Verona public meetings in 2024

Township Council

The Verona Township Council will vote on an ordinance to shift local elections from May to November. The body will also accept 2024 grants for CDBG and body armor, authorize a contract for a new Township Manager, and approve budget transfers. A public hearing is scheduled regarding ADA-compliant sidewalks at Everett Field.

• Ordinance No. 2024-41: Moving Municipal Elections from May to November
• Resolution No. 2024-244: Authorizing Contract with Kevin O’Sullivan as Township Manager
• Resolution No. 2024-245: Accepting the 2024 PY CDBG Grant
• Resolution No. 2024-246: Accepting the 2024 SFY NJ State Body Armor Replacement Fund Grant
• Resolution No. 2024-242: Budget Transfers

The Verona Township Council approved several resolutions, including appointing Kevin O'Sullivan as Township Manager effective February 7, 2025, and adopting an ordinance to move the 2025 municipal election from May to November. The council also authorized a $100,000 CDBG grant application for ADA sidewalk improvements at Everett Field, approved budget transfers, and accepted various grants. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Adopted Ordinance 2024-41 moving 2025 municipal election from May to November (5-0)
• Appointed Kevin O'Sullivan as Township Manager effective Feb 7, 2025 (5-0)
• Authorized $100,000 CDBG grant application for ADA sidewalk improvements at Everett Field (5-0)
• Approved budget transfers totaling $38,000 between accounts (5-0)
• Appointed Joel Martin as Emergency Management Coordinator for 2025-2027 (5-0)
• Accepted $40,000 CDBG funds for ADA improvements to Town Hall and Community Center (5-0)
• Accepted $2,782.14 Body Armor Replacement Fund grant (5-0)
• Clarified Town Hall repointing contract award to $773,000 base bid with alternates (5-0)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on December 12, 2024, to approve minutes, adopt resolutions for previously approved applications, and hear three new applications requesting variances for residential projects. The meeting is in-person only at the Verona Community Center.

• Resolution BOA 2024-20: Approve ATM at 553-555 Bloomfield Avenue (TC zone)
• Resolution BOA 2024-21: Approve pool, porch, patio, pergola, wall at 45 Woodland Avenue
• Resolution BOA 2024-22: Approve fence at 29 Otsego Road
• New application: 528 sq ft deck at 57 Hillside Avenue (variance for lot coverage)
• New application: 970 sq ft addition, patio, HVAC at 63 Hillside Avenue (setback variances)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss routine reports and updates, including sub-committee reports and a recreational report from Community Affairs. Items include updates on the disability program, pickleball and tennis courts at the community pool, Everett Field, winter program registrations, and security cameras at the pool. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Pickleball & tennis court updates at the Community Pool
• Everett Field update
• Winter program registrations
• Verona Community Pool security camera update
• Disability program update

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee voted 7-0 to approve a recommendation letter stating that volunteer Firefighter/Rescue Squad memberships at the community pool should be paid for by the town budget, not the pool's budget. The committee also agreed via straw poll to not allow non-residents to join the pool for the 2025 season. No other formal votes were taken; remaining items were discussions on pool finances, marketing, facilities, and programming.

• Approved recommendation letter for town budget to fund FF/RS pool memberships (7-0)
• Straw poll agreed to not allow non-resident pool memberships for 2025 season
• Approved October 2024 meeting minutes

Boards and Committees

The Verona Shade Tree Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including tree work completed, end-of-year reports, and 2025 project plans. The agenda also includes recruiting new members and discussing the Friends of Verona Trees group. This is a standard administrative meeting with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Review of DPW tree work report
• Annual Accomplishment Report (NJUCF) submission
• Arbor Day Recognition pending regional review
• 2025 project plans discussion
• Recruitment of alternates and members of the public

Boards and Committees

The Verona Planning Board is holding its regular meeting on December 5, 2024, at the Verona Community Center. The main item is a preliminary investigation into whether Block 708 Lot 1 (383 Bloomfield Avenue) qualifies as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment, per a Township Council resolution. The board will also approve minutes, appoint a secretary and professional planner, and receive a Master Plan subcommittee update.

