh other towns that are 275 00:14:29,760 --> 00:14:31,440 close to the ports of Newark. So, the 276 00:14:31,440 --> 00:14:33,440 towns in the periphery of that are ones 277 00:14:33,440 --> 00:14:34,800 that are targets, but it's easy to get 278 00:14:34,800 --> 00:14:36,800 cars out to the porch, shipped out, and 279 00:14:36,800 --> 00:14:38,800 so forth. So, um again, I just, you 280 00:14:38,800 --> 00:14:39,680 know, thank you, mayor, for letting me 281 00:14:39,680 --> 00:14:40,639 say a few words about that and the 282 00:14:40,639 --> 00:14:41,680 police department, but we have some 283 00:14:41,680 --> 00:14:42,959 things that are happening. We do take 284 00:14:42,959 --> 00:14:44,399 this very seriously. It's a top priority 285 00:14:44,399 --> 00:14:46,399 at all times, and we will continue to do 286 00:14:46,399 --> 00:14:48,079 those things. Thank you. 287 00:14:48,079 --> 00:14:49,760 >> Thank you, Jim. Uh and thank you to the 288 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:51,120 police department for their ongoing 289 00:14:51,120 --> 00:14:53,279 diligence. Um as we all know, the 290 00:14:53,279 --> 00:14:55,600 legislative component of this issue, as 291 00:14:55,600 --> 00:14:56,959 we just discussed in conference, is 292 00:14:56,959 --> 00:14:58,639 equally important. I've already reached 293 00:14:58,639 --> 00:15:00,320 out to our two newly elected assembly 294 00:15:00,320 --> 00:15:02,079 members, Andrew Mccertie and Vincent 295 00:15:02,079 --> 00:15:04,880 Carney about the urgency uh for state 296 00:15:04,880 --> 00:15:06,480 level action, which I will also be 297 00:15:06,480 --> 00:15:08,560 communicating to Governor Elect Cheryl's 298 00:15:08,560 --> 00:15:10,560 office. Our officers will continue to 299 00:15:10,560 --> 00:15:12,320 work diligently to investigate, make 300 00:15:12,320 --> 00:15:14,560 these arrests, and secure our community. 301 00:15:14,560 --> 00:15:16,720 And as Jim mentioned, uh, the public 302 00:15:16,720 --> 00:15:18,240 safety, transportation, and parking 303 00:15:18,240 --> 00:15:19,519 committee of the town council, chaired 304 00:15:19,519 --> 00:15:21,760 by councilwoman Gilman, and joined by 305 00:15:21,760 --> 00:15:23,360 council members Adoir, Dmagal, and 306 00:15:23,360 --> 00:15:25,120 Saunders met this evening, uh, for an 307 00:15:25,120 --> 00:15:26,639 hour and a half, uh, for the first time 308 00:15:26,639 --> 00:15:27,839 this year, and we'll continue to make 309 00:15:27,839 --> 00:15:29,760 this issue a top priority for our 310 00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:32,480 community. Um, so moving on to upcoming 311 00:15:32,480 --> 00:15:35,199 events over the next two weeks. The MLK 312 00:15:35,199 --> 00:15:36,959 Association of Westfield will host its 313 00:15:36,959 --> 00:15:39,940 annual commemoration events on Monday, 314 00:15:39,940 --> 00:15:41,360 [clears throat] January 19th, in honor 315 00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:43,519 of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The march 316 00:15:43,519 --> 00:15:46,079 will begin at 12:15 at the MLK monument 317 00:15:46,079 --> 00:15:48,000 at the South Avenue circle with the 318 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,480 interfaith service to follow at 1:00 at 319 00:15:50,480 --> 00:15:52,399 the First Congregational