Council Minutes

Adopted Minutes February 10, 2026 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of Bound Brook, in the County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, held at Borough Hall at 7:00 p.m. on February 10, 2026. Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Dominic Longo with the reading of the Open Public Meetings Law Statement followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Upon roll call, the following were recorded present: Mayor Dominic Longo Council President Kendall Lopez C. Trina Folkes C. Shawn Guerra C. David Morris C. Glen Rossi C. Mark Speed Also in attendance: Borough Clerk Administrator, Jasmine D. McCoy Borough Attorney, Brian J. Chabarek, Esq. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE SESSION Council President Kendall Lopez motioned to go into executive session, Councilman Glen Rossi seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote the governing body when into executive session to discuss pending litigation. Borough Attorney, Brian Chabarek, left council chambers. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Mark Speed Nay: None ADVERTISED HEARING OR SPECIAL PRESENTATION Mayor Dominic Longo presented Richard Dietrich a proclamation recognizing his service on the Bound Brook Rescue Squad. Steve Katz, Executive Director of the Somerset Food Bank, presented a proposal to the governing body to establish a hot meal program at the Tea Street Hut. The Somerset Food Bank currently operates out of its main facility in Bridgewater, which includes a 10,000-square-foot warehouse and served approximately 38,000 clients in 2025. In addition, it runs a satellite pantry Page 1 of 7 Adopted Minutes February 10, 2026 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, and 350 Bound Brook students participate in its backpack program. Mr. Katz explained that the Food Bank’s initiative is to expand general pantry services and introduce a hot meal program for Somerset County residents, particularly those who are disabled or experiencing homelessness. He noted that he recently became aware of the Tea Street Hut and its kitchen facilities, which have not been in use for some time. The Food Bank’s Board of Directors has authorized $20,000 to refurbish the space, with an additional $10,000 pledged by a private donor, in order to make the kitchen fully operational. In return, the Food Bank is requesting use of the space on designated days and times throughout the week, with the Borough retaining first right to reserve dates as needed. A draft memorandum of understanding has been provided to the Borough Administrator. Councilman Glen Rossi inquired about the number of days per week the Food Bank intends to use the facility and whether scheduling would accommodate existing sports events. Mr. Katz responded that the Food Bank is seeking to operate two to three days per week, with the potential to expand depending on the program’s success. Mr. Katz also noted that weather conditions may impact operations during certain months. He added that the program presents an opportunity to collaborate with Somerset County to provide additional on-site resources, including tables and tents. Councilman David Morris expressed his support for the proposal, noting that it would make productive use of an underutilized space while addressing a demonstrated need within the Bound Brook community. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. GREETINGS FOR COMMENTS AND INVITATIONS FOR DISCUSSION Carrie Kitze, thanked the Borough Clerk for included resolutions and ordinances in the public agenda packet. Andres Jinete commented on the total residents detained by ICE. Mr. Jinete highlighted centralized portal submissions backed by Governor Sherril. Mr. Jinete inquired on the status for a statement to the Attorney General’s office. OPENING OF BIDS There were no bid openings to announce. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES – FIRST READING Ordinance 2026-08 An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Chapter 18, Fire Prevention and Protect, Section 4, Additional Inspections, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Bound Brook to Require Bi-Monthly Inspections for Restaurants, Bars and Night Clubs Page 2 of 7 Adopted Minutes February 10, 2026 Upon a motion by Councilman Glen Rossi, seconded by Council President Kendall Lopez, Ordinance 2026-08 was approved on first reading upon a roll call vote. The public hearing was scheduled to be held on February 24, 2026. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Mark Speed Nay: None Ordinance 2026-09 An Ordinance Amending the Code of the Borough of Bound Brook by Repealing and Replacing Chapter 15, Housing, Article IV, Fair Housing, in its Entirety Upon a motion by Councilman Glen Rossi, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, Ordinance 2026-09 was approved on first reading upon a roll call vote. The public hearing was scheduled to be held on March 10, 2026. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Mark Speed Nay: None ORDINANCE ON FINAL READING AND CONSIDERATION- SECOND READING Ordinance 2026-02 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 “Administration,” Article (Tabled on January 27, 2026) VI “Boards, Commissions Committees, and Agencies,” Section 2- 35 “Library Advisory Board” to Eliminate the Library Advisory Board and Designate the Borough Administrator as Liaison Council President Kendall Lopez motioned to un-table Ordinance 2026-02; Councilman Shawn Guerra seconded the motion. Upon a motion by Councilman David Morris, seconded by Council President Kendall Lopez, the floor was opened for public comment. Billy Mild, Donna Benz, Andres Jinete and Linda Brnicevic expressed their opposition to abolishing the Library Advisory Board. Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, comments were closed to the public. Council President Kendall Lopez motioned to table Ordinance 2026-02 be tabled to modify the bylaws and appoint new members; Councilman Glen Rossi seconded the motion. Councilman Mark Speed stated he is against the ordinance to abolish the Library Advisory Board. He further commented transparency isn’t found in disbanding the board. Upon a roll call vote, Ordinance 2026-02 was tabled. