[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6029659,"mediaKeyId","5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb","parentId",5564908,"title","Votes at a glance: Clark council actions, April 21, 2025","audioSeconds",2439,"startMs",1213000,"endMs",3652000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb&start=1213&end=3652","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb/thumbnail_1213000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6029659/New-Jersey/Votes-at-a-glance-Clark-council-actions-April-21-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6029659-c033b30b0673792c847b35032b7553ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1770489658&Signature=DPY3mfObBUJADKPZdZdRAtlQpRyP-OFIZ5YI-UALKB1ENQUFRy5woVP2kwMt-F8V9qD9RZSRsTUndI6foZNqyuKmI19eIqsxxQya3CdvVoPezLY~Eg~MRuaXeJk62MWm~KUuuadVyNd06S3w0mQTPGE6UZtlD~5OqbTBL7pAMlmg3h4lFsWuR93Iw-BomNoWbo6n44AWGEg-N5yIeJTL8rV2TPRYV8mHc3bsOwgX0x2qhe459HtTJGfPcNl9uQPr6STvfWlkooI3ePoRR7Gyg37leOrnObyytkhKFMWi-XRBp5NGGET8tSkOCGfvGJ5C1FYpxVcznzUUoBeQn75w4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Clark Town, NJ","date","2025-04-22T13:20:35Z","article","At its April 21 meeting the Township of Clark council adopted multiple ordinances, resolutions and contract awards. Below is a concise summary of formal actions the council voted on that evening; each item was approved by roll call unless noted otherwise.

Ordinances and bond measures
- Ordinance 25-09 (Vehicles and Traffic — motorized bicycles and scooters): Adopted (roll call: Hoff, Hunt, Mazzarella, Manitti, O'Connor, Toll, Smith — all yes).
- Ordinance 25-10 (Clothing donation bins — location limits and numbers): Adopted (roll call: unanimous yes).
- Ordinance 25-11 (Bond ordinance authorizing various public improvements, IT and an automobile): Adopted (roll call: unanimous yes).
- Ordinance 25-12 (Bond ordinance to authorize public improvements and acquisition of a new fire truck): Adopted (roll call: unanimous yes).

Introductions with scheduled hearings
- Ordinance 25-13 (Vehicles and traffic — stop sign at King/Bartel): Introduced; public hearing May 19.
- Ordinance 25-14 (Parks and Recreation — fees): Introduced; public hearing May 19.
- Ordinance 25-15 (Motion pictures / film-ready fee schedule): Introduced; public hearing May 19.
- Ordinance 25-16 (Amend salary ordinance to add police director positions): Introduced; public hearing May 5.

Resolutions and contract awards (consent and separate)
- Resolution appointing Christy Vieira as acting chief municipal finance officer: Adopted by roll call.
- Resolution appointing Joseph Diorio as qualified purchasing agent and increasing bid threshold: Adopted by roll call.
- Resolution confirming James Ulrich as Director of Public Works / Shade Tree: Adopted by roll call.
- Award of contract to The Yard LLC for grass disposal services, $18 per cubic yard: Adopted (one councilmember abstained per minutes).
- Award of contract to T. Fiatakis Construction Inc. for CDBG curb and ramp improvements, $16,540: Adopted.
- Consent agenda (grant submissions, special law enforcement appointment, municipal alliance strategic plan, sewer credit/refund actions): Adopted as consent items by roll call.

