Mayor & Council Meeting

BOROUGH OF METUCHEN COUNCIL MINUTES June 30, 2025 7:30 PM The Regular Meeting of the Borough Council was held in the Council Chambers of Borough Hall on June 30, 2025. The Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Busch. Mayor Busch stated that adequate notice of meeting was published in the Home News Tribune on December 18, 2024, posted in Borough Hall, on file in the Clerk’s Office, and that all requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act had been satisfied. Mayor Busch asked everyone to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Mayor Busch asked the Clerk for a roll call. Present were Councilmembers Branch, Giamboi, Jethwani, Kandel, Council President Delia, and Mayor Busch. Councilmember Hyman was absent. Also present were Borough Administrator Melissa Perilstein, Borough Clerk Deborah Zupan, and Borough Attorney Denis Murphy. Agenda Session Council President Delia made a motion to open the Agenda Session, second by Councilmember Giamboi, with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. Mayor Busch moved the Public Comment portion of the meeting to take place before the Executive Session. With no further action taken, Council President Delia made a motion to close the Agenda Session, second by Councilmember Giamboi, with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. Public Comment Mayor Busch opened Public Comment to any members of the public wishing to speak. Ellen Lubensky, 34 James Place, commented that while she appreciated Council considering an ordinance adjusting pool fees to include single parents, a protected class, she felt it did not go far enough to remedy the LAD (Law Against Discrimination) violation. Ms. Lubensky suggested that pricing per person and not per family would be more equitable. Mark Flaherty, 44 New York Avenue, commented that he had missed the last meeting, when Council voted to raise taxes 3.15%. He noted that neighboring towns raised their taxes less, or not at all, and that Metuchen should do better in this regard. John Shersick, 5 High Street, commented that he didn’t understand why taxes were being raised again. He referenced several Borough projects and asked who was paying for them. Mr. Shersick also expressed concerned that the Gulton apartments were being built on contaminated property. Brain Owens, 235 High Street, commented that he had been seeking information regarding a subdivision of property on High Street through OPRA requests and felt the responses from Borough staff had not been satisfactory. He expressed his concerns about the structures being built on the subdivided property. Naomi Clericuzio, 27 Edith Avenue, commented that she felt it was unjust to keep taxing Metuchen residents who are already paying high taxes, and that if was the intent of Council to raise taxes again, she was opposed to it. Lorraine Taurone, 112 Bridge Street, asked if the addition of so many apartments in town would decrease the tax burden of residents. Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Busch closed the Public Comment. Mayor Busch responded that taxes go up every year in most towns to keep up with salaries and increased costs, and that the Borough does its best to balance providing services with keeping expenses low. In response to the question about new buildings bringing in revenue, Mayor Busch commented that it’s true that they do, and this revenue keeps the Borough from having to raise taxes even more. He noted that two thirds of taxes go to the schools, and that increased school taxes are a result of the ballot questions approved by voters a couple of years ago. Mayor Busch addressed other concerns that had been raised including the environmental cleanup of the Gulton property and how certain Borough projects were funded. Executive Session Council President Delia made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-182, authorizing an Executive Session which excludes the public for to discuss matters involving attorney-client privilege, second by Councilmember Giamboi with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. Executive Session began at 7:59 p.m. RESOLUTION 2025-182 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN EXECUTIVE SESSION WHICH EXCLUDES THE PUBLIC WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, P. L. 1975, Chapter 231 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and WHEREAS, the Council of the Borough of Metuchen is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist; and WHEREAS, the Council of the Borough of Metuchen wishes to discuss: Matters Involving Attorney-Client Privilege Minutes will be kept and once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then the minutes can be made public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the public be excluded from this meeting. Council President Delia made a motion to return to the Regular Meeting, second by Councilmember Giamboi with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. The Regular Meeting resumed at 8:39 p.m. Agenda Session Mayor Busch asked for a motion to re-open the Agenda Session. Council President Delia made a motion to re-open the Agenda Session, second by Councilmember Giamboi, with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. Council President Delia added Resolution 2025-196, rejecting all bids received for the Metuchen Emergency Services Center project. With no further action taken, Council President Delia made a motion to close the Agenda Session, second by Councilmember Giamboi, with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. Borough Council Meeting Minutes Council President Delia made a motion to approve the Borough Council Meeting Minutes of May 12, 2025, second by Councilmember Giamboi. Councilmember Kandel abstained from voting. With all others in favor, motion carried, 4-0. Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 Communications Consent Agenda – Items A- E Council President Delia made a motion to open the approve Communications Consent Agenda Items A through E, second by Councilmember Giamboi, with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. A. Receive and Accept Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes of April 1, 2025, May 6, 2025, and June 3, 2025 B. Receive and Accept Library Board Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2025 C. Receive and Accept Planning Board Meeting Minutes of May 1, 2025 D. Receive and Accept Zoning Board Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2025 E. Receive and Approve Block Party-Street Closing for Columbia Avenue on July 4, 2025 Ordinance – Public Hearing Ord. 2025-13 ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 169-3(E) OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN ENTITLED “MEMBERSHIP AND FEES” Council President Delia asked that Ordinance 2025-13 be read by title only. Ms. Zupan read Ordinance 2025-13 by title only. Mayor Busch opened the public hearing. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Busch closed the public hearing. Council President Delia made a motion that Ordinance 2025-13 be passed on second reading and be published according to law, second by Councilmember Giamboi. Mayor Busch asked for a roll call vote. Roll Call: Yeas: Branch, Giamboi, Jethwani, Kandel, Delia Nays: None Ordinance 2025-13 was passed on second reading, 5-0 and will be published according to law. ORDINANCE 2025-13 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 169-3(E) OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN ENTITLED “MEMBERSHIP AND FEES” NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Borough of Metuchen that § 169-3(E) of the Code of the Borough of Metuchen is hereby amended and supplemented to include a Single Parent Resident Family Membership and Single Parent Non-Resident Family Membership to its memberships available for the Borough of Metuchen Pool; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Council of the Borough of Metuchen that § 169- 3(E) of the Code of the Borough of Metuchen is also amended and supplemented to define a “Single Parent Resident Family Membership” as one (1) parent or one (1) legal guardian, plus (1) unmarried child (under 21 as of 5/1/25 or under 23 as of 5/1/25 and a full-time student who resides in the same Metuchen residence) and for “Single Parent Non-Resident Family Membership” as one (1) parent or one (1) legal guardian, plus (1) unmarried child (under 21 as of 5/1/25 or under 23 as of 5/1/25 and a full-time student who reside in the same residence as the parent or legal guardian); and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Council of the Borough of Metuchen that § 169- 3(E) shall be amended to include the below rates: Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 Resident Membership Rates Single Parent Family - $360.00 for the Early Registration Period as set by the Pool Commission Single Parent Family - $420.00 upon the Expiration of Early Registration Period Non-Resident Membership Rates Single Parent Family - $530.00 for the Early Registration Period as set by the Pool Commission Single Parent Family - $600.00 upon the Expiration of Early Registration Period BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council that all remaining sections of Chapter 169 not amended herein and all rates adopted pursuant to Ordinance No. 2025-05 shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council that if any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this Ordinance, which shall continue in full force and effect, and to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council that this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon final passage and publication as provided by law; and BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council that it hereby authorizes the Borough Administrator, Chief Financial Officer and all other Borough employees to take all action necessary in order to equitably apply the within Ordinance in terms of membership fees charged and collected as well as those to be charged and collected. Reports of Councilmembers Council President Delia reported that several parking spaces along Pennsylvania Avenue that had previously been designated as taxi spots are now metered public parking spots. Councilmember Kandel reported that the annual Fuce 5k was a huge success, raising over $50,000 for It Takes a Borough. He thanked the Board, volunteers, Police, Fire, EMS, and DPW for their hard work on this event. Councilmember Kandel also shared dates for upcoming Pool events. Councilmember Jethwani reported on the Library’s Summer Reading program, upcoming events, and noted that the next Library Board meeting would be held on July 8. Councilmember Giamboi reported that the Chair of the Shade Tree Commission had attended a tree inventory course at Rutgers and that participants in the Tree Ambassador program helped plant trees by the Library. She noted that the program had won two awards. She reminded residents that the Environmental Commission would be hosting its Green Fair on August 17. She reported that the Senior Center recently had a new American flag installed. Finally, she reminded residents to donate to the FPC Food Pantry. Councilmember Branch reported that the Human Relations Commission had been planning a community conversation program on youth mental health, to be held in August. He noted that the Arts Council was planning a photojournalism project, Metuchen at 125 Report of the Mayor Mayor Busch reminded residents that they could sign up for a new alert service, Hey Metuchen, for updates on things happening in town, as well as the existing Nixle and CodeRed services. He reported that June 13 had been the deadline to apply for the CAFÉ Program, where the