Church of 320 00:15:52,399 --> 00:15:54,800 Westfield on uh Elmer Street. I look 321 00:15:54,800 --> 00:15:56,160 forward to joining members of our 322 00:15:56,160 --> 00:15:58,000 community to gather and honor this 323 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:00,320 meaningful day. And also don't miss the 324 00:16:00,320 --> 00:16:02,800 4th annual Build Westfield in Lego event 325 00:16:02,800 --> 00:16:05,360 to be held on January 24th. Our special 326 00:16:05,360 --> 00:16:07,120 America 250 edition will include 327 00:16:07,120 --> 00:16:08,639 national landmarks like Independence 328 00:16:08,639 --> 00:16:10,800 Hall and Mount Vernon along with over 50 329 00:16:10,800 --> 00:16:13,120 beloved local buildings. Please register 330 00:16:13,120 --> 00:16:14,639 through the civic wreck and join your 331 00:16:14,639 --> 00:16:16,560 neighbors as well as General Washington 332 00:16:16,560 --> 00:16:18,959 as we kick off the nation's 250th in 333 00:16:18,959 --> 00:16:21,600 this fun familyfriendly afternoon. Uh 334 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:23,199 many thanks to the historic preservation 335 00:16:23,199 --> 00:16:24,959 commission uh of the recreation 336 00:16:24,959 --> 00:16:26,480 department for bringing this unique uh 337 00:16:26,480 --> 00:16:28,880 event to Westfield. Tonight's agenda is 338 00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:30,160 very straightforward. I would like to 339 00:16:30,160 --> 00:16:31,759 briefly highlight two ordinances on 340 00:16:31,759 --> 00:16:33,839 first reading as they pertain to 341 00:16:33,839 --> 00:16:36,480 recently settled labor negotiations with 342 00:16:36,480 --> 00:16:38,560 uh for town employees. The first relates 343 00:16:38,560 --> 00:16:40,480 to the Communication Workers of America, 344 00:16:40,480 --> 00:16:43,440 the CWA local 1040, which represents 345 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:45,920 approximately 35 town employees who work 346 00:16:45,920 --> 00:16:48,000 in various support CA capacities 347 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:50,240 effective January 1 of this year through 348 00:16:50,240 --> 00:16:53,120 December 31st, 2029. The second relates 349 00:16:53,120 --> 00:16:55,360 to the firemen's mutual bene benevolent 350 00:16:55,360 --> 00:16:57,759 association, the FMBA branch 30 that 351 00:16:57,759 --> 00:17:00,240 includes 38 employees from the Westfield 352 00:17:00,240 --> 00:17:02,959 Fire Department effective January 1 this 353 00:17:02,959 --> 00:17:05,919 year through December 31st of 2030. Both 354 00:17:05,919 --> 00:17:08,240 ordinances implement the salary ranges 355 00:17:08,240 --> 00:17:10,880 and guides for various employees in the 356 00:17:10,880 --> 00:17:12,240 bargaining unit for the term of the 357 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:14,640 respective contract. Once the ordinance 358 00:17:14,640 --> 00:17:16,400 is adopted in a few weeks, it will be 359 00:17:16,400 --> 00:17:18,559 followed by a resolution outlining the 360 00:17:18,559 --> 00:17:20,480 specific salaries for each employee 361 00:17:20,480 --> 00:17:22,640 effective for 2026 and that will be 362 00:17:22,640 --> 00:17:25,679 retroactive to January 1st, 2026. Let's 363 00:17:25,679 --> 00:17:29,679 begin tonight's agenda. 