The Minutes of the Official Meeting of the Township Committee of the Township of Cranford,
County of Union, State of New Jersey on March 10, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
THIS MEETING IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE “OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT” AS ADEQUATE
NOTICE OF THIS MEETING HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY MAILING THE ANNUAL SCHEDULE OF
MEETINGS TO THE CRANFORD CHRONICLE, UNION COUNTY LOCAL SOURCE, AND THE STAR
LEDGER, BY POSTING SUCH ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE ON A BULLETIN BOARD IN THE TOWN
HALL RESERVED FOR SUCH ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THE FILING OF SAID NOTICE WITH THE
TOWNSHIP CLERK OF CRANFORD. FORMAL ACTION MAY BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING.
PRESENT:
Mayor David W. Robinson
Deputy Mayor Mark C. Smith
Commissioner Mark P. Dugan
Commissioner Martha Garcia
Commissioner Daniel J. Aschenbach
ABSENT:
None
There were eleven (11) members of the public present. Leslie Murray represented the Cranford Chronicle.
INVOCATION AND FLAG SALUTE
The invocation was led by Deputy Mayor Smith, followed by the flag salute led by Junior Girl Scout Troop
No. 698.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
On motion of Commissioner Dugan, seconded by Commissioner Aschenbach and passed, the bills were
approved for payment by recorded vote. Said bills, totaling $254,140.18 are on file in the Office of the
Township Clerk.
Recorded Vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Dugan, Garcia, and Aschenbach
Nay: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
MINUTE APPROVAL
On motion of Deputy Mayor Smith, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and passed, the Workshop Meeting
of February 23, 2009, and the Conference and Official Meetings of February 24, 2009 were approved by
the indicated vote of the Township Committee:
Recorded vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Dugan, Garcia, and Aschenbach
Nay: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Girl Scout Week
WHEREAS, March 8 – 14, 2009 marks the 97th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.A., founded
by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, throughout its long and distinguished history, Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50
million girls and women to strive for the highest ideals of courage, confidence and character; and
WHEREAS, through Girl Scouting, girls grow strong, gain self-confidence, develop leadership skills and
learn the lifelong lesson of contributing back to their communities; and
WHEREAS, Girl Scouting helps girls achieve their potential by increasing awareness of opportunities in
the fields of math, science, sports, technology, and other professions; and
WHEREAS, the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey was formed in 2008 and is capably delivering the
optimal Girl Scout experience to over 28,000 young women and adults in Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon,
Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Warren counties; and
WHEREAS, more than 3.8 million Girls Scouts nationwide, including more than 100,000 in the State of
New jersey join in celebrating and rejoicing in this great American tradition.
NOW, THEREFORE, I David W. Robinson, Mayor of the Township of Cranford, proclaim the week of
March 8 – 14, 2009 as GIRL SCOUT WEEK in the Township of Cranford and congratulate and
commend the Cranford Girls Scouts for their continuing dedication to a cherished tradition.
American Red Cross Month
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross Tri-County Chapter serves more than half a million people in
Union, Somerset and Middlesex counties in New Jersey. Each year the Chapter provides services
including disaster relief, first aid/CPR training, medical transportation, and armed forces support; and
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WHEREAS, the Tri-County Chapter makes efforts to save lives before tragedy strikes by helping
communities to prepare for disasters. In the past year Tri-County has worked with over 10,000 people
who have enrolled in health and safety courses. Tri-County provides free disaster preparedness and
response training to any organizations or neighborhoods interested; and
WHEREAS, The Tri-County Chapter actively reaches out to local families whose loved ones are serving
our Country and they have been entrusted with providing volunteer aid in times of need, and also deploy
staff members on an as needed basis to support our troops; and
WHEREAS, without Cranford’s volunteers, the Tri-County Chapter would be unable to fulfill the
humanitarian mission that is its cornerstone. We are grateful for the tireless work of the volunteers and
employees of the Tri-County Chapter in Cranford and during this month, we pay tribute to this
remarkable organization and all those who have answered the call to serve a greater cause and offer
support and healing in times of need.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, David W. Robinson, Mayor of the Township of Cranford, hereby proclaim
March 2009 as AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH in the Township of Cranford and congratulate and
commend the American Red Cross, Tri-County Chapter for their continuing dedication and
accomplishments.
