TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OPENING REMARKS: JUNE 28, 2022

(The following remarks were delivered by Mayor Brindle at the June 28, 2022 Town Council meeting.)

Good evening, everyone, and thanks to all who are joining us both here in the Council Chambers and online tonight. As a reminder, public comment will be accepted in person only, and we are live streaming for viewing only via Facebook. As always, the replay will also be available afterwards on Facebook, YouTube, and TV 36.

UPCOMING EVENTS
With the summer upon us, I’d like to remind everyone about some great seasonal events.

The Westfield Farmers Market is back for another great season! The market has added a number of new vendors and is open every Saturday from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the North Avenue train station lot.
Registration is open for the DWC’s 20th Annual Pizza Run, which will take place on Monday, July 18! You can sign up for this favorite downtown summer tradition on the DWC’s website.
The Westfield Community Concert Band is back this summer for its 110th season! Join them for free performances in Mindowaskin Park on June 30, July 7, and July 14 at 7:30 PM.
The Fire Department will host an Open House for the public on July 14, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM, where residents can view equipment demonstrations, see the firehouse and operations, explore the fire trucks, and talk with our first responders. Thank you to Chief Duelks and his team for organizing what will be a great community event.
Save the dates for the 25th Annual Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival – every Tuesday night in July and August, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. This favorite summer activity draws residents and visitors alike to Downtown Westfield for dining, shopping and, of course, the fabulous musical entertainment. Thanks to the DWC for scheduling another great line-up of performers!

THROUGH THE LENS EXHIBIT
The Public Arts Commission has unveiled its Second Annual Through the Lens Photography Exhibit, which showcases the photos of area residents and artists reflecting this year’s theme of Resilience & Strength. This arts program is made possible in part by a 2022 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

The exhibit runs along the sidewalk adjacent to The Rialto on Central Avenue and will be up through the summer. The prints are also available for sale, the proceeds of which will be applied towards future public art initiatives. Special thanks to Councilwoman Mackey and the entire Public Arts Commission for their work to bring this exhibit to life. For more information, visit our website.

COVID VACCINATIONS

Following the recent approval by the CDC to offer COVID vaccinations to children age six months and above, the Westfield Regional Health Department will be offering its first vaccination for ages six months through four years on Thursday, June 30, from 2:00 - 6:00 PM. An online appointment is required, and can be made at westfieldnj.gov/vaccine-appointments as availability permits.

These appointments will offer the Pfizer vaccine, which, for this age group, requires three doses for full vaccination. The second two doses will be scheduled upon completion of the first. Additional clinics will be offered in the coming weeks and months.

TONIGHT'S AGENDA

In terms of tonight’s agenda, I’d like to provide a brief overview of some of the key items we’re voting on tonight.

We have two ordinances on second reading tonight. One is from the Public Safety, Transportation & Parking Committee that amends the loading zone ordinance to permit a temporary loading zone on Elm Street in front of Kilwin’s while the parklets are in place. The other, from the Code Review & Town Property Committee, authorizes the sale of the property at 619 Stirling Place to an abbutting property owner.

Finance Policy Committee
Remarks by Councilman Parmelee:

The Finance Policy Committee will vote on a number of resolutions authorizing various standard actions, although I do want to highlight two that are more notable. We will vote on a resolution authorizing Notice of Sale of Bonds, which, as Jim Gildea mentioned earlier, is an ongoing action the Town takes every few years as part of its successful debt management program to fund its capital projects. We will also vote on a resolution to provide the mayor with authorization to execute a collective bargaining agreement between the Town and the FMBA bargaining unit. I’d like to thank Ryan Dullea of the FMBA and his negotiating committee, as well as Chief Duelks, Jim Gildea, and our labor attorney for a swift and productive negotiation that resulted in a fair settlement agreement for both parties.

Public Works Committee
Remarks by Councilwoman Mackey:

From the Public Works Committee, we’ll vote to award a contract for 2022 road improvements that were included in the 2022 capital budget authorization, following a competitive public bidding process. This Town-driven paving is in addition to the work being performed by the utility companies at no expense to taxpayers. As we’re all currently seeing as we drive through Town, the utility companies are very busy upgrading their infrastructure, which will include full paving of the roads where they are working. I hope you’ll agree that the long-term benefits of our unprecedented, multi-year paving program will be worth the short-term disruption and inconvenience.

With that, let's get to work.
Thank you.

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