The council recorded formal roll-call tallies for the adopted items and set public hearings for introduced ordinances on May 5 and May 19 as noted. See individual agenda items for ordinance texts, resolutions and procurement documents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Clark Township Council Meeting April 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of ordinances, bond measures, resolutions and contract awards the council adopted on April 21, with outcomes and vote tallies.","taxTitle","Clark Township, Union County, New Jersey","taxId",80534,"location","New Jersey","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6029664,"Council confirms acting CFO and QPA appointments and names new public-works director",139,2881000,3020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb&start=2881&end=3020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb/thumbnail_2881000.jpg","/articles/6029664/New-Jersey/Council-confirms-acting-CFO-and-QPA-appointments-and-names-new-public-works-director","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6029664-db1676fb4037477d52247ad5f546f480/orig.mp4?Expires=1770489658&Signature=j5ErLxW1qQh7anxt~1A4Jh519Mk758Mmv-yZuM9g2UjBV-t-feXpim4BulC71~2ymUVrMOXYZJeQjixJ2IYG~FW4H32ZeKiPrJY9YDlrbX9IxmHhWZakiyl4dq7CKyc8qH9vI4CT0newCTK5~DZJOZFDNUMr8~khayv1hIzSDh8LuoNYAjYtohKC93t44p1llH-HmYXVlW8gy3sH7Jdy1dgEjLUkFYkoKxlWaR-BiNXsEG9s6MLbcdAsvHtBlR-87TXq7Y9tZuAdd5erdsLyj6q0sNeLPc6Ig4QxuarzULx74ltuxOinObqQS5GqCh8jtUoBy5mXTFKD28gQUf113w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Township of Clark council approved several personnel actions on April 21, formalizing interim finance coverage and municipal management roles.

By resolution the council appointed Christy (Christie) Vieira as acting chief municipal finance officer effective March 26, 2025, for a one-year term, subject to renewal and state approval under NJAC 5:32-2. The council also appointed Joseph Diorio as the municipality’s qualified purchasing agent, which raises the local bid threshold per the cited statutory rules. Finally the council confirmed James Ulrich as director of public works and shade-tree director at the salary range's minimum listed in the resolution.

During citizen comment, Delia Collins asked whether the multiple finance positions represented new posts or reassignment of duties and raised a specific past sanction involving Joseph Diorio. Collins said, “I don't know if you are aware that he was fined by the New Jersey Local Finance Board in 02/2024, a fine of $750, and he paid that fine in October 2024,” and she asked whether Vieira will replace or supplement the prior finance director and how roles will be covered. Mayor Albanese and Business Administrator Ulrich answered that Jennifer Kubliska (the former finance director) resigned and that DLGS (Department of Local Government Services) approved Vieira as acting CFO; Ulrich said Diorio is certified by DLGS and his license is in good standing.

The council adopted the resolutions on roll call. The acting CFO appointment and QPA designation were described by staff as necessary steps to maintain finance and purchasing operations while civil-service testing and certifications are completed.","Council appointed Christy Vieira as acting chief municipal finance officer, Joseph Diorio as qualified purchasing agent, and confirmed James Ulrich as director of public works/shade tree; residents raised questions about the multiple finance roles and a prior fine involving a contracted QPA.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6029669,"Council approves bond ordinance funding ladder truck and Robinson House repairs after public questions on costs",484,1562000,2046000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb&start=1562&end=2046","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb/thumbnail_1562000.jpg","/articles/6029669/New-Jersey/Council-approves-bond-ordinance-funding-ladder-truck-and-Robinson-House-repairs-after-public-questions-on-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6029669-2981f3b975a3430925302fc18fc81dd7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770489658&Signature=ad~Efshhi9QBEOluUJVVre1jqoDzu5Y5iEBgL30GD~fvaLq4zNij4T311YIlC-iakVxKoww7KXABMdVOu93lDBpOOXjhppfHNCji5mTd2JlBhSfPfFeDlFF4xk2cjz2TsZTMpIIZVpa55rPiYWZqheq1IFoUygAnSCLDQRTBi2m9iLVt3Zt5CTEL5eMU7kyfU8-sNQCnqqbh4NdRJ0dNWjdm948GujbeH-pvexjBSbR7bBzXzt4wJ0cfSWvptwTuBVwyys5Q3OTDie1gwraL6pAP4bjQ-ALETiJIfNzl7zVALWgrvW4e4q23GVw2yx1BcsAmmoCu6WG8c55FRY3jfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Township of Clark council adopted a bond ordinance on April 21 that will fund several capital projects, including a planned new ladder truck for the fire department and rehabilitation work at the Robinson House. The ordinance authorizes approximately $3.34 million in appropriations and includes state grant offsets, officials said.