INFORMAL MEETING
Mayor Robinson opened the informal meeting portion of the meeting and asked if there were any
questions or comments.
David Drechsel, 20 Keith Jeffries Avenue, spoke in support of the bond ordinance in connection with the
installation of artificial turf at Memorial Field. Discussed efforts of the Cranford Artificial Turf (CAT)
Fund to ensure the project is done at no cost to the taxpayers. Feels the athletic fields in this community
are over used and this project is a positive effort that will allow maximum use of Memorial Field. Seeking
a positive response from the Township Committee to the bond ordinance.
Mayor Robinson thanked Mr. Drechsel for him comments. Provided clarification as to the amount that
was raised for the down payment and the amount to be provided annually through private donations.
Explained that this bond ordinance is a mechanism to accelerate the installation of artificial turf at no
additional cost to the taxpayers.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Robinson closed the informal meeting portion of the meeting.
ORDINANCES – Public Hearing and Final Reading
Ordinance No. 2009-07:
The Township Clerk read by title only Ordinance No. 2009-07 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
SECTION 42-49 OF CHAPTER 42 OF THE "REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
CRANFORD, NEW JERSEY (1988)," AS RESPECTS THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
TRANSPORT FEE.”
Said ordinance having been advertised and posted in accordance with law, Commissioner Dugan opened
the public hearing. Hearing no comments, Commissioner Dugan closed the public hearing. On motion of
Commissioner Dugan, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and passed, said ordinance was adopted by the
indicated vote of the Township Committee.
Recorded vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Dugan, Garcia, and Aschenbach
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstained: None
Ordinance No. 2009-08:
The Township Clerk read by title only Ordinance No. 2009-08 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD, COUNTY OF UNION, STATE OF
NEW JERSEY TO REGULATE THE PLACEMENT AND USE OF CLOTHING BINS.”
Said ordinance having been advertised and posted in accordance with law, Deputy Mayor Smith opened
the public hearing. Hearing no comments, Deputy Mayor Smith closed the public hearing. On motion of
Deputy Mayor Smith, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and passed, said ordinance was adopted by the
indicated vote of the Township Committee.
Recorded vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Dugan, Garcia, and Aschenbach
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstained: None
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3/10/2009
ORDINANCES – First Reading
Ordinance No. 2009-11:
The Township Clerk read by title only Ordinance No. 2009-11 entitled, “BOND ORDINANCE TO
APPROPRIATE AN ADDITIONAL SUM OF $606,500 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A
SYNTHETIC TURF ATHLETIC FIELD AT MEMORIAL FIELD IN, BY AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP
OF CRANFORD, IN THE COUNTY OF UNION, NEW JERSEY, TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT,
TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH ADDITIONAL
APPROPRIATION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN
ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS AND TO AMEND BOND ORDINANCE
NO. 2002-9 ADOPTED ON MAY 14, 2002”
Said ordinance was approved on first reading on motion of Commissioner Dugan, seconded by
Commissioner Garcia, and passed by the indicated vote of the Township Committee.
Commissioner Aschenbach commended the organizations involved with this initiative. Explained that he
cannot support this ordinance at such a challenging time in the economy.
Commissioner Dugan discussed various contribution agreements associated with the bond ordinance.
Explained that the ordinance needs to be introduced to allow sufficient time for the installation of
artificial turf before the start of the 2009 football season. Stated that he is confident that the Township is
protected with legally binding obligations to defray the cost, however he will need to reevaluate his
position if something should change with respect to the contributions from private organizations.
Mayor Robinson reiterated Commissioner Dugan’s comments and stated that he too would reevaluate his
position if something should change with private contributions.
