Township Council Meeting — Packet

179-26 July 7, 2026 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Township of West Orange (the “Township”) seeks to enter into an Agreement for mental health services for the residents of the Township for the period commencing on January 1, 2026 and ending on December 31, 2026; and WHEREAS, the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris Counties (the “MHA”), a nonprofit corporation of the State of New Jersey has assisted the Township of West Orange Police Department (the “WOPD”) by providing critical services to the community for de-escalation, response, treatment, and follow-up related to mental health calls since 2021; and WHEREAS, the Professional Services are exempt from the requirements of public bidding pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law, more specifically, N.J.S.A. 40A:11- 5(1)(a)(i); and WHEREAS, the MHA provides professional services through the provision of licensed mental health clinicians; and WHEREAS, the collaborative efforts of the MHA and the WOPD has led to success in managing mental health related response calls in a manner that facilitates treatment and recovery while reducing involvement in the criminal justice system; and WHEREAS, the MHA has provided successful training to the WOPD for the handling of interactions with and responses to persons in crises; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Township, and its residents, have available to them such services for de-escalation, response, treatment, and follow-up related to mental health calls. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of West Orange that the Township is hereby authorized to enter into the Agreement, annexed hereto as Exhibit “A” with the MHA for de-escalation, response, treatment, and follow-up services related to mental health calls; and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to execute the Agreement in a substantially similar form as annexed hereto as Exhibit “A,” pursuant to Township attorney approval, and the Township Clerk be and is hereby authorized to attest to the Mayor’s signature; and be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution shall be made available in the Clerk’s office in accordance with

lerk be and is hereby authorized to attest to the Mayor’s signature; and be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution shall be made available in the Clerk’s office in accordance with applicable law. Karen J. Carnevale, RMC, Municipal Clerk Susan Scarpa, Council President Adopted: July 7, 2026

179-26 Formatted: Right MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR CO- RESPONDER PROGRAM BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATES OF ESSEX AND MORRIS COUNTIES This Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is hereby entered into between the Township of West Orange Police Department (“WOPD”) and the Mental Health Association of Deleted: Associates Essex and Morris Counties (“MHA”) for implementation of a co-responder program which Deleted: EM provides critical services to the community for de-escalation, response, treatment, and follow-up. WHEREAS, the WOPD and MHA participated in a pilot program between September 1, Deleted: EM 2020 and February 1, 2021, ; and Deleted: have begun collaborating on a pilot program WHEREAS, the WOPD and MHA continued their participation in the co-responder program between February 1, 2021 and October 1, 2021; andWHEREAS, the WOPD is highly Deleted: ¶ decorated and experienced in addressing a myriad of circumstances; and WHEREAS, between January 1, 2021 and through April 2026, the WOPD received 2,290 Deleted: July 13, 2019 and July 13, 2020 mental health calls; and Deleted: 393 WHEREAS, mental health calls require immediate, compassionate and directed responses and follow ups to ensure de-escalation and the safety and well-being of the community; and WHEREAS, the WOPD has previously implemented Operation HOPE (heroin-opiate prevention effort) to train volunteers and assist persons who voluntarily seek treatment; and WHEREAS, between January 1, 2021 and the present, the Township has received 1,765 Deleted: mental health calls, and the MHA has assisted with responding to 694 of those calls; and Deleted: the Township has previously entered into a ground-breaking pilot program with MHAEM but due to WHEREAS, regardless of whether the Township and/or MHA responds to a mental health

ground-breaking pilot program with MHAEM but due to WHEREAS, regardless of whether the Township and/or MHA responds to a mental health call resources, MHAEM was only able to respond to 37 calls during the six (6) month initiative while there have been in the community, MHA follows up with each individual encountered pursuant to a mental health call; approximately 197 mental health calls demonstrating a need and for further coverage and response WHEREAS, the Township received a grant on October 1, 2021 from the United States Deleted: the Township has made this a priority towards Department of Justice under the Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health the health, welfare and safety of the entire community; and¶ Responses Program (“DOJ Grant”) which expired on September 30, 2025; and Deleted: is desirous of applying to the Deleted: for a grant under the WHEREAS, the Township finds that their partnership with the MHA has been beneficial Deleted: . to the health, welfare, and safety of the community; and WHEREAS, the Township finds that it is in the best interest of the Township and its inhabitants to continue their partnership with the MHA. NOW, BE IT HEREBY AGREED BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP AND MHA as follows: Deleted: EM 1

