Board of Ed sets special meeting for Thursday, action may be taken

Seal of the Plainfield Board of Education.

The Plainfield Board of Education has set a special meeting for Thursday, July 6 at 7:15 PM in the Plainfield High School Conference Room. Mind the time! -- It is not the usual hour.

The agenda is online here.

The two resolutions to be presented appear to cover one (or more?) transfer/reassignment, and a resolution of thank acknowledging retiring staff. The agenda shows that the public will be given time to make comments.

Parking is available on the street and in the Stelle Avenue lot.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Pre-parade breakfast kicks off long day for officials

For elected officials, July 4th is perhaps the longest working day of the year.

Their day gets under way at 9:00 AM with a breakfast at City Hall. As the officials and parade dignitaries assemble, it is time to put on the sashes that are dole out, grab a bit to eat, chat with fellow officials and get a ride to the staging area off East Front Street.

After the parade, there is usually a luncheon for elected officials and parade staff.

At five o'clock, the concert begins -- and runs non-stop right up to the start of the fireworks display at dusk.

After the last spectacular shell bursts, officials and July 4 staff can finally call it a day -- somewhere around 10:00 PM.

Thanks to Nat Singleton, Director of the city's IT shop, for this footage of the morning breakfast event.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Shutdown over, Beaches and State Parks will be open July 4

Christie and family enjoy beach closed to the public.

Word came shortly before 11:00 PM on Monday that the budget impasse between Gov. Chris Christie and state legislative leaders had been resolved.

The best news is that state parks, beaches, and recreation areas will be open to the public on July 4.

Christies had the beach all to themselves, because -- Christie
said -- "I'm the governor and they (the public) are not."
(Photo, CNN)

Christie has been scorched by criticism and mocked on social media when he and his family were spotted enjoying the beach at the state's beach house for the governor at Island Beach State Park -- which the governor and his family enjoyed whule the public was barred from entry.

Meanwhile, the public had its own ideas. (Photo, Inquirer)

Christie is making sure that every last person in NJ will be glad to see his butt leave office. January cannot come too soon!

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Thursdays in July are Outdoor Movie Nights

The Lego Batman Movie screen this Thursday at Hannah Atkins Playground.

 

Thursdays in July in Plainfield are the Division of Recreation's Outdoor Movie Nights. These free showings of top line flicks are scattered throughout town at various locations, all on Thursday evenings. Movies beging at dusk (approximately 8:30 PM).

July 6: The Lego Batman Movie

This 2017 computer animated action comedy in which Batman attempts to overcome his greatest fear in stopping The Joker's latest plan.

The film screens at Hannah Atkins Playground, West 3rd  Street near Plainfield Avenue.

July 13: The Queen of Katwe

This 2016 biographical sports drama features Madina Nalwanga as Phiona Mutesi, a young girl living in the Katwe slum of Kampala. She becomes interested in the strange game of "chess" at a missionary program. Her curiosity and her skill grows until she becomes a figure in the World Chess Olympiads.

You can catch this feature at Aristacare at Norwood (behind United Presbyterian Church, 515 East Front Street), which is convenient to both Richmond Towers and Covenant Manor.

July 20: Finding Dory

This 2016 computer generated action story is a sequel to Finding Nemo, and features the anmesiac Dory trying to return to her parents.

The film shows at Seidler Field, corner of North and Netherwood Avenue.

July 27: Fantastic Beasts

This is a 2016 fantasy film, a spinoff of the Harry Potter series. It is full of the wizardry which was the Harry Potter series attraction.

This film, concluding the series, will be shown at Library Park, on West 8th Street and College Place.

Thursdays in August will feature a series of community concerts. Look for a separate post on these soon.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Plainfield hosts 94th Central Jersey July 4 Celebration Tuesday

Local artist Bindi Liebowitz is among musicians
featured at Plainfield's 94th Annual July 4 Celebration.

Plainfield will host the 94th Annual Central Jersey July 4 Celebration on Tuesday, with a traditional parade, an afternoon concert and fireworks at dusk. All activities are free and open to the public.

"When we talk about Plainfield Pride, it is intrinsically tied to the diversity in the makeup of our residents, and it's something we like to celebrate every chance we get," say Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. "Plainfield is a microcosm of the United States of America, and what could be more fitting than celebrating our independence with a program showcasing the very thing that makes our country unique around the world. I am very proud to be Mayor of a City that understands that our diversity does not make us different, it makes us special."