Recorded Vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Dugan and Garcia
Nay: Commissioner Aschenbach
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Final Reading and Public Hearing April 14, 2009
RESOLUTIONS – By Consent Agenda
On motion of Commissioner Aschenbach, seconded by Commissioner Dugan and passed, the following
resolutions were adopted by consent agenda:
Resolution No. 2009-137:
WHEREAS, the Director of Finance has certified to the availability of funds
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Cranford,
this 10th day of March 2009, that the contract with Marvec Construction Corporation, 251½ Grove
Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044, for High Street Footbridge Replacement Project be revised as follows:
CHANGE ORDER NO. 1
ITEM NUMBER & DESCRIPTION
QUANTITY
UNIT PRICE
AMOUNT
$3,162.50
$3,162.50
ADD THE FOLLOWING NEW ITEMS TO THE CONTRACT:
CO-1 removal of 36” tree along bank. Trunk to remain 1 EACH
TOTAL ADDITIONS
ORIGINAL CONTRACT SUM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NET CHANGE BY PREVIOUS CHANGE ORDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTRACT SUM PRIOR TO THIS CHANGE ORDER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTRACT SUM DECREASED BY THIS CHANGE ORDER. . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTRACT SUM ADDED BY THIS CHANGE ORDER. . . . . . . . . . . . ……
NEW CONTRACT SUM INCLUDING THIS CHANGE ORDER . . . . . . . . . .
TOTAL OF THIS CHANGE ORDER (+)
$3,162.50
$239,708.00
$0.00
$ 239,708.00
0
$3,162.50
$242,870.50
$3,162.50
Resolution No. 2009-138:
WHEREAS, on or about April 11, 2006 the Township of Cranford entered into a contract with
D’Onofrio & Son, Inc. for landscaping and grounds maintenance services for various municipal
properties for years 2006 and 2007; and
3/10/2009
4
WHEREAS, the Township of Cranford has exercised the initial two (2) year contract term and based on
the bid specifications there is an option of two (2) additional one (1) year extensions of the term of the
contract pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A: 11-15; and
WHEREAS, approval of an additional one year extension of said contract would be for a fourth year
(2009); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to this statute any price change included as part of an extension shall be based
upon the price of the original contract as cumulatively adjusted pursuant to any previous adjustment or
extension and shall not exceed the change in the index rate for the 12 months preceding the most recent
quarterly calculation available at the time the contract is renewed; and
WHEREAS, the Township finds that the work D’Onofrio & Son, Inc. has performed has been done in an
effective and efficient manner; and
WHEREAS, Diane D’Onofrio, Owner of D’Onofrio & Son, Inc., wishes to extend the contract for one
(1) additional year;
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance have certified as to the availability of
funds which is on file in the Office of the Township Clerk;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Cranford:
1. The aforementioned contract between the Township of Cranford
and D’Onofrio & Son, Inc. be, and hereby is, extended to include the
year 2009; and
2. The sum to be paid to the Contractor for the year 2009 is $20,279.34
an increase of $1,326.69 or 7% which is lower than the current index rate; and
3. The terms and conditions of the contract remain substantially the same; and
4. The Mayor and Township Clerk be, and hereby are, authorized to sign a contract renewing it
for one (1) year for with D’Onofrio & Son, Inc., 47 Van Ness Terrace, Maplewood, New
Jersey, 07040, for landscaping and grounds maintenance services for various municipal
properties.
Resolution No. 2009-139:
WHEREAS, there exists a need to engage experts to provide appraisal services for the Township of
Cranford;
WHEREAS, the Township of Cranford issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for appraisal services
through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq., and
WHEREAS, the Township of Cranford has deemed that the background, experience and qualifications of
the respondents satisfy the criteria set forth in the RFQ.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Cranford,
New Jersey that appraisal services during 2009 be provided by the following:
1.
Appraisal Associates, Inc., 524 South Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016, and
2.
ARD Appraisal Company, 36 Brant Avenue, Clark, NJ 07066; and
3.
Timothy Hoffman Inc., 409 Westfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090; and
4.