Borough Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 was able to apply for tax credits for the construction of the Forum Theater. Mayor Busch shared that the summer concerts, sponsored by the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, the Borough, and the Arts Council, as well as outside sponsors Hackensack Meridian, Meximodo, and Klein Enterprises, would take place on July 14 (Joey Fattone of NSYNC) and August 12 (Jersey Beach Boys). He thanked Borough staff for their hard work dealing with the situations involving extreme heat in the past week, including air conditioning breakdowns and pool issues. New Business Consent Agenda – Resolutions 2025-183 to 2025-194 and 2025-196 Council President Delia moved to approve New Business Consent Agenda Resolutions 2025-183 to 2025-194 and 2025-196, second by Councilmember Giamboi, with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. RESOLUTION 2025-183 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ENCROACHMENT ONTO THE MUNICIPAL RIGHT OF WAY FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT BLOCK 143.01, LOT 16 COMMONLY KNOWN AS 96 ROSE STREET IN THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen is a municipal corporation of the State of New Jersey, owning and controlling, certain rights of way and real property located directly adjacent to the property located at 96 Rose Street, Metuchen (Block 143.01, Lot 16)(“Municipal Right of Way”); and WHEREAS, the current Property Owner of Block 143.01, Lot 16 as shown on the official Tax Map of the Borough of Metuchen and more commonly known as 96 Rose Street in the Borough of Metuchen applied to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a “C” Variance or exception to §110-112.7.I, referring to §110-148: Public sidewalks required to be constructed along all public streets of the Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the Zoning Board of Adjustment (“Zoning Board”) granted the Property Owner’s application for a “C” Variance subject to various conditions of approval; and WHEREAS, the Zoning Board advised the Property Owner that the Zoning Board lacked jurisdiction relating to the Property Owner’s proposed improvement that encroached onto the Municipal Right of Way and that said request was to be reviewed and considered by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen; and WHEREAS, the Property Owner, by way of correspondence dated June 25, 2025, requested that Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen permit an encroachment into the Municipal Right of Way consistent with the Plan submitted pursuant to the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s approval which contained an approximate ten (10) foot encroachment made up of approximately a total fifty (50) square feet; and WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer and Borough Planner have reviewed the Property Owner’s request and advised, that in light of the fact there is no existing sidewalk and that the Zoning Board of Adjustment did not require the public sidewalk to continue beyond the existing driveway, that granting the Property Owner’s request herein under certain conditions would not present issues for the Borough; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen have determined that it is in the best interest of the Borough, under the precise conditions which currently exist relating to this property, to permit the Property Owner’s request to encumber the Municipal Right of Way under certain terms and conditions, including but not limited the execution of a License Agreement providing for a revocable license to encroach upon the Municipal Right of Way with the appropriate indemnification and hold harmless language for the Borough. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen that it hereby grants the Property Owner’s request to encroach upon the Municipal Right of Way (ROW) subject to the preparation and execution of a License Agreement for said encroachment with provisions for the indemnification and holding the Borough harmless for all costs, liabilities and claims arising out of or related to the existence, maintenance, or use of the Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 improvements proposed and constructed and for the use of the Borough Right of Way subject to revocation by the Borough in the event that the Property is required for public use in the future and for the failure to abide by the terms of the Zoning Board approval and/or the License Agreement; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Council hereby authorizes, the Borough Administrator, Borough Planner, Engineer, and Legal Counsel and all other the appropriate Borough officials to take all necessary action to effectuate the within Resolution, including but not limited to the preparation and execution of a License Agreement for the encroachment granted herein in a form consistent with this Resolution and in a final form acceptable to the Borough Administrator; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Council hereby authorizes, the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute a License Agreement consistent with the terms herein. RESOLUTION 2025-184 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION AND ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE TAP GROVE AVENUE & EGGERT AVENUE BIKE LANES PROJECT WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen is in need of professional engineering services for the Construction Management and Inspection Services for TAP Grove Avenue & Eggert Street Bike Lane Project; and WHEREAS, Borough of Metuchen has determined that it is in the best interest of the Borough to prepare and issue a Request for Proposals for the Construction Management and Inspection Services for TAP Grove Avenue & Eggert Street Bike Lane Projects to solicit qualified firms to provide Qualifications and Costs Proposals to render said services to the Borough. