Township Council Meeting — Minutes

Conference Meeting — March 10, 2026 The conference Meeting began at 6:36 p.m., the Municipal Clerk read the following statement: This is to inform the general public that this meeting is being held in compliance with Section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, Public Law 1975. The notice for this meeting was emailed to the Star Ledger and the West Orange Chronicle on January 7, 2025 and published in the West Orange Chronicle on January 16, 2025. Roll Call — Councilwoman Casalino, Councilwoman Rudin, Councilwoman Williams and Council President Scarpa Councilman Krakoviak joined the meeting virtually. e Update on Tree Planting: Walt Kipp — Township Forester Public Meeting— March 10, 2026 The Public meeting began at 7:05 p.m., the Municipal Clerk read the following statement: This is to inform the general public that this meeting is being held in compliance with Section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, Public Law 1975. The notice for this meeting was emailed to the Star Ledger and the West Orange Chronicle on January 7, 2025 and published in the West Orange Chronicle on January 16, 2025. Roll Call — Councilwoman Casalino, Councilman Krakoviak, Councilwoman Rudin, Councilwoman Williams and Council President Scarpa Pledge of Allegiance Public Comment Joe Fagan-Public Information Officer for West Orange Anthony Puglisi Representing Joe DiVincenzo, County Executive Katrina Morris — Virginia Avenue — wants more control over her future and work with those that work to do that. Khabira Myers — Rent Leveling Board Chair — Objection to 2954-26 Justin Goldsman — Moran Road —Township Employee Appreciation Day, Use of Tax Dollars, 69-26 and 89-26 Affordable Housing, 2962-26 Joe Nalieth — Ridgeview Ave. — Transparency, Budget Concerns, Campaign Donations Ordinance Connor Orr — Old Short Hills Rd. — Ord. 2954-26 Micaela Bennett — Old Indian Road — Resolutions, Professional Services Contracts - OEM-Payouts to Retirees There was no one else who wished to be heard, and the public comment portion of the agenda was closed. At approximately 8:29 p.m., on motion made by Council President Scarpa and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the Council recessed the public meeting and entered into an executive session. All members present voting “Aye.” At approximately 10:04 p.m., on motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded

no, the Council recessed the public meeting and entered into an executive session. All members present voting “Aye.” At approximately 10:04 p.m., on motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the Council adjourned the executive session and resumed the public meeting.

Councilwoman Casalino, Councilwoman Rudin, Councilwoman Williams and Council President Scarpa voting “Aye.” Councilman Krakoviak abstained. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting — None Report of Township Officers - None Reading of Petitions and Communications and Bids - None Bill List - None Resolution(s) Approved on Consent Agenda 70-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Phoenix Advisors, 625 Farnworth Avenue Bordentown, New Jersey 08505, for Redevelopment Financial Consultant at an Amount NTE $35,000. (Ditinyak) 75-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Bourne, Knoll & Kenyon of 382 Springfield Avenue PO Box 690 Summit, New Jersey 07652 for Municipal Tax Appeal Attorney at an Amount NTE $39,000.00 (Ditinyak) 76-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Phoenix Advisors, 625 Farnworth Avenue Bordentown, New Jersey 08505, for Financial Consultant in an Amount NTE $75,000.00 (Ditinyak) 85-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Friend and Wenzel, LLC of 1000 Clinton Avenue, Clifton, New Jersey 07013, for Municipal Prosecutor, in an Amount NTE $48,000.00 (Ditinyak) 98-26 Resolution Authorizing an Executive Session for Discussion on Governmental Structure, including but not limited to, Personnel, Legal Matters, Contract Negotiations, Property Transactions and Statutory/Regulatory; Litigation-Update on all Active Litigation matters; Attorney Client Communication-Violation of Attorney Client Privilege/Separation of Powers (Semeraro) 99-26 Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Raffle Licenses (Clerk) Resolution(s) Removed from Consent Agenda 68-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Battaglia Associates, 153 East Allendale Rd., Saddle River, NJ 07458, for Miscellaneous Financial Services at an Amount NTE $35,000. (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved. All member present voting “Aye.”