Lasser Sussman Associates, LLC, 220 South Orange Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039
Resolution No. 2009-140:
WHEREAS, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, P.L.1987, c.102, has established a
recycling fund from which tonnage grants may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local
source separation and recycling programs; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent and the spirit of the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act to use
the tonnage grants to develop new municipal recycling programs and to continue and to expand existing
programs; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is promulgating recycling
regulations to implement the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act; and
WHEREAS, the recycling regulations impose on municipalities certain requirements as a condition for
applying for tonnage grants, including but not limited to, making and keeping accurate, verifiable records
of materials collected and claimed by the municipality; and
WHEREAS, a resolution authorizing this municipality to apply for the 2008 Recycling Tonnage
Grant, will memorialize the commitment of this municipality to recycling and to indicate the assent of
the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Cranford to the efforts undertaken by the
municipality and the requirements contained in the Recycling Act and recycling regulations; and
WHEREAS, such a resolution should designate the individual authorized to ensure the application is
properly completed and timely filed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee that the Township
of Cranford hereby endorses the submission of the recycling tonnage grant application to the New Jersey
Department of Environment Protection and designates Warren J. Hehl, Health Officer/Recycling
Coordinator to ensure that the application is properly filed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the monies received from the recycling tonnage grant be deposited
in a recycling trust fund to be used solely for the purpose of recycling.
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Resolution No. 2009-141:
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Cranford at a meeting held March
10, 2009 that the Township Clerk be, and hereby is, authorized to advertise for sale at public auction
certain unclaimed vehicles which have come into the possession of the Cranford Police Department
through abandonment or failure of owner to claim same.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Public Auction will be held on March 27, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
MAKE YEAR
SERIAL NO.
Jeep
1996
1J4FJ28S1TL191126
Honda
1990
1HGCB7554LA035192
GMC
1997
1GKDT13W1V2571463
Resolution No. 2009-143:
WHEREAS, the Township of Cranford (“the Township”) is the owner of real property known as 301
Springfield Avenue (Lot 18 in Block 184) on the Township’s tax map, commonly known as the Cranford
Clay Courts; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 12-15(i) permits municipalities to lease real property to duly incorporated
non-profit corporations for a public purpose; and
WHEREAS, The Cranford Clay Courts Club, Inc. (“the Club”) is a duly incorporated non-profit
corporation of the State of New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, the Club is seeking to replace its lighting system; and
WHEREAS, before it proceeds with said capital improvement project, written consent of the Township,
authorized by resolution of the Township Committee, is required.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Cranford
grants consent to the Club to proceed with the aforementioned capital improvement project.
Recorded Vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Dugan, Garcia and Aschenbach
Nay: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
RESOLUTION – By Roll Call Vote
On motion of Commissioner Aschenbach, seconded by Deputy Mayor Smith and passed, the following
resolution was adopted by roll call vote:
Resolution No. 2009-142
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD
IN THE COUNTY OF UNION, NEW JERSEY APPROVING A TRANSFER OF THE
CRANFORD CROSSING PROJECT TO EAST COAST CRANFORD CROSSING, LLC, AND
APPROVING CERTAIN OTHER ITEMS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
WHEREAS, the Township of Cranford (the “Township”) and Cranford Building Associates, L.L.C.