• Preliminary investigation for redevelopment designation of 383 Bloomfield Avenue (Block 708 Lot 1)
• Appointment of Planning Board Secretary by Resolution 2024-08
• Appointment of Professional Planner by Resolution 2024-09
• Approval of minutes from October 22, 2024 regular meeting
• Master Plan Subcommittee update

Township Council

The Verona Township Council will vote on three bond ordinances totaling $760,000 for improvements to the Community Pool and Town Hall. The meeting also includes the award of contracts for snow plow equipment, a primary clarifier pump station, and various facility upgrades. Additionally, the council will introduce an ordinance to move municipal elections from May to November.

• Ordinance 2024-37: $195,000 bond for Pickle Ball and Tennis Courts at the Community Pool
• Ordinance 2024-38: $225,000 bond for Community Pool improvements
• Ordinance 2024-39: $340,000 bond for Repointing of Town Hall
• Resolution 2024-228: Award Contract No. 2024-14 for Pickle Ball and Tennis Courts
• Ordinance 2024-41: Moving Municipal Elections from May to November

The Verona Township Council adopted two stormwater management ordinances (2024-35 and 2024-36) by 5-0 votes. It introduced three bond ordinances for pickleball/tennis courts ($195,000), the big pool ($225,000), and Town Hall repointing ($340,000), all set for public hearing on December 2, 2024. The council also approved numerous resolutions, including contracts for electrical services, fireworks, security cameras, and engineering services, and closed out two road reconstruction contracts.

• Adopted Ordinance 2024-35 amending stormwater management controls (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2024-36 amending stormwater fees (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 2024-37 for $195,000 bond for pickleball/tennis courts
• Introduced Ordinance 2024-38 for $225,000 bond for big pool improvements
• Introduced Ordinance 2024-39 to reappropriate $340,000 for Town Hall repointing
• Approved contract with E&M O'Hara Electric up to $25,000
• Approved contract with Starfire Corporation for fireworks up to $19,000
• Approved contract with Unified Technology Partners for security cameras up to $43,461

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on November 21, 2024, to consider several applications. The board will vote on a resolution approving a Starbucks at 30 Pompton Avenue with conditions, and will hear new applications for fencing, a pool and porch, a patio and generator, and an unpermitted patio. All items involve requests for zoning variances.

• Resolution BOA 2024-18: Approve Starbucks at 30 Pompton Avenue with conditions, deny 20-foot pylon sign
• Application 2024-17: 29 Otsego Road — fence variance on Lanning Road frontage
• Application 2024-19: 45 Woodland Avenue — pool, porch, patio, pergola, generator; lot coverage variance to 51.4%
• Application 2024-20: 95 Harrison Street — patio, generator, TV stand; setback and coverage variances
• Application 2024-14: 110 Linden Avenue — after-the-fact approval for unpermitted patio, shed, and fence

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on November 14, 2024, to approve minutes, appoint a board attorney, and hear two new applications. One application seeks to add an ATM machine at 553-555 Bloomfield Avenue, and the other seeks relief for a patio already built at 15 Parkhurst Street that violates setback and coverage rules.

• Resolution BOA-2024-016 appointing Gregory Mascera, Esq. as Board Attorney
• Memorialization of Resolution 2024-17 for 8 Randolph Place, allowing a fence up to 5 feet on retaining walls
• Application 2024-13: ATM machine at 553-555 Bloomfield Avenue, seeking amendment to prior conditional approval
• Application 2024-12: Patio at 15 Parkhurst Street with 0-foot setback, 73.3% impervious coverage, 80.9% rear yard coverage

Boards and Committees

The Verona Rent Control Board is holding a regular meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes an administrator's report and a discussion on rent roll forms. Public comment is scheduled, and the board will also approve minutes from a previous meeting.