At a public hearing on the ordinance, resident Jeff Alexander questioned whether Clark needed another fire apparatus and compared Clark’s fleet and call volumes with neighboring towns. Alexander, who identified himself as a Clark resident, said he found the town’s call volume figures low relative to the number of trucks and asked what happens to older apparatus once replaced. “So it seems disproportionate to the number of trucks we have,” Alexander said.

Business Administrator James Ulrich and other officials responded that the purchase is for a ladder truck specially configured for building sizes and mutual-aid needs. Ulrich said the existing American LaFrance ladder truck is approaching 25 years old and would be auctioned or traded in when the new apparatus is delivered; he noted long manufacturer lead times of about 18 to 30 months. Ulrich also described different types of fire apparatus (pumpers, quints, rescue trucks) and said trucks serve distinct operational roles.

Mayor Albanese and council members noted the purchase will be heavily grant-funded; officials said federal/state and local allocations cover a substantial share and that the township will receive roughly 75 cents on the dollar toward the new ladder truck under the grant secured with help from state legislative leadership. The ordinance also includes road-improvement and IT allocations and grant offsets for Valley Road and Robinson House repairs.

The council moved and adopted the bond ordinance by roll call. Officials said delivery of the new ladder truck is expected in one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half years and the outgoing ladder truck will be sold or donated depending on market conditions.","Council adopted a bond ordinance that includes $2.3 million for a new ladder truck and funds for road work and the Robinson House; a resident questioned truck need and call volumes at the public hearing.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6029674,"Clark council adopts ordinance regulating motorized bicycles and scooters, cites safety",112,1164000,1276000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb&start=1164&end=1276","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb/thumbnail_1164000.jpg","/articles/6029674/New-Jersey/Clark-council-adopts-ordinance-regulating-motorized-bicycles-and-scooters-cites-safety","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6029674-6b50dea0e0a4289def9cf2939d5eb057/orig.mp4?Expires=1770489658&Signature=m83dBmtTXJJV-NVSozCnksj2yEX4uFuvl8M3REtuGgZOorO9WvMzBKuFzSMZyfOZvB6gih0hAKZgXxyT947zhMv~fPvPvHu9bijDXu0hZ6NftxtGtdaqG1nNcm2uqf8ija4Qe3mc-~-Xmu6kVwXQxwk8qtH0Sa3t7XXb8X5iL4mt53WFog5GdXbcKnH4ldfhynlN7ckTCr1Py7tGMmOKhmOUA1b3HBoIO~LO6rzowUcOH9365ByJbHQG6tiUdEIYZsXmJZjRFc6w1BxeRWXDUwY8OwnC~0NxTpIKqk-UBFROwY9s3roGwzppPqIZkCzOFf1v7CDel7n1FNQAXwdyow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Township of Clark council adopted Ordinance 25-09 on April 21, amending chapter 347 (Vehicles and Traffic) to add a new section on motorized bicycles and scooters. The council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance by roll call after no members of the public spoke at the hearing.

Council member Mazzarella moved to adopt the ordinance and a colleague seconded; the ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call. Mayor Sal Albanese said the change responds to numerous complaints over the past year and emphasized the local goal. “It’s about safety. That’s number 1,” Albanese said during the meeting.

The council opened and closed the public hearing on the ordinance with no public comment. The ordinance will be codified as section 3-47-65 of the Township Code and officials said its purpose is to make rules clear to riders and motorists on town streets.