(“CBA”) executed a second amended and restated redevelopment agreement on December 12, 2003 (the
“Redevelopment Agreement”), a parking garage construction agreement on December 12, 2003 (the
“Construction Agreement') for a project to be constructed by CBA on Lot 4.03 in Block 474 and on Lot
2.01 in Block 476 as so identified on the Township's tax maps (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, the Township adopted Ordinance No. 2001-37 authorizing a five year tax abatement for the
Project to commence when the Project was completed; and
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2003 the Township and CBA entered into a tax agreement that
incorporated the terms of the five year tax abatement and authorized commencement of the five year tax
abatement when the Project was completed (the “Tax Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, by letter dated July 11, 2007, CBA requested that the Township approve the transfer of the
Project to East Coast Residential Associates LLC ("East Coast”); and
WHEREAS, Section 4.02 and 4.04 of the Redevelopment Agreement provides that CBA may only sell,
convey or transfer such property to a qualified and financially responsible party with the written approval
of the Township, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld; and
WHEREAS, CBA provided the Township and its professionals with information concerning the
qualifications and financial capability of East Coast and its affiliates to undertake, complete and operate
the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Township had received an opinion from its financial consultant that East Coast has the
qualifications necessary and adequate to fulfill the obligations under the Redevelopment Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Township, by Resolution No. 2007-311 adopted on September 25, 2007 had, in
accordance with the Redevelopment Agreement as aforesaid, approved the transfer of the Project to East
Coast provided that conditions were met; and
WHEREAS, the Project was completed in December, 2007; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the approval of the transfer as aforesaid, certain disputes arose between the
Township and CBA with respect to CBA’s remaining obligations under the Redevelopment Agreement
and the Construction Agreement, resulting in CBA instituting suit in the Superior Court of New Jersey,
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Morris County against the Township, in a matter known as “Cranford Building Associates, LLC v. The
Township of Cranford, New Jersey”, Docket No. MRS-L-737-08 (the “CBA Litigation”); and
WHEREAS, the Tax Agreement was revoked by Township Resolution 2008-228 resulting in East Coast
instituting suit in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County against the Township, in a matter
known as “East Coast Cranford Crossing, LLC v. The Township of Cranford, New Jersey”, Docket No.
UNN-L-2864-08 and instituting suit in the Tax Court of New Jersey, Union County against the Township,
in a matter known as “East Coast Cranford Crossing, LLC v. The Township of Cranford, New Jersey”,
Docket No. 11307-2008 (together the “East Coast Litigation”); and
WHEREAS, since the institution of the East Coast Litigation, the Township and the East Coast have
been able to amicably resolve their disputes, resulting in the agreement of the Township to restore the Tax
Agreement for the benefit of East Coast, including, among other things, the approval and execution of the
Assumption Agreement and a settlement agreement to address the resolution of all issues outstanding
between the parties, including the East Coast Litigation; and
WHEREAS, in light of the amicable resolution of these issues with East Coast relating to the Project, the
Township agrees to (a) approve the transfer of the Project to East Coast; (b) approve the settlement that
addresses the East Coast Litigation, (c) approve the restoration of the Tax Agreement for the benefit of
East Coast, (d) credit East Coast for (i) 2009 and 2010 payments required under the Tax Agreement and
(ii) payments required but not paid under the Special Improvement District assessments for 2008, 2009
and 2010 against (iii) payments made by East Coast in 2008 for taxes paid, (e) refund to East Coast the
sum of $100,000 within 30 days after judgment in the East Coast Litigation is entered, (f) refund to East
Coast on February 1, 2010 the difference between the taxes paid by East Coast in 2008 and the amounts
set forth in (d)(i), (d)(ii) and (e) above, (g) agree to consider in good faith amendments to certain
provisions of the redevelopment plan that regulates the Project, and (h) enter into a Consent Judgment in
the East Coast Litigation consenting to the vacation of the real property tax assessments for 2008 and
2009 and reinstating the Tax Agreement as of its original commencement date.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE
TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD, IN THE COUNTY OF UNION, NEW JERSEY AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Approval of Transfer of Cranford Crossing Project. In accordance with the
Redevelopment Agreement, the transfer of the Project to East Coast is again hereby approved.
Section 2. Restoration of Tax Agreement The Tax Agreement is restored as of the date of completion of
the Project and Township Resolution 2008-228 is hereby revoked.
Section 3. Credits and Refund to East Coast. Within 30 days after judgment in the East Coast
Litigation is entered, The Township shall (1) credit East Coast for (a) 2009 and 2010 payments required
under the Tax Agreement and (b) payments required but not paid under the Special Improvement District
assessments for 2008, 2009 and 2010 against (c) payments made by East Coast in 2008 for taxes paid, (2)
refund to East Coast the sum of $100,000, and (3) refund to East Coast on February 1, 2010 the difference
between the taxes paid by East Coast in 2008 and the amounts set forth in (1)(a), (1)(b) and (2) above.