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Page 3 of 7 Adopted Minutes February 10, 2026 Mark Speed Nay: None Ordinance 2026-07 An Ordinance Supplementing and Amending Chapter 29, Section 29-1.2, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Bound Brook to Prohibit the Issuance of Additional Refuse Totes, Bulk Sticker and Participation in Bulk Pick Up Due to Delinquent Refuse Payments Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Glen Rossi, the floor was opened for public comment. There were no comments from the public. Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Glen Rossi, the comments were closed to the public. Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Glen Rossi Ordinance 2026-07 was passed on second reading upon a roll call vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Mark Speed Nay: None INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION OF RESOLUTIONS Councilman Mark Speed motioned to remove Resolutions 2026-044 and 2026-050 from the consent agenda for a separate vote. Councilman David Morris seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, Resolutions 2026-044 and 2026-50 were pull for separate discussion and vote. 2026-044 Resolution Consenting to the Transfer of the Redevelopment Project and Approving the Assignment of the Financial Agreement for the Property Located at 17-19 West Main Street Councilman Mark Speed stated he doesn’t favor transfer of redevelopment projects as they set a bad precedent with the Borough has companies come in and cash out Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilman Shawn Guerra, Resolution 2026-044 was approved upon a roll call vote. Mayor Dominic Longo voted in favor of the resolution breaking the tie vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, Mayor Dominic Longo Nay: David Morris, Glen Rossi, Mark Speed 2026-050 A Resolution Directing the Planning Board of the Borough of Bound Brook to Investigate Whether the Properties Commonly Known on the Borough’s Tax Maps as Block 6, Lots 8,9,10,11 and 12 and Block 1, Lot 3 Should be Designated Page 4 of 7 Adopted Minutes February 10, 2026 as a Non-Condemnation Area in Need of Redevelopment, Pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1 et seq. Councilman Mark Speed commented that the proposed area is small and could be handled under the Master Plan Reexamination. Councilman David Morris asked why the block and lots are specifically isolated without going through the planning process. Councilman Mark Speed and Councilman David Morris brought forth concerns of spot zoning. Brian Chaberek advised that the area in need of redevelopment was recommended by the Borough Planner for consideration. The block and lots studied by the Planning Board to determine if it meets the criteria. Councilman Glen Rossi, seconded by Councilman Mark Speed, motioned to table Resolution 2026-050. Upon a roll call, the motion failed and Resolution 2026-050 was adopted. Mayor Dominic Longo voted in favor of the resolution, breaking the tie vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, Mayor Dominic Longo Nay: David Morris, Glen Rossi, Mark Speed 2026-047 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Conditional Designation and Interim Cost Agreement with Talmage Commons Urban Renewal, LLC for Property Known as Tax Block 5, Lots 12 through 18, 18.01, 22 Through 26 and 26.01, Located in Redevelopment Area 2 Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes, Resolution 2026-047 was adopted upon a roll call vote. Mayor Dominic Longo voted in favor of the resolution, breaking the tie vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, Mayor Dominic Longo Nay: David Morris, Glen Rossi, Mark Speed 2026-045 Resolution Awarding a Non-Fair and Open Contract for Professional Services- Special Redevelopment Counsel Upon a motion by Councilman Glen Rossi, seconded by Councilman Mark Speed, Resolution 2026-045 was tabled. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi, Mark Speed Page 5 of 7 Adopted Minutes February 10, 2026 Nay: None Upon a motion by Council President Kendall Lopez, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes, Resolutions 2026-039 through 2026-043 and 2026-046 were unanimously approved upon a roll call vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Mark Speed Nay: None 2026-039 Resolution in Support for the Hudson Tunnel Project 2026-040 Resolution Ratifying and Confirming the Award of an Emergency Contract to Twin Oaks for Snow Removal Services 2026-041 Resolution Authorizing Execution of Discharge of Mortgage in Connection with a Property Rehabilitation Mortgage for 236 West Maple Avenue 2026-042 Resolution Authorizing Temporary Emergency Appropriation 2026-043 Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Year 2025 Budget Appropriations 2026-046 Resolution Authorizing the Award of a Contract for Extraordinary Unspecifiable Services-Administrative and Advocacy Services for the Bound Brook Special Improvement District UNFINISHED BUSINESS No discussion. NEW BUSINESS No discussion. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS 2026-048 Resolution Approving Vouchers in the Amount of $3,291,954.07 Upon a motion by Councilman Shawn Guerra, seconded by Councilwoman Trina Folkes, Resolution 2026-048 was unanimously approved upon a roll call vote. Roll Call: Aye: Kendall Lopez, Trina Folkes, Shawn Guerra, David Morris, Glen Rossi Mark Speed Nay: None Page 6 of 7 Adopted Minutes February 10, 2026 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR COMMENT Linda Brnicevic asked what was Resolution 2026-050. Councilman David Morris stated it was added to the agenda last minute. A copy of the resolution was provided to Ms. Brnicevic. AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE SESSION The governing body went into executive session to discuss matters related to pending litigation and attorney-client privilege. No formal action was taken after the executive session. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Jasmine D. McCoy Borough Clerk Page 7 of 7