Jamila Odom Garnett

The council addressed the amendment of sewer rates and charges, specifically concerning the annual service charge and quarterly billing cycles. The 2026 Municipal Budget and Sewer Utilities Fund budget were adopted with a total appropriation of $4,921,267.79. Additionally, the council authorized the renewal of plenary retail distribution and consumption liquor licenses, and approved the employment of local high school students for a litter cleanup and removal initiative under the Clean Community Program.

The agenda items for the combined meetings cover several administrative and legislative actions. Key discussions and approvals include Ordinance 2026-2, which establishes the position of Director of Public Works, defining related duties and certification requirements. Several resolutions pertain to the renewal of mercantile licenses for James R. Macauley, Inc. and Macauley Logistics, Inc., and the authorization of a new mercantile license for Taqueria La Casita & BBQ LLC. The Council also addressed administrative resolutions for back billing sewer charges, certifying the annual audit, appointing Viktoria Beckwith as Violations Clerk/Court Clerk, and approving budget transfers totaling $10,275.00. Bills for payment were reviewed.

The caucus meeting included standard opening procedures such as the invocation, call to order, compliance with the Sunshine Law, pledge of allegiance, and roll call. Key agenda items included the introduction of Ordinance 2026-1, an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriations limits and establish a Cap Bank, which is scheduled for adoption after publication on February 5, 2026. Several resolutions were introduced for appointments, including Tavares Pointer as Recycling Coordinator and Public Worker Director, Tyrese Pointer as Public Works Supervisor, and Odell Carolina as Public Works Foreman. Further resolutions involved approving TD Bank signature cards for various Borough accounts and approving the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Lieut. Timothy Mims with FOP Local#56. The agenda also covered the renewal of a mercantile license for Dhanrala Limited Liability Co. and the review of bills for payment.

The meeting involved ceremonial actions, including a recognition of retirement for Lieut. Jeffery Gauntt and the administration of the Oath of Office to Sgt. Timothy Mims and Det. Corporal Christopher Francis. Key legislative actions included the final approval on second reading for three ordinances: Ordinance 2025-5 updating swimming pool regulations, Ordinance 2025-6 regulating alcohol consumption in public places, and Ordinance 2025-7 regulating sight triangles for public safety. Resolutions were passed to authorize executing a shared services agreement with Camden County for Homeless Outreach Services, to apply for fiscal year 2026 local public facility improvements for the Municipal Building, and to appoint Eric Todd Robinson-Anderson as a Probationary Police Officer.

The Chesilhurst Borough Council held a meeting that included a review of the minutes from October 2, 2025, and discussion of a Best Practice Inventory. The council addressed Ordinance 2025-3 regarding the establishment of the rank of Corporal within the Police Department, and Ordinance 2025-4 concerning property maintenance and the regulation of unregistered motor vehicles on private property. The council also considered Resolution 25-117 to award a contract to Arawak Paving Co. Inc. for the FY 2025 NJDOT Municipal Aid Program, Resolution 25-118 and Resolution 25-119 to authorize promotions within the BOC Police Dept, Resolution 25-120 to authorize the auction of surplus property, Resolution 25-121 to approve last meeting of the year Dec.11, 2025 and Resolution 25-122 to approve Reorganization meeting January 3, 2026. Additionally, the council reviewed bills for payment and addressed new business.