We have an interview with Beatriz Bueno for a volunteer position scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2020 at 6:45pm via ZOOM followed by our regular Town Council meeting at 7:00pm.  You have each been emailed the webinar ID and password.  The same has been posted on our website.

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81862760705?pwd=RUVLaEFCZTJIb0JlZWZ5RkdrNXVNQT09

Webinar ID: 818 6276 0705 Password: 390009

Or members of the public can call in at:

1 312 626 6799 or 1 929 205 6099

1 301 715 8592 or 1 346 248 7799

1 669 900 6833 or 1 253 215 8782

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Lorraine’s office has prepared the minutes from the July 13^th Interview and Regular meeting and the July 27^th Special meeting for your consideration and approval.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This is for those that wish to address the Town Council but do not plan on staying 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 whom 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.

COUNCIL & MANAGER REPORTS

Each Councilmember can give an update on various items or Board/Commission actions that have taken place recently.

ORDINANCES

There are four (4) ordinances for 2^nd Reading and Public Hearing:

Ordinance 2020-15 will reappropriate funds for the Fire Alarm upgrades and improvement for the Water Utility.

Ordinance 2020-16 will reappropriate funds for the wastewater treatment plant’s major repairs and replacement of pumps and other equipment.

Ordinance 2020-17 will reappropriate funds for the crack repairs at the pool.

Ordinance 2020-18 will appropriate $20,000 from the Water Sewer Capital Fund Balance to replace a sewer main section on lower Spring Street.

There are three (3) ordinances being Introduced:

Ordinance 2020-19 will amend Chapter 320 of the Code Book in relation to “Definitions” and “Parking and Driveway Standards”.

Ordinance 2020-20 will amend Chapter 231 of the Code Book in relation to property maintenance.

Ordinance 2020-21 will amend the Merriam-Gateway Redevelopment Plan.  A copy of the memo from the Planning Board has been shared with you on the Google Drive.

CONSENT AGENDA

Resolution #181-2020* will affirm the issuance of a $2,490,000 Bond Anticipation Note (BAN).

Resolution #182-2020* will appoint Alan Abramson to the Recreation Advisory Commission.  

Resolution #183-2020* authorize the insertion of revenue from the Municipal Alliance grant into the 2020 Budget.

Resolution #184-2020* will concur with the recommendation of the Utility Advisory Board for the Water and Sewer Connection fees for the Gas-N-Go at Weis Markets on Water Street.

Resolution #185-2020* will authorize a credit due a water and sewer utility account.

Resolution #186-2020* will renew our three-year membership in the Statewide Insurance Fund.

Resolution #187-2020* will approve the submission of an application of a Small Cities Grant for Public Facilities Fund Project to install sidewalks along Route 206. 

Resolution #188-2020* will approve a Grant Management Plan for the Small Cities Grant for Public Facilities Fund Project, done in conjunction with Resolution #187-2020.

Resolution #189-2020* approve a Small Cities Citizen Participation Plan, again this in being done in conjunction with Resolution #187-2020 above.

Resolution #190-2020* will approve the Town’s Fair Housing Statement of Actions, done in conjunction with Resolution #187-2020 above.

Resolution #191-2020* will approve the renewal of the Plenary Retail Distribution Liquor Licenses for Seplow’s and Spring Liquors.

Resolution #192-2020* will authorize a Required Disclosure Contract with Suburban Engineering Consultants for the Drainage Improvements & Environmental Permitting for the Memory Park – Babe Ruth League Baseball Field Project.

Resolution #193-2020* will authorize payment of bills and vouchers.

DISCUSSION

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (3 mins each)

COUNCIL & MANAGER COMMENTS

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Resolution #194-2020 will authorize going into closed session contract negotiations with regards to Bridge Q-06.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Morris Lake is ten inches below the top of the spillway as of August 3, 2020.  

Modified building hours are still in operation without any significant delays or issues to report.

All meetings in August and September will be held via ZOOM until further notice.

Preparations are finalized for the unveiling of our HEROES WAY signage at the entrances to Newton Medical Center.  The ceremony will be on Thursday at 11am.

I spoke with Sheriff Strada about assisting with greater law enforcement staffing levels at the Newton Green for future public events and he was very amenable to the same.  I appreciate his support.

We will be scaling back our OEM briefings and sit reports and continue them when/if conditions warrant the same.

Town Hall will close on Tuesday, August 11^th at 1:30pm for staff to assist with pool staff training.

Much appreciation to Sherri, Gigi, DPW, Suburban, All State, and all who supported the pool project…let’s hope for a great re-opening (and good weather, too!).

Milling and paving of Halsted Street and Madison Street is to begin on Tuesday.

Be safe and well.

Yours in Service,

TSRJR