364 00:17:29,679 --> 00:17:31,440 May I have a motion to accept the 365 00:17:31,440 --> 00:17:33,360 following appointment uh for the 366 00:17:33,360 --> 00:17:35,600 recreation commission Andrew Bronin as 367 00:17:35,600 --> 00:17:39,039 chair uh term expiring December 31, 368 00:17:39,039 --> 00:17:40,080 2026. 369 00:17:40,080 --> 00:17:41,200 >> So moved 370 00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:43,600 >> by Councilwoman Gilman. Second 371 00:17:43,600 --> 00:17:44,160 >> second. 372 00:17:44,160 --> 00:17:45,679 >> Seconded by Councilman Armento. Any 373 00:17:45,679 --> 00:17:48,480 discussion? 374 00:17:48,480 --> 00:17:49,360 All in favor? 375 00:17:49,360 --> 00:17:50,320 >> Yes. 376 00:17:50,320 --> 00:17:53,840 >> Opposed? The motion is carried. May I 377 00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:55,280 have a motion to approve the minutes 378 00:17:55,280 --> 00:17:56,960 from the town council conference 379 00:17:56,960 --> 00:17:59,120 executive and regular meetings of 380 00:17:59,120 --> 00:18:02,000 December 9th, 2025 and the town council 381 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:04,880 reorganization meeting of January 6th, 382 00:18:04,880 --> 00:18:07,520 2026. 383 00:18:07,520 --> 00:18:09,600 >> Move moved by uh Councilman Dagala. 384 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:10,000 Second 385 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:10,640 >> second. 386 00:18:10,640 --> 00:18:12,640 >> Seconded by Councilman Saunders. Any 387 00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:15,280 discussion? All in favor? 388 00:18:15,280 --> 00:18:18,880 >> Yes. Opposed? The motion is carried. Uh 389 00:18:18,880 --> 00:18:20,640 now it's time for open discussion by 390 00:18:20,640 --> 00:18:22,240 citizens. Anyone may come up to the 391 00:18:22,240 --> 00:18:24,320 microphone and speak to the council on 392 00:18:24,320 --> 00:18:26,480 any subject on which this council has 393 00:18:26,480 --> 00:18:28,080 jurisdiction. Please state your name and 394 00:18:28,080 --> 00:18:30,320 address for the record and limit your 395 00:18:30,320 --> 00:18:42,789 comments to five minutes. 396 00:18:42,799 --> 00:18:45,520 Mayor, council. Uh, good evening. My 397 00:18:45,520 --> 00:18:47,840 name is Sean Keegan Foley and I am a 398 00:18:47,840 --> 00:18:49,600 former councilman and operate a mental 399 00:18:49,600 --> 00:18:52,559 health practice here in uh Westfield. Um 400 00:18:52,559 --> 00:18:54,480 I am currently visiting municipalities 401 00:18:54,480 --> 00:18:56,559 across Union County as part of a 402 00:18:56,559 --> 00:18:59,120 regional effort to address algorithmic 403 00:18:59,120 --> 00:19:01,200 rent pricing by building support through 404 00:19:01,200 --> 00:19:03,600 municipal resolutions. I have shared a 405 00:19:03,600 --> 00:19:05,200 resolution with the full governing body 406 00:19:05,200 --> 00:19:06,799 through the town clerk earlier this 407 00:19:06,799 --> 00:19:09,280 week. This resolution is about affirming 408 00:19:09,280 --> 00:19:11,120 that housing markets be fair, 409 00:19:11,120 --> 00:19:13,919 transparent, and competitive. I hope you 410 00:19:13,919 --> 00:19:15,280 all have a chance to review the 411 00:19:15,280 --> 00:19:17,200 resolution at some point and consider 412 00:19:17,200 --> 00:19:19,440 supporting it on the record. Thank you 413 00:19:19,440 --> 00:19:24,230 for your time. 414 00:19:24,240 --> 00:19:26,400 Thank you, Sean. 415 00:19:26,400 --> 00:19:28,080 We have received that communication and 416 00:19:28,080 --> 00:19:30,799 we'll take a look at that. 417 00:19:30,799 --> 00:19:34,150 Any others? 