Our next regular Town Council meeting (in person and via Zoom – Hybrid Regular Meeting) is Monday, November 13, 2023, beginning at 7:00pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Clerk’s office has prepared for consideration and approval the minutes from October 23, 2023 - Regular Meeting and November 3, 2023 – Special Meeting.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This is for those that wish to address the Town Council but do not plan to stay for the whole meeting. There is a note to the public on the agenda to please keep their comments to a maximum of 3 minutes and limited to one turn at the microphone. This allows ample time for all who wish to speak and keeps the meeting moving forward. The public can speak on any matter. Council may choose to comment after the entire public portion has concluded. Comments from the public will be both in-person and via Zoom.
COUNCIL & MANAGER REPORTS
Town Manager – Proclamations – Brianna Brady and Avery Frank achieve Eagle Rank.
ORDINANCE(S)
There are (2) ordinances for Second Reading/Public Hearing being carried to the November 27, 2023 meeting:
Ordinance 2023-26 is an ordinance to provide funding for recreational park improvements for the Town of Newton and appropriating $25,759.97 for such purpose.
Ordinance 2023-27 is an ordinance providing funding for various water/sewer improvements for the Town of Newton and appropriating $247,300 for such purpose.
There are (4) ordinances for Introduction:
Ordinance 2023-28 amends, revises, and supplements Chapters 49, 100, and 213 of the Town Code of the Town of Newton.
Ordinance 2023-29 establishes minimum and maximum salaries and wages for officers and employees of the Town of Newton for calendar year 2024.
Ordinance 2023-30 amends, revises, and supplements Chapters 100 and 307 of the Town Code of the Town of Newton.
Ordinance 2023-31 amends, revises, and supplements Chapter 213 of the Town Code of the Town of Newton, entitled “Property Maintenance”, Section 213-28, entitled “Annual Registration of Businesses and Residential Rental Units”.
CONSENT AGENDA
If none of you have any items that you wish to pull from the Consent Agenda, the Mayor shall call for one roll call vote for all the Consent Agenda items.
Resolution #243-2023* approves the execution of a shared services agreement with Montague Township to provide Certified Tax Collection Services for the period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026.
Resolution #244-2023* supports RevolutionNJ.
Resolution #245-2023* revises the waiver of health benefits by employees.
Resolution #246-2023* amends Resolution #35-2023 for J. Caldwell & Associates, LLC for Calendar Year 2023.
Resolution #247-2023* renews the North Jersey Municipal Employee Benefits Fund for the Town of Newton.
Resolution #248-2023* authorizes the disbursement of $25,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to Katie’s House, Inc. to purchase a residence located at 18 Donald Avenue for use as a group home.
Resolution #249-2023* cancels the balance of the Trust Reserve for disposal of forfeited property to the Current Fund in the amount of $243.63.
Resolution #250-2023* authorizes entering into an interlocal shared services renewal agreement with the Township of Hardyston for Construction Code Administration and Enforcement services.
Resolution #251-2023* authorizes the execution of an agreement between the Town of Newton and the Newton Parking Authority. This is done annually by both parties.
Resolution #252-2023* supports the issuance of a Class 5 Cannabis Retailer License to Curiosity Cannabis, LLC.
Resolution #253-2023* approves the execution of a shared services agreement with Frankford Township to provide Animal Control services through December 31, 2024.
Resolution #254-2023* approves the execution of a shared services agreement with Sussex Borough to provide Animal Control services through December 31, 2024.
Resolution #255-2023* approves the execution of a shared services agreement with Hardwick Township to provide Animal Control services through January 31, 2024.
Resolution #256-2023* refunds redemption monies to outside lien holder for Block 9.03, Lot 2, also known as 67 Water Street.
Resolution #257-2023* approves 2023 appropriation transfers.
Resolution #258-2023* approves Bills and Vouchers for payment.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Resolution #259-2023 provides for a Meeting Not Open to the Public in Accordance with the Provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12.
- Attorney-Client Privilege – Redeveloper Discussion.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Morris Lake is 2 inches below the top of the spillway.
Municipal offices will be closed tomorrow, November 10th, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. Thank you to all who served.
A reminder that the annual Flags of Honor ceremony is Saturday, November 11th at 11:00am at Town Hall – please join us if you can.
Work continues on the 2024 budget.
There was a walk-through on Wednesday this week for general contractors interested in the Firehouse No. 1 renovation project.
Plans are underway for the annual staff holiday luncheon; this year being hosted by the SCCC Culinary Institute at McGuire’s on Friday, December 15th.
We had a successful meeting this week with one of our cannabis retail partners who is interested in putting forth an application for a cultivation/manufacturing facility in Town.
For those of you going to the annual League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City - be safe in your travels, learn a lot, have fun (not too much).
How about those Rangers?
Yours In Service,
TSRJR