• Discussion on Rent Roll Forms
• Administrator's Report
• Approval of minutes from November 1, 2023
• Public comment period (4 minutes per speaker)

The Verona Township Rent Control Board met on November 13, 2024, and approved the revised Rent Roll Submission Form for property owners and managers, which will be uploaded to the township webpage. The board also approved the minutes from January 17, 2024, and set its next meeting for November 12, 2025. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved revised Rent Roll Submission Form (3-0, two absent)
• Approved January 17, 2024 meeting minutes (3-0, two absent)
• Set next regular meeting for November 12, 2025

Township Council

The Verona Township Council will hold public hearings and consider adopting two ordinances amending stormwater management rules and related fees. It will also introduce three bond ordinances totaling $760,000 for pickleball/tennis court improvements, community pool improvements, and Town Hall repointing. The consent agenda includes budget transfers, contracts, and other routine items.

• Ordinance 2024-35: Amends zoning stormwater management controls
• Ordinance 2024-36: Amends fee schedule for stormwater permits
• Ordinance 2024-37: $195,000 bond for pickleball and tennis courts at Community Pool
• Ordinance 2024-38: $225,000 bond for Community Pool improvements
• Ordinance 2024-39: $340,000 bond for Town Hall repointing

The Verona Township Council adopted a $60,000 bond ordinance for sewer line improvements near the Peckman River (5-0) and introduced an ordinance amending stormwater fees. The council also approved a series of contracts, including for apparel, sewer services, IT, fencing, landscaping, and a salt dome, all by 5-0 votes. A resolution to table item K-5 was approved, and several grants and budget insertions were accepted.

• Adopted $60K sewer line bond ordinance (5-0)
• Introduced stormwater fee amendment ordinance (5-0)
• Approved $21,325 contract with Academy Apparel (5-0)
• Approved $20,000 contract with All American Sewer Service (5-0)
• Approved $30,000 IT contract with EG Technology NJ (5-0)
• Approved $18,600 contract with Essex Fence (5-0)
• Approved $28,000 landscaping contract with Green Valley (5-0)
• Approved $75,000 radio upgrade contract with Motorola Solutions (5-0)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Shade Tree Commission is meeting to discuss tree work completed, end-of-year reports, and 2025 project plans. They will also address recruiting new members and alternates, and the ongoing creation of a 501c3 'Friends of Verona Trees' organization, including seeking a chairperson replacement.

• Review of tree work completed from DPW report
• End of Year Reports
• 2025 project plans
• Recruitment of alternates and members of the public
• Creation of 501c3 Friends of Verona Trees, seeking chairperson replacement

Boards and Committees

The Verona Neighborhood Traffic & Safety Advisory Committee is holding a regular meeting via Zoom. They will discuss parking at the Community Center's new playground, possibly moving the meeting night to avoid conflict with the Board of Education, and progress on the Technical Assistance Program and Green Streets Policy update. The meeting includes public comment.

• Parking at the Community Center's new playground
• Possibility of moving regular meeting night to avoid conflict with BOE meeting
• Technical Assistance Program next steps
• Green Streets Policy update

Boards and Committees

The Verona Planning Board will hold a regular meeting to consider a consistency determination for an ordinance amending stormwater controls, and to review a proposal to subdivide 176 Grove Avenue into two lots, retaining the existing multi-family dwelling and adding a new single-family home. The board will also approve minutes from a July meeting and receive updates from the Master Plan Subcommittee.

• Consistency determination for Ordinance 2024-35 amending zoning stormwater controls
• Case 2024-01: Subdivision at 176 Grove Avenue, Block 1403, Lot 90
• Approval of minutes from July 25, 2024 regular meeting
• Master Plan Subcommittee update

Township Council

The Verona Township Council is holding its regular meeting on October 21, 2024, where it will consider a $60,000 bond ordinance for drainage improvements near the Peckman River and introduce an ordinance amending zoning and stormwater management permit fees. The consent agenda includes multiple contracts and grant acceptances, and the meeting will feature presentations on a pool study and municipal alliance programs.

