Maplewood public meetings in 2024

Township Committee

This is the Township Committee's annual reorganization meeting for 2025. The committee will administer oaths of office to newly elected members, elect a chair and deputy chair, hear the mayor's State of the Township message, and adopt a series of resolutions appointing officials and professional services for the year. The agenda is largely procedural, focused on setting up the township's governance for the coming year.

• Oath of office for Nancy J. Adams and Malia R. Herman
• Resolution 1-25 adopting the Township Committee by-laws
• Resolution 2-25 appointing Annette DePalma as Municipal Prosecutor and Gracia Montilus as Assistant
• Resolution 3-25 adding TAPinto SOMA and Village Green as electronic news sources
• Consent agenda includes appointments of township attorney, bond counsel, auditor, and other professional services

Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission

The Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission held a routine meeting, approving prior minutes and setting its 2024 agenda. D. Wright agreed to serve as interim Chair following the resignation of J. Gordon, with a formal vote scheduled for January 2024. The commission discussed ongoing projects, including the Baker Square wrap-up, Woodland preservation, Memorial Park repairs, and the Local History Center roof, but made no final decisions on these items.

• Approved minutes from September, October, November, and Fall retreat
• D. Wright agreed to serve as interim Chair until January 2024 vote
• Commissioner LaBianca and C. Maulsby assigned as Alternate members
• 2024 meeting schedule set for third Wednesday at 8 PM via ZOOM
• Commission to provide letter stating Baker Square project is not an encroachment
• Woodland CLG Grant Preservation Plan decision expected 12/21/23
• Doors re-bids to be reviewed and awarded in February 2024
• Demolition review meeting to be scheduled in January 2024

Township Committee

The Township Committee will finalize a new Code of Conduct for youth activities and introduce ordinances amending the Springfield Avenue Redevelopment Plan and historic demolition review procedures. The meeting also includes a consent agenda with multiple contract awards, including road improvements and a pool renovation, as well as a discussion on parking restrictions at Raymond Terrace.

• Final passage of Ordinance 3120-24 establishing a Code of Conduct for township-sponsored youth activities.
• Introduction of Ordinance 3122-24 amending the Springfield Avenue Redevelopment Plan for Areas 1 and 3, including changes to 8 Vermont Street.
• Introduction of Ordinance 3123-24 amending Chapter 271 to modify demolition permit review procedures for principal structures in residential zones.
• Consent agenda includes awarding a contract to J.A. Alexander Inc. for FY 2024 Roadway Improvements.
• Consent agenda includes awarding a contract to K&D Contractors, LLC for construction of an inclusive/family changing room at the Maplewood Municipal Pool.

Township Committee

The Township Committee is adopting the 2024 municipal budget and a bond ordinance to fund capital improvements. The committee will also introduce a new code of conduct for youth activities and approve various administrative contracts and grants. A public hearing is scheduled for the budget, and the meeting concludes with a discussion on demolition review by the Historic Preservation Commission.

• Adoption of Ordinance 3117-24 to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits by 3.5% and establish a cap bank
• Adoption of Bond Ordinance 3118-24 appropriating $7,745,110 for capital improvements and authorizing $7,408,060 in bonds
• Introduction of Ordinance 3120-24 establishing a Code of Conduct for all township-sponsored youth activities
• Award of contract to Teal Management Corp for asbestos abatement at the Hilton Library
• Authorization of shared service agreements with the South Orange Maplewood School District for the Greenway Project and with the Springfield Avenue Partnership for Neighborhood Preservation Program funds

The Maplewood Township Committee unanimously adopted the 2024 municipal budget, a cap bank ordinance allowing a 3.5% budget increase, and a $7.7 million bond ordinance for capital improvements. It also introduced a youth code of conduct ordinance and approved appointments to advisory committees. All votes were unanimous.

• Adopted 2024 Municipal Budget (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 3117-24 to exceed budget appropriation limits and establish cap bank (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 3118-24 bond ordinance for $7,745,110 capital improvements (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance 3120-24 establishing youth code of conduct (unanimous)
• Appointed Violet Kessler to Youth Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed four members to Pool Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 186-24 rejecting third-party power supplier proposals (unanimous)
• Approved appraisal for Maplewood Theater redevelopment area (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Maplewood Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a virtual meeting to adopt February minutes and review one application. The board will decide on a bulk variance request for a one-story addition at 34 VanNess Terrace. The application seeks relief for side yard and façade length requirements in the R-2-4 zone.

