While nothing is fool-proof, there’s a benefit to taking notes on paper that I am just now realizing. Due to a freak technological accident, I lost a large portion of my notes and quotes for today’s meeting. I apologize. I’ll try my best to make up for them in this shortened piece.

Hicks, Mandela resolutions

Council resolutions were approved unanimously to pay tribute to Dawud Hicks, recognized standout athlete and 2011 Plainfield High School graduate who was lost to gun violence last Tuesday on Manson Place – and South African leader Nelson Mandela. Attendees rose for a moment of silence for both.

Later in the meeting, an emotional Council President Bridgette Rivers spoke on behalf of the father of her cousin Dawud. Hicks’ father asked that his appreciation be known for the attendance and heartfelt words of many of Plainfield’s political leaders present for Saturday’s going home service – namely Mayor-elect Adrian Mapp, Assemblyman Jerry Green, and Councilor Tracey Brown – and everyone else who came out to support. While he is looking for closure, he stated that the coming together of the community did make a difference for him.

2014 5k Walk/Run

During the public comment’s portion of the meeting, Darryl Clark, founder of Plainfield’s 5k Walk/Run, was on hand to propose a date for next year’s event – Saturday, October 11. Clark stressed that while the race was able to attract a lot of corporate sponsors last year, they could be even more effective with a date set into place earlier in the year while corporate budgets are still being decided upon. Mr Clark, determined to take the event “to another level”, distributed a letter to each council member thanking them for their support of the 5k race.

UCIA presents city with $1 million check

To be exact, it is for $1,091,601.99, and is part of an agreement that predates Plainfield View. Read Bernice’s post for the history on this settlement. In short, in lieu of paying taxes on the property now at Park Madison, the Union County Improvement Authority is able to pay cash directly to the city.

For the occasion, Freeholder Linda Carter was on hand to introduce UCIA Executive Director Daniel Sullivan and Assemblyman Jerry Green. Green praised the council for the deal, and bringing about “the beginning of a great relationship with the county” before promising to reach as far as Washington to bring dollars to this city.

Councilman Cory Storch was quick to remind us that this is also a parking agreement, stressing its importance to the development of downtown. “This is for the future,” proclaimed Storch, noting that parking will be important for shoppers and mixed used development down the road. Speaking for the entire council, Storch concluded, “We look forward to this partnership with the improvement authority, [Assemblyman Green’s] office, and the freeholders as we develop downtown Plainfield.”

On behalf of the county, who now has a clean slate, Linda Carter vowed to “stay on top of it” from now on so that Plainfield will get what it deserves every year for all PILOT programs.