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen that it hereby authorizes the preparation and issuance of a Request for Proposals for the Construction Management and Inspection Services for TAP Grove Avenue & Eggert Street Bike Lane Project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it hereby authorizes, the Borough Administrator, Director of Economic Development, Borough Clerk, Chief Financial Officer, Borough Engineer and all other the appropriate Borough officials to take all necessary action to prepare, issue, advertise the Request for Proposals for the procurement for the provision of the Construction Management and Inspection Services for TAP Grove Avenue & Eggert Street Bike Lane Project for the Borough of Metuchen and to review and evaluate the responses to same. RESOLUTION 2025-185 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SECOND YEAR EXTENSION OF THE AWARD AND EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR 2025 RECREATION SUMMER TRACK AND FIELD CAMPS WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen issued a competitive contract bid notice for the operation, management, and administration of recreation programs – Youth Recreation Track and Field Camps for the Borough of Metuchen with Requests for Proposals due on March 24, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1 et seq., provides for the utilization of a process called competitive contracting in lieu of public bidding for procurement of specific goods and or services, such as the operation, management, and administration of recreation programs; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A.11-4-3(a), by way of Resolution No. 2022-253, the Borough Council authorized the use of competitive contracting for the procurement of the Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 operation, management, and administration of various youth recreation programs for the Borough of Metuchen; and WHEREAS, by way of Resolution 2023-118, the Borough of Metuchen authorized an award of contract for youth summer track and field camps to Pisano Fitness for the calendar year 2023; and WHEREAS, the contracts between the Borough of Metuchen and Pisano Fitness contained a term of one year and the Borough reserved the right to extend the term for four (1) one year periods pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-15; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen had determined that the Youth Recreation Track and Field Camps provided by Pisano Fitness were performed in an effective and efficient manner and that the Borough extended the term of contract between the Borough of Metuchen and Pisano Fitness for a first extension by way of Resolution 2024-119 for the calendar year of 2024; and WHEREAS, the Recreation Director recommends a second one year contract extension for Recreation Youth Summer Track and Field Camps provided by Pisano Fitness for the calendar year 2025; and WHEREAS, the recreation programs are managed through Recreation Trust Funds based on participant fees, so payments to each vendor is contingent upon adequate enrollment in program(s) offered through the Borough of Metuchen Recreation Director, with the Chief Financial Officer verifying sufficient Recreation Trust Funds available in Recreation Trust T- 22-56-859-859 upon review of vendor invoices and program enrollment revenue. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Metuchen that the Borough Council hereby authorizes the second contract extension of competitive contract for Recreation Youth Summer Track and Field Camps for the calendar year of 2025 to Pisano Fitness. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Metuchen that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement or amendment to the existing agreement, if necessary, with Pisano Fitness, 44 Kentnor Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840 and consistent with the terms of the within Resolution, the current agreement and the proposal submitted to the Borough; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Administrator, and other officials and employees are hereby authorized to take all necessary actions in order to effectuate the terms and provisions of this Resolution and the award and implementation of the contract awarded herein; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the within contract was awarded pursuant to a “Fair and Open Process” pursuant to New Jersey Local Unit Pay-To-Play Law (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4, et. seq.). RESOLUTION 2025-186 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES-COTTER STRATEGIES, LLC WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen has a need to acquire the services of consultant to analyze the fire department’s current service delivery levels, using a non-fair and open, now known as required disclosure process pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer/Qualified Purchasing Agent anticipates that the value of the services rendered will exceed $5,000; and WHEREAS, the anticipated term of this contract is for completion of the project; and Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 WHEREAS, Cotter Strategies, LLC has submitted a proposal dated May 2025, for consultant services for the Borough of Metuchen fire department as described in the consulting services proposal for the Borough of Metuchen; and WHEREAS, Cotter Strategies, LLC has completed and submitted an Ownership Disclosure Certification and Political Contribution Disclosure Form which certifies that Cotter Strategies, LLC has not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the Borough of Metuchen in the previous one year, and that the contract will prohibit Cotter Strategies, LLC from making any reportable contributions through the term of the contract; and WHEREAS, the maximum amount of the contract is $37,250.00 and the Chief Financial Officer has certified that there are sufficient funds for such contract and is available and is designated from Capital Bond Ordinance 2023-14 Account Number C-04-55-043-002 for these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen as follows: 1. The Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement with Cotter Strategies, LLC, 752 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 in an amount not to exceed thirty seven thousand two hundred fifty dollars and no cents ($37,250.00). 