Montclair Council votes to pull funds from Citizens Bank
After residents pressed the issue, the Council unanimously authorized divestment and said staff are already seeking proposals from other banks.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — township moves to divest funds from, signage application revision discussion — clementina, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
The switch was not just symbolic: staff told the Council one pre-qualified bank is already offering a higher interest rate.
Money can send a message as clearly as any vote. The Montclair Township Council unanimously authorized the Township to divest its funds from Citizens Bank after residents urged members to stop doing business with a bank tied to financing private prison and ICE detention operators.
The push came directly from public concern over where Township money sits and what that relationship signals. Council members did not split on the question. They approved the divestment unanimously, turning a resident demand into a formal direction for staff.
The next step is practical, not rhetorical. Staff said they are already seeking proposals and told the Council that one pre-qualified bank has offered a higher interest rate. That means the change could carry both a political and financial effect: Montclair would move its deposits away from Citizens Bank while potentially improving its return on public funds.
Signage Application Revision Discussion — Clementina Restaurant, 627 Valley Road
A restaurant sign revision stalled over a bigger question. The Historic Preservation Commission said it could not rule on a revised signage proposal for Clementina at 627 Valley Road without seeing the full plan for the building.
The applicant's sign company representative and the building owner both testified about a brass plaque sign and a light fixture meant to better mark the restaurant entrance. They said the sign was shifted toward the restaurant door so customers would not mistake the neighboring door, which leads to a stairwell serving upper-floor apartments.
Commission members focused less on the small move itself than on process and context. They said any revision needed a complete signage plan showing all proposed signs for the building, including a separate future sign for another tenant, before they could weigh placement and proportion. Rather than wait for the next full meeting on August 20, the Commission discussed a faster virtual review by subcommittee.
Council approves PBA Local 53 contract
The Council unanimously approved a negotiated contract with PBA Local 53. William Harrison said the prior agreement expired in December 2024 and said the contract terms were posted on the Township webpage for labor contracts.
Council approved the negotiated PBA Local 53 contract, shaping police compensation and township finances.
Council backs animal shelter security upgrade
The Council unanimously approved an animal shelter security package discussed as about $100,000. Michael Lapolla said a recent dog bite involving a kennel attendant showed the need for cameras, access control, and panic buttons, and staff warned the price could rise by 15% if delayed.
Council approved roughly $100,000 for animal shelter cameras, access control, and panic buttons after a dog bite.
Council adopts two water code changes
The Council adopted Ordinance 0-26-15 and Ordinance 0-26-23 after public hearings. The measures address metered-service exceptions, permit requirements, and Water Bureau inspection and approval, with discussion touching on fees, split lots, and meter rules.
Water code rules affect permit costs, inspections, and how property owners connect and maintain service.
Land use ordinance passes with abstention
The Council adopted Ordinance 0-26-24 amending part of Chapter 202, the Township's land use procedures code. Discussion centered on language about partnership agreements and ownership, and Erik D'Amato abstained while the remaining members present voted yes.
Council adopted land-use code changes on partnership agreements and ownership disclosures.
- Montclair Township Historic Preservation Commission. During the closing public comment period, two residents spoke: one raised concerns about new development changing Montclair’s character and urged engagement in the master plan process and zoning policy; another asked exploratory questions about building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and how the Commission evaluates such applications and balances neighborhood concerns.
- Montclair Township Council. Multiple residents and community representatives urged the Council to adopt a resolution authorizing divestment of Township funds from Citizens Bank, citing the bank’s financing of private prison and ICE detention operators and alleging abuses at Delaney Hall and other facilities. Speakers praised the Mayor and Council for introducing the measure and requested prompt action.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Montclair Township had 49 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEProfessional services for NJ Transit station leases and concept planning (five stations; $123,000; split payment across two budget years) — tabled. The Council discussed a professional services proposal for planning/legal/architectural support to renegotiate NJ Transit station leases and develop concept plans, described as $123,000 with half paid this year and half next year. Discussion covered lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, and potential uses for stations. The Council voted to table the item for further discussion.
- GOVERNANCEFirst reading/introduction: Repeal Chapter 134 single-use food/beverage items ordinance (state law preemption; state effective dates discussed). The Council introduced an ordinance repealing Chapter 134 regarding single-use food and beverage items because state law preempted the local ordinance. Council discussed state requirements for full-service restaurants (seating 10) and state effective dates of August 1, 2026 and August 1, 2027 for additional restrictions. The ordinance passed unanimously on first reading.
- GOVERNANCEVacant property vegetation/maintenance enforcement and billing oversight. The Council adopted a resolution related to vacant property work and enforcement. Councilor Harrison asked about oversight of contractor hours and billing for vegetation removal (ivy) at a property, and staff explained monthly inspections, logging, and that costs can become a lien on the property. The resolution passed unanimously.
- GOVERNANCEAmendment to extend contract term for stormwater/outfall mapping work (deadline set to July 14, 2027). The Council amended a prior resolution/contract term to set a completion deadline for mapping work, extending the term to July 14, 2027. Councilor Harrison requested a firm deadline to avoid open-ended work; staff stated the work requires coordination and is difficult to time precisely but should not take 10 years. The amended resolution passed unanimously.
- GOVERNANCECouncil approves engineering services amid bidding concerns. The Council approved two engineering-services resolutions, including one described as a non-fair-open contract. Councilor Harrison questioned repeated awards without competitive proposals, asked for clearer totals on engineering spending, and suggested comparing costs with an in-house engineer option.
- GOVERNANCECouncil introduces reorganization and vacation code changes. The Council introduced one ordinance reorganizing departments, including creation of a Department of Housing Services and renaming existing departments, and another amending vacation rules to add certain job titles. Discussion on the vacation ordinance noted department names would need cleanup later, and one member voted no over the amount of leave.
- GOVERNANCEPolice ceremony includes 11 officers and one promotion. During a ceremonial portion of the meeting, eleven officers were sworn in as full-status police officers and Dean Barardi was promoted to Captain with biographical remarks and an oath. The ceremony then concluded with a brief recess for photos.
- GOVERNANCEPolice promotions and full-status swearing-in ceremony (prayer and remarks). A ceremonial segment was held for Montclair Police Department promotions and full-status appointments. A pastor delivered an invocation, the Police Chief thanked Township leadership and recognized retirees, and the Mayor congratulated the officers and emphasized trust, leadership, and community partnership.
- GOVERNANCECouncil makes board and commission appointments. The Council reappointed Councilor Damato as the Class III member of the Planning Board and approved appointments to the Civil Rights Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission. The Civil Rights resolution was amended to add more names, including a high school student.
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