69-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Heyer, Gruel & Associates, 236 Broad Street Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, for Municipal Planning Services at an Amount NTE $85,000. (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Councilman Krakoviakino, the above referenced resolution was defeated. Councilwoman Casalino and Councilman Krakoviak voting “Aye.” Councilwoman Rudin, Councilwoman Williams and Council President Scarpa voting “Nay.” 71-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Wilentz Attorneys at Law of 90 Woodbridge Center Drive Suite 900, Box 10, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095, for Municipal Redevelopment Attorney at an Amount NTE $75,000. (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved. All member present voting “Aye. 72-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Blau & Blau of 233 Mountain Avenue Springfield, New Jersey 07081, for Municipal Tax Appeal Attorney at an Amount NTE $72,000. (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved. All member present voting “Aye. 73-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with KAI Strategic Insurance Partners (SIP)_of 492 Franklin Avenue Nutley, New Jersey 07110, for Risk Management Services at an Amount NTE $24,000. (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved. All member present voting “Aye. 74-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Samuel Klein and Company of 550 Broad Street 11" Floor Newark, New Jersey 07102, for Municipal Audit Services at an Amount NTE $119,950.00 (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved.

Councilwoman Casalino, Councilman Krakoviak, Councilwoman Williams, and Council President Krakoviak voting “Aye.” Councilwoman Rudin voting “Nay.” 77-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Wilentz Attorneys at Law of 90 Woodbridge Center Drive Suite 900, Box 10, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095, for Municipal Bond Attorney, in an Amount NTE $95,000.00 (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved. All member present voting “Aye. 82-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Gregg F. Paster & Associates, 2160 N. Central Road Suite 303 Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024, for Assistant Municipal Attorney, in an Amount NTE $120,000.00 (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved. Councilwoman Casalino, Councilman Krakoviak, Councilwoman Williams, and Council President Krakoviak voting “Aye.” Councilwoman Rudin voting “Nay.” 84-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Antonelli, Kantor, Rivera of 354 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 1000 Livingston, New Jersey 07039, for Municipal Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) Attorney, in an Amount NTE $85,000.00 (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Rudin and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the not to exceed amount was amended from $85,000. to $35,000. Councilwoman Casalino, Councilwoman Rudin, Councilwoman Williams and Council President Scarpa voting “Aye.” Councilman Krakoviak voting “Nay.” On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved, as amended. All member present voting “Aye. 86-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Hendricks Appraisal Company of 7 Hutton Avenue West Orange, New Jersey 07052, for Appraisal Services, in an Amount NTE $35,000.00 (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Council President Scarpa, the above referenced resolution was approved.

All member present voting “Aye. 87-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Antonelli, Kantor, Rivera of 354 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 1000 Livingston, New Jersey 07039, for Municipal Labor Counsel, in an Amount NTE $115,000.00 (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved. All member present voting “Aye. 88-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with The Law Office of Fernando Marin, Esq of 111 Northfield Avenue, Suite 300 West Orange, New Jersey 07052, for Public Defender, in an Amount NTE $115,000.00 (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved. All member present voting “Aye. 89-26 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Heyer, Gruel & Associates of 236 Broad Street Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, for Municipal Affordable Housing Planner; in an Amount NTE $85,000.00 (Ditinyak) On motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Council President Scarpa, the above referenced resolution was defeated. Councilwoman Casalino and Councilman Krakoviak voting “Aye.” Councilwoman Rudin, Councilwoman Williams and Council President Scarpa voting “Nay.” 96-26 Resolution Extending the Contract with D’Onofrio & Sons, Inc. Landscaping, 47 Van Ness Terrace, Maplewood, NJ 07040 for the Maintenance of Various Township Owned Parcels, Including Turf Maintenance, Litter and Debris Collection, Weed Control and Fall Leaf Collection and Disposal for the Period Beginning April 1, 2026 and Ending, November 30, 2026 in an Amount NTE $154,805.00 (Reynolds) A motion was made by Councilwoman Rudin and seconded by Councilwoman Scarpa to table the above referenced resolution. The motion was defeated. Councilwoman Rudin and Council President Scarpa voting “Aye.” Councilwoman Casalino, Councilman. Krakoviak and Councilwoman Williams voting “Nay.” On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the above referenced resolution was approved.

