Town of Newton

The meeting commenced with Oaths of Office for newly appointed and reappointed members. Key discussions involved the 2026 Reorganization, which included the election of the Chairwoman, Vice-Chair, and Board Secretary. Professional appointments for 2026 were confirmed, including the Board Attorney, Conflict Attorney, Board Engineer, Conflict Engineer, Board Planner, and Conflict Board Planner. The Board designated the official Newspapers of Record and appointed members to the Technical Review Committee. In New Business, the Board heard a Site Plan Application for a Single-Family Home (PB #4-2025) at 4 Grace Ave, LLC, which required minor site plan and variance approval related to setbacks, access easements, utility connections, and parking provisions. The Board also reviewed correspondence and received a summary regarding responses to requested items related to the Housing Element & Fair Share Plan, including the timeline for review of density-increasing ordinances.

The Town Council meeting included several key items. The Town Manager reported on an upcoming $4.2M Bond Anticipation Note sale. Council members provided updates on various activities, including discussions regarding homeless services contacts, a meeting about partnering with Sussex County Community College, and a productive meeting with Barnlight Studios regarding potential film industry partnerships. The Council discussed the success of recent community events like National Night Out, concerts in the park, and the Townwide Garage Sale. In unfinished business, further discussion on Enterprise Fleet Management was deferred until the fall. A public hearing was held for a draft Ordinance on 3-Dimensional signs, which requires further development regarding internal illumination parameters. Ordinance 2025-18 concerning the repeal and adoption of new chapters on Filming and Fees and Costs was introduced for its first reading, with a public hearing scheduled for September 10, 2025. The Consent Agenda included the awarding of a bid for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Generator Replacement Project to Rapid Pump & Meter, the rejection of a bid from Power With Prestige due to statutory compliance issues, authorization for the execution of an Amended and Restated Deed of Easement with a condominium association, the appointment of Suburban Consulting Engineers as Special Water Project Engineers for 2025, and approval of bills and vouchers for payment. The Council also conducted an Executive Session to discuss matters with Redevelopment Counsel and financial advisors.

The meeting featured the swearing-in ceremony and introduction of Patrolman Brandon Posey, who is a lifelong resident with extensive experience in emergency services and volunteer work. Key discussions involved traffic control, requiring an Ordinance to adopt 4-Way Stops at Paterson/Merriam Avenues and Moran/E. Clinton Streets, and adopting a Resolution to recommend the County study a speed limit reduction on West End Avenue/County Route 519 due to pedestrian safety concerns. Additionally, an Ordinance was discussed to revert Linwood Annex back to a two-way street and install "No Thru Traffic" signage. The Council adopted an Ordinance permitting limited three-dimensional (3D) signs, and another Ordinance amending fees for property maintenance inspections following a shared services agreement with Sussex County. Consent agenda items included the approval of a Shared Services Agreement for Animal Control with Fredon Township, the insertion of a $5,783.99 Safety Grant into the budget, authorization for the disposal of surplus property via auction, approval of a tax refund related to a Disabled Veteran Exemption, and approval of bills and vouchers. The Council also entered into an Executive Session to discuss attorney-client privilege matters.

The meeting covered Old Business, welcoming the newly appointed liaison for the recreation department, and confirming the success of the Senior Holiday Luncheon. New Business focused on planning 2025 events, including the St Patrick's Day parade on March 8th, the Senior Musical ('Catch me If you Can') on March 16th, and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 12th. The commission discussed extending shuttle service for seniors to attend these events. During the Open Forum, suggestions were made to boost attendance for summer movies in the park, such as hosting a field day or pool party beforehand. Ideas for events at Newton Town Center, like cookie decorating kits, were proposed, and the concept of tech classes for seniors taught by students was supported.

The meeting included old business updates regarding the well-attended Valentines Day Ice Cream Social. New business involved planning for the St Patrick's Day Parade, scheduled for March 8th, including organizing a senior shuttle participation and decorating a bus. Preparations for the Spring Musical, 'Catch me If you can,' on March 16th were discussed, along with the successful initiation of tech classes at Liberty Towers. During the open forum, discussions included securing student assistance for senior tech classes and exploring the possibility of adding a Senior Queen and King of Newton to the Miss Newton contests. The Mayor provided an update on the town's forthcoming application, which will feature recreation and town events. Planning for activities prior to the Easter egg hunt was also addressed.