October 19th Meeting Summary
The Verona Town Council had two important meetings on Monday October 19th.
The first was a Board of Health meeting, where we had a very sobering conversation on the likely potential for a measles outbreak in the near future. The Department of Health went through the protocols on what will happen if we have a measles outbreak in one of our schools - which is defined if two or more children contract the disease. If that occurs, children who are not vaccinated will need to be on home instruction for 21 days. The Essex County Department of Health is beginning to work with school superintendents, day cares, and preschools to start to prepare action plans. Given the size of the measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, it is becoming increasingly likely we will experience a measles outbreak here in Essex County. If you have any questions on this, or if you would like to get your child vaccinated for free against this damaging and deadly disease, you can reach our Board of Health by going here: https://www.veronanj.org/health or calling 973-694-9295.
The Board of Health meeting also contained updates on lead exposure, health reviews of our cosmetology businesses and restaurants, possible ordinance changes, and a reminder that the Board of Health provides free vaccines for COVID, flu and RSV.
We then had our regular Council meeting, where the Township announced progress made with the County on the upcoming renovation of Veterans Field. The County has agreed to design a field that is both baseball and softball, with a grass outfield. Verona will maintain priority scheduling. We can lease back our ADA playground. The construction will be delayed until July 2027 so that we can have a full spring season on the old field and our 4th of July fireworks. Finally, Verona will be involved in the planning of the field upgrade.
We introduced a series of ordinances. Several were on changes made to our rent control ordinances. We also introduced an ordinance to reduce the planned increases on water and sewer rates from 4% to 3%, but increase the connection fees for new development.
We then voted to introduce two ordinances to make changes to the pool rates and fees for 2027. I voted for the changes to certain fees related to the pool. However, I did vote against the introduction of the 2027 pool rates, as they kept the rates flat for Verona members. With minimum wage increasing from $15.23 and hour to $16.25 an hour (a 6.7% increase) and with a long list of capital projects that are necessary to keep up with the aging pool infrastructure, I don't think it's financially responsible to keep the rates flat for Verona residents. My colleagues disagreed, so it advanced 4-1. As I stated at the meeting, I will continue to listen to feedback from residents on 2027 pool rates, and will make my final decision on this ordinance at our meeting on Monday, November 9th.
You can review all of the proposed ordinances here: https://www.veronanj.org/Ordinances. You can make comments before the public hearings on November 9th by sending an email to the entire Council here: https://www.veronanj.org/councilcontactform.
Under resolutions, we applied for a grant under Safe Routes for School federal program for the proposed renovation of the Franklin Street Bridge, we passed a Green Acres Enabling Resolution to accept money for previously purchased property, and we passed contracts for a variety of services. We also had an addendum to authorize a grant agreement between the township and the State of NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness for cybersecurity services.
There was no executive session.
To comment on any matter before the Council, I encourage you to send an email to the entire Council here: https://www.veronanj.org/councilcontactform.
