Township Council Meeting — Packet

Grants & Strategic Initiatives Transformation Strategy Grant – $72,189 The Alliance secured a $72,189 Transformation Strategy grant to implement initiatives aligned with the district’s adopted Transformation Strategy, Thrive Local West Orange. This funding supports targeted business recruitment, entrepreneurial development, storefront activation, placemaking enhancements, and marketing initiatives designed to strengthen the district as an incubator for small and emerging businesses. State Tourism Grant Initiative – $18,000 In partnership with the Township, the Alliance successfully secured an $18,000 State of New Jersey Tourism Grant to support destination marketing initiatives. The Downtown West Orange Alliance prepared and submitted the grant application and will provide the required 25% matching funds in the amount of $4,500. The Downtown Alliance is working with two professional vendors and the Promotions Committee to develop and implement this campaign. The grant will fund a targeted digital marketing initiative promoting key West Orange tourism assets, including the Thomas Edison Museum, local open space and golf facilities, and wedding and lodging venues. This campaign is designed to increase visitation, elevate West Orange as a regional destination, and generate measurable economic impact for the broader community, including increased visitation for downtown restaurants, retail establishments, and service businesses. Organization $6,600.00 The Organization category supports the structural foundation and governance of the Downtown West Orange Alliance, ensuring effective coordination among board members, committees, volunteers, and community stakeholders. This line item provides for organizational development, sponsorship cultivation, partnership coordination, and the administrative support necessary to implement programs efficiently and collaboratively. Maintaining strong working relationships with local organizations remains a priority. The Alliance continues to collaborate with partners such as the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Edison, Friends of the West Orange Public Library, the Public Relations Commission, the West Orange Hispanic Foundation, The African Heritage Association, the Rotary Club of West Orange, and other community groups. Active participation in meetings and joint initiatives strengthens alignment and maximizes

nic Foundation, The African Heritage Association, the Rotary Club of West Orange, and other community groups. Active participation in meetings and joint initiatives strengthens alignment and maximizes community impact. In addition, the Alliance participates in ongoing professional development, training, and technical assistance opportunities offered through the National Main Street Center and Downtown New Jersey to ensure adherence to best practices in downtown management and economic development. Community Events Dues & Subscriptions Main St. NJ -National Conference Trade Shows/Seminars 5 $ $ $ $ 100.00 1,000.00 5,000.00 500.00

Total Organization Visual Improvement $ 6,600.00 $100,000.00 The Visual Improvement category supports ongoing design, beautification, and placemaking initiatives that enhance the overall appearance and competitiveness of the downtown corridor. Over the years, significant progress has been made through the work of the Design Committee, including improvements to storefronts, signage, and awnings. The Alliance continues to collaborate with property owners and business stakeholders to elevate the visual identity of the district and strengthen curb appeal. This line item provides funding for wayfinding signage, seasonal and holiday decorations, and the highly regarded façade grant reimbursement program, which incentivizes private investment in storefront improvements. The Alliance remains committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. The addition of a part-time litter control staff member has proven effective, and enhanced maintenance and supplemental clean-up services will continue. Landscaping and planter beautification also remain a priority to ensure a cohesive and attractive streetscape. These visual improvements directly support business retention and recruitment efforts by creating a vibrant, well-maintained environment that encourages occupancy, reduces vacancy, and strengthens overall investor confidence in the district. Specific allocations within this category are as follows: Hometown Heros/ Spring Banners $ 5,000.00 Design Improvements $ 5,000.00 Capital Expense & Signage $ 15,000.00 Façade Grant Program $ 20,000.00 Holiday Decorations $ 19,500.00 Landscaping/Streetscape $ 10,500.00 Litter Maintenance & Supplies $ 25,000.00 TOTAL Visual Improvement $100,000.00 In summary, the 2026 budget reflects a balanced and forward-looking approach to downtown management. Through thoughtful investment, strategic partnerships, and responsible fiscal oversight, the Downtown West Orange Alliance remains committed to strengthening the Main Street Corridor and enhancing its long-term economic revitalization. By combining local investment with external grant funding and maintaining rigorous financial standards, the Alliance is positioned to advance business growth, reduce vacancy, enhance the district’s visual appeal, and promote West Orange as a vibrant destination. The Board remains dedicated to evaluating every program and

sitioned to advance business growth, reduce vacancy, enhance the district’s visual appeal, and promote West Orange as a vibrant destination. The Board remains dedicated to evaluating every program and expenditure to ensure meaningful value for business and property owners while improving quality of life for the broader community we serve. 6

In conclusion, the total proposed 2026 operating budget is $320,298.00. The Downtown West Orange Alliance respectfully requests approval of this budget and continued support for the strategic work being undertaken to strengthen the Main Street Corridor and the broader West Orange community. Thank you for your time, consideration, and ongoing partnership. 7

