Palmyra, Borough of

The Regular Council Meeting included professional updates regarding the 2025-2026 road map detailing streets for the 2025 and 2026 Road Programs. Several resolutions were discussed, including Affirming the Borough's Civil Rights Policy, Adopting revised Personnel Policies and Procedures Manuals, awarding contracts to Environmental Resolutions Inc (ERI) for 2026 NJDOT Road Program design services and 2025 NJDOT Road Program construction services, authorizing a Change Order for 2025 Jetting and Vactoring services, amending the Deferred Compensation Plan, authorizing budget transfers totaling $52,000.00, and authorizing a lien for obnoxious growth and property maintenance violations. Resolution 2025-262 regarding a settlement agreement with Fair Share Housing Center was tabled pending receipt of the agreement. The meeting concluded with the approval of the November 2025 Treasurer's Report, approval of a Social Permit and a Raffle Permit for the Palmyra Cove Environmental Education Foundation Inc., and discussions regarding the Bond Anticipation Note sale, loitering issues in the municipal building and park, and necessary security upgrades.

The meeting included updates on various redevelopment projects, such as the Rt. 73 South Redevelopment Area, Outlaw Training & Fitness project, Sea Box/ELM Office LLC, Conifer 102 Affordable Housing Units, Pamarco & Armotek Industries, Callahan Chemical, and the Former Palmyra Liquor Store. Professional updates were provided on the Berkley Avenue pump station and the Morgan/Elm Avenue/Second Street project. An ordinance amending Chapter 190 regarding parks and recreation areas and creating Chapter 186 regarding parental responsibility was discussed. Resolutions were approved, including budget transfers, tax overpayment refunds, a sidebar agreement with the police officers association, contracts for wastewater sampling equipment and stormwater inlet upgrades, capital purchases for the WWTP Blower Building and a Kubota Articulated Wheel Loader, designation of certain lots as a condemnation redevelopment area, and payment of November bills. Additional discussions covered firehouse floor engineering efforts and the appointment of a new fire department member. Public events like the Virtua Mobile Grocery Store and the Tree Lighting were announced, and discussion items included Firehouse floor repairs and the Concession Stand/Pavillion at Legion Field. The administrator's report covered cyber awareness training, the Bond Anticipation Note sale, the Borough of Palmyra Food Drive trust account, the 2026 Road Program grant, and upcoming RFPs/RFQs. Finally, there were ongoing reminders about sewer lateral responsibility, parking ordinance, fence ordinance, police off-duty work policy, and the Educational and Professional Development Reimbursement Program.

The meeting included presentations of Civilian Awards by the Palmyra Police Department/FOP to Bonnie Cheltenham, John Weber, and Christopher Wood for their contributions to the Christmas Sharing Program. Updates were provided on several redevelopment projects, including Rt. 73 South Redevelopment Area, Outlaw Training & Fitness/620-622 Highland Ave Redevelopment Project, Sea Box/ ELM Office LLC, Conifer 102 Affordable Housing Units, Pamarco & Armotek Industries, Callahan Chemical, and the Former Palmyra Liquor Store. Professional updates were given by William Kirchner regarding the Berkley Avenue pump station. The council discussed and approved Ordinance 2025-07, amending Chapter 190 of the code regarding Parks and Recreation Areas and creating Chapter 186 regarding Parental Responsibility. Resolutions were enacted concerning vendor bill payments, change orders for Legion Field Playground Improvements, a capital purchase for Police Department Equipment, the appointment of Javier Echeuarria-Leon to the Borough of Palmyra Fire Department, recreational improvements, budget transfers, Legion Field Improvements Grant, the Watershed Improvement Plan, the purchase of a pickup truck, and the installation of an HVAC unit in the Police Chief's office. Public events such as the Virtua Mobile Grocery Store, Tree Lighting, and a self-defense class were announced. Discussion items included the potential sale of the Fire Company building to the Borough, an updated trash collection ordinance, a Burlington County Parks and Recreation Grant for Pickle Ball Courts, an agreement regarding Clear Channel- Bus Shelters, the need for a Burlington County JIF Fund Commissioner & Deputy Fund Commissioner, computer installations, and alternatives to the State Health Benefits Program. The Administrators Report covered cyber awareness training, the BAND sale, RFP/RFQ's, a time change for an upcoming meeting, and the Reorganization Meeting. Ongoing reminder projects included the Sewer Lateral responsibility Ordinance and Sewer bills, Parking Ordinance, Fence Ordinance, Police Off-duty work policy, and the Educational and Professional Development Reimbursement Program.

The resolution establishes the annual rates of compensation and hourly rates paid to Borough employees for the year 2025, which may include a 3% increase for 2025, and/or a merit increase, unless otherwise noted. Compensation for all personnel shall be paid bi-weekly.

The council caucus meeting included updates on various redevelopment projects, such as the Rt. 73 South Redevelopment Area, Outlaw Training & Fitness/620-622 Highland Ave Redevelopment Project, Sea Box/ ELM Office LLC, Conifer 102 Affordable Housing Units, Pamarco & Armotek Industries, Callahan Chemical, and the Former Palmyra Liquor Store. The 2025 Municipal Best Practices Inventory was presented. Discussions were held regarding the Firehouse floor repairs and a potential sale of the building to the Borough. Amendments to the Legion Field Complex Ordinance 2021-15 were discussed, and the Palmyra Police Officers Association/FOP agreed to the proposed CBA amendment/sidebar. The new Cyber Awareness Training course was announced, and the RFP/RFQ's for 2025 were posted on the website. The Reorganization Meeting for 2026 was scheduled for January 3rd, 2026. A potential satellite office for Burlington County WIC in the Community Center was discussed, and Council was invited to assist with food distribution at the Bread of Life Pantry.