94th ANNUAL PARADE

The parade steps off at 10:00 AM from the staging area at East Front Street and Johnston Avenue and proceeds west along Front Street to its end point at the reviewing stand at Front and Park Avenue.

The 2017 Parade's Grand Marshal is PAAAS student Alexis Morrast, who recently took First Place at "Showtime At The Apollo".

Promising to be Plainfield's biggest and best parade ever, groups will march under the theme "Plainfield United, Plainfield Strong." In addition to floats, step groups and marching units from Plainfield organizations, elected officials from Union County and nearly local communities join the parade. Kids of all ages are thrilled by the displays of fire equipment from various area fire departments, including Plainfield's own. The parade will also showcase Plainfield High School's Marching Band.

Awards will be given to floats and marching units for creativity and innovation.

JULY 4th CONCERT

The festivities continue with the Annual July 4 Concert in Cedar Brook Park. The concert gets under way at 5:00 and concludes at dusk with the fireworks display.

Local talent featured in the concert include Alexis Morrast (first place at "Showtime At The Apollo") and Bindi Liebowitz (of "The Voice", season 11).
Latin star Sandra Rey, who has performed several times in the Queen City, will also be featured.

Two groups will bring the house down in closing the concert:The Mambo All-Stars and the contemporary band SoGo.

The Mambo All-Stars features native New Yorker Tito Puente, Jr., the youngest of the Puente children, who has become an audience favorite worldwide, performing more than 2000 shows over the past 10 years.  Tito has performed as musical guest in "Dancing with the Stars" on ABC.

Teaming up with Puente is Melina Almodóvar, also known La Chica Del Bling, she is a Puerto Rican salsa singer, songwriter, dancer, and entertainer. Known for her high-energy performances and salsa dancing skills, she combines old-school salsa moves with contemporary styles of dancing and singing.

Melina and Tito will join a group of talented Latin musicians on July 4th for a one-time salsa performance in the Queen City.

SoGo is a contemporary band covering over 5 genres of music including Jazz, Funk, Rock, R&B, Soul and many rhythms from over the globe. The band was formed in 2001 and the musicians have since worked around the world with artists and producers such as Wyclef Jean, Shea Taylor (Beyonce, Rihanna, Frank Ocean), gospel sensation Tye Tribett, and many more. SoGo has received over 100,000 views on YouTube and continues to be a force in their unique approach to multiple genres of music. They will be joined by Mikaelle for the July 4th concert in Plainfield.

FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

The concert concludes at dusk (about 9:15 PM), when the traditional fireworks display will close the day's festivities. The display takes place in the area near the soccer and ballfields. Parking is at a premium so come early. Bring chairs or blankets for sitting on the ground. Food vendors will be offering treats throughout the afternoon into the evening.

"We've worked hard to put together an all-inclusive parade and program," said Superintendent of Recreation, Veronica Taylor. "We recognize the fantastic blend of cultures we have here, and it's a pleasure seeing how well they complement and work in tandem with each other. The parade and concert present just another opportunity to let our Plainfield unity shine!"

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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LGBT Pride Month ends with staged reading of 'Five Husbands' Friday night at FUSP

Playwright and Plainfield resident B. V. Marshall.

Plainfield will conclude its celebration of LGBT Pride Month Friday (June 30) with a staged reading of the comedy Five Husbands, written and directed by award-winning playwright and Plainfield resident B.V. Marshall. The presentation is free and open to the community and takes place in the Theater Space at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield (FUSP), getting under way at 7:30 PM

Five Husbands details the travails of Oliver, the owner of a small boutique who, despite being successful in other areas of his life, prefers to sleep with unavailable men. The new legality of marriage equality notwithstanding, Oliver rejects marriage and celebrates his independence with his best friend Sally, who is equally free–wheeling. When another man from their mutual past returns, it sets in motion a series of events that forces Oliver to examine his fear of commitment to a relationship, the men in his life and his own views towards commitment.

