CLARK — The Clark Council met on Monday to pass a dozen new resolutions. These resolutions covered topics like the school mask mandate, Arthur L. Johnson High School’s improvements to the athletic field and grant applications.

The first resolution passed that evening was in support of the Clark Board of Education. The resolution asks that Governor Phil Murphy reconsider his recent executive order that would mandate mask wearing in all schools across the state. The resolution received unanimous approval from the council.

Mayor Sal Bonaccorso said that he approved of the resolution. “If you look at available data out there throughout this country and abroad, there’s so many conflicting stories about whether masks are the right thing or not the right thing…I just agree at this point; I think it’s a little egregious to ask a child to sit in a classroom for six and a half hours a day with a mask on,” he said.

He went on to say that, given his success with the recreation camp, it should not be a stretch to have children in school without masks. He also said that he had no problem with people continuing to wear masks but thought that the governor had no right to dictate mask wearing anymore.

The second resolution that was approved was a renewal of the contract with Associated Humane Societies, Inc. to continue its animal-control services in the township.
Business Administrator Jim Ulrich said to the council, “While there’s been some concern with the entity, discussions with our police chief is over the last five years, we haven’t had any issues.”
The resolution was passed unanimously.

Renovations to the Arthur L. Johnson athletic field were approved in a resolution as well. Mayor Bonaccorso said that the renovations will include a turf field for the baseball and softball fields, with an all-purpose field in the middle of it.

Among the remaining resolutions passed at the meeting was one approving the application for the Greening Union County grant. The grant would give Clark $6,950, according to the resolution. This money would be used to incorporate more trees and other plants around the township.

During public comment, former Councilman Bill Caruso asked that the governing body commemorate people from the past who contributed to the township, specifically former Clark Business Administrator John Laezza. Mr. Caruso noted how Mr. Laezza had contributed to many senior citizen programs that currently exist in Clark and the building of the Woodcrest apartments. Mr. Caruso requested that a plaque be put up commemorating all of Mr. Laezza’s achievements in the township so that his contributions will not be forgotten. Mr. Laezza worked for the township until his death this May at the age of 90.

Council members also gave reports on the township to start the meeting. Councilman Bill Smith gave an update on Fall recreation programs. He said that the Fall brochure would be coming out shortly. However, the hard copy form will only be available at the recreation office. The brochure also can be found online.