The council did not elaborate on penalties or the ordinance’s detailed text during the meeting; the transcript records adoption by roll call and states the council will file the ordinance and publish it according to local rules.","Council adopted Ordinance 25-09 adding rules for motorized bicycles and scooters to the township code after officials said complaints about child and driver safety prompted the change.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6029678,"Clark Township introduces 2025 municipal budget; public hearing set for May 19",2944,275000,3219000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb&start=275&end=3219","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5564908-2307ac91a490e95c2c4e2138341551bb/thumbnail_275000.jpg","/articles/6029678/New-Jersey/Clark-Township-introduces-2025-municipal-budget-public-hearing-set-for-May-19","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6029678-d62e253343828886f84aa8493fbb5cbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770489658&Signature=gDw4eUZJtMkuuNtD3~LULY-XYone3N7KluVJRin5Py9TQ4SfqqA6rqYPziLC45nv8zA3dWD7Xg3VvX-ZRPslCp96m74PlQNURe7DmA2RFZQo-5Qm7a1dTT0im-h8-Ibtk4CEaPEA10uYz9UWyEyzfY5Pl4ccjFu1Tn~tFS3MhF1PcxaMM5i3JzERGmr65A84HqsOOXn4QM-P4~HmdtGhS2cWz2mZ0OtQGgRoRYWrHSAppkgT56f4uaOKVSSvnMWkgODAbAtps4aHXvntntEZJvC-paYpi5f-8OrDJpf-qVlf0hR72PpRQOwce9IdgtsYFzcM5G3g0Iqy7wbkTC4uGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Township of Clark council introduced its 2025 municipal budget at the April 21 meeting, with officials saying the plan keeps the average household tax increase to about $48 a year and schedules a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. May 19 at the Public Safety Building, 315 Westfield Ave.

Mayor Sal Albanese said the municipal budget — which officials said accounts for roughly 30% of a homeowner’s final tax bill — covers public safety, parks and recreation, roads, senior services, recycling, planning and the public library. “The total municipal increase, including funding for the library, is under 2% this year. The average increase amounts to $48 per year for each household,” Albanese said during the meeting.

Town staff and council members told residents that the total budget increased from about $30.8 million in 2024 to $33.6 million in 2025. Officials said roughly $1.7 million of the $2.75 million variance relates to grant-funded items, including a $1.5 million line item tied to a new ladder truck for the fire department and a grant for rehabilitation work at the historic Robinson House.

Business Administrator James (Jim) Ulrich and Council member James O'Connor summarized line-item changes, saying uncontrollable fixed costs — primarily contractual salary increases, pensions and health-care premiums — accounted for a large share of the rise. Ulrich noted a $491,000 increase in health-care costs and a $203,000 rise in communications spending for on-site desktop support and cybersecurity monitoring.

Council member O'Connor provided a department-by-department recount of the budget changes, saying $570,000 of the overall variance represented “controllable expenses” such as temporary summer help and a deputy clerk hire, while roughly $765,000 reflected fixed costs tied to labor agreements and insurance. “Overall, the 2025 budget reflects proactive planning in both discretionary and nondiscretionary areas,” O'Connor said.

The council voted to introduce the budget and to publish the required notice; the official statement presented at the meeting lists general appropriations within caps of $23,513,749.22 and appropriations excluded from caps of $9,012,023. The budget statement lists anticipated non-tax revenues of $11,456,152.75 and a local tax for municipal purposes of $20,868,495.47.

A public hearing on the budget and tax resolution is scheduled for May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building; taxpayers and other interested persons will be able to present objections at that time.","The Township of Clark council introduced the 2025 municipal budget on April 21, citing a roughly $48 average annual tax increase per household and a $33.6 million overall budget; a public hearing is scheduled for May 19.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Clark council actions, April 21, 2025

Council confirms acting CFO and QPA appointments and names new public-works director

Council approves bond ordinance funding ladder truck and Robinson House repairs after public questions on costs

Clark council adopts ordinance regulating motorized bicycles and scooters, cites safety

Clark Township introduces 2025 municipal budget; public hearing set for May 19