A member of the Dramatists Guild, playwright B.V. Marshall has received fellowships from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation, the Victor Bumbalo/Robert Chesley award for LGBTQ playwriting and four playwriting awards from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. His full-length plays include The Red Train Café at Interact Theatre (Philadelphia) and Pride Film and Plays (Chicago), One Legged Race at Playwrights Theatre of NJ, The Balcony Goat (O’Neill Conference semi-finalist) at Luna Stage (NJ), and Henry’s Bridge at Theatre for a New City (NYC). Marshall’s short plays have been produced around the country. Most recently, his play, Incident at Willow Creek won the Bauer-Boucher award from Kean University and received its first professional reading at Writers Theatre of NJ.

“I am proud to support this event which not only showcases the immense talent to be found here in Plainfield, but also provides a platform for our LGBT community to be highlighted,” said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. “We are committed to building a more unified Plainfield and events such as these serve to pull us closer together.”

This reading, hosted by Plainfield Council President Rebecca Williams, is being co-sponsored by the City Council and the Office of Community Development under the leadership of Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, and is being produced by Yendor Productions. “I am very excited to be a part of this event for LGBT Pride Month,” stated Council President Williams, the only openly gay member of the City Council. “Plainfield has a large and very diverse LGBT population, and we are happy to celebrate our artists with events such as this.”

The staged reading will be followed by a reception with refreshments and conversation in the Parish Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

FUSP (First Unitarian Society of Plainfield) is at 724 Park Avenue.  Parking available on the street or in the public lot across Park Avenue.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Queen City chapter of Toastmasters, long dormant, reorganizes Thursday

The Queen City Toastmasters club will meet this evening (June 29) to install officers and receive its charter as a club of Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters, as it is known, is an educational and leadership training organization focused on helping members develop a variety of communications skills as well as learning leadership skills applicable to other organizations to which members may belong (clubs, civic, religious and political organizations).

Founded in 1924 in California as a men-only organization, it has grown into an international organizition open to all and working in many different languages and cultures.

The new club is a revival of a lively Toastmasters club that existed in Plainfield for many years, but has been dormant for at least 40 years.

I happened to stumble on a club meeting last week (see my post here), as they were putting the final touches on tonight's activities. Club members were excited at the idea that other Plainfielders might be interested in the organization and are eager to welcome visitors to tonight's meeting.

The group has been meeting twice a month at the City Hall Library with Marissa Bloedoorn facilitating. After a year's preparation, they are eager to celebrate their official recognition as a club with the granting of a charter.

The event starts at 7:00 PM sharp in City Hall Library, 515 Watchung Avenue. Light refreshments and an opportunity to socialize will make this a fun evening.

Plainfield City Hall is at the corner of Watchung Avenue and East 6th Street. Parking and access to the building are in the rear.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Mayor Mapp throws down gauntlet to Plainfield Board of Ed

Dr. Caryn Cooper (l.) and Dr. Inez Durham at Tuesday's Board of Ed
meeting. Dr. Cooper will become Acting Superintendent July 1.
(Photo courtesy Plainfield Education Association, via Facebook.)

The clock was approaching 9:30 PM when Plainfield Board of Ed president Emily Morgan announced that the next two members of the public at the microphone would be the last to speak in "Privilege of the floor."

When the young woman who was last got to the mike, she asked the Board to yield  her time so that Mayor Adrian O. Mapp could speak.

Taking the floor, the Mayor noted that Dr. Debra Sheard, who was made Acting Superintendent when Anna Belin Pyles agreed to step aside, was "a breath of fresh air" and, among other things, had begun to actively engage the community -- something he felt should be encouraged, not discouraged.

Mayor Mapp noted that as he campaigned door-to-door in the recent mayoral primary, residents all over town would ask "When are you going to do something about the school system?"

Noting that he does not have any legal authority over the Board of Ed, he said he nevertheless has worked over the past 18 months to identify individuals he believed would "do a good job" as Board members. (With Mayor Mapp's help, newest members Lynn Anderson, Dorien Hurtt (now VP), and Carmencita Pile were elected.)

But, he continued, he has been very disappointed over recent months and weeks to see the Board shift its position on Dr. Sheard -- whom the Board had welcomed with open arms last October -- to the point that it would not even "at a minimum" extend her contract as Assistant Superintendent of Schools.

Then he threw down the gauntlet:  "It is important for me to support candidates who are supportive of people like Dr. Sheard", pointedly reminding the Board there is an election in November in which three seats will be at stake.

As he closed his remarks, the room erupted in thunderous applause.

In other business, the Board voted to appoint Dr. Caryn Cooper, principal of Cook School, as Acting Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1. The next step in the process of finding a new Superintendent will be to name an Interim Superintendent of Schools.

