Our next regular Town Council meeting (in person and via Zoom – Hybrid Regular Meeting) is Monday, March 13, 2023, beginning at 7:00pm. The annual joint meeting with the BOE will commence at 5:30pm.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Clerk’s office has prepared for consideration and approval the minutes from February 27, 2023 – Regular 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 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. Comments from the public will be both in-person and via Zoom.

COUNCIL & MANAGER REPORTS

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

ORDINANCE(S)

There is one (1) ordinance for Second Reading/Public Hearing:

Ordinance 2023-1 to exceed the Municipal Budget appropriation limits and to establish a Cap Bank. This is done annually.

There are two (2) ordinances for Introduction:

Ordinance 2023-2 is a Bond Ordinance restating and amending Ordinance 2020-10 adopted by the Town Council on June 22, 2020.

Ordinance 2023-3 is a Bond Ordinance providing an appropriation of $4,113,300 for the construction of Sparta Avenue Pump Station and authorizing the issuance of $4,113,300 bonds or notes of the Town for financing part of the appropriation.

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 #101-2023* authorizes credits due a water and sewer utility account.

Resolution #102-2023* authorizes the hiring of certain Police Officers.

Resolution #103-2023* accepts as final and complete the Proposed Improvements to Lawnwood Avenue, Nelson Street, and East Clinton Street Project.

Resolution #104-2023* introduces the 2023 Municipal and Water and Sewer Utility Budgets. 

Resolution #105-2023* requests permission to establish a Dedicated Trust by Rider for Newton Animal Control donations required by N.J.S.A. 40A:5-29.

Resolution #106-2023* appoints Jason Schlaffer as an Alternate Member of the Planning Board.

Resolution #107-2023* appoints Jason Schlaffer as a member of the Utility Advisory Board.

Resolution #108-2023* will authorize execution of an agreement with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), AFL/CIO Local 1032 Employees Union.

Resolution #109-2023* is a refund of redemption monies to outside lien holder for Block 7.12, Lot 45, also known as 11 Ashford Street.

Resolution #110-2023* authorize compensation adjustments for 2023 calendar year for certain Town of Newton employees not covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements of individual contracts.

Resolution #111-2023* approves vacation and accumulated compensatory time payout for Steven Kneidl.

Resolution #112-2023* will amend the 2023 Water Sewer Temporary Capital Budget.

Resolution #113-2023* approves Bills and Vouchers for payment.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

DISCUSSION

Laracy Associates LLC – Matt Laracy and Michael Rohal – Water/Sewer Study

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Morris Lake is 4 inches below the top of the spillway.

Tom Talk, Sinus Infection Edition, made its way back into the hearts and minds of thousands of overjoyed Newtonians this week as we did our first Facebook Live of 2023! The excitement was palpable, feedback was overwhelming, and the drive to do even better in 2 weeks remains.

On a more realistic note, the ACO van is totally decked out! Check out Biggie, Lucky, Stormy, Joy, and generic Oswin Golden Retriever! Take pictures with your friends…while the vehicle is parked, pleased. No charge.

Routine business discussed this quarter at Staff/Safety/Admin. Meetings.

Annual Report and Spring Newsletter are being finalized for production. El Boletín de Primavera también se imprimirá en español.

We have finalized details on the new EV charging stations that will go across the street at Lot #4. Our friends from JCP&L will coordinate the necessary power for the same. Get your Tesla’s ready for Fall 2023. Charge away! (pay first)

I met with our new School Superintendent this morning at our new favorite fast casual coffee retail shop. Lots of great energy, ideas, and excitement with Dr. Piccirillo! Looking forward to working with him for many years to come.

Let’s Go Rangers!

Be safe and well.

Yours In Service, 

TSRJR

Our next regular Town Council meeting (in person and via Zoom – Hybrid Regular Meeting) is Monday, February 27, 2023, beginning at 7:00pm. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Clerk’s office has prepared for consideration and approval the minutes from February 13, 2023 – Regular 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 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. Comments from the public will be both in-person and via Zoom.

COUNCIL & MANAGER REPORTS

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

ORDINANCE(S)

Ordinance 2023-1 to exceed the Municipal Budget appropriation limits and to establish a Cap Bank. This is done annually.

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 #95-2023* authorizes the waiving of water and sewer utility charges for the Newton Volunteer First Aid Squad for calendar year 2023.

Resolution #96-2023* authorizes the hiring of a Property Tax Reassessment Firm through the Competitive Contracting Process.

Resolution #97-2023* authorizes submission of a Strategic Plan for the Municipal Alliance for grant cycle July 2023 - June 2024.

