MAYOR'S UPDATE:
MARCH 25

Thanks to everyone who attended this week’s Town Council meeting, where we had a packed agenda that included the introduction of the 2022 municipal budget. Town Administrator Jim Gildea and Town Council Finance Policy Committee Chair Linda Habgood provided an excellent recap of our 2021 fiscal performance and detailed look at the 2022 budget to fulfill our overarching priorities. Importantly, amidst a financial environment that continued to present pandemic-related challenges, we generated $3.6MM in surplus ($1MM more than we generated the previous year) to end 2021 with a $9.4MM surplus balance. This year’s proposed 1.98% municipal tax increase, for the average assessed home in Westfield, equals a $4 increase per month.

We also introduced the $3.22MM capital budget, which includes the next phase of our unprecedented, multi-year road paving program (over 20 miles of roads projected to be paved this year between the Town and utility companies!) and an emphasis on drainage improvement projects, in addition to DEP approved stream cleanings in Mindowaskin and Fairview, public safety items for the Fire and Police Departments, Town building enhancements, park improvements, DPW equipment, and the design phase for sanitary sewer pump stations. I encourage you to view the replay of the presentation on the Town’s Facebook page, or view the slides at westfieldnj.gov/budget. The public hearing and anticipated adoption of the budget is scheduled for April 26, and we’re taking questions in the interim at budget@westfieldnj.gov.

And, in case you haven’t heard the great news, we voted to authorize an award of contract to Maize Cocktails & Cocina, a globally inspired Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar, to operate at the North Avenue train station building! Maize will offer a casual and lively atmosphere that will include a full bar as well as live entertainment and outdoor dining. I encourage you to follow them on their new Instagram page (@Maize_Westfield) for all of the latest updates on this exciting new addition to Town.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Memorial Park Reported Robbery
Following an entry in this week’s police blotter about a March 15 reported robbery of an adult male on a trail near Memorial Pool, Chief Battiloro states that the victim appears to have been targeted and lured, and that there is no apparent threat to the community at large. The case remains under active investigation, and the Police Department expects to issue an update to the public in the near future.

Daily Parking Passes Resume
With an increase in commuters utilizing the train station parking lots in recent weeks, the WPD Parking Division is resuming the sale of daily parking permits on Monday, March 28, in the South Avenue station lot. An officer will be stationed in the lot between 6:30 and 7:05 each morning to sell a limited number of daily passes for $5 each. Please note that exact change and ID with proof of Westfield residency are required. 12-hour metered spaces are also available in the South Avenue lot, as well as in the Watterson Street lot, for those who do not hold annual permits.

EARTH MONTH

As we approach the beginning of April, which is of course Earth Month, join me on Thursday, April 7, at noon for a Facebook Live discussion with members of the Westfield Green Team to talk about the upcoming events they have planned throughout the month, as well as their broader efforts to help make Westfield a more sustainable community.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT RECOGNITION

At their recent annual conference, the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) recognized two of our Recreation employees for their achievements. The Employee of the Year Award was presented to Westfield Memorial Pool Technician Paul Checchio, and Assistant Recreation Director Heather Re-Ferratti was presented with the NJRPA Association Service Award, given to recipients that reflect high professional values and have rendered contributions through outstanding service to their association.

Heather and Paul are both instrumental in ensuring that Memorial Pool runs smoothly each summer, a task that is year-round in nature to deliver a great experience at this beloved community facility. Heather’s work also includes oversight of Summer Playground Camp and our many other popular offerings in the Recreation Department.

We are grateful to both Heather and Paul for their ongoing dedication to our residents, and for representing the Town of Westfield with such distinction at the NJRPA conference. Congratulations!

Heather Re-Ferratti receives NJRPA Service Award

Paul Checchio receives NJRPA Employee of the Year Award

COVID-19

BA.2, the new strain of COVID-19, has been spreading in New Jersey for weeks, though at much lower rates than the recent omicron surge. Officials have said the omicron “stealth” subvariant appears to spread more easily, but generally does not cause more severe illness.

The state’s seven-day average for confirmed cases is up 21% from a week ago, but still down 27% from a month ago. Governor Murphy said on Thursday that the rise in cases in recent days after two months of steady declines is expected, and that he does not currently expect any additional restrictions as a result.

While we have a very high vaccination rate among adults here in Westfield, we are always striving to increase our youth and overall booster vaccination rates. The Health Department is now offering online vaccination scheduling on our website, making it easier than ever for those who still wish to get vaccinated or boosted.

NJ TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS AT SOUTH AVENUE STATION

We have been informed by the NJ Transit Stations Division that they will be moving forward with some interior improvements at the Westfield train station (south side building), including paint work and floor polishing. The expected timeframe for this work is from Monday, April 11 through Wednesday, April 27. During this time, the interior of the station (waiting room and ticket office) will be closed.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE REGISTRATION
Calling all parade marchers! Registration is open for the return of the Memorial Day Parade, led by The Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3 to honor our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Town is happy to assist the Legion with their coordination efforts by collecting registration information for any community organization interested in marching this year. To register, please visit westfieldnj.gov/memorial-day-parade.