Regarding the 2017 School Board elections, which take place at the same time as the November General Election, the deadline for filing a 2017 candidate petition is Monday, July 31, according to the NJ School Boards Association website (see here). Petitions must be turned in to the County Clerk's office no later than 4:00 PM that date.

The Plainfield Board of Ed is composed of nine elected members. They serve three-year terms, with three up for election each year. Those whose terms end in 2017 are: Terrence Bellamy, Carletta Jeffers, and David Rutherford.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Plainfield concludes LGBT Pride Month with staged reading of 'Five Husbands'

Playwright and Plainfield resident B. V. Marshall.

Plainfield will conclude its celebration of LGBT Pride Month this Friday (June 30) with a staged reading of the comedy Five Husbands, written and directed by award-winning playwright and Plainfield resident B.V. Marshall. The presentation is free and open to the community and takes place in the Theater Space at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield (FUSP), getting under way at 7:30 PM

Five Husbands details the travails of Oliver, the owner of a small boutique who, despite being successful in other areas of his life, prefers to sleep with unavailable men. The new legality of marriage equality notwithstanding, Oliver rejects marriage and celebrates his independence with his best friend Sally, who is equally free–wheeling. When another man from their mutual past returns, it sets in motion a series of events that forces Oliver to examine his fear of commitment to a relationship, the men in his life and his own views towards commitment.

A member of the Dramatists Guild, playwright B.V. Marshall has received fellowships from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation, the Victor Bumbalo/Robert Chesley award for LGBTQ playwriting and four playwriting awards from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. His full-length plays include The Red Train Café at Interact Theatre (Philadelphia) and Pride Film and Plays (Chicago), One Legged Race at Playwrights Theatre of NJ, The Balcony Goat (O’Neill Conference semi-finalist) at Luna Stage (NJ), and Henry’s Bridge at Theatre for a New City (NYC). Marshall’s short plays have been produced around the country. Most recently, his play, Incident at Willow Creek won the Bauer-Boucher award from Kean University and received its first professional reading at Writers Theatre of NJ.

“I am proud to support this event which not only showcases the immense talent to be found here in Plainfield, but also provides a platform for our LGBT community to be highlighted,” said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. “We are committed to building a more unified Plainfield and events such as these serve to pull us closer together.”

This reading, hosted by Plainfield Council President Rebecca Williams, is being co-sponsored by the City Council and the Office of Community Development under the leadership of Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, and is being produced by Yendor Productions. “I am very excited to be a part of this event for LGBT Pride Month,” stated Council President Williams, the only openly gay member of the City Council. “Plainfield has a large and very diverse LGBT population, and we are happy to celebrate our artists with events such as this.”

The staged reading will be followed by a reception with refreshments and conversation in the Parish Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

FUSP (First Unitarian Society of Plainfield) is at 724 Park Avenue.  Parking available on the street or in the public lot across Park Avenue.

---

  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Tuesday Board of Ed meeting could be contentious

There's a lot going on that may make
Tuesday's business meeting contentious.

With all the progress that Plainfield is making in economic development and quality of life issues, the Queen City is becoming an attractive proposition for those looking for reasonably priced housing in a state that has far too little of it.

The public schools are attracting attention because of the perception they are lagging the rest of the community in making Plainfield a more desirable place to live, work, shop and raise a family.

We desperately need to get beyond the current patch of rough road the school district is trying to navigate. Will Tuesday's business meeting bring any progress?

With two special meetings as well as the regular work/study session already this month, it seems the Board is trying. According to the Plainfield Education Association (PEA) Facebook page, tonight's special, closed meeting (June 26) is to interview six internal candidates for the Acting Superintendent position (see the page here).

Among concerns that the PEA is sharing with the public are --

• The union is "devastated" that Dr. Sheard has not been rehired;
  
  
  
• There are 120 employees anxiously waiting to be rehired; this is supposed to be a walk-on item at Tuesday's regular business meeting;
  
  
  
• Concerns over Maxson Middle School if the Board does not support 'Project Lead The Way', a school-wide STEM program; and lastly,
  
  
  
• Why is the Board seeking waivers for "background clearances/criminal checks" for substitute teachers?

