Caitlin Haughey

The meeting included the introduction of new business resolutions pertaining to a closed session meeting in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, authorizing shared services agreements for Police Services and a Municipal Court, and a discussion item regarding Main Street Safety. Old business featured public hearings and final adoptions for three ordinances: Ordinance 2026-02 amending Chapter 16.36 on Affordable Housing Regulations; Ordinance 2026-03 amending Chapter 16.44 concerning the Development Fee Ordinance; and Ordinance 2026-04 amending Chapter 16.12 by adding mandatory setaside requirements for residential development. The consent agenda included the list of bills, resolutions authorizing shared services for infield grooming at Califon Island Park, a tax refund for an exempt veteran, and a fund transfer.

The agenda for the regular meeting includes the consideration of resolutions PBR-06-26 regarding 6 Eisenhower Lane and PBR-07-26 authorizing a contract for legal services for the balance of 2026. Key discussion items involve a consistency review of the Revised 2025 Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. Additionally, the board plans to discuss three proposed ordinances: Ordinance No. 2026-02 amending affordable housing regulations, Ordinance No. 2026-03 amending the development fee ordinance, and Ordinance No. 2026-04 amending general regulations regarding mandatory set-aside requirements for residential development. A public hearing is scheduled for an application by Sergio & Leah Pires for preliminary and final major site plan approval with use variances for 441 County Road 513, which involves converting the existing building into a single-family dwelling despite residential use not being permitted in the Highway Business zone.

Key discussions focused on resident concerns regarding the impassable condition of First Street, leading to a decision for the DPW to inspect and fill potholes with gravel, as repaving is postponed until spring. The council heard detailed presentations from the Washington Township Police Chief and Mayor regarding their commitment to providing police services, emphasizing the increased call volume and the superior capabilities of their department compared to an alternative proposal. An executive session was held immediately following the regular meeting to discuss contract negotiations pertaining to police and court services. New business included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which involved the List of Bills and Resolution R-88-25, a 2025 Transfer of Funds to cover budgetary shortfalls across several accounts. Correspondence noted the resignation of the Deputy OEM Coordinator and the deployment of a speed sign by goHunterdon.

The meeting began with the swearing-in of Council Member Jason Bittay for a one-year unexpired term. Correspondence included a notice regarding prohibitions on demanding campaign contributions from public office holders. Public comments addressed the status of park land and dam transfer paperwork, concerns regarding residential parking impacting property edges, and an update on the local Fire Company Chief. The Council approved the list of bills and adopted three resolutions concerning the extension of Shared Services Agreements with the Township of Washington for both police services and a shared municipal court, each for a six-month period pending negotiation of new agreements. A resolution was also adopted authorizing an outside tax lien redemption refund totaling $53,628.65. Committee reports detailed that the Parks and Recreation Committee discussed 2026 events, including the Memorial Day Vietnam Traveling Wall Memorial, and the front steps construction project was approved. Discussions also covered renewing the DPW contract, planning board reorganizations, and the approval by the School Board for 'Hoop Daddies' to use the school gym. Finally, the Mayor requested a reminder be added to the Califon Crier regarding the snow event parking ordinance and sidewalk clearing requirements.

The meeting commenced with announcements confirming adequate public notice and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key actions included the swearing-in of Council Members Jay Ruggiero and Cathy Smith, and the election of Michael Medea as Council President for the term ending December 31, 2026. The Council introduced Ordinance 2026-01 concerning an increase in municipal budget appropriation limits (COLA/Index). A significant portion of the meeting involved the confirmation of numerous 2026 municipal appointments across various boards and committees, including the Planning Board, Board of Health, and Environmental Commission, as part of Resolution R-02. Resolutions were passed establishing procedures for annual notices under the Open Public Meetings Act (R-03-2026, R-04-2026), fixing interest rates on delinquent taxes for 2026 (R-05-2026), setting service charges for insufficient funds checks (R-06-2026), and authorizing cancellations of small tax refunds/delinquencies (R-07-2026). Other resolutions authorized the Municipal Attorney to file stipulations and corrective appeals (R-08-2026), authorized the Tax Assessor regarding omitted assessments (R-09-2026), established procedures for public notices and the official newspaper, including a transition to website publication after March 1, 2026 (R-10-2026), fixed photocopy charges (R-11-2026), designated the Social Security Agent (R-12-2026), established the Cash Management Plan for 2026 (R-13-2026), adopted Civil Rights and Drug-Free Workplace Policies (R-14-2026, R-15-2026), set a procedure for Executive Session Minutes review (R-16-2026), required reporting of tax appeals (R-17-2026), passed an Anti-Hate Resolution (R-18-2026), established a Temporary Budget for 2026 (R-19-2026), and authorized professional services contracts exceeding and not exceeding $17,500 (R-20-2026, R-21-2026). Additionally, Amy Monahan was appointed Tax Collector/Treasurer and Andrew Coppola as Chief Financial Officer, and Caitlin Haughey was designated as the Public Agency Compliance Officer (P.A.C.O.).