418 00:19:34,160 --> 00:19:35,679 Hearing none, I close this portion of 419 00:19:35,679 --> 00:19:37,120 the meeting and move to bills and 420 00:19:37,120 --> 00:19:40,720 claims. Councilman Pcker. 421 00:19:40,720 --> 00:19:42,480 >> Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to move bills 422 00:19:42,480 --> 00:19:48,070 and claims in the amount of 1,260,446. 423 00:19:48,080 --> 00:19:49,360 » May I have a second? 424 00:19:49,360 --> 00:19:50,160 >> Second. 425 00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:52,160 >> Seconded by Councilwoman Adoir. Any 426 00:19:52,160 --> 00:19:53,919 discussion? 427 00:19:53,919 --> 00:19:54,960 All in favor? 428 00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:55,280 >> Yes. 429 00:19:55,280 --> 00:19:59,840 Opposed? The motion is carried. Uh, 430 00:19:59,840 --> 00:20:01,200 next on the agenda is reports of 431 00:20:01,200 --> 00:20:02,480 standing committees, beginning with the 432 00:20:02,480 --> 00:20:04,799 finance policy committee, Councilman 433 00:20:04,799 --> 00:20:06,240 Pcker. Thank you, [clears throat] Mayor. 434 00:20:06,240 --> 00:20:07,919 I have 11 resolutions I would like to 435 00:20:07,919 --> 00:20:09,919 move as a package. Number one, 436 00:20:09,919 --> 00:20:11,360 resolution authorizing the chief 437 00:20:11,360 --> 00:20:13,280 financial ad officer to draw warrant for 438 00:20:13,280 --> 00:20:16,080 dog licenses for December 2025. Number 439 00:20:16,080 --> 00:20:17,760 two, resolution authorizing the chief 440 00:20:17,760 --> 00:20:19,360 financial officer to draw a warrant to 441 00:20:19,360 --> 00:20:21,919 treasur state of New Jersey for 2025 442 00:20:21,919 --> 00:20:24,000 fourth quarter marriage civil marriage 443 00:20:24,000 --> 00:20:26,320 and civil union license fees. Number 444 00:20:26,320 --> 00:20:28,080 three, resolution authorizing the chief 445 00:20:28,080 --> 00:20:29,840 financial officer to refund street 446 00:20:29,840 --> 00:20:32,080 opening cash bond. Number four, 447 00:20:32,080 --> 00:20:33,520 resolution authorizing the chief 448 00:20:33,520 --> 00:20:35,280 financial officer to refund dumpster 449 00:20:35,280 --> 00:20:37,280 security payment. Number five, 450 00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:38,559 resolution authorizing the chief 451 00:20:38,559 --> 00:20:40,480 financial officer to refund recreation 452 00:20:40,480 --> 00:20:42,880 department fees. Number six, resolution 453 00:20:42,880 --> 00:20:44,480 authorizing the chief financial officer 454 00:20:44,480 --> 00:20:45,679 to draw a warrant for board of 455 00:20:45,679 --> 00:20:48,240 adjustment escrow monies. Number seven, 456 00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:49,600 resolution authorizing the chief 457 00:20:49,600 --> 00:20:51,120 financial officer to prepare warrants 458 00:20:51,120 --> 00:20:52,640 for postage payment in connection with 459 00:20:52,640 --> 00:20:55,120 tax assessment notices. Number eight, 460 00:20:55,120 --> 00:20:56,640 authorizing the chief financial officer 461 00:20:56,640 --> 00:20:58,080 to draw warrant for fourth quarter 462 00:20:58,080 --> 00:21:00,400 construction official state permit fees. 463 00:21:00,400 --> 00:21:02,240 Number nine, resolution to appoint 464 00:21:02,240 --> 00:21:04,000 building and mechanical inspector. 