• Ordinance 2024-34: $60,000 bond for drainage improvement near Peckman River sewer line easement
• Ordinance 2024-36: Amends Chapter A565-1 fee schedule for zoning and stormwater permits
• Resolution 2024-193: Contract with Academy Apparel
• Resolution 2024-202: Accept 2024 NJDCA ARP Firefighters Grant
• Resolution 2024-203: Accept National Opioid Settlement Grant

The Verona Township Council unanimously approved a series of resolutions, including ratifying a collective bargaining agreement with PBA Local #72 for 2022-2026, awarding emergency contracts for a water main break and sewer backups, and accepting a $10,000 state grant for a Community Energy Plan. The council also introduced two ordinances: one for sewer line improvements and another amending stormwater management zoning. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Ratified collective bargaining agreement with PBA Local #72 (2022-2026) (5-0)
• Awarded emergency contract to Stanziale Construction for Grove Avenue water main repair, up to $26,000 (5-0)
• Awarded emergency contract to Wind River Environmental for sewer backups, up to $60,000 (5-0)
• Accepted $10,000 NJ BPU Community Energy Plan grant (5-0)
• Awarded contract to DMR Architects for Community Energy Plan, up to $10,000 (5-0)
• Awarded contract to DMR Architects for Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, up to $63,000 (5-0)
• Awarded contract to SHI International for employee workstations, up to $91,000 (5-0)
• Introduced bond ordinance for sewer line near Peckman River, appropriating $60,000 (5-0)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss community pool plans, recreation budget timelines, disability program updates, pickleball court updates, and basketball program plans. They will also review sub-committee objectives and introduce new members.

• Community Pool presentation and discussion via New Gen
• Recreation budget timeframe and process
• Disability program update and staffing
• Pickleball court updates
• Basketball program update and winter registration plans

The committee heard a presentation from NewGen on pool financial stability, including options for outside memberships and fee increases, but took no votes. Members discussed pool cost-cutting ideas, basketball coach selection, and sub-committee updates. The meeting was informational and procedural, with no formal decisions.

• Approved July 2024 minutes (motion passed)
• No action on pool fee or membership changes
• No action on splash pad hours or other recreation recommendations
• No action on basketball program changes

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting to consider two resolutions granting approvals for property improvements: a shed at 83 Fairview Avenue and an in-ground pool with cabana at 48 Durrell Street. The meeting is in-person only and includes approval of prior minutes.

• Resolution BOA-2024-013: 120 sq ft shed at 83 Fairview Avenue, 2 ft from side yard line, 5 ft from principal structure
• Resolution BOA-2024-014: In-ground pool and cabana at 48 Durrell Street
• Approval of minutes from August 8, 2024 regular meeting

The Verona Board of Adjustment approved two resolutions: one for a shed at 83 Fairview Avenue and one for an in-ground pool and cabana at 48 Durrell Street. Both were approved unanimously. The board also scheduled an additional meeting for November 21, 2024, and entered executive session to discuss the Zoning Board Attorney position, but no decision was made in public session.