Here are some thoughts and questions I have about the concerns the PEA raises --

In the first place, every resolution that comes before the Board begins with this statement: "The Acting Superintendent of Schools recommends and I (i.e., the Board President) move, adoption of the following:..."

It is the Superintendent's (or Acting Superintendent's) job to put forth the resolutions, so why blame the Board if the Superintendent does (or does not) put forth expected resolutions?

In the case of the 120 employees awaiting reappointment, it should be noted that the Acting Superintendent HAS PUT FORWARD 966 appointments and the hiring of 370 substitute teachers on Tuesday's agenda. Has she some reason for not putting forward the other 120? If so, it is the Acting Superintendent who should be asked the question -- not the Board.

The question of criminal background checks for substitute teachers is only part of the problem in that area. Plainfield, like many other cash-strapped districts, relies heavily on substitute teachers to fill out its teaching staff. Subs are paid on a per diem basis and are much less expensive to the district than full-time teachers. It would be a good thing to have a thorough public discussion of the reasons for using subs and what that does to leave our children shortchanged in the educational process.

As for the proposal to make Maxson Middle School the District's STEM school, I was somewhat mystified by the discussion at the June work/study session, where the Principal was pretty thoroughly questioned by some board members on the proposal.

I sat behind the Principal as she answered the Board's questions, and she seemed quite uncomfortable. Why wouldn't the question of Maxson becoming a STEM school have been worked out before this?

And certainly such a plan would need to be strategized, with a minimum three-to-five year plan laid out. There was no talk of a plan; it all seemed to be stitched together rather hastily.

Is Maxson under special pressure because of the State's view of its performance? Who gets to decide a school's focus will be on STEM? The principal? The Superintendent? The Board? Or some combination of all three?

There is no doubt the charter schools have focused in on a STEM approach (specifically UC TEAMS, Barack Obama Green HS and the College Achieve charter school), and they have been eating the Plainfield District's lunch for years now. I was not persuaded by the discussion that the District has a plan for recovering the initiative from the charter schools on this front. Am I wrong?

All stakeholders will want to come out for the Board of Ed business meeting at 8:00 PM, Tuesday, June 27, at the PHS cafeteria. The agenda (minus any walk-on resolution(s) is online here).

Best parking is the Kenyon Avenue lot, where you can enter the Cafeteria directly.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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This is an unabashed commercial

Header from the Mayor's summer activities email.

This is an unabashed commercial for the Mayor's Email Newsletter, which comes out every Friday to those who have subscribed (more on that below).

This week's issue -- Welcome to Summer!, Volume 4 - Issue 25 -- is a "keeper"

Just about every summer activity for Plainfield residents -- young and old alike -- is listed with dates, times, locations, and fees (where applicable).

Boys' soccer camp?

Got it.

Archery and Martial Arts at Washington School?

No problem.

Summer outdoor movies. Outdoor concert series. Rec Division programs. School District programs. YMCA programs. They're all here, plus more.

If you're not subscribed to the Mayor's newsletter, which also covers weekly updates from City divisions and departments, it's easy to do.

Sign up by calling (908) 753-3310 during business hours Monday to Friday, or send an email to communications@plainfieldnj.gov. If you want the full "Welcome to Summer" email, be sure to mention it.

You'll be glad to be up-to-date with Plainfield happenings and activities.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Trash2Treasure Flea Market tries to beat the weather a second time

The secret of flea markets: Someone else's trash
can be your treasure.

If you're an early bird and like to get busy in the morning, consider the "Trash2Treasure" Flea Market being hosted by the Union County Chapter of the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey.

The event runs from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM This Saturday (June 24) in the vacant lot on Watchung Avenue at East 6th Street, between City Hall and the Salvation Army. (This is a replay of the original, scheduled for earlier this month but rained out.)
The name says it all: here's an opportunity to turn someone else's "trash" into your "treasure".

The event is free. Why not stop by before the R&B concert? Parking available on the street or in the lot behind City Hall.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Long disbanded Plainfield organization being reborn

A classic Plainfield view.

A long-disbanded Plainfield educational and leadership organization is being reborn.

I came upon this energetic group accidentally. They are reviving an organization that formerly functioned in Plainfield for many years.

I will shortly post a notice of their chartering meeting, to which the public will be invited.

Stay tuned.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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9th Annual SID Block Party is Saturday

SID President Nimrod Webb and event specialist Pat Fields,
at a SID Block Party.