1. Term of Agreement. This MOU shall be for a period of one (1) year beginning on January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Deleted: the first day of the month at least 30 days after the following have occurred: (i) approval by the Township Council; and (ii) implementation of sufficient trained 2. Payment. The total fee for MHA’s services is $196,000 which shall be paid at a staffing by MHAEM; and (iii) acknowledgment of the rate of $16,333.33 per month. receipt of the DOJ Grant. The term shall be for not less than twelve (12) consecutive months. 3. Program. During the term of the program, MHA shall provide no less than one (1) trained counselor who shall have the requisite experience and training to co-respond with the Deleted: EM WOPD to any designated mental health event or call for service Monday through Friday 7:00 am to Deleted: t 11:00 pm, not less than 80 hours per week. 4. Reporting. WOPD and MHA shall maintain full and complete records of all co- Deleted: EM responder initiatives, responses, follow-up, and evaluation. 5. Body Warn Camera. Pursuant to WOPD guidelines, BWC shall be maintained at all times during any MHA co-response and any other mental health incidents so that WOPD and Deleted: EM MHA may collaboratively review responses and debrief each other concerning any challenges, Deleted: EM training needs and best practices. 6. Communications. WOPD and MHA shall implement a real time program so that Deleted: EM the WOPD may know the cell phone number and other contact information for the MHA co- Deleted: EM responder to ensure the most efficient response time to address all calls for mental health events. 7. Supervisor Communications. During the term of this MOU,

Deleted: EM responder to ensure the most efficient response time to address all calls for mental health events. 7. Supervisor Communications. During the term of this MOU, the WOPD Chief of Police and his/her supervisors and the appropriate supervisory people at MHA shall have monthly Deleted: EM telephone conference calls or live/zoom meetings to discuss all aspects of the program including any communication issues, evaluation processes, necessary training, and service to the community. 8. Barricade Responses: To utilize MHA, Co-Responders are to cohere to Attorney General Directive 2024-04, the Use of Force Policy Addendum C. The updated policy mandates that law enforcement officers responding to barricade incidents must include mental health professionals alongside crisis negotiators. These mental health experts are required to undergo training with law enforcement on a quarterly basis and will be accessible at all times to oversee communications with the individual in the barricade situation, providing guidance and support to facilitate a peaceful resolution. 9. Records. During the term of this MOU, the WOPD and MHA shall maintain full Deleted: EM and complete records of all response calls, communications, any issues in communicating and all other aspects of the implementation and day to day aspects of this program. 10. Indemnification. WOPD and MHA shall maintain separate insurance with regard Deleted: EM to all employees and other aspects of their operations. To the extent that any claim arises with regard to this program, the WOPD and MHA shall mutually indemnify each other to ensure that Deleted: EM they are separately responsible for their employees’ actions. WOPD and MHA shall maintain full Deleted: EM and complete insurance in the appropriate amounts for any automobiles or other vehicles which are used with regard to co-responding. Nothing contained herein shall permit any violation of any traffic or other appropriate laws or ordinances. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or 2

11. Entire Agreement. The recitals at the beginning of the Agreement are incorporated by reference and made a part of this MOU. The MOU may be supplemented by subsequent writings approved and executed by both parties. 12. Governing Law and Choice of Forum. The governing law and appropriate forum shall be the State of New Jersey, Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County. 13. Condition Subsequent. The implementation of this MOU shall be specifically conditioned upon the award of the DOJ Grant and full and complete compliance with the DOJ Grant. TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATES OF ESSEX AND MORRIS COUNTIES By: ______________________________ By: ______________________________ Dated _____________ Dated _____________ 3