Councilwoman Casalino, Councilman Krakoviak, Councilwoman Williams, and Council President Krakoviak voting “Aye.” Councilwoman Rudin voting “Nay.” Council President Scarpa made a motion to table the pending ordinances, moving their consideration to the March 24 meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Rudin. The motion was defeated. Councilwoman Rudin and Council President Scarpa voting “Aye.” Councilwoman Casalino, Councilman Krakoviak and Councilwoman Williams voting “Nay.” Ordinances of Second and Final Reading - None Ordinances of First Reading Ord. 2954-26 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15, Section 2.6 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of West Orange Removing Tenants’ Appeals to the Township Council from Findings of the Rent Leveling Board. A motion was made by Councilwoman Casalino, but failed to advance due to lack of a second. Ord. 2955-26 On motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 25, “Land Use Regulations,”, Section 47.5, “Organization,” of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of West Orange to Permit Successive Terms as Chairperson and Vice-chairperson, was approved on first reading, ordered advertised according to law, to come up for second and final reading on March 24, 2026. Councilwoman Casalino, Councilman Krakoviak, Councilwoman Williams, and Council President Krakoviak voting “Aye.” Councilwoman Rudin voting “Nay.” Ord. 2957-26 On motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Councilwoman Williams, An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Chapter 2, “Administration,” Section 18.2, “Functions of the Engineering Department,” Of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange, was approved on first reading, ordered advertised according to law, to come up for second and final reading on March 24, 2026. All member present voting “Aye. Ord. 2958-26 On motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Councilwoman Williams, An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Chapter 2, “Administration,” Section 10.1, “Director of Public Works; Duties of the Department,” Of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange, was approved on first reading, ordered advertised according to law, to come up for second and final reading on March 24, 2026.

All member present voting “Aye. Ord. 2960-26 On motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Councilwoman Williams, An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Chapter 2, “Administration,” Sections 71.4c, 72.4c, And 73.4c, “Formula for Reimbursement,” of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange, was approved on first reading, ordered advertised according to law, to come up for second and final reading on March 24, 2026. All member present voting “Aye. Ord. 2962-26 On motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Councilwoman Williams, An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Chapter 21, “Environmental Regulations,” Section 15.4c, “Design Standard,” Of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange,” of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange, was approved on first reading, ordered advertised according to law, to come up for second and final reading on March 24, 2026. All member present voting “Aye. Ord. 2963-26 On motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Councilwoman Williams, An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Chapter 18, “Fire Protection and Prevention,” Section 2.1b, “Establishing A Fire Lane at Bernard M Degnan Park,” Of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange” of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange, was approved on first reading, ordered advertised according to law, to come up for second and final reading on March 24, 2026. All member present voting “Aye. Ord. 2964-26 On motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Councilwoman Williams, An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Chapter 17, “Solid Waste Management,” Sections 7.9 “Leaf Disposal Period,” 7.10, “Warning; Penalty,” And 12.3b “Procedure for Reimbursement,” of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange” of the Municipal Code of the Township of West Orange, was approved on first reading, ordered advertised according to law, to come up for second and final reading on March 24, 2026. All member present voting “Aye. Ord. 2965-26 On motion made by Councilwoman Casalino and seconded by Councilwoman Williams, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, “Administration,”, Section 40.2 “Judge of the Municipal Court; Powers

And,” of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of West Orange to Consolidate the Judge of the Municipal Court Positions, was defeated on first reading. Councilman Krakoviak and Councilwoman Williams voting “Aye.” Councilwoman Casalino, Councilwoman Rudin and Council President Scarpa voting “Nay.” Pending Matters/New Matters/Council Discussion e Ordinance Status Report e Draft of Proposed 2026 Municipal Budget Process/Timeline © Outdoor Music on St. Patrick’s Day ® Ordinance for Political Contribution e Office Hours of the Tax Assessor e Opioid Money ° At approximately, 11:54 p.m., on motion made by Councilwoman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman Casalino, the Public Meeting was adjourned. All members present voting “Aye.” The Minutes of this meeting are on file in the Office of the Municipal Clerk. 4 f ee rl Le Co 4 Susan Scarpa Council President Adopted: April 14, 2026