465 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:05,919 Number 10, resolution authorizing an 466 00:21:05,919 --> 00:21:07,679 affordability assistance grant pursuant 467 00:21:07,679 --> 00:21:09,039 to the town of Westfield's affordable 468 00:21:09,039 --> 00:21:10,960 assistance program for a tenant in an 469 00:21:10,960 --> 00:21:12,960 affordable housing unit at 440 North 470 00:21:12,960 --> 00:21:16,159 Avenue East, apartment 1A. 11, 471 00:21:16,159 --> 00:21:18,000 resolution authorizing an affordability 472 00:21:18,000 --> 00:21:19,600 assistant grant pursuant to the town of 473 00:21:19,600 --> 00:21:21,200 Westfield's affordability assistance 474 00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:22,799 program for a tenant of an affordable 475 00:21:22,799 --> 00:21:25,919 housing unit at 3101 Echolane, Unit 476 00:21:25,919 --> 00:21:27,679 3101. 477 00:21:27,679 --> 00:21:29,039 >> May I have a second? 478 00:21:29,039 --> 00:21:29,679 >> Second. 479 00:21:29,679 --> 00:21:31,600 >> Seconded by Councilman Daggala. All in 480 00:21:31,600 --> 00:21:32,559 favor? 481 00:21:32,559 --> 00:21:33,039 >> Yes. 482 00:21:33,039 --> 00:21:34,960 opposed. 483 00:21:34,960 --> 00:21:37,360 The motion is carried. 484 00:21:37,360 --> 00:21:38,640 >> Next, I would like to move general 485 00:21:38,640 --> 00:21:41,679 ordinance number 2026-01 486 00:21:41,679 --> 00:21:43,679 on first reading, an ordinance to amend 487 00:21:43,679 --> 00:21:45,120 the code of the town of Westfield, 488 00:21:45,120 --> 00:21:47,600 chapter 2, administration, article 2, 489 00:21:47,600 --> 00:21:50,000 town officers and employees, division 3, 490 00:21:50,000 --> 00:21:52,559 personnel positions and salary schedule 491 00:21:52,559 --> 00:21:55,590 sec2-12.28 492 00:21:55,600 --> 00:21:56,640 schedule. 493 00:21:56,640 --> 00:21:58,080 >> May I have a second? 494 00:21:58,080 --> 00:21:58,799 >> Second. 495 00:21:58,799 --> 00:22:00,720 >> Seconded by Councilman Saunders. Any 496 00:22:00,720 --> 00:22:02,240 discussion? 497 00:22:02,240 --> 00:22:03,200 Please call the role. 498 00:22:03,200 --> 00:22:04,559 >> Council members Gilman, 499 00:22:04,559 --> 00:22:05,039 >> yes. 500 00:22:05,039 --> 00:22:05,919 >> Domin, 501 00:22:05,919 --> 00:22:06,480 >> yes. 502 00:22:06,480 --> 00:22:07,120 >> Pecker, 503 00:22:07,120 --> 00:22:07,600 >> yes. 504 00:22:07,600 --> 00:22:08,240 >> Saunders, 505 00:22:08,240 --> 00:22:09,840 >> yes. 506 00:22:09,840 --> 00:22:10,480 >> Armentoto, 507 00:22:10,480 --> 00:22:10,880 >> yes. 508 00:22:10,880 --> 00:22:11,760 >> Mayor Burman, 509 00:22:11,760 --> 00:22:13,520 >> yes. This motion is carried. 510 00:22:13,520 --> 00:22:14,880 >> I would also like to move general 511 00:22:14,880 --> 00:22:17,120 ordinance number 2026-02 512 00:22:17,120 --> 00:22:18,960 on first reading, an ordinance to amend 513 00:22:18,960 --> 00:22:22,559 the general ordinance number 2022-16 514 00:22:22,559 --> 00:22:24,320 entitled an ordinance fixing the 515 00:22:24,320 --> 00:22:25,840 salaries of certain employees of the 516 00:22:25,840 --> 00:22:27,280 police and fire departments in the town 517 00:22:27,280 --> 00:22:28,799 of Westfield and various amendments 518 00:22:28,799 --> 00:22:30,400 there, too. 519 00:22:30,400 --> 00:22:32,000 >> May I have a second? Second. 