• Adoption of February 5, 2024 meeting minutes
• Case #BOA24-03: Bulk variance for 34 VanNess Terrace (Block 46.01 Lot 73.01)
• Request for side yard reduction from 4 ft. to 2.8 ft.
• Request for façade length increase from 40 ft. max to 77.5 ft.

Township Committee

The Township Committee is finalizing a code of conduct for municipal facilities and setting 2024 pool fees. They are introducing a bond ordinance to finance $7,745,110 in capital improvements and adopting the Maplewood Community Energy Plan. The agenda also includes discussions on a demolition ordinance and potential changes to Redevelopment Area 3.

• Ordinance 3114-24 establishing a code of conduct for municipal facilities and events
• Ordinance 3116-24 amending Chapter 123 to establish 2024 Municipal Pool rates
• Bond Ordinance 3118-24 appropriating $7,745,110 for capital improvements and authorizing $7,408,060 in bonds
• Resolution 156-24 approving the Maplewood Community Energy Plan
• Discussion of authorization to negotiate changes to Redevelopment Area 3 for Inspired by Somerset Development

The Maplewood Township Committee passed Ordinance 3116-24 setting 2024 municipal pool rates, but failed Ordinance 3114-24 establishing a code of conduct for municipal facilities and events. The committee also introduced a $7.7 million bond ordinance for capital improvements, approved the Maplewood Community Energy Plan, and moved to have the Planning Board review proposed changes to Redevelopment Area 3.

• Approved Ordinance 3116-24 setting 2024 municipal pool rates (4-0)
• Failed Ordinance 3114-24 establishing a code of conduct for municipal facilities (0-4)
• Introduced Bond Ordinance 3118-24 for $7,745,110 in capital improvements, with hearing set for May 7, 2024
• Approved Resolution 156-24 adopting the Maplewood Community Energy Plan (4-0)
• Moved for Planning Board review of proposed changes to Redevelopment Area 3 (4-0)
• Approved Pool Pal fee at 70% reduction rate (4-0)
• Adopted consent agenda including Resolutions 151-24 to 158-24 and prior meeting minutes (4-0)

Planning Board

The Maplewood Planning Board will adopt minutes from March 14, 2023, and review a minor site plan application. The primary item is a request by Honey & Hive Ice Cream, LLC to change the use of a property at 1611 Springfield Avenue from retail to a food establishment. The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as roll call and public comment.

• Adoption of March 14, 2023 Planning Board minutes
• Case #PB23-01: Minor Site Plan Approval for 1611 Springfield Avenue
• Applicant: Honey & Hive Ice Cream, LLC
• Proposed change of use from retail to food establishment in SA-1 Redevelopment Zone

Township Committee

The Maplewood Township Committee is introducing the 2024 municipal budget, which includes an ordinance allowing a 3.5% increase in budget appropriation limits. The body will also take final passage on an ordinance amending shade tree regulations regarding removal and replacement. Additionally, the committee will introduce an ordinance establishing 2024 rates for the Municipal Pool.

• Ordinance 3115-24: Final passage on amendments to Chapter 227 (Shade Trees) for removal/replacement procedures and establishing a tree fund
• Ordinance 3117-24: Introduction of ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits by 3.5% and establish a Cap Bank
• Ordinance 3116-24: Introduction of ordinance to amend Chapter 123 (Fees) to establish 2024 Municipal Pool rates
• Resolution 140-24: Award of contract for professional engineering services for Maplewood Avenue sanitary sewer upgrades
• Resolution 141-24: Award of contract for professional engineering services for Boyden Avenue sanitary sewer upgrades

The Township Committee unanimously adopted Ordinance 3115-24 amending shade tree regulations and establishing a tree fund. It also introduced ordinances setting 2024 municipal pool rates (3116-24) and exceeding budget appropriation limits with a cap bank (3117-24), and introduced the 2024 municipal budget (Resolution 144-24). Emily Schwartz was appointed to the Community Board on Police.

• Adopted Ordinance 3115-24 amending shade tree regulations and establishing a tree fund (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 3116-24 setting 2024 municipal pool rates (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 3117-24 to exceed budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank (5-0)
• Introduced 2024 municipal budget via Resolution 144-24 (5-0)
• Appointed Emily Schwartz to the Community Board on Police (5-0)
• Adopted consent agenda including resolutions 135-24 to 137-24, 139-24 to 143-24, 145-24 to 147-24, 150-24, and minutes (5-0)

Township Committee

The Maplewood Township Committee will introduce two ordinances: one establishing a code of conduct for municipal facilities and events, and another amending shade tree regulations to revise tree removal/replacement procedures and establish a tree fund. The agenda also includes a presentation from the Environmental Advisory Committee, a February budget report, and a large consent agenda with numerous resolutions, including contract awards and appointments.