Section 4. Approval of Settlement Agreement. The Township and East Coast shall execute a settlement
agreement that incorporates the terms of this resolution and under which East Coast will assume the
remaining development obligations, if any, with regard to the residential, office and retail components of
the Project. The Mayor or Deputy Mayor and the Township Clerk are hereby authorized to execute such
Settlement as reviewed and approved by the Township attorney with such changes, additions and
deletions as shall be made by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor in consultation with the Township attorney
together with any other agreements necessary thereto.
Section 5. Other Township Agreements. The Township agrees to consider in good faith amendments of
certain provisions of the redevelopment plan that regulates the Project.
Section 6. East Coast Obligations. East Coast agrees to investigate and, if necessary, remedy the fire
alarm and roof equipment and to install ice guards on the roof of the building.
Section 7. Conditions to Acceptance. All of the approvals set forth in this resolution are subject to the
following: receipt by the Township of the Settlement Agreement between East Coast and the Township,
and filing of the Consent Judgment in the East Coast Litigation.
Section 8. Effective Date of Resolution. This resolution shall become effective in accordance with
applicable law.
Recorded Vote:
Aye: Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Smith, Commissioners Garcia and Aschenbach
Nay: None
Abstained: Commissioner Dugan
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Robinson opened the public comments portion of the meeting and asked if there were any
questions or comments.
David Drechsel, 20 Keith Jeffries Avenue, discussed his disappointment with Commissioner
Aschenbach’s vote concerning Ordinance No. 2009-11. Feels the ordinance should have the unanimous
support of the Township Committee.
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Commissioner Aschenbach discussed his support for these types of projects in the past. Although the
project will have a positive impact on the community, he feels these are difficult times and is not
convinced that there will be no impact to taxpayers.
Lisa Scarfuto, 409 Orchard Street, discussed Ordinance No. 2009-11. Feels it is important to provide
activities for children and feels the Township should move forward with the installation of artificial turf.
Feels the installation of artificial turf will also provide additional revenue through concessions.
Ms. Scarfuto also discussed the potential closure of Oak Ridge Golf Course and a petition that is being
circulated in opposition to the closure of the course.
Mayor Robinson provided a concept plan for Memorial field. Listed other sports that could utilize
Memorial Field once artificial turf is installed.
Deputy Mayor Smith addressed comments regarding the closure of Oak Ridge Gold Course. Discussed a
program that aired with respect to the potential closure. Commended residents for their involvement in
government issues.
Ms. Scarfuto provided website information for those interested in the on-line petition opposing the
closure of Oak Ridge Golf Course. Announced that there is a Freeholder Meeting at 7:00 PM on
Thursday, March 12, 2009 in Elizabeth.
John Vicci, 210 Stoughton Avenue, thanked the Township Committee and especially Mayor Robinson for
efforts concerning the installation of turf at Memorial Field. Feels the condition of the field is terrible
which has resulted in safety issues. Discussed Commissioner Dugan’s initial opposition to the project and
efforts Commissioner Dugan made to understand the process. Invited Commissioner Aschenbach to
attend a CAT Fund meeting.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Robinson closed the informal meeting portion of the meeting.
PROFESSIONAL COMMENTS - None
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Commissioner Daniel J. Aschenbach
 Discussed Governor Corzine’s proposed State budget and the economic crisis currently being
faced. Feels the Township Committee needs to increase efforts to reduce costs;
 Discussed the settlement of litigation between East Cost Cranford Crossing, LLC and the
Township. Assured residents that East Coast Cranford Crossing is focused on finding tenants for
the Cranford Crossing site;
 Announced that the deadline for the Senior Freeze on property taxes is Tuesday, March 31,
2009. Explained that the income limit was amended. Feels this program is beneficial for seniors
and provided contact information;
 Announced that registration for the swim pool began on March 2, 2009 and will end in April.
Commissioner Mark P. Dugan
 Announced that he will be available to meet with residents on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at the
Municipal Building to discuss suggestions and input with respect to the budget, and is hopeful
residents will attend and provide their input and suggestions;
 Announced that the Jersey Central Arts Studio will be presenting a lecture on the Masters on
Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Provided contact Information;
 Urged residents to shop and dine in downtown Cranford.