Plainfield's Special Improvement District (SID) hosts its 9th Annual downtown Block Party Saturday, June 24, from Noon to 4:00 PM.

The popular FREE event features non-stop entertainment on a stage set up on Front Street between Park and Watchung Avenues.

This year's lineup includes Sandra Rey (Ecuadorian music); Clown Cepellin del Salvador; the group Tus Rumberas; the Balcon Andino Dance Group; and Banda De Guerra El Sombrero Azul (El Salvador); plus Ballroom Dancing exhibitions.

More than thirty local vendors and information booths will line the street, including services and nonprofits.

Kids will enjoy a FREE bounce house, and all will have an opportunity to tour a Plainfield Rescue Squad ambulance.

The rain date is Saturday, July 8. For more information, call (908) 756-1088.

The Plainfield SID is composed of hundreds of businesses and property owners focused in two areas: the Downtown Business District, and the South Avenue District. Supported ny voluntary assessments and the City of Plainfield, it engages in a series of activities throughout the year to promote shopping and dining in Plainfield.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Summer Food Nutrition program kicks off Wednesday

The Summer Nutrition Program kicks off Wednesday
at Hannah Atkins Playground.

Plainfield's Summer Nutrition Program kicks off this Wednesday ()June 21) at Hannah Atkins Playground from 3:30 to 7:00 PM.

The program, offered in partnership with the Plainfield Public Schools, guarantees free delicious and nutritious meals for Plainfield youth to age 18 while school is out over the summer months.

Wednesday's kickoff will start the program in a festive atmosphere, with food, fun, games and more.

The City of Plainfield had nearly 8,000 eligible youths in 2016, with nearly 1,800 served in the program, second highest in numbers served in Union County. The aim is to increase family participation in 2017.

Part of the outreach effort is recruiting "Hunger Heroes", residents who agree to share the feeding site information on their social media accounts and by other means. Signups may be made at the Kickoff, with a free "Hunger Heroes" T-shirt to participants (while supplies last).

Recreation staff and volunteers will be doing a literature drop aon Thursday, June 22, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The program, which is for all city children under 18, will operate in four locations:

• Hannah Atkins Playground, West 3rd Street & Plainfield Avenue
• Rushmore Playground, West 3rd & Rushmore Avenue
• Seidler Field, North & Netherwood Avenues

These three will provide meals Monday through Friday, June 26 to August 18, with a snack at 2:30 PM and Dinner at 5:30 PM.

The fourth site is at City Hall, East 6th Street & Watchung Avenue, where the schedule is Monday through Friday, July 5 through August 11, with breakfast at 8:30 AM and lunch at 11:00 AM.

There is no registration paperwork or income eligibility.

For more information, contact the Division of Recreation at (908) 753-3097.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Council tables animal control services contract

Residents questioned the high euthanization rates by the City's
animal control services provider.

Plainfield's City Council certainly deserves an "A" for comportment at Monday evening's business meeting.

With only 10 non-consent items on the agenda, resolutions rolled along at a nice clip, which shows how well things can go when circumstances are right.

Members of the public raised several questions about the animal control services contract, which turned out to be one of only two surprises for the evening. Among their concerns were very high rates of euthanizing and failure to provide activity reports in a timely fashion to the City.

When time came to introduce the resolution to hire Associated Humane Societies for the animal control services, there was silence as no Councilor offered to move the resolution. After a moment's hesitation, and an inquiry to the Corporation Counsel whether a motion to table the resolution would be in order (it was so ruled), the resolution was quickly tabled on a unanimous voice vote until the July meeting.

The other surprise came in the voting on the first reading of the Muhlenberg Hospital Redevelopment Plan (MC 2017-17). Councilor Toliver voted 'no', stating that she was doing so because there had  been no consideration of using the site for a new municipal complex. The ordinance passed on first reading 5-1, with Toliver voting 'no'. (Councilor Rivers was not present at the meeting.)

In open comments, resident Tom Kaercher asked for an explanation as to why there was a resolution to commemorate "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" after it had passed.

Resident Tim Priano had several questions, including whether the Council could shorten the time political signs are left up after an election; issues with NJ Transit keeping its properties clean; and not having heard anything further about the Bierstadt paintings (I seem to recall Mayor Mapp asking his committee for a report "in six months", which would probably mean September or October).

