Ryan L. Michelson

This document outlines the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan for the Borough of Matawan, addressing affordable housing obligations for the cumulative period from 1987 through 2035, with specific attention to Round 4 (2025-2035). The plan details strategies to meet present, prior, and prospective housing needs, including a Round 4 prospective need obligation of 68 units. It identifies affordable housing sites, proposes overlay zoning for unmet needs, and includes a spending plan for development fees to fund affordability assistance and administrative expenses.

The council meeting covered several topics, including public comments regarding the calendar year 2026 budget increase and a state grant for a forest management plan development project. The Borough Administrator and CFO presented the 2026 municipal budget, highlighting key drivers of expenditure increases such as health insurance costs, waste and recycling contracts, and rising maintenance expenses. The presentation also provided an overview of revenue sources, including taxes from retail cannabis dispensaries, as well as an update on various infrastructure improvements and grant-funded projects across the borough.

The council discussed various administrative, financial, and community items. Key topics included the adoption of Ordinance 26-12 regarding property acquisition, the issuance of several business licenses, and financial housekeeping matters such as escrow refunds and tax/water overpayment refund policies. The council awarded contracts for Edgewater Drive improvements and Trune Park playground equipment, as well as the purchase of a vehicle for the water and sewer utility. Additionally, there was a detailed update on the upcoming transition to a new garbage and recycling hauler, including a modified collection schedule, and discussions regarding Earth Day events, ongoing infrastructure projects like the sewer rehabilitation program, and upcoming community events like the Blues and Cruise car show and the Shark 5K.

The Council meeting covered various administrative, financial, and departmental reports. Key topics included the issuance of business licenses, the progress of the 2026 election petitions, and updates on financial disclosure filings. Infrastructure projects discussed included sewer rehabilitation, park improvements, the 2024 road program, and water main installations. The Council reviewed fire department initiatives, including a fundraising coin toss schedule and proposed ordinances for parking enforcement at fire properties. Additionally, the meeting addressed property maintenance reports, economic development efforts, upcoming community events such as an Easter celebration, the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, and Memorial Day parade planning.

The council discussed and addressed various municipal matters, including the adoption of an ordinance establishing parking regulations on fire department properties, the introduction of the 2026 municipal budget, and the approval of resolutions concerning budget notice, self-examination, and compliance with federal employment opportunity guidelines. Additionally, the council awarded a contract for waste collection services, appointed a conflict labor attorney, authorized the advertisement of informal quotes for a concession stand at Lake Lefferts, processed a summer camp program fee refund, and introduced an ordinance for the property acquisition of a portion of land for public use. The meeting concluded with the payment of bills and an executive session.