Gabrielle Evangelista

The meeting included the approval of bills and a motion to adjourn an application for Randolph Foreign Car, Inc. to the July 1st meeting. Key resolutions involved the approval of a Non-Material Site Plan Amendment for Costco, which involved reviewing and approving the Resolution of Approval concerning traffic engineering. The Board also addressed Resolution R-06-25, formally approving the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, noting a court-mandated reduction of two affordable housing units. Old Business focused on a non-material administrative amendment for Wharton Developments A regarding preconstruction landscape and maintenance compliance updates, specifically addressing the delineation of NJDEP constrained areas and a request to relocate gas meters to the side and freestanding walls due to space limitations, which was conditionally approved pending final review by Board professionals. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss litigation.

The meeting agenda focuses on several procedural and legislative items. Key actions include administering the Oath of Office for a new Fire Department Lieutenant, Max Meinero. Legislative discussions involve presenting and voting on two ordinances, O-01-26 and O-02-26, both amending chapters of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Wharton. A resolution, R-42-26, authorizing the settlement of tax appeal litigation matters, is also on the agenda. The consent agenda includes approval of bills, appointment of HIF Commissioners, renewal of benefits programs, transfer of dental benefits, adoption of legal notice processes, appointment of a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, a refund for overpayment, and acceptance of water utility and sight triangle easements. Appointments include a Planning Board Class 4 Member, Daniel Mize, and a Board of Health member, Laurie McDermott.

The meeting focused on several administrative and legislative items. Key actions included the adoption of Resolution R-168-25 honoring members of the Wharton Fire Department and Resolution R-169-25 authorizing the appointment of a Police Officer. Ordinance O-19-25, concerning an amendment to local general ordinances, was adopted on its second and final reading. Ordinance No. 20-25 was laid on the table. The Consent Agenda, approved by one motion, included the approval of bills and various resolutions pertaining to municipal alliance applications, tax sale redemptions, grant applications, escrow reimbursements, shared services agreements, budget transfers, and authorizing an agreement with JCP&L. Correspondence included a memo regarding the required $25,000 tax appeal settlement payment, which the Borough must cover entirely without contribution from the school district, and minutes from the Morris County Planning Board. Council members provided reports covering positive police negotiations, successful library programs supported by PILOT funds, appreciation for outgoing members, and reflections on community challenges such as sinkhole repairs and fires. The Mayor welcomed new council members and announced receipt of a $1.27 million grant for Canal wall repairs. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss Personnel.

The meeting agenda for the Mayor and Council included several primary items. Councilman Yeager was scheduled to introduce Ordinance O-01-16 regarding an amendment to Chapter 136, Section 7 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Wharton, with a second reading set for February 8, 2016. Councilwoman Hayes was set to introduce Ordinance O-02-16 concerning a Water Utility Capital Project and its funding, also scheduled for a second reading on February 8, 2016. Councilman Binkoski was slated to introduce Resolution R-28-16, authorizing the purchase of a vehicle via the Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program. The Consent Agenda included approval of bills, Fire Department use of a Borough Truck for an annual clambake, and several resolutions (R-29-16 through R-33-16) related to professional services for roadway resurfacing, appointments of Public Defenders and Prosecutors, a Drake Payout, and applying tax balances.

The meeting focused on organizational matters, including the swearing-in of the Municipal Clerk, Cheryl Muzzillo, and two newly elected Council Members, Marisa Gonzalez and Jennifer Hobbs. The Council elected Councilman Binkoski as Council President for 2026. Appointments for the Fire Department for the year 2026 were confirmed. Two ordinances, O-01-26 and O-02-26, concerning amendments to the Revised General Ordinances, were introduced and adopted on first reading, with final readings set for January 26, 2026. A comprehensive Consent Agenda covering numerous resolutions for 2026 appointments, scheduling, budget authorizations, professional designations, and participation in various cooperative purchasing programs was approved. Key discussions during the public portion involved a resident request for the Council to oppose the placement of a detention center, and a request from the School Board liaison for equitable sharing of PILOT revenue, leading to a detailed explanation by the Mayor regarding funding obligations and recent school spending priorities.