Clark council advances ordinances, awards service contracts and approves infrastructure funding measures

The Township of Clark Council on Oct. 20 moved multiple ordinances forward, approved a consent agenda of contracts and appointments and took actions on several routine fiscal items.

Most immediate: the council introduced and scheduled public hearings on several land-use and fee ordinances and adopted an ordinance amending permitted signs for newly freestanding buildings. Council also advanced a bond ordinance to fund storm-related infrastructure repairs and approved multiple routine resolutions, including contracts for insurance broker services and redevelopment counsel.

Ordinances and bond action - Ordinance 25-30 (amend Chapter 195: Land Use — permitted signs, LCI zone) was adopted after council discussion of size and number limits for signs on three sides of freestanding buildings; the change aims to reduce the need for repeated variances for similarly configured properties. Motion to adopt was moved and seconded and passed by roll call (yes votes recorded for Hoff; Hunt; Mazzarella; Manitti; O'Connor; Toll; Council President Smith). The ordinance controls sign placement and size and allows applicants seeking more or larger signs to pursue variances.

- Ordinance 25-31 (fees — recreation program fees) was introduced; the council agreed to set a minimum and maximum fee range by ordinance and then adjust fees annually by resolution. Public hearing set for Nov. 17.

- Ordinance 25-32 (residential accessory uses/structures and swimming pools) was introduced to clarify accessory structure limits (one garage per property) and to permit larger sheds (200 sq. ft.) and to consolidate pool regulations; public hearing set for Nov. 17.

- Ordinance 25-33, a bonds ordinance to appropriate $996,300 for various infrastructure improvements tied to storm damage (including repair of a collapsed sewer outflow at Wendell Place, erosion control and gabion walls), was introduced and advanced; the public hearing on the bond ordinance is scheduled for Nov. 17. Business Administrator Jim Ulrich said the work is to repair erosion and an undermined retaining wall from a July storm and to install protective measures.

Consent agenda and contracts The council adopted a consent agenda covering routine and noncontroversial matters by a single motion. Items approved included: - A shared-services agreement with the Clark Board of Education for publicity and media services. - Award of contract to AcraSure LLC for insurance broker/consultant services for the State Health Benefits Program for an annual fee not to exceed $818,000. - Award of contract to McManaman Scotland & Baumann LLC for redevelopment legal services for an annual fee not to exceed $50,000. - A mutual-benefit agreement under state contract with Ashburt (Ashburit) Inc. for disaster debris removal services. - Appointment of Jonathan Ramirez and Brett DaCosta to the Clark Volunteer Fire Department, effective Oct. 20, 2025. - Authorization for a 100% property tax exemption adjustment for Block 183, Lot 1 per a directive from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. - Refunds and accounting adjustments including a tax refund of $8,655.34 (consent) and a later resolution authorizing a sewer-fee refund of $1,288.91 (the sewer-fee refund passed with Council member Hoff recorded as abstaining).

Other fiscal and administrative items - The finance director reported the bills for the month totaled $307,265.08; Council member O'Connor reviewed the bills and the council approved payment as part of standard agenda business.

- The council authorized submission of two applications for the Community Development Block Grant (Year 52): one for curb cuts tied to road work and one for social-service supports for aging programs (transportation and senior services). Public hearing on the CDBG application was opened and closed with no speakers; the resolution authorizing the submission passed.

Public comment and operational notes Public commenters raised questions about pilot-payment (PILOT) developments and school costs, tree removal at a county project near the Clark Reservoir, and neighborhood litter connected to distribution of marketing circulars. Administration and mayoral remarks noted interactions with county and state conservation partners (Green Acres and New Jersey Conservation Foundation) regarding tree plans at the reservoir and said the county-led project follows a coordinated tree plan. The business administrator said the developer working on the A&P/Foodtown site is awaiting bank and final approvals and is expected to appear before the planning board on Dec. 4.

Next steps and calendar Several introduced ordinances have their public hearings set for Nov. 17. The council also noted early voting and mail-in ballot deadlines for the Nov. 4 election and encouraged voter participation.

Votes at a glance (selected) - Ordinance 25-30 (signs/LCI zone): adopted (roll call: Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0) - Ordinance 25-31 (recreation program fees): introduced (public hearing Nov. 17) - Ordinance 25-32 (accessory structures and pools): introduced (public hearing Nov. 17) - Ordinance 25-33 (bond ordinance, $996,300): introduced; public hearing Nov. 17 - Consent agenda (contracts, appointments, tax adjustments, disaster debris agreement): adopted by single motion - Resolution authorizing sewer-fee refund $1,288.91: adopted (Hoff abstained)

The council adjourned after routine closing remarks; the clerk and administration will publish meeting minutes and the adopted ordinances and resolutions per the township's publication procedures.