Kendrick Funes

The agenda for the Municipal Council meeting included several significant items. Key discussion points and actions involved the public hearing and subsequent adoption of the CY 2026 Special Improvement District (SID) Budget Resolution (AR-52-26). The council planned to introduce several ordinances (O-1-26 through O-6-26) concerning emergency appropriations for terminal pay and amendments to Chapter 401 regarding permit parking restrictions and handicapped parking zones on Central Avenue, Campbell Street, Essex Street, and Johnson Street. The consent agenda involved numerous resolutions, including authorizing a special emergency appropriation for terminal pay obligations (AR-12-26), approving refunds for water bill overpayments (AR-13-26), awarding a contract for the 2026 Independence Day fireworks display to Schaefer Fireworks (AR-14-26), and approving professional services contracts for 2026, such as Municipal Financial Advisor Services (NW Financial, LLC, AR-16-26), Municipal Auditor Services (Lerch Vinci & Bliss, LLP, AR-17-26), Group Health Insurance Advisor/Broker Services (Doyle Alliance Group, AR-18-26), and Grant Writing Services (The Aubrey Group, LLC, AR-19-26), among others.

The agenda includes adopted resolutions and ordinances. Ordinances cover topics such as administrative pilot programs for urban renewal projects, property acquisition in redevelopment areas, abolishing pre-meeting conferences, parking regulations on Church Street, and regulations for motor bicycles and scooters.

The Municipal Council authorized several agreements and actions. These include contracts with T&M Associates for environmental engineering services for property acquisitions, participation in the Defense Logistics Agency's 1033 Program, and an agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for LightPost camera systems. The council also accepted a grant-funded stormwater management study by NJIT, authorized final payments for sidewalk and road improvement projects, and awarded a bid for the 2026 Hazardous Tree Removal Program. Additionally, they authorized tax refunds, disabled veterans exemptions, and refunds for tax sale certificate redemptions. The 2026 Special Improvement District Budget was introduced, capital ordinances were cancelled, and budget appropriations were transferred. Competitive contracting for IT services was authorized, and playground equipment was approved for purchase through a cooperative contract. Finally, the 2026 Reorganization Meeting was established, a cannabis retail license was renewed, liens were authorized for properties with cleanup costs, and an agreement for animal control services was approved.

The agenda includes roll call, pledge of allegiance, an open public meeting statement, and approval of minutes from previous executive and regular sessions. Reports from council committees will be presented, along with communications and bill payments. The Mayor will provide comments and an administrative report, followed by ordinance and resolution summaries. There will be a hearing for citizens on resolutions, ordinances on first reading, and other items. The council will consider resolutions related to administration, police department, engineering & land use, revenue & finance, recreation department, city clerk, code enforcement, and health. Ordinances for final adoption/second reading will be discussed, covering topics such as financial agreements, property acquisition, and amendments to city codes. Miscellaneous items and council comments will also be addressed before adjournment.

The meeting included roll call, approval of minutes from the previous meeting, and discussions on new and unfinished business. There were no police reports available. The session moved to public comment, during which no comments were made. An executive closed session was requested, approved, and then the board returned to open session. Finally, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.