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Maplewood, NJ

Maplewood public meetings in 2024

14 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 30, 2024

Township Committee

Maplewood reorganizes for 2025: oaths, appointments, resolutions

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.

reorganizationappointmentsresolutionsoathstownship-committee
Sat Jun 29, 2024

Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission

✓ Decided: Historic Preservation Commission sets 2024 plans, interim chair named

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.

Thu May 30, 2024

Township Committee

Maplewood votes on youth code of conduct and introduces Springfield Ave plan changes

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.

zoningyouthroadscontractshousingpublic-safety
Wed May 8, 2024

Township Committee

Maplewood adopts 2024 budget and $7.7M bond ordinance for capital improvements

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.

budgetbondscapital-improvementsyouthcontractspublic-health
✓ Decided: Maplewood adopts 2024 municipal budget and $7.7M bond ordinance

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.

🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
Ordinance will create a Code of Conduct for all youth activities/events sponsored by the Township of Maplewood.) Mr. Dafis made a motion approving the ordinance. Ms. Cripe seconded
5 yea · 1 nay
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea · May nay
The other 10 items passed by unanimous or near-unanimous consent.
Tue May 7, 2024

Zoning Board of Adjustment

Zoning Board considers bulk variance for addition at 34 VanNess Terrace

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.

zoningvariancehousingland-use
Mon Apr 22, 2024

Township Committee

Maplewood approves $7.7M bond for capital improvements and adopts community energy plan

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.

budgetenergyzoningfacilitieshousing
✓ Decided: Maplewood committee passes pool fee ordinance, rejects code of conduct

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.

🗳️ How they voted (8 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
[context] Motion: Adams Second: Engel
4 yea
Cripe yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MUNICIPAL FACILITIES AND/OR MUNICIPAL EVENTS. (Interpretive Statement) (Implements Code of Conduct for Municipal Facilities) Hearing Mayor Adams opened…
4 nay
Cripe nay · De Luca nay · Engel nay · Adams nay
Ordinance will establish the Municipal Pool rates for 2024.) Hearing Mayor Adams opened the floor to public comment and, seeing no one, directed Business Administrator Wherry to open the floor to…
4 yea
Cripe yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $7,745,110 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING…
4 yea
Cripe yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
[context] De Luca second
4 yea
Cripe yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
[context] De Luca moved for Planning Board review, Mayor Adams seconded
4 yea
Cripe yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Motion made by Mayor Adams to extend meeting and Mr. De Luca seconded
4 yea
Cripe yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
to adopt Resolutions 151-24 to 158-24, the closed session minutes for April 2nd, 2024 and the regular Minutes for April 2nd, 2024. Ms. Cripe seconded
4 yea
Cripe yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Thu Apr 18, 2024

Planning Board

Planning Board votes on ice cream shop change of use at 1611 Springfield Ave

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.

zoningplanningbusinessretail
Wed Apr 3, 2024

Township Committee

Committee introduces 2024 budget with 3.5% increase and finalizes shade tree rules

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.

budgetzoningsewerpublic-worksfees
✓ Decided: Maplewood adopts shade tree ordinance, introduces pool fees and budget

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.

🗳️ How they voted (9 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
[context] NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Maplewood that it does hereby prohibit, except as set forth in the formal agenda, active participation in the…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
[context] De Luca seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
ordinance will revise shade tree regulations with respect to the procedures for tree removal and replacement and establish a tree fund.) Hearing Mayor Adams opened the floor to public comment and…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
ordinance and changes to fees. Ms. Engel made a motion approving the ordinance. Ms. Cripe seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14) (Interpretive Statement) (Would allow for an percentage increase in the budget) Mayor…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Resolution 144-24. Ms. Engel seconded. The Township Clerk read the April 11th edition of the Maplewood South Orange News-Record will have the budget published, and the hearing will be May 7th at 7:30…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
to adopt Resolutions 135-24 to 137-24, 139-24 to 143-24, 145-24 to 147-24, and 150-24, the closed session minutes for March 25th, 2024 and the regular Minutes for February 6th 2024, February 20th…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
resolution presented to the Township Committee at a previous meeting and began reciting a report given at the UN about Palestine. • Azabado (Maplewood): Continued reciting the report given to the UN…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
resolution passed by the Township Committee in the past
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Wed Mar 20, 2024

Township Committee

Maplewood Township Committee to introduce code of conduct and shade tree ordinances

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.

ordinancesshade-treescode-of-conductcontractsbudgetappointmentscannabis
✓ Decided: Maplewood committee passes code of conduct and shade tree ordinances

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.

🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
[context] NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Maplewood that it does hereby prohibit, except as set forth in the formal agenda, active participation in the…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
[context] Mayor Adams seconded
9 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
ordinance with amendments removing lines F, G, and H on first reading, its publication according to law in the Maplewood South Orange News Record, and a hearing to be held April 16, 2024. Ms. Engel…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
ordinance on first reading, its publication according to law in the Maplewood South Orange News Record, and a hearing to be held April 2, 2024. Mayor Adams seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
resolution noting Township's disapproval of the proposed Open Records Act law as currently published. Mr. Dafis seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
that the approvals needed for implemented manufactured doors would include both the local Historic Preservation and State-Level Historical Commission. Seeing no one else, public comment was closed…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Wed Mar 6, 2024

Township Committee

Maplewood discusses affordable housing RFEI and cannabis license renewal

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.

housingcannabisbudgetcontractsneighborhood-preservation
✓ Decided: Maplewood committee approves consent agenda, affordable housing RFEI

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.

🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
[context] NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Maplewood that it does hereby prohibit, except as set forth in the formal agenda, active participation in the…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
to approve the affordable housing board to pursue an expression of interest. Mr. De Luca seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Resolution 115-24 and the Closed Session minutes for February 20, 2024. Ms. Engel seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Resolution due to the language used in the proposed resolution. Mr. Dafis spoke in agreement of Mr. De Luca's comments and spoke of his work with marginalized communities in New Jersey. 20…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Mon Feb 26, 2024

Township Committee

Maplewood sets 2024 sewer rates and approves multiple contracts including road paving and IT equipment.

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.

sewer-feesbudgetroadscontractszoningpublic-works
✓ Decided: Maplewood Committee approves 2024 sewer rate, creates Master Plan subcommittee

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.

🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
Resolution 105-24, and the Closed Session minutes for February 6, 2024. Mr. Dafis seconded. Ayes: Ms. Cripe, Mr. Dafis, Mr. De Luca, Ms. Engel, and Mayor Adams. Nays: None. 15. PUBLIC COMMENT - ANY…
5 yea · 1 nay
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea · March nay
The other 5 items passed by unanimous or near-unanimous consent.
Thu Feb 8, 2024

Township Committee

Committee votes on final passage of ordinance to lift parking restrictions on Millburn Avenue.

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.

zoningtrafficfeesparkspolicebudget
✓ Decided: Maplewood approves inclusive playground application and parking changes

The Township Committee approved a Green Acres application for an inclusive playground at Maplecrest Park and passed an ordinance revising parking on Millburn Avenue. The committee also appointed several members to advisory boards and authorized a grant application for a natural resources inventory.

🗳️ How they voted (11 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
[context] NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Maplewood that it does hereby prohibit, except as set forth in the formal agenda, active participation in the…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
[context] Engel seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
[context] Mayor Adams seconded
10 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea · Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
[context] Dafis seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
RESOLUTION APPROVING GREEN ACRES APPLICATION FOR MAPLECREST PARK COMPLETELY INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND Ms. Cripe made a motion approving the resolution. Mr. Dafis seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
that the ordinance has been published, copies posted on bulletin board in the Municipal Building and copies made available to the general public in accordance with the law.) Mr. De Luca made a motion…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
that the ordinance has been published, copies posted on bulletin board in the Municipal Building and copies made available to the general public in accordance with the law.) Mayor Adams made a motion…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
motion to create and pass this resolution. Mayor Adams seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
motion to create and pass this resolution. Ms. Cripe seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
motion to create and pass this resolution. Ms. Cripe seconded. Ayes: Ms. Cripe, Mr. Dafis, Mr. De Luca, Ms. Engel and Mayor Adams. Nays: None. d. Next budget meeting dates (NA) i. Mayor Adams…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
resolution to be tabled. Mayor Adams seconded. Ayes: Ms. Cripe, Mr. Dafis, Mr. De Luca, Ms. Engel, and Mayor Adams. Nays: None 18. PUBLIC COMMENT - ANY SUBJECT MATTER Mayor Adams opened the floor to…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Wed Jan 17, 2024

Township Committee

Maplewood Committee votes on parking changes on Millburn Avenue and 50 budget resolutions

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.

zoningbudgetroadscontractstaxespublic-works
✓ Decided: Maplewood committee introduces parking ordinance on Millburn Avenue

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.

🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
[context] NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Maplewood that it does hereby prohibit, except as set forth in the formal agenda, active participation in the…
5 yea
Cripe yea · Engel yea · Adams yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea
ordinance on first reading, its publication according to law in the Maplewood South Orange News Record, and a hearing to be held February 6, 2024. Ms. Cripe seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
[context] Dafis seconded
5 yea
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea
Tue Jan 2, 2024

Township Committee

Maplewood Committee elects 2024 leadership and adopts new by-laws

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.

governancelegalhousingbudgetappointments
✓ Decided: Maplewood Township Committee reorganizes, elects Nancy Adams as mayor for 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).

🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
[context] Cripe seconded
5 yea · 2 nay
Cripe yea · Dafis yea · De Luca yea · Engel yea · Adams yea · Deborah Engel nay · Jamaine Cripe nay
The other 5 items passed by unanimous or near-unanimous consent.