Township Council — June 4, 2026
Public Works presented "Trees for Tomorrow", about 120 native street trees this year from roughly $60,000 in the Shade Tree Removal Fund, and the Council awarded the planting contract, 5-0. It introduced an ordinance letting police enforce traffic rules at the Starbucks site, 1298 Route 22, and approved the Starbucks developer's agreement. Bucko reported NJDOT approval of stop signs at the Route 22 exit onto Vosseller Avenue.
- Environment
- Development
- Infrastructure
Meeting recording
Recording plays on the township archive
This meeting does not play on this page. The township's recording is complete and plays in full on the township's own channel.
What happened
What was decided
All five members were present: Bucko, Isla, Kirsh, Ring and Council President Geiger. Administrator Pappas reported for the Mayor. Every vote below was 5-0 (ayes Bucko, Isla, Kirsh, Ring, Geiger).
- Ordinance introduced (became #26-09; hearing June 25): amending Chapter 206, “Vehicles and Traffic”, to add §59.3, “Starbucks – 1298 Route 22”, so police can enforce traffic and parking rules on that private site.
- #26-06-04-138, the developer’s agreement with Bridgewater Realty II, LLC, under its Zoning Board approval, for the Starbucks at Block 222 Lot 6.01, 1288 and 1298 Route 22. Planner Sarmad said direct Route 22 access is closed and access is via Morgan Lane.
- #26-06-04-137, SJC Lawncare, Inc. (Cranford), tree supply and planting for Trees for Tomorrow, up to $60,000; five proposals were received.
- #26-06-04-134, rescinding a Public Works petty cash fund still assigned to a former employee (an auditor finding).
- #26-06-04-135, a refund after approved state tax appeals, 10 North Crossing Road.
- #26-06-04-136, special counsel contracts for 2026 with Lavery, Selvaggi & Cohen, PC and McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC. Bucko asked about the total cost; Ring said the resolution creates a pool, not a spending authorization.
- #26-06-04-139, competitive contracting for IT management and computer consulting services.
- #26-06-04-140, a closed session on contract negotiations and potential litigation.
- The May 7 and May 18 minutes were approved by voice vote.
Trees for Tomorrow
Superintendent of Public Works Richard Shimp presented the program: native street and roadside trees in all six township sectors for stormwater control and tree canopy; 184 resident applications and about 120 trees this year; about $60,000 from the Shade Tree Removal Fund, which he said is not directly tax-funded; residents take on long-term care; and planting pauses in July and August because of drought, resuming in the fall. See flooding and stormwater.
Reports
- Bucko said NJDOT approved stop signs and markings for vehicles exiting Route 22 East onto Vosseller Avenue. See roads and traffic.
- Isla reported Regional Health Commission mosquito and tick monitoring and a Planning Board discussion of native trees in development. Kirsh reported that the June 2 primary ran across 36 districts and 12 polling places, and the Chick-fil-A opening (about 90 jobs). Pappas said staff visited the property in a drainage complaint raised earlier and would follow up.
Public comment
- Tim Kenny of Short Hills Drive supported native species in Trees for Tomorrow and urged protecting young trees from deer.
- Michelle Glicklich of Sterling Drive thanked EMS personnel.
- Deena Baxter Green of Buxton Road asked whether sidewalks or crossings link the proposed Starbucks and the Jiffy Lube across Morgan Lane. Planner Sarmad said there are none and that crosswalks could encourage walking where traffic is fast and visibility limited.
Records
- Minutes (township document page)
- Agenda (posted on the township site; LocalWhy has not yet reviewed it)
- Video on the township’s YouTube channel (2:25:46). This page follows the Clerk’s minutes.