180-26 July 7, 2026 RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Township of West Orange (the “Township”) advertised for bids on May 26, 2026, pursuant to the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A 40A: 11-1), for the 2025 CDBG Road Rehabilitation of Standish Avenue and Fremont Street; and WHEREAS, on June 23, 2026, the Township did receive six bids 1. A & J Contractors Group, Inc. 105 Federal Road Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 2. Crossroads Paving 386 South Street Suite 169 Newark, NJ 07105 3. Granada Construction Co. 147 Thomas Street Newark, NJ 07114 4. D.L.S. Contracting 76 Montesano Road Fairfield, NJ 07004 5. D&L Paving Contractors, Inc. 675 Franklin Avenue Nutley, NJ 07110 6. Cifelli & Son 4 Coppola Street Nutley, NJ 07110 ; and WHEREAS, the Purchasing agent reported that the successful bidder has strictly complied with the bid specifications and is the lowest responsible bidder; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of West Orange has considered said bids and has further considered the recommendation of the Township Engineer as to the award of said bid. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of West Orange that the contract for the Road Rehabilitation of Standish Avenue and Fremont Street be awarded to: A & J CONTRACTORS GROUP, INC. 105 FEDERAL ROAD MONROE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY 08831 in the amount not to exceed $881,281.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Certified Checks and/or Bid Bonds of all except the lowest responsible bidder be forthwith returned, and the Mayor and Township Clerk be and they hereby are respectively authorized to execute and attest a contract for the foregoing. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the award is contingent upon the Federal clearance of the contractor by the Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development. Karen J. Carnevale, R.M.C. Municipal Clerk Susan Scarpa, Council President Adopted: July 7, 2026 I hereby certify funds ae available from: ACCOUNTS NO. 2025 CDBG $305,000.00 Acct No. 52-2010-00-2025-040 2025 Capital $249,881.43 Acct No. 03-2915-25-0500-010 2023 Capital $259,470.47 John C. Ditinyak, Chief Financial Officer Acct No. 03-2830-23-0500-010 2021 Capital $50,000.00 Acct No. 03-2661-21-0200-120 2025 Capital $16,929.10 Acct No. 03-2915-25-0500-020

180-26 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE AND A&J CONTRACTORS GROUP, INC, FOR THE: 2025 CDBG ROAD REHABILITATION STANDISH AVENUE AND FREMONT STREET THIS AGREEMENT, made this 7th day of July, 2026 BETWEEN: Township of West Orange 66 Main Street West Orange, New Jersey 07052 Hereinafter Referred to as the “Township” AND: A&J CONTRACTORS GROUP, INC. 105 Federal Road Monroe, NJ 08831, Hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”. W I T N E S S E T H: WHEREAS, the Township recognizes the need for a Contractor to provide road rehabilitation services; and WHEREAS, in that connection A&J CONTRACTORS GROUP, INC. is qualified to provide said services; and WHEREAS, the Township desires to engage A&J CONTRACTORS GROUP, INC. to serve as a “Contractor” and provide professional services that may be designated by the Township as a fair and open contract pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5; and WHEREAS, on May 26, 2026, the Township issued a set of Bid Specifications for the: 2025 CDBG ROAD REHABILITATION STANDISH AVENUE AND FREMONT STREET (the “Initial Specifications”) annexed hereto as Exhibit “A”; and WHEREAS, the Initial Specifications set forth the scope of the work to be performed stating: The work included within the Base Bid generally consists of approximately 3,075 linear feet of granite curb, 830 square yards of sidewalk, 5,350 square yards of HMA milling, and 800 tons of hot mix asphalt surface course, crosswalk striping, replacement of various inlet casting and inlet reconstruction and related improvements; all in accordance with the form of proposal,