• Approved Resolution BOA-2024-014 for a 120 sq ft shed at 83 Fairview Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution BOA-2024-015 for an in-ground pool and cabana at 48 Durrell Street (unanimous)
• Scheduled additional November meeting for November 21, 2024 at 7:30 PM
• Entered executive session to discuss Zoning Board Attorney position (no public vote taken)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Shade Tree Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including tree work completed by the Department of Public Works, the commission's presence at the EV Fair, and the completion of tree projects on Balston, Windermere, and Whitney. They will also address recruiting new members and the ongoing creation of a 501c3 nonprofit, 'Friends of Verona Trees,' including finding a new chairperson. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Tree work completed from DPW report
• STC presence at EV Fair
• Balston, Windermere, Whitney complete
• Recruit alternates and members of the public
• Creation of 501c3 Friends of Verona Trees ongoing; seeking chairperson replacement

Boards and Committees

The Multicultural Inclusion & Accessibility Advisory Committee is holding a regular meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes and receiving updates from the library, schools, recreation, and town. New business covers planning for Hispanic Heritage Month and reminders for Diwali, Hanukkah, and Fair in the Square events.

• Approval of minutes from August 28, 2024 regular meeting
• Updates from Library Director, School Superintendent, Recreation Department, and town
• Updates for Hispanic Heritage Month Event
• Q4 events: Diwali (November), Hanukkah (December), Fair in the Square (December)

The Multicultural Inclusion & Accessibility Advisory Committee met via Zoom and approved the minutes of the August 28th meeting. Members received updates on the Inclusive Playground and Fitness Center (ribbon cutting on 10/7), the Blue Envelope Program letter sent to Chief Kiernan, and upcoming events for Hispanic Heritage Month and Diwali. No formal votes or decisions were taken.

• Approved minutes of August 28th meeting
• Heard update on Inclusive Playground and Fitness Center, ribbon cutting set for 10/7
• Discussed Blue Envelope Program letter sent to Chief Kiernan on 9/12/24
• Noted Hispanic Heritage Month event on 10/5 co-sponsored with the Library
• Discussed planning for Diwali and Hanukkah events
• Discussed Fair in the Square and Santa photo session on 12/7

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on September 12, 2024, to consider four variance applications. These include a shed at 83 Fairview Avenue, an ATM at 555 Bloomfield Avenue, a pool and cabana at 48 Durrell Street, and signage for a Starbucks at 30 Pompton Avenue. The board will also approve minutes from the August 8th meeting. No resolutions are listed.

• Application 2024-11: 83 Fairview Avenue – shed 2 ft from side yard (code requires 8 ft) and 5 ft from principal structure (code requires 10 ft)
• Application 2024-13: 555 Bloomfield Avenue – ATM machine in existing building, amendment to prior conditional use approval
• Application 2024-08: 48 Durrell Street – in-ground pool, patio, cabana (cabana 576 sq ft vs 100 sq ft allowed; coverage 25% vs 15% allowed)
• Application 2024-10: 30 Pompton Avenue – Starbucks signage: 25-ft pylon sign (prohibited), 5-ft medallion sign (4-ft max), plus open space and buffer non-conformities

The Board approved a shed at 83 Fairview Avenue with a condition requiring fire-rated construction, and a cabana at 48 Durrell Street with a condition prohibiting sleeping quarters. For the Starbucks at 30 Pompton Avenue, the Board approved the site plan and several variances, but denied the 20-foot pylon sign. The ATM application at 555 Bloomfield was carried to a later date due to inaccurate drawings.

• Approved shed at 83 Fairview Avenue with fire-rated condition (7-0)
• Approved cabana and generator variances at 48 Durrell Street (5-2)
• Approved Starbucks site plan with conditions (6-1)
• Approved dense landscape buffer variance for Starbucks (6-1)
• Approved 20% open space variance for Starbucks (7-0)
• Denied 20-foot pylon sign for Starbucks (6-1)
• Approved 5-foot medallion sign for Starbucks (7-0)
• Carried ATM application at 555 Bloomfield to November 14, 2024

Boards and Committees

The meeting covered updates and planning for upcoming events and programs, with no formal votes or binding decisions. The Environmental Commission reported likely Silver Certification, and the Shade Tree Commission discussed tree risk assessments and a brick fundraiser. Plans were made for the EV Fair and a Sustainable Jersey energy efficiency partnership.