Commissioner Martha Garcia
 Thanked the Police Department, the Department of Public Works and TV35 for their efforts with
the snowstorm last week;
 Urged residents to shop and dine in downtown Cranford and reminded residents that the time
limit for on-street parking has been extended to 90 minutes. Shoppers should utilize surface lots
or the parking garage if they intend to spend more than 90 minutes downtown;
 Encouraged residents to register for the Union County First Alert program. Explained that this
program is an emergency text messaging system that will communicate critical information to
first responders and the public during a crisis. Provided contact information;
 Discussed the “Hang Up Just Drive” cell phone enforcement crackdown that will be enforced
until March 15, 2009. Urged resident not to use cell phones while driving;
 Urged residents to drive carefully;
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Announced that Monday, March 16, 2009 is the date for the first edition of the Township ENewsletter, Cranford Direct. Feels this is a simple nonpartisan way for residents to keep in touch
with local municipal government. Provided subscription information;
Discussed the Union County Underage Drinking Coalition. Stated that the Coalition is seeking
30 second commercials by high school students to educate peers of the dangers of under aged
drinking. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winning schools. This effort is open to all Union
County high school students. The contest ends on Friday, March 27, 2009. Provided contact
information;
Announced that the Cranford Municipal Alliance is hosting a Scrapbook Day on Saturday,
March 14, 2009. The donation is $25 per person and proceeds will go to the Cranford Municipal
Alliance. Informed residents that seating is limited and registration is required. Provided contact
information;
Announced that the next meeting of the Flagpole Committee is Thursday, March 12, 2008;
Announced that the Board of Education/Township Committee Alliance will be meeting at
Lincoln Avenue School on Monday, March 16, 2009;
Announced that the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee will be meeting on Wednesday,
March 18, 2009;
Urged residents to access TV35 programs through the Township’s website;
Wished Chuck Norris a Happy Birthday and everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
Deputy Mayor Mark C. Smith
 Discussed the High Street/Baldwin Court Footbridge. Informed residents that the bridge will be
delivered on Thursday, March 12, 2009 and will hopefully be installed by next week.
Miscellaneous clean up associated with the bridge replacement will be completed in the spring;
 Discussed a resolution prepared by the Cranford Library Board of Trustees in connection with
library funding. Explained that a very quantitative analysis was done to indicate how library
funding is utilized. Feels services the library provides are overlooked. Thanked the library for
forwarding the resolution to the Township Committee. Feels there may be more use of the
library this summer due to the economy and the need for people to stay close to home;
 Discussed Union County’s proposal to construct a bike path through the Lenape Park basin.
Expressed concern with the increase in impervious surface coverage.
Mayor David W. Robinson
 Announced that the Daughters of American Revolution awards ceremony will take place on
Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Echo Lake Country Club. Discussed the honoree of the
Conservation Award and offered his congratulations. Encouraged residents to attend the
ceremony;
 Discussed the bond ordinance for installation of artificial turf at Memorial Field. Presented a
chart on debt authorization. Assured residents that the Township Committee does not consider
bond ordinances lightly. Discussed the genesis of the formation of the Cranford Artificial Turf
(CAT) Fund. Also discussed interests by private organizations to conduct various fundraising
efforts to move forward with this project at no additional cost to the taxpayers. Discussed
challenges with the budget due to mandated spending increases. Assured residents that this
project will be funded through private contributions. Explained that the bond ordinance needed
to be introduced to accelerate the installation of artificial turf. The Township Committee
received contracts from pledging organizations which make the obligations legally binding.
Announced that the Rotary Club will be hosting an art auction on Friday, March 13, 2009 to
benefit the CAT Fund. Encouraged members of the CAT Fund to have a member from each
organization present at the auction.
On motion of Commissioner Dugan, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and passed, the Township
Committee adjourned at 9:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Date: March 10, 2009
__________________________
Tara Rowley, RMC
Township Clerk