Garwood Borough Council Meeting Notes

Meeting Updates and Key Initiatives

  • Vegetative Project Commencement

    • Notification was sent to Union County and posted on the municipal website, public bulletin board, and filed in the municipal clerk's office, informing the public of the time and place for this project.
    • The project has begun, addressing concerns from certain addresses regarding overgrown vegetation.
    • There is a possibility of expanding beyond one section, depending on final costs.

  • Community Events and Green Team Efforts

    • Annual Senior Barbecue: Held on September 13th13^{th}, a joint effort between the borough and the Lions Club, well-attended by Garwood seniors.
    • Green Team Activities:
      • Participated in the senior barbecue.
      • The team also removed invasive grasses.
      • Met to discuss upcoming fall and winter events, as well as potential future projects.
    • Thanks were extended to volunteers for their time and effort.

  • New Jersey Transit Station Upgrades

    • Communication with New Jersey Transit regarding station upgrades and cleanup has been ongoing, and work has now begun.
    • Completed Work: Vestibule windows have been replaced, benches cleaned, surrounding vegetation cut back, and some graffiti cleaned up.
    • Ongoing Issues: Additional graffiti has appeared, and New Jersey Transit will be informed for remediation.
    • Future Promises: New signage to replace faded and cracked old signs, and new trash receptacles are being pursued.
    • Emphasis was placed on maintaining existing infrastructure, in addition to advocating for more stops and handicap accessibility.
    • New Jersey Transit has been very receptive to these efforts.

  • Police Department Recognition

    • Missing Juvenile Case: Special thanks to Chief Pridey and Detective Miller for their dedication (many hours of non-public work) in safely bringing a missing juvenile home to Garwood.
    • Safe Routes to School Program: Appreciation for the Police Department's work with this program.

  • EZ Ride and Lincoln School Awards

    • EZ Ride held its annual recognition luncheon, and the borough achieved Silver Status again.
    • Lincoln School received a Bronze Award.

  • Street Painting Project Feedback

    • A committee meeting will be held with the chief to discuss feedback from the painted street project.
    • Options include touching up the paint or allowing it to fade, based on discussion outcomes.

  • Condolences for Scotch Plains Incident

    • Condolences were extended to the family of a middle schooler from Scotch Plains who was fatally hit by a landscaping truck while riding an e-bike at an intersection.
    • Drivers were urged to be vigilant and keep an eye out for children, especially with the increasing popularity of e-bikes.
    • Acknowledged that accident details are unknown and an investigation is ongoing.

  • Paperboard Litigation Update

    • Litigation concerning paperboard is continuing, with the borough fighting a challenge brought by Garden Homes.
    • One hearing has occurred, with more scheduled in the coming weeks.
    • The borough is defending a redevelopment plan that Garden Homes originally created and agreed to, committed to fighting for residents' best interests.

  • Garwood Certified as Film Ready

    • Garwood has officially been certified by the New Jersey Film Commission, making it part of a database used by film and television production companies to find filming locations in New Jersey.
    • A certificate from the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission will be proudly displayed at Borough Hall.
    • Application Process: A full application process and ordinance are available at garwood.org.
    • Location Resources: Possible film locations with pictures and local businesses providing services to crews can be found on the New Jersey Film Commission's website.
    • Cranford's filming boom has extended to Garwood, with film crews recently seen filming a movie over Garwood lands.
    • This certification is hoped to elevate Garwood's presence in the film industry.
    • Credit to Councilman Chase Podusniak: Sincere thanks were given to Councilman Chase Podusniak for his instrumental role in achieving this certification, from attending seminars to coordinating film-related efforts and working on the ordinance.

  • Ordinance 25−2525-25 (Police Department Updates)

    • This ordinance, introduced by Councilwoman Bodo, aims to modernize language in the borough code regarding police-related matters.
    • Requested by the police department in consultation with the municipal court judge and borough attorney.
    • Provides additional options for enforcement and adjudication of issues not fully addressed in New Jersey's criminal code.
    • Recommended unanimously by the police committee, support requested for its introduction.
    • The police committee is working on additional items related to public order.

  • Council Meeting Minutes and Communications

    • Minutes of the regular meeting of the Mayor and Council held on 09/09/202509/09/2025 were accepted.
    • Communications Received and Filed:
      • RVSA approved minutes from the September 20252025 regular meeting.
      • Adopted ordinances from the Township of Cranford: Ordinance 2025−152025-15 (vacant property registration program) and Ordinance 2025−172025-17 (permitted and conditional uses in the C11 zone).
      • Union County public notice concerning cancellation and rescheduling of agenda setting session and regular meeting.

  • Ordinance 25−2425-24 Adoption (Amending Chapter 5858 - Animals)

    • Public Hearing: No correspondence was received, and no members of the public addressed the council.
    • Recreation Fee Clarification: Clarified that there is no general