Paul Castimore

The council addressed several legislative and administrative matters, including the adoption of ordinances regarding shipping container standards and the prohibition of basketball hoops on township roads. Budgetary actions included the introduction of the 2026 Municipal and Solid Waste Budgets, as well as a proposed ordinance to exceed budget appropriation limits. Key resolutions were approved for the payment of bills, the intent to issue a new plenary retail distribution liquor license, and the allocation of funds for Camp Jefferson facility improvements. Additionally, the council authorized a grant application for historic preservation, supported a cannabis cultivation license for Crudo, LLC, and approved various contracts for vehicle parts, computer hardware, and guiderail replacements.

The council discussed and addressed various ordinances and resolutions. Key topics included amending the zoning ordinance to establish standards for shipping containers and replacing the affordable housing overlay zones. Additionally, the council addressed a proposal to vacate portions of Edgewood Road and unnamed road right-of-ways, and considered legislation regarding disabled veteran property tax exemptions and requests for state aid due to the financial impact of the Highlands Act. The council also authorized several routine fiscal matters, including tax refunds, disabled veteran tax cancellations, and contract authorizations for radio equipment, water meters, and police vehicles.

The Council adopted an ordinance establishing salary ranges and benefits for specific municipal officers and employees. Discussions included municipal budget updates, debt management, the Annual Financial Statement, status of water and sewer systems, and the impact of the Veterans Exemption on taxes. The Council authorized contracts for labor attorney services and online marketplace procurement, approved an Administrative Consent Order regarding the Milton water system, awarded a contract for coach bus transportation, and authorized a grant application for the Chamberlain House restoration. Additionally, the Council introduced ordinances revising cannabis business regulations and prohibiting basketball hoops on roads during winter months, and passed resolutions concerning tax and building fee refunds and water bill adjustments.

The council held a special meeting to discuss the 2026 proposed budget and tax rate, focusing on strategies to manage fixed costs, anticipated revenues from PILOT and cannabis, and capital expenditures. Key discussion items included the purchase of two police vehicles for the upcoming year and the assessment of capital projects, specifically regarding the Camp Jefferson master plan and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the council reviewed proposed resolutions concerning the Highlands Protection Fund and state funding for disabled veterans exemptions, agreeing to include them on the next regular meeting agenda.

The meeting involved a public hearing and vote for the adoption of an ordinance establishing salary ranges and benefits for certain Township officers and employees, effective January 1, 2026. Key resolutions adopted included authorizing a fair and open contract for Township Labor Attorney services to Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs, LLC, authorizing payment of current bills, authorizing a contract for online marketplace purchases with Amazon.com Services LLC, authorizing an Administrative Consent Order with the NJDEP regarding the Milton water system's PFAS levels, awarding a two-year contract for Coach Bus Transportation Services to Vanderhoof Transportation, authorizing the submission of a grant application for the Chamberlain House roof restoration, and approving the termination of a lease for a 5310 Program vehicle to transfer it to Hudson County. The Council also introduced ordinances regarding revising cannabis retailer business regulations and prohibiting basketball hoops in Township right-of-ways during winter months. Consent agenda resolutions addressed the refund of tax overpayments, building department fees, a road opening bond, and adjusting water bills for a property affected by a faulty meter in 2025.