• Adopted meeting minutes
• Planned table at EV Fair (10/5/24)
• Reported likely Silver Certification for Environmental Commission
• Discussed tree risk assessment and dangerous tree removal
• Approved Green Team purchase of $50 brick for Shade Tree fundraiser
• Scheduled Community Garden ribbon cutting for 9/24/24
• Kicked off Sustainable Jersey energy efficiency partnership
• Registered Verona for National Drive Electric Week 2024

Township Council

The Verona Township Council is scheduled to adopt Ordinance 2024-28, which amends zoning rules to permit assisted living facilities as a conditional use and coworking spaces as a permitted use in the C-2 Professional Office and Business Zone. The meeting also includes resolutions to accept a $5,723.64 National Opioid Settlement grant and refund a $350.80 escrow balance. Additionally, the council will discuss a new ordinance establishing attendance policies for committee members.

• Adoption of Ordinance 2024-28 amending C-2 zone standards for assisted living and coworking spaces
• Resolution to accept a $5,723.64 National Opioid Settlement grant
• Resolution to refund $350.80 from escrow to Michael Dischley
• Discussion of an ordinance creating a committee meeting attendance policy

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on August 8, 2024, to consider variance applications. One application for a pool, patio, and cabana at 48 Durrell Street has been carried over from previous hearings with no testimony taken. Another application for a Starbucks at 30 Pompton Avenue, including a pylon sign and other variances, will be discussed after testimony was taken at the July 11 hearing.

• Application 2024-08: 48 Durrell Street — in-ground pool, patio, cabana (carried to Sept 12)
• Application 2024-10: 30 Pompton Avenue — Starbucks occupancy, bulk variances for signs
• Proposed 25-foot Starbucks pylon sign on Pompton Avenue (prohibited by Section 150-7.9 X(12))
• Proposed 5-foot medallion sign (violates Section 150-12.1B(1), 4' permitted)
• Variances for pre-existing non-conforming open space and landscape buffer conditions

The Verona Board of Adjustment carried the Starbucks application at 30 Pompton Avenue to its September 12, 2024 hearing, with no further notice required. The board also approved the memorialization of Resolution 2024-12 for a patio and fence at 8 Randolph Place. No final decision was made on the Starbucks application, which includes requests for sign variances and a traffic signal condition.

• Approved minutes of July 11, 2024 meeting (all in favor, Vice Chair abstained)
• Memorialized Resolution 2024-12 for 8 Randolph Place patio and fence (all in favor, Vice Chair abstained)
• Carried Application 2024-08 (48 Durrell Street) to September 12, 2024 hearing
• Carried Application 2024-10 (30 Pompton Avenue, Starbucks) to September 12, 2024 hearing

Boards and Committees

The Verona Boards and Committees meeting on August 7, 2024, was largely procedural, with the adoption of previous meeting minutes. Committee reports highlighted ongoing environmental efforts, including Silver Certification submission, a tree replacement project, and planning for an EV event. No formal votes were taken on substantive items.

• Adopted meeting minutes
• Submitted Silver Certification actions on 7/31
• Scheduled PSE&G energy efficiency meeting for 8/14
• Pushed organic field management assistance to 2025

Township Council

The Verona Township Council will consider a resolution authorizing a contract with J&J Pest Control for pest control services, not to exceed $26,000. The contract is exempt from competitive bidding under state law and will be funded from several budget accounts. This is the only substantive item on the addendum agenda.

• Resolution No. 2024-___ authorizing contract with J&J Pest Control for up to $26,000
• Funding split across Health ($6,000), B&G ($6,000), W/S ($5,000), S&H ($8,000), Library ($500), Pool ($500)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Planning Board will hold its regular meeting, including reorganization, approval of minutes, and public participation. The board will also consider a consistency determination for a zoning ordinance amendment and vote on resolutions regarding areas in need of rehabilitation and redevelopment.

