Glen Baker

The meeting commenced with a Closed Session wherein a resolution was passed to discuss litigation under N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 b. (7); no action was taken during this session. The subsequent Open Public Session included a presentation by Topology regarding the Town's draft Highlands Grant Petition documentation, which, if approved, would make the Town eligible for Highlands funding. Administrator Neil Henry provided updates on fielding proposals for Water Engineering Services, traffic details for the wastewater reduction program affecting Chestnut, Kanouse, and Green Streets, and repairs at the Miller Kingsland House and Toner Road pump station. The Economic Development/Special Projects Committee discussed the Tap Grant, Neighborhood Grants, a community garden concept, and the pickleball court preconstruction meeting. The Public Works Committee addressed maintenance for the new Town Hall boiler, upcoming crosswalk installations, and the selection of a new DPW Superintendent. The Board of Health announced that electric bikes are now treated as motorized vehicles, and proposed ordinances concerning electronic smoking devices and massage establishments. The Boonton Main Street committee discussed the 'Love Notes to Boonton' First Friday theme and plans for the 2026 Farmers' Market. The Historic Preservation Commission held its reorganization meeting, appointing new leadership and conditionally approving an application for 925 Main Street. The Housing Authority reported on new member swearing-in, the issuance of RFPs for professional services, completion of sinkhole repairs at Plane Street, and ongoing drainage issues on Chestnut Street. The Consent Agenda approved various resolutions, including the appointment of Patrick Laverty as Administrative Agent and Municipal Housing Liaison, the hiring of Erik Gore as Public Works Superintendent, the hiring of temporary laborers for snow removal, authorization for prior year appropriation transfers, approval of a final change order for the 122 Plane Street Drainage Improvement Project, and the award of the Meter Replacement Program contract to Core & Main, LP. During the public portion, concerns regarding resident rights and support protocols during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity were raised and addressed by the Mayor.

The agenda included reports from the Administrator and various committees and liaisons, covering areas such as Economic Development, Public Works, Health, Main Street, and Historic Preservation. The Consent Agenda included resolutions for the approval of previous meeting minutes (specifically the Regular Meeting of February 17, 2026), approval of vouchers for payment, authorization for transfer of prior year appropriations within the CY2025 Budget involving Engineering S/W and Planning Board O/E accounts for PB legal settlement fees, and the award of contracts for the procurement of water treatment chemicals to JCI Jones Chemicals, Inc. and Shannon Chemical Corporation. New Business introduced an ordinance amendment concerning the regulation of electronic smoking devices and psychoactive substances. The meeting concluded with comments from council members and attorneys, and a period open to the public.

The meeting agenda included administrative and committee reports covering areas such as Economic Development, Parking, Public Works, Board of Health, Main Street, Green Team, Historic Preservation Commission, and Housing Authority. The consent agenda addressed multiple resolutions, including the approval of prior meeting minutes (specifically the Regular Meeting of February 17, 2026), the payment of municipal vouchers, an authorization for the transfer of prior year appropriations within the CY2025 Budget (from Engineering S/W to Planning Board O/E for PB legal settlement fees), and the award of contracts for the procurement of water treatment chemicals to JCI Jones Chemicals, Inc. and Shannon Chemical Corporation based on competitive bids opened on February 4, 2026. New Business introduced an ordinance amendment regarding the regulation of electronic smoking devices, vape shops, edibles, psychoactive substances, and drugs.

The meeting included reports from the Administrator concerning the conclusion of interviews for the Superintendent of Public Works, settlement conferences regarding Affordable Housing, receipt of bids for the Water Meter replacement program, and the advertisement of RFPs for Water Engineering Services and Water Treatment chemical procurement. The Finance and Personnel Committee reported on interviews for the DPW Director and the initiation of the budget process. The Police Committee discussed crosswalk concerns and speed bumps. The Planning Board reported on new appointments and variance approvals/denials. The Board of Education reported on reorganization, budget review, and the agreement with Lincoln Park. The Library reported on its reorganization meeting and the upcoming grand opening of the children's room. The Parks and Recreation Committee outlined 2026 programs. Resolutions adopted included the appointment of several personnel (a volunteer firefighter, a crossing guard, a housing inspector, and a fire inspector), authorization to apply for a grant for a pavilion at Canal Side Park, and the purchase of a police pursuit vehicle and its associated upfitting. A contract for janitorial services with Cleaning Service of Hudson Valley, Inc. was also awarded. During public comments, several residents expressed concerns regarding immigration enforcement actions and requested the Council support resolutions protecting community members, which led to the formation of a committee to review town ordinances.

The meeting included a presentation from the town planner regarding the Highlands Council's plan conformance petition process, emphasizing its potential to secure funding for local initiatives such as environmental protection studies and parking utilization analysis. Key administrative discussions involved fielding five proposals for water engineering services, coordinating traffic details for the wastewater reduction program affecting Chestnut, Canals, and Green Streets, and coordinating repairs for the Miller Kingsley house and the completion of a new generator at the Toner Road pump station. Public Works reported on the successful installation of a new boiler at Town Hall, maintenance plans for the boiler, and scheduling the installation of crosswalks at Green Street and Wooten for April. Council members also discussed the snow removal operation, including clarification on Main Street's responsibility and the county's assistance during the recent storm, as well as updates on various economic development projects including lacrosse walks, neighbor grants, community garden development near the firemen's home, and pickleball courts.