Rresident Alan Goldstein spoke to several issues he considers outstanding concerning the PMUA's performance in re: the Interlocal Services Agreement between the city and the agency.

Council President noted that the meeting between the Council and the PMUA Commissioners has been rescheduled for July 10, and invited interested parties to email her questions and comments in advance of the meeting. She can be reached by email at rebecca.williams@plainfieldnj.gov.

The next meeting of City Council is a combined agenda/business meeting on July 10 -- along the the joint meeting of the Council and PMUA commissioners, it looks to be a full evening.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Expungement information session offered in Plainfield Tuesday

Expungement can help give someone a fresh start.

Expungement of criminal records in New Jersey is NOT automatic. Though it is possible to have records expunged, it is up to the person involved to initiate the process -- at the correct time and place.

In cases of persons who have been charged with a crime and the charge is subsequently withdrawn, knowing the correct steps and timing can reduce hassles with potential employers in the future.

The cities of Plainfield and Elizabeth are cooperatingin offering two information sessions to equip those who may qualify for expungement to take advantage of the program.

The Plainfield session, which is free and open to the public, takes place Tuesday, June 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Plainfield Public Library. For more information, call Comunity Development at (908) 753-3377.

An identical session will be offered at the Elizabeth Public Library on Wednesday, June 21, also from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. (For information, call (908) 820-4052.

David Beverly, ombudsman for the Union County Vicinage, will conduct both sessions.

The Plainfield Public Library is at Park Avenue and West 8th Street and is an accessible facility. Parking is available in the 8th and 9th Street lots. For more information about library hours and programs, visit the library's website at www.plainfieldlibrary.info/.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Council business session Monday, Board of Ed work/study Tuesday

Even Magic 8 Ball has learned to be cautious
about predicting Plainfield meetings.

There are two important Plainfield meetings this week: the City Council meets for its business session on Monday, and the Board of  Ed has a work/study meeting on Tuesday.

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING

The first business meeting since the June Primary election has only ten items marked as non-consent (see agenda here), a tantalizing prospect of a shorter-than-usual meeting. However, it would pay not to count your chickens before they're hatched.

Monday's Council meeting will take place in the Council Chambers / Courthouse at East 4th Street and Watchung Avenue. Parking on the street or in the public lot across from Police Headquarters.

BOARD OF ED WORK/STUDY

The Board of Ed's June 20 work/study meeting is scheduled for the PHS Conference Room (see agenda here), but may be moved if public attendance is expected to be large. (Word in the street is that the Sheard matter will once again be a focus of the meeting.) Check back for any changes in the venue.

Parking is always a guessing game when a large crowd is expected. Normally, parking on the street or in the Stelle Avenue lot work best when the meeting is in the Conference Room. However, if the venue is changed to the PHS cafeteria, the Kenyon Avenue lot is your best bet.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Rec Division has two kids' activities this Saturday

Fishing and Father's Day Arts & Crafts offered today.

The Plainfield Division of Parks and Recreation has two kids' activities slated for this Saturday --

FATHERS DAY ARTS & CRAFTS

Sunday is Father's Day. To help kids who are looking for gifts for the occasion, the Recreation Division is offering an arts and crafts workshop at Hannah Atkins Community Center from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday. Young people will be able to take part in a variety of projects to make a gift for Father's Day.

The Hannah Atkins Community Center is at East 3rd Street and Plainfield Avenue.

HOOKED ON FISHING, NOT DRUGS

The Saturday morning fishing program will continue until August 5th. The program runs from 9:00 to 11:00 AM every Saturday at Cedar Brook Pond in Cedar Brook Park.

Registration on Community Pass is required for this popular program. Go to the city's website here, and click on the Recreation button in the right column and find your way to Community Pass.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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Raising of Rainbow Flag marks Plainfield observance of Pride Month

Rainbow Flag being raised over City Hall
at Thursday's celebration of Gay Pride Month.

Council President Rebecca Williams took the lead in organizing a flag raising on Thursday evening in celebration of Pride Month.

After an invocation by the Rev. Demaris Ortega of the United Church of Christ-Congregational, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Human Relations Commission chairman Bob Bolmer, and remarks by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp on Plainfield's support of its LGBT community as an integral part of the city's slogan "One Plainfield, One Future, the Rainbow Flag was raised on the City Hall flagpole, after which a councilmanic resolution was read aloud.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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