• Consistency determination for Ordinance 2024-28: amending C-2 district to allow assisted living facilities as conditional use and co-working space as permitted use
• Resolution 2024-01: memorializing Bloomfield Avenue Corridor as Area in Need of Rehabilitation
• Resolution 2024-02: designating Block 704, Lots 18 and 20 (320 Bloomfield Avenue and 11 Church Street) as non-condemnation Area in Need of Redevelopment
• Reorganization of the Planning Board, including election of chair and vice chair
• Approval of minutes from June 27, 2024 regular meeting

Township Council

The Verona Township Council will hold a public hearing on a bond ordinance for the OLL Parking Lot on Lakeside Avenue, and introduce several ordinances including one to allow assisted living facilities and co-working spaces in the C-2 zone. The council will also vote on resolutions accepting grants, authorizing contracts, and other routine items. Public comment is invited on consent agenda items and general matters.

• Ordinance 2024-27: Bond for OLL Parking Lot (Lakeside Avenue)
• Ordinance 2024-28: Amend C-2 zone to allow assisted living as conditional use and co-working as permitted use
• Resolution 2024-126/127: Accept 2024 National Opioid Settlement Grant
• Resolution 2024-132: Authorize contract with Hertrich Fleet Services
• Resolution 2024-133: Tax Lien Redemption – 17 Otis Place

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment meets to reorganize its leadership and approve new meeting times. The board will vote on resolutions for a parking variance at 698-700 Bloomfield Avenue and a denial for a pool at 12 Lynwood Road. New business includes variance applications for pools, patios, and retaining walls, as well as sign variances for a proposed Starbucks location at 30 Pompton Avenue.

• Resolution 2024-09: Approve parking variance for 698-700 Bloomfield Avenue
• Resolution 2024-10: Deny application for 12x24 in-ground pool at 12 Lynwood Road
• Application 2024-10: Variances for 25-foot pylon sign and 5-foot medallion sign for Starbucks at 30 Pompton Avenue
• Application 2024-09: Variances for 531 sq ft patio and 44.6 feet of retaining walls at 8 Randolph Place
• Board reorganization including election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

Boards and Committees

The Verona Environmental Commission meets via Zoom to review a plan at 8 Randolph Place and receive updates on the Peckman Trail and kiosk project. The agenda includes discussions on leaf blowers, sustainable Verona initiatives, and a potential subcommittee for cleanups. Items regarding Everett Field and the Tree Ordinance are noted as tabled.

• Plan Review for 8 Randolph Place
• Update on Peckman Trail and Kiosk progress
• Discussion on Leaf Blower regulations
• Potential development of a Cleanups Subcommittee
• Presentation on Turf vs Natural Grass scheduled for August 5, 2024

The Verona Environmental Commission approved its Plan Review Committee recommendations for 8 Randolph Place, which include requiring stormwater mitigation, tree measurements, and replanting. The commission also approved the June 12, 2024 meeting minutes and discussed updates on various projects, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved VEC Plan Review Committee recommendations for 8 Randolph Place (all present AYE)
• Approved June 12, 2024 regular meeting minutes (all present AYE)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Shade Tree Commission met on July 8, 2024, to discuss operational updates including a new tree contractor and a windshield survey proposal. The agenda included procedural items such as roll call, public comment, and approval of previous minutes. The body also discussed the creation of a 501c3 organization and the distribution of tree education materials to residents.

• New tree contractor DuJets identified with details to follow
• Windshield survey proposal accepted to guide priority maintenance
• Discussion on distributing private tree education brochures from NJSTF
• Ongoing creation of 501c3 Friends of Verona Trees
• Budget review

Boards and Committees

The meeting was largely procedural, with adoption of previous minutes and reports from member committees. Discussions included the Peckman River cleanup, a PSE&G energy efficiency partnership, and plans for an EV event in October. No substantive decisions were made beyond adopting the minutes.

