Thomas M. Ferry

The meeting included the presentation of Civilian Awards to two youth for their heroic actions and the official swearing-in of the new Chief of Police, a Lieutenant, and a Sergeant. The Council adopted two bond ordinances for water meter and water main infrastructure upgrades. Several resolutions were passed, including the award of bids for chemical supplies and pump maintenance services, support for an application for designation as a New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone, the renewal of various retail and taxicab licenses, the introduction of the 2026 municipal and utility budgets, and the rejection of bids for firehouse renovations followed by the award of a bid for firehouse site improvements. Finally, the Council approved the payment of outstanding bills and vouchers.

The meeting featured the promotion and swearing-in of two police officers to the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant. The Council adopted an ordinance authorizing a financial agreement for a redevelopment project on Water Street and an ordinance establishing salary and wage ranges for municipal employees for the upcoming year. The Council appointed various legal professionals and representatives to municipal and county committees for 2026. Additionally, the Council approved a shared services agreement with neighboring townships for animal control services, accepted a completed sidewalk improvement project, and approved a significant change order for a sanitary sewer construction project.

The meeting focused on the reorganization of the Town Council for the year 2026, including the nomination and swearing-in of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Council members and the Town Manager provided comments reflecting on previous accomplishments, such as the Homelessness Task Force and the Armory redevelopment project, and discussed goals for the coming year. A wide range of administrative and procedural matters were addressed, including the designation of official depositories for town funds, the appointment of various town officials and board members, the establishment of petty cash and change funds, and the authorization of professional service contracts for legal, planning, appraisal, and engineering services. The council also affirmed policies concerning fund balances and approved a temporary operating and utility budget.

The council issued proclamations for Autism Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Alcohol Awareness Month, National Volunteer Week, and National Donate Life Month. The meeting included the approval of several resolutions, such as authorizing negotiations for a tank lease, renewing a junk dealer's license, approving change orders for a sanitary sewer project, reappointing the emergency management coordinator, authorizing compensation adjustments for certain non-union employees, appointing an animal control officer, and confirming appointments of school crossing guards. Additionally, the council discussed proposed ordinances regarding lead paint inspection methodology and parking fine structures for non-displayed permits and repeat offenders, and reviewed procedures for accepting credit card payments across town departments.

The board addressed several new business items, including the denial of late fee waiver requests for a residential customer and the Valley View Care Center. Approval was granted for utility connection requests related to a new two-family dwelling construction at 64 Sussex Street. Updates were provided regarding the status of the water filtration plant, the wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation project, and various ongoing engineering projects, including water-main loop progress, gatehouse pipe inspection findings, and upcoming service line replacement projects.