Resolution #98-2023* rejects all proposals for IT Consulting Services Competitive Contract 1-2023. 

Resolution #99-2023* authorizes refund of redemption monies to Outside Lien Holder for Block 24.01, Lot 12, also known as 18 Lincoln Place.

Resolution #100-2023* approves Bills and Vouchers.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

DISCUSSION

Laracy Associates LLC – Matt Laracy and Michael Rohal – Water/Sewer Rate Study

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Morris Lake is 5 inches below the top of the spillway.

Work successfully continued this week on the outdoor patio/railing/wall project at Town Hall.

Routine business was discussed at the Health Insurance Fund meeting in Randolph this week. Many towns are looking to escape from State Health Benefits to come onboard.

My thanks to all staff members who attended the annual budget hearing with the Governing Body on Wednesday. We will process with the March introduction.

Our friends from Byram Township visited us today to learn about how we successfully conduct our Hybrid Council and Planning Board meetings. Always happy to share the knowledge and experience with our friends in other communities.

The planning continues for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 18^th. Mark your calendars!

Be safe and well.

Yours In Service, 

TSRJR

Our next regular Town Council meeting (in person and via Zoom – Hybrid Regular Meeting) is Monday, February 13, 2023, beginning at 7:00pm. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Clerk’s office has prepared for consideration and approval the minutes from January 23, 2023 – Regular 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 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. Comments from the public will be both in-person and via Zoom.

COUNCIL & MANAGER REPORTS

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

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 #76-2023* authorizes the disposal of Surplus Property.

Resolution #77-2023* authorizes the award of a Required Disclosure Contract for Dempsey Uniform.

Resolution #78-2023* authorizes In Rem Tax Foreclosure Proceedings pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:5-104.29 et seq.

Resolution #79-2023* appoints Daniel Finkle to the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission. 

Resolution #80-2023* appoints Kenneth Teets to the Newton Parking Authority.

Resolution #81-2023* approves contracts for Chemical Supplies Bid per Bid 16R-2022.

Resolution #82-2023* approves participation with the State of New Jersey in a Safe and Secure Communities Program Administered by the Division of Criminal Justice, Department of Law and Public Safety.

Resolution #83-2023* authorizes a Professional Services Award to Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc. to Initiate Engineering Design and Project Management for the expanded Babe Ruth Field Project.

Resolution #84-2023* amends the Current Fund Balance Policy.

Resolution #85-2023* authorizes Change Order No. 2 for the Proposed Improvements to Lawnwood Avenue, Nelson Street, and East Clinton Street Project (Tilcon New York, Inc.). 

Resolution #86-2023* refunds Redemption Monies to Outside Lien Holder for Block 21.05, Lot 13, also known as 17 York Road.

Resolution #87-2023* amends the Water Sewer Utility Fund Balance Policy.

Resolution #88-2023* authorizes a tax account credit due to a State Tax Court Judgement for Block 15.03, Lot 1, also known as 237 Spring Street.

Resolution #89-2023* refunds monies for taxes, due to a State Tax Court Judgement for Block 15.03, Lot 1, also known as 237 Spring Street.

Resolution #90-2023* authorizes a tax account credit due to a State Tax Court Judgement for Block 15.03, Lot 2, also known as 4 Union Place.

Resolution #91-2023* refunds monies for taxes, due to a State Tax Court Judgement for Block 15.03, Lot 2, also known as 4 Union Place.

Resolution #92-2023* approves Bills and Vouchers.

Resolution #93-2023* appoints Chirag D. Mehta, Esq. as the Town of Newton’s Alternate Municipal Prosecutor for calendar year 2023.

Resolution #94-2023* authorizes reorganization meeting and related items for the Newton Historic Preservation Advisory Commission for Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Application for membership into the Newton Fire Department from Matthew Sylvester, 116 Main Street, Newton, NJ.

Application for membership into the Newton Fire Department from James Maher, 100 Swartswood Road, Apt. 28, Newton, NJ.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

DISCUSSION

Scott Holzhauer, Tax Assessor, will present information to the Council on the Reassessment of Property.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Morris Lake is 5 inches below the top of the spillway.

We have come to an agreement with the CWA on contract terms. Next up will be UPSEU.

We added a page to our website regarding “How to Open a Cannabis Business” in the Town of Newton. Heightened interest on this topic still continues so this becomes a great resource for potential entrepreneurs.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Big Game Party today and for Kat coordinating the same.

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day everyone! Spread love and kindness everywhere you go.

Go Chiefs?! Cannot root for the Eagles, nope, not doing it.

Yours In Service, 

TSRJR

PS – how about those Rangers…