• Ordinance 3114-24: Code of Conduct for Municipal Facilities and/or Municipal Events
• Ordinance 3115-24: Amends Chapter 227 'Shade Trees' regarding tree removal/replacement and establishes a tree fund
• Resolution 122-24: Award of contract to LEW Environmental Services for lead-based paint hazard inspection program
• Resolution 132-24: Approving cannabis renewal license for Docanna LLC
• Resolution 133-24: Emergency payment to Manhattan Welding Company for town hall boiler repair

The Maplewood Township Committee unanimously passed two ordinances on first reading: one establishing a code of conduct for municipal facilities and events, and another amending shade tree regulations. They also approved a manufactured door for the Woodland, created a resolution opposing proposed OPRA changes, and made appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission.

• Approved Ordinance 3114-24 (code of conduct) on first reading, with amendments removing lines F, G, H (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 3115-24 (shade tree amendments) on first reading (5-0)
• Approved purchase and installation of a manufactured door for Woodland (5-0)
• Approved resolution opposing proposed OPRA changes (5-0)
• Reappointed Carla Labianca and Corinne Maulsby to Historic Preservation Commission (5-0)
• Appointed Temitayo Shajuyigbe as Alternate #2 to Historic Preservation Commission (5-0)
• Created Shade Tree Subcommittee to Environmental Advisory Committee (5-0)

Township Committee

The Township Committee will review a Request for Expression of Interest for developing affordable housing and the 2024 renewal of a local cannabis license for TerrAscend/The Apothecarium. The agenda also includes discussion items for the Springfield Avenue Neighborhood Preservation Program and a Code of Conduct for municipal facilities. Additionally, the committee will approve several contracts, including for Morton Salt, Inc. and Securitas Technology Corporation, and review department budgets for the Municipal Court and Community Development.

• Solicitation of Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) for developing affordable housing in Maplewood
• 2024 Renewal of Local Cannabis License for TerrAscend/The Apothecarium
• Resolution 108-24 authorizing application for $125,000 to administer Year 3 Neighborhood Preservation Program
• Resolution 109-24 awarding contract to Morton Salt, Inc.
• Resolution 111-24 awarding contract to Securitas Technology Corporation

The Maplewood Township Committee unanimously approved the consent agenda (Resolutions 106-24 through 115-24) and the February 20 closed session minutes. They also approved the affordable housing board's pursuit of an expression of interest from developers. No ordinances were introduced or passed. The meeting included budget presentations and extensive public comment on a proposed ceasefire resolution, but no vote was taken on that resolution.

• Adopted consent agenda Resolutions 106-24 to 115-24 and closed session minutes (5-0)
• Approved affordable housing board to pursue expression of interest from developers (5-0)
• Approved special meeting on March 12 for budget discussions (5-0)
• Approved resolution to prohibit public participation except as per agenda (5-0)

Township Committee

The Township Committee will finalize the 2024 sewer user rate ordinance and review a consent agenda containing numerous resolutions. Key items include awarding contracts for electrician services, road paving change orders, and library IT equipment, as well as approving a settlement agreement with UCTIE. The committee will also discuss the Master Plan Implementation regarding circulation and historic preservation elements.

• Ordinance #3113-24 to amend Chapter 123 to establish the 2024 Sewer User Rate
• Resolution #99-24 authorizing Change Order #2 for milling, paving, and striping by Riverview Paving, Inc.
• Resolution #95-24 awarding a contract to GDW-G for network servers for the Maplewood Library
• Resolution #97-24 approving a settlement agreement with UCTIE
• Resolution #98-24 awarding a contract for impacted soil remediation at the DPW facility

The Township Committee unanimously approved Ordinance #3113-24, setting the 2024 sewer user rate, and created a Master Plan Implementation Subcommittee chaired by Mr. Dafis with Ms. Engel joining. They also unanimously adopted the consent agenda (Resolutions 91-24 through 105-24) and closed session minutes. Public comment included numerous concerns about artificial turf at Ritzer Field, but no decision was made on that topic.

