Borough of Andover

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office to Councilman Jason Lane. Key new business included the review and approval of Resolution #R-2026-11 concerning a water rate increase, and the approval of three annual gold level generator maintenance agreements with EM Electrical, noting that battery replacements are included for 2026. The council determined that reducing the bulk pick up schedule would not yield savings, so no changes were made. Old business involved an inquiry regarding the finance committee's interface with the CFO concerning the budget, with instructions to review all account balances and report on funded ordinances not closed out. The mayor also provided an update on the Andover Borough Fire Department swearing-in ceremony change and reported on a meeting with Viola Water regarding potential future discussions.

Key discussions during the meeting included compliance with a new state law requiring the posting of legal notices on the municipal website, which the municipality confirmed compliance with. The Celebration of Public Events committee reported on the upcoming Easter date and Egg Hunt schedule. In Finance, budget season planning was noted. The Parks & Playgrounds committee discussed tree inspection options for the park. The Streets & Roads committee noted the high salt usage due to recent storms. The Water Utility reported on pump meter calibration and ongoing discussions with Viola water and ARCADIS for system improvements funded by grants. Old Business included discussions on stormwater mapping completion, potential limitations on bulk pick-up, and the water department addressing PFAS testing requirements, leading to a resolution being prepared to review water rate increases. New Business involved approving an estimate from General Code Supplement. Resolutions passed included authorizing representation for tax appeals before the Sussex County Board of Taxation and certifying compliance with the EEOC hiring practices guidance. The meeting concluded with the payment of vouchers for January 12, 2026.

The Reorganization Meeting began with the reading of the Statement of Election and the administration of the Oath of Office to Council member Randolph Mallon. A primary resolution was adopted establishing the schedule for regular monthly meetings (second Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), and designating the Borough Attorney, Engineer, Municipal Planner, Official Newspaper, auditor, Bond Counsel, Tax Search Officer, Assessment Search Officer, Recycling Coordinator, and defining Fire Prevention duties through shared services. The resolution also set the interest rate on delinquent taxes and the penalty for delinquent water rents, and designated official fund depositories. Following this, Randolph Mallon was elected as Council President, and an appointment of Council member Robert Smith to the Planning/Zoning Board was noted. The Mayor listed numerous official positions for 2026 appointments, including department heads and committee liaisons. Subsequent resolutions approved the 2026 Cash Management Plan, authorizing prior claims of payment for various accounts, approving the Action Alliance grant for FY 2027-2031, authorizing a refund for the redemption of a specific tax sale certificate, and approving the cancellation of 4th quarter 2025 water billing for a specified property due to flooding issues.

Key discussions included reviewing and accepting officials' reports from the Joint Court and Water Department, noting correspondence regarding a risk control grant application approval. The Cannabis Committee reported third-quarter earnings. The Administrative & Executive Committee is working on a succession plan, focusing on outlining responsibilities and certification requirements for municipal positions. Approvals were granted for Christmas Breakfast event expenses, including payments for Santa services, food, and decorations. The Finance Committee is investigating options for CDs and money markets, and the council plans to seek technical assistance grants related to lead service line replacement. Tree work costing $1000 was approved for the Parks & Playgrounds Committee. Public Buildings & Grounds noted ongoing concerns regarding renovation project costs. Public Safety is coordinating the ABFD's 100th anniversary celebration and Santa run timing. Streets & Roads reported completion of the Old Creamery Road project and updates on the Route 517 and Route 206 tunnel repair projects. The Water Utility confirmed meter calibration and identified five hydrants needing repair. Board of Health reports for September 2025 were reviewed. Under Old Business, the council addressed verifying employee hours, contracted Waste Management for office and park building garbage collection, and noted the completion of masonry work in the park. Resolutions included canceling partial water billing for a property where service was temporarily shut off and authorizing reimbursements for a smoke inspection fee and duplicate marriage/certified copy fees due to application error. The council also approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-05, which proposes to amend parking restrictions on West High Street.

The meeting included the acceptance of several officials' reports and correspondence regarding engineering services and a NJDOT Municipal Aid Program Award. Key discussions involved a recommendation to review payroll companies to potentially obtain better pricing, and the review and approval of the 2026 salary ordinance. Several professional service agreements for 2026 were approved, including those for the Borough Attorney, Bond Attorney, Borough Planner, Borough Engineer, and Auditor. Resolutions were approved for a tax refund, appointments to the Statewide Insurance Fund roles, renewal of membership in the Statewide Insurance Fund, a shared service agreement with Sandyston Township, and authorization to apply for the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program for a Lead Service Line Replacement Project. Additionally, the second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending traffic code to prohibit parking on sections of West High Street was approved, and the outstanding bills were paid.