Caldwell Women’s Community Impact Award Established – TAPinto.net

CALDWELL, NJ — Caldwell Borough Council President Christine Schmidt introduced a resolution during the March 9 borough council meeting that establishes an annual award to recognize women who have made outstanding contributions to the community. 

“March is Women’s History month and Councilwoman DePalma-Iozzi and I have been working together to find a valuable way to make a tribute to women in our community,” Schmidt said. “We feel it is important to recognize women in our community for their accomplishments and contributions so that women and girls here in Caldwell can be seen and inspire through example. Councilwoman DePalma-Iozzi and I are proud to present what we hope will be an annual Caldwell tradition during Women’s History month for many years to come.”

According to Schmidt, the award will honor an individual (or individuals) for outstanding contributions as a professional, volunteer, or agent of change. The Women’s Community Impact Award will be presented during the course of Women’s History month, March.  Residents are encouraged to send nominations to members of the Borough Council who will make the final selection of award winners. Current salaried employees or elected officials cannot be nominated. Women who are Caldwell residents or who are not current residents but have made significant contributions to our community are eligible.  

Candidates will be considered from a broad span of areas that include:  work for charitable, volunteer, philanthropic, and cultural institutions; service in the military; as well as economic, social, artistic, scientific, and educational contributions; or being a “first” woman to break through a barrier.  Nominations are due on March 20 with announcement of this year’s winners on March 23.  Information may be found on the borough’s website.

Passed by unanimous resolution the borough council extended the time for outside dining until June 30. As required by the resolution “Any business wishing to provide outdoor dining and/or the serving of alcoholic beverages outside of the current limits of the licensed premises shall be required to file a complete application” and submit the application to the Borough zoning official.

In other news S & S Caldwell Village LLC has been designated as the redeveloper for the 4-18 Lane Avenue project. That will be consistent with the redevelopment plan approved by the council this past December. The area referenced in the redevelopment plan as subdistrict five provides for a residential density of 32 units per acre or 21 units in the case of townhomes, with building allowances up to four stories or 50 feet.

 Under “New Business” Schmidt reported that she had been approached by Peter Dorchak, owner of Cloverleaf Tavern which has been in business since 1933, who requested consideration of a ceremonial street naming of Hanford Place to be dedicated to Cloverleaf. A brief discussion ensued among the council, and it was confirmed any time a street is ceremonial named it is not a legal change of name.  In the past streets have been ceremonially named after veterans and first responders who have served the borough.  A concern noted was if the request was to be approved, it may lead to many more requests.  A possibility was the consideration of naming the parking lot behind Cloverleaf, but no decision was made, and the council will consider the request under advisement.

Mayor John Kelley reported that he will be attending a shared services meeting on March 15 and anticipates a topic for discussion will be the pending upgrades to the Harrison school field.  West Caldwell and the Caldwell-West Caldwell school district have entered into an agreement to upgrade the field to install turf, lighting, drainage, and a new building that will house a concession stand and ADA compliant restrooms.  The field will provide play for soccer, lacrosse, football, and field hockey.  The anticipated cost for the project will be between 1.6M-1.9M as discussed at the last West Caldwell town council meeting.  Kelley wished to poll the council to see if there was interest in the project.  

Originally the borough had agreed to $150k of Open Space Essex County grant funds to be contributed towards the project but ultimately decided to purchase open space near Caldwell University.  Kelley stated that a commitment from the borough would be from “new money” and the plan to purchase the land by Caldwell University is proceeding.  

 DePalma-Iozzi asked for confirmation as to the percentage of Caldwell children who use the fields.  Councilman Francis Rodgers noted there was “enormous wear and tear on the grass field” as it is used constantly to accommodate all the programs. Councilman Jeffrey Gates stated he prefers grass fields but is open to hearing why it is requested but his “inclination is that it is not worth it but would like to hear other perspectives and the benefits of it.”   

Schmidt remarked that there are three turf fields already and would like to know how many turf fields other communities have.  Schmidt also raised the issue that the recreation department serves other needs besides sports and that “we must serve our whole community not just athletes.”  

Councilman Henderson Cole stated his idea was to use “the money to save things that would otherwise be destroyed like purchasing rural land.”  Councilman Jonathan Lace added he can “understand the desire to have another turf field, but I am looking for analysis that can demonstrate the need that we can take back to our constituents.”  Lace thanked Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Heinegg for setting up the meeting.

Business Administrator Tom Banker closed the meeting stating he plans to bring a preliminary budget before the council by the end of March.  However, he is waiting to try to confirm what the revenue side of the budget will be based upon two unknowns at this time:  federal aid as it pertains to what President Joseph Biden’s 1.9 trillion-dollar plan offers in the way of municipal assistance and what state aid would look like.  Banker stated he will present a draft for expenditures for the council’s review and after that will incorporate revenue figures once those figures are known.

 The next borough council meeting will be March 23.