• Approved Ordinance #3113-24 establishing 2024 sewer user rate (5-0)
• Created Master Plan Implementation Subcommittee chaired by Mr. Dafis, joined by Ms. Engel (5-0)
• Adopted consent agenda Resolutions 91-24 through 105-24 and closed session minutes (5-0)
• Appointed Richard Lunde, Sean Conrad, and Larry Seltzer to Zoning Board of Adjustment (5-0)

Township Committee

The Maplewood Township Committee is deciding on the final passage of an ordinance to amend parking regulations on the south side of Millburn Avenue between Valley Street and the Union border. The body is also introducing an ordinance to establish the 2024 sewer user rate, with a public hearing scheduled for February 20, 2024. Additionally, the committee is holding a public hearing on a Green Acres application for a completely inclusive playground at Maplecrest Park and approving a large consent agenda containing numerous contract awards and administrative resolutions.

• Ordinance #3112-24 on final passage to amend Chapter 257 regarding parking on the south side of Millburn Avenue.
• Introduction of Ordinance #3113-24 to amend Chapter 123 to establish the 2024 sewer user rate per dwelling unit.
• Public hearing on Resolution No. 76-24 approving a Green Acres application for a completely inclusive playground at Maplecrest Park.
• Consent agenda includes Resolution No. 51-24 awarding a fair and open contract to Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, Inc. for suburban homelessness street outreach.
• Consent agenda includes Resolution No. 88-24 awarding a contract for the purchase of an electric police vehicle (2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E).

Township Committee

The Township Committee is introducing an ordinance to revise parking regulations on the south side of Millburn Avenue between Valley Street and the Union border. The agenda includes a large consent agenda with 50 resolutions covering the 2024 temporary budget, tax procedures, and various contract awards. The committee will also discuss the designation of 8 Vermont Street as a non-condemnation redevelopment area.

• Ordinance #3112-24 to amend parking regulations on the south side of Millburn Avenue
• Resolution 17-24 establishing temporary budget appropriations for Calendar Year 2024
• Resolution 43-24 awarding the contract for Hilton Library roof replacement to Madena Restoration
• Resolution 47-24 designating 8 Vermont Street as a non-condemnation redevelopment area
• Resolution 29-2024 authorizing the purchase of a bucket truck from Custom Truck One Source

The Maplewood Township Committee introduced Ordinance 3112-24 to amend parking regulations on the south side of Millburn Avenue between Valley Street and the Union border, scheduling a public hearing for February 6, 2024. The committee also appointed Robert McCoy to Sustainable Maplewood and unanimously adopted a consent agenda of 36 items (15A-AJ). No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Introduced Ordinance 3112-24 to amend parking on south side of Millburn Avenue (5-0)
• Appointed Robert McCoy to Sustainable Maplewood (5-0)
• Adopted consent agenda items 15A-AJ (5-0)

Township Committee

The Township Committee held its annual organizational meeting to elect the Chair and Deputy Chair for 2024 and adopt the committee's by-laws. The body also appointed key legal counsel, including bond counsel and special counsel for redevelopment and affordable housing. Additionally, the committee appointed Community Grants, Planning & Housing, LLC to administer the housing rehabilitation program and provide planning services.

• Adoption of By-Laws of the Maplewood Township Committee (Res. No. 1-24)
• Appointment of McManimon Scotland & Baumann, LLC as Bond Counsel and Special Legal Counsel for Redevelopment
• Appointment of Surenian, Edwards and Nolan, LLC as Special Legal Counsel for Affordable Housing
• Appointment of Community Grants, Planning & Housing, LLC to administer the Housing Rehabilitation Program and provide planning services
• Adoption of the 2024 Cash Management Plan (Res. No. 16-2024)

The Maplewood Township Committee held its annual reorganization meeting on January 1, 2024, swearing in re-elected members and electing Nancy Adams as Chair (Mayor) and Jamaine Cripe as Deputy Chair for the year. The committee unanimously approved resolutions adopting bylaws, appointing municipal officials, and adding TAPinto SOMA and Village Green as electronic news sources. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Elected Nancy Adams as Chair (Mayor) for 2024 (5-0)
• Elected Jamaine Cripe as Deputy Chair for 2024 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 1-24 adopting Township By-Laws (5-0)
• Confirmed appointments of Township Administrator, Attorney, and other officials (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2-24 appointing Municipal Prosecutor and Assistant (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 3-24 adding TAPinto SOMA and Village Green as electronic news sources (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 4-24 appointing Deputy Emergency Management Coordinators (5-0)
• Elected Nancy Adams as representative to Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties (5-0)