• Adopted meeting minutes
• Discussed Peckman River cleanup (no action)
• Discussed PSE&G energy audits for municipal buildings (pending)
• Planned EV event for Oct 5 (proposed)

Boards and Committees

The meeting was largely procedural, with adoption of minutes and committee reports. No substantive decisions were made; the Shade Tree Commission reported receiving an extra $50k for tree maintenance and planting, and the Environmental Commission discussed ongoing projects.

• Adopted meeting minutes
• Shade Tree Commission granted extra $50k for preventative maintenance and planting program

Boards and Committees

The Verona Environmental Commission met and adopted minutes, with reports on Earth Day, a Tree City designation, and a Green Team award. No formal votes were taken, but several initiatives were discussed, including a stormwater ordinance and a solar tour.

• Adopted meeting minutes
• Approved as a 'Tree City'
• Applied for PSE&G grant (Track 1 Residential Campaign)
• Awarded Green Team for Centennial Park study

Boards and Committees

The Verona Sustainable Verona (SV) committee and related boards discussed ongoing sustainability initiatives, including a recycling webinar, Earth Day and Arbor Day events, and grant applications. No formal votes or binding decisions were recorded; the meeting focused on planning and updates.

• Planned Earth Day cleanup and seedling giveaway for April 20
• Scheduled Arbor Day tree planting at Liberty Field for April 27
• Submitted $10k Sustainable Jersey grant for Community Garden
• Set Recycling Webinar for March 20 at 7 PM
• Scheduled Energy Efficiency Presentation at library for April 20 at 3 PM
• Discussed applying to PSE&G Energy Efficiency Partnership Program
• Explored hosting Electric Vehicle Fair during National Drive Electric Week (Sept 27-Oct 6)

Boards and Committees

The Sustainable Verona committee met and adopted minutes. The Town Council passed an ordinance approving $525,000 for a community center playground with a rubber surface. The committee discussed plans for Everett Field, including a potential cost/benefit study, and upcoming public info sessions on recycling and energy efficiency.

• Adopted meeting minutes
• Town Council passed ordinance approving $525K for community center playground
• Applied for PSEG Sustainability/MSU student Green Team program for Everett Field cost/benefit study
• Planned recycling seminar in March with Jessica
• Scheduled Earth Day energy efficiency seminar at Library by Christine L.

Boards and Committees

The Verona Rent Control Board will hold a virtual meeting to review a settlement proposal regarding violations at 300 Linn Drive. The agenda includes approving minutes from November 2022 and November 2023. The specific violations cited are failure to file and improper rent increases or failure to file tenancy changes.

• Settlement proposal for Violation V2023-01 at 300 Linn Drive: Failure to File
• Settlement proposal for Violation V2023-02 at 300 Linn Drive: Improper increases/Failure to file tenancy change
• Approval of minutes from November 17, 2022
• Approval of minutes from November 1, 2023

The Verona Rent Control Board approved a settlement agreement for violations at 300 Linn Drive, including failure to file and improper rent increases. The landlord acknowledged calculation errors and agreed to correct them. The board also approved minutes from previous meetings.

• Approved settlement agreement for 300 Linn Drive violations (4-0)
• Approved minutes from November 17, 2022 and November 1, 2023 (3-0)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Environmental Commission met on January 3, 2024, and discussed several initiatives but made no formal decisions. They reviewed feedback on the Heat Island Action plan, considered artificial turf concerns at Everett Field, and planned for Sustainable Jersey certification and public info sessions. The meeting was largely informational and planning-focused.

• Adopted meeting minutes
• Selected 2 junior commissioners from 13-14 applications
• Scheduled tree giveaway with Earth Day clean-up at Grove Park (April 20)
• Discussed installing shade trees at lower field, pending budget
• Agreed to explore tree replacement fund for financing
• Christine to research incentives for white roofs at shopping plaza
• Kerry applied for MSU/PSEG research on turf vs natural grass
• Planned composting info session for January 18 at 7 PM