103-26 March 24, 2026 RESOLUTION REJECTING THE BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF EMS APPARATUS FOR THE WEST ORANGE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PURCHASING TO RE-BID THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF EMS APPARATUS FOR THE WEST ORANGE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTRACT WHEREAS, on February 18, 2026, the Township of West Orange received bids for the Repair and Maintenance of EMS Apparatus for the West Orange Fire Department contract; and WHEREAS, the Township of West Orange received only one bid submission, from VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists, LLC (“VCI”); and WHEREAS, the bid submission of VCI is deemed non-responsive because VCI proposed an hourly rate for preventative maintenance for each vehicle, where the RFP solicited a total cost per year for each vehicle. VCI also proposed a 40% mark-up for OEM parts, where the RFP allows a maximum of 25% mark-up; and WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Township Council that this bid received be rejected and the contract be re-bid; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of West Orange that the bid received for Repair and Maintenance of EMS Apparatus for the West Orange Fire Department is hereby rejected; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to re-bid the Repair and Maintenance of EMS Apparatus for the West Orange Fire Department contract for the sought-after provision or performance of goods and services. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township shall re-advertise the Bid Contract in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-23 and contact all bidders who responded to the Bid Contract and advise them of the re-bid; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall be made available in the Clerk’s Office for reasonable inspection in accordance with applicable law. Karen J. Carnevale, R.M.C. Municipal Clerk Adopted: March 24, 2026 Susan Scarpa Council President

104-26 March 24, 2026 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the following charitable organization(s) have applied for a Raffle License which raffle is to be conducted within the Township of West Orange, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of West Orange, that the Municipal Clerk is hereby authorized to issue a license to conduct a raffle by the following organization (s) at the place (s) and time(s) set opposite their respective name(s): Organization Type of Event/Date Place RL No. RENEW International Jewish Women 6.4.26 Off Premise 50/50 757 Eagle Rock Avenue 7956 RENEW International Jewish Women 6.4.26 Tricky Tray 757 Eagle Rock Avenue 7957 Karen J. Carnevale, R.M.C. Township Clerk Adopted: March 24, 2026 Susan Scarpa Council President

105-26 March 24, 2026 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, on April 9, 2024, the Township of West Orange adopted Resolution 117-24 granting a local license to operate a Cannabis Retail Business to Pure Natural Vibes LLC operating at Suite 100 of the property located at: Block 84.01, Lot 60, commonly known as 470 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey (the “Location”); and WHEREAS, the local license granted to Pure Natural Vibes LLC was for a term of one (1) year; and WHEREAS, Pure Natural Vibes LLC submitted a renewal application for its local license to the Office of the Township Clerk seeking an additional one (1) year license to operate a cannabis retail business within the Township; and WHEREAS, Pure Natural Vibes LLC began its retail operations on September 28, 2024; and WHEREAS, Pure Natural Vibes LLC has advised that there are no changes in its renewal application from its initial application for a local license. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of West Orange, County of Essex, State of New Jersey, hereby determines to be in the best interests of the Township, as follows: 1. The above recitals are incorporated as though set forth at length herein. 2. The renewal application of Pure Natural Vibes LLC for a local license to operate a cannabis retail business within the Township at Suite 100 of the property located at: Block 84.01, Lot 60 (commonly known as 470 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey), is in

compliance with the Township's local regulations on cannabis businesses, and is hereby approved. 3. Pure Natural Vibes LLC’s Renewal License shall be effective as of April 9, 2026 consistent with the date of its initial local license. 4. The Township Clerk shall promptly provide Pure Natural Vibes LLC and the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission with a certified copy of this Resolution. Karen J. Carnevale, R.M.C. Municipal Clerk Susan Scarpa Council President Adopted: March 24, 2026 2

106-26 March 24, 2026 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES TO REBATE PAYMENT TO THE LISTED TAXPAYER PURSUANT TO FINAL JUDGMENT BY THE TAX COURT OF NEW JERSEY WHEREAS, final judgment on tax appeals has been rendered by the Tax Court of New Jersey on the petitions of the taxpayers listed on the attached schedule reducing the assessment. WHEREAS, such judgment by merit of N.J.S.A. 54:3-27.2 shall be conclusive and binding upon the municipal assessor and taxing district; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the West Orange Township Council that the Collector of Taxes and Treasurer of West Orange, be and they are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to cause to be paid to the said taxpayers the sums in full and final satisfaction to tax rebates due: Karen J. Carnevale, R.M.C. Municipal Clerk Susan Scarpa, Council President Council President Adopted: March 24, 2026 I hereby certify funds are available from Account No.: _____________________________________________ John Ditinyak, Chief Financial Officer