Fanwood, NJ – The borough council held its monthly work session meeting Monday night.

Mayor Colleen Mahr and Council President Katherine Mitchell at Monday’s council work session meeting.

The council approved the following items:

  • A resolution to enter into an agreement with CFI of Mountainside to install furniture at the new library now under construction. Bookcases, workstations, chairs, tables and other shelving equipment will be provided by Creative Library Concepts, Manalapan, NJ.
  • A temporary emergency appropriation to meet the borough’s financial commitments until the 2024 municipal budget is adopted.
  • A resolution authorizing an amendment to the shared services agreement with the Township of Union for a qualified purchasing agent services. The new agreement lowers the amount of the contract for Fanwood, while also giving the borough more flexibility.

The council discussed a draft of an ordinance dealing with removal of trees per new storm water regulations issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The new ordinance would provide more specific guidelines on removal of trees than the current ordinance.

Mayor Colleen Mahr said she would like more time for the council to review the current and proposed new ordinance.

The Mayor also said that in anticipation of the nation’s 250th birthday the state has asked that towns to read and pass resolutions in support of RevolutionNJ, the organization created by the state to oversee New Jersey’s commemoration of 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

In addition, it was mentioned that Garwood resident Bill Nierstedt, a former City of Plainfield planner and ex-Garwood councilman, is seeking support through a resolution for a coalition he has created that wants to utilize unused rail lines to build pedestrian and bike paths connecting municipalities.

The council will hold its monthly regular meeting on Monday, March 18. Proclamations will be included on Girl Scout Week, and Women’s History Month. A resolution will also be included to accept a grant per Union County’s annual infrastructure trust grant.