520 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:32,720 >> Second. 521 00:22:32,720 --> 00:22:35,280 by Councilman Armentoto. Uh, any 522 00:22:35,280 --> 00:22:36,960 discussion? 523 00:22:36,960 --> 00:22:38,080 >> Please call the role. 524 00:22:38,080 --> 00:22:39,280 >> Council member Gilman. 525 00:22:39,280 --> 00:22:39,679 >> Yes. 526 00:22:39,679 --> 00:22:40,559 >> Domo. 527 00:22:40,559 --> 00:22:40,960 >> Yes. 528 00:22:40,960 --> 00:22:41,600 >> Tucker. 529 00:22:41,600 --> 00:22:42,080 >> Yes. 530 00:22:42,080 --> 00:22:42,799 >> Saunders. 531 00:22:42,799 --> 00:22:44,480 >> Yes. 532 00:22:44,480 --> 00:22:45,200 >> Armentoto. 533 00:22:45,200 --> 00:22:45,520 >> Yes. 534 00:22:45,520 --> 00:22:46,480 >> Mayor Burman. 535 00:22:46,480 --> 00:22:49,440 >> Yes. The motion has carried. 536 00:22:49,440 --> 00:22:51,360 Next is public safety, transportation, 537 00:22:51,360 --> 00:22:52,799 and parking committee. Councilwoman 538 00:22:52,799 --> 00:22:53,840 Gilman. 539 00:22:53,840 --> 00:22:55,760 >> Thank you, mayor. I have two resolutions 540 00:22:55,760 --> 00:22:58,320 I would like to move as a package. One, 541 00:22:58,320 --> 00:23:00,799 resolution to appoint fire official. 542 00:23:00,799 --> 00:23:02,960 Two, resolution to appoint special law 543 00:23:02,960 --> 00:23:04,559 enforcement officers. 544 00:23:04,559 --> 00:23:05,919 >> May I have a second? 545 00:23:05,919 --> 00:23:06,799 >> Second. 546 00:23:06,799 --> 00:23:08,720 Councilwoman Adoir. Any 547 00:23:08,720 --> 00:23:10,799 discussion? 548 00:23:10,799 --> 00:23:12,240 >> All in favor? 549 00:23:12,240 --> 00:23:12,799 >> Yes. 550 00:23:12,799 --> 00:23:16,720 >> Opposed? The motion is carried. Uh, last 551 00:23:16,720 --> 00:23:18,000 is the public works committee. 552 00:23:18,000 --> 00:23:19,200 Councilwoman Adoir. 553 00:23:19,200 --> 00:23:21,120 >> Thank you, mayor. I would like to move a 554 00:23:21,120 --> 00:23:23,120 resolution authorizing an award of 555 00:23:23,120 --> 00:23:26,000 contract for the disposal the disposal 556 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:27,840 of recyclable material. 557 00:23:27,840 --> 00:23:29,120 >> May I have a second? 558 00:23:29,120 --> 00:23:31,760 >> Second. Seconded by Councilwoman Gilman. 559 00:23:31,760 --> 00:23:33,919 Any discussion? 560 00:23:33,919 --> 00:23:35,039 All in favor? 561 00:23:35,039 --> 00:23:35,520 >> Yes. 562 00:23:35,520 --> 00:23:39,679 Uh opposed. The motion is carried. 563 00:23:39,679 --> 00:23:41,520 >> May I have a motion to adjurnn? So 564 00:23:41,520 --> 00:23:44,320 moved. 565 00:23:44,320 --> 00:23:47,039 >> Motion by Councilman Saunders. Second. 566 00:23:47,039 --> 00:23:47,520 >> Second. 567 00:23:47,520 --> 00:23:50,480 by Councilwoman Adoir. 568 00:23:50,480 --> 00:23:51,520 >> All in favor? 569 00:23:51,520 --> 00:23:52,480 >> Yes. 570 00:23:52,480 --> 00:23:54,320 >> Opposed. 571 00:23:54,320 --> 00:23:56,480 >> The motion is carried. The meeting is 572 00:23:56,480 --> 00:23:58,000 adjourned. Thank you every Thank you 573 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:01,679 everyone for coming.