2. The Ownership Disclosure Certification and Political Contribution Disclosure Form be placed on file with this resolution. 3. A notice of this action shall be printed once in The Home News Tribune. RESOLUTION 2025-187 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES-V-COMM LLC -TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen has a need to acquire the services of consultant to make an assessment with recommendations for upgrade of existing UHF conventional radio system for the Borough’s public safety services to include Police, Fire Department and Emergency Management, using a non-fair and open, now known as required disclosure process pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer/Qualified Purchasing Agent anticipates that the value of the services rendered will exceed $5,000; and WHEREAS, the anticipated term of this contract is for completion of the project; and WHEREAS, V-COMM LLC has submitted a proposal dated May 28, 2025, for consultant services for the Borough of Metuchen fire department as described in the consulting services proposal for the Borough of Metuchen; and WHEREAS, V-COMM LLC has completed and submitted an Ownership Disclosure Certification and Political Contribution Disclosure Form which certifies that V-COMM LLC has not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the Borough of Metuchen in the previous one year, and that the contract will prohibit V-COMM LLC from making any reportable contributions through the term of the contract; and WHEREAS, the maximum amount of the contract is $22,200.00 and the Chief Financial Officer has certified that there are sufficient funds for such contract and is available and is designated from Capital Bond Ordinance 2023-14 Account Number C-04-55-043-002 for these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen as follows: Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 1. The Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement with V-COMM LLC, 5 Chestnut Street, Somers Point, NJ 08244 in an amount not to exceed twenty two thousand two hundred dollars and no cents ($22,200.00). 2. The Ownership Disclosure Certification and Political Contribution Disclosure Form be placed on file with this resolution. 3. A notice of this action shall be printed once in The Home News Tribune. RESOLUTION 2025-188 RESOLUTION TO TRANSFER 2025 TAX OVERPAYMENT DUE TO PARCELS AFFECTED BY SUBDIVISION, LAND BOUNDARY CHANGES OR COMBINING PARCELS WHEREAS, Block 71, Lot 37.02 was affected by subdivision, boundary changes or combining parcels where parcels are being combined/eliminated, and WHEREAS, payments for quarters one and two were made to Block 71, Lot 37.02, with the parcel subsequently in the process of being eliminated as a billable for 2025, and WHEREAS, to properly account for taxes billed and paid, the following transfer of payment is requested from the Tax Collector to be applied to Block 71, Lot 37.021, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen, that the Tax Collector be and is hereby authorized to make transfer adjustments for 2025 tax payments on the following properties due to subdivision, boundary changes or combining parcels where parcels are being combined/eliminated, in the initial amount of $48,890.25, with a final transfer of tax overpayment after the 2025 tax rate has been struck. Block/Lot/Qual Address Owner Amount to Quarter of Transfer Transfer 71/37.02 215 Durham Avenue Metuchen I LLC (48,890.25) 1/2025 71/37.021 205-215 Durham Avenue Metuchen I LLC 48,890.25 3/2025 RESOLUTION 2025-189 RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2025-126 AUTHORIZING THE AWARD FOR REPAIR FOR LIGHT/MEDIUM DUTY VEHICLES THROUGH STATE CONTRACT WHEREAS, by way of Resolution No. 2025-126 the Borough of Metuchen authorized and awarded a contract Malouf Ford Lincoln Inc., PO Box 7480, 2210 US Highway 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 for the maintenance and repair of light/medium duty fleet vehicles of the Borough of Metuchen, in the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey; and WHEREAS, the award authorized these purchases through State Contract #40808 T0126– OEM & Non-OEM Maintenance & Repair Services for Light/Medium Duty Vehicles; and WHEREAS, state contract T0126, Vendor Contract 40808 was in effect from March 18, 2016 through March 17, 2025; and WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey Division of Purchase and Property Procurement Bureau has issued the 7th contract extension until December 17, 2025; and WHEREAS, the maximum amount for vehicle parts and maintenance and repair for fleet vehicles for the Borough of Metuchen was originally awarded by way of Resolution 2025-78, and amended by Resolution 2025-126 to reflect a state contract extension in an amount not to exceed $45,100.00 of which $20,100.00 was certified from the 2024 Adopted Budget and remained available and designated from Account number Streets & Roads-Vehicle Maintenance & Repair, 4-01-26-765- Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 025 and funds remained available in the 2025 Temporary Budget and 2025 Adopted Budget as certified by the Chief Financial Officer and that there are sufficient funds for such award and are available and designated from Account number Streets & Roads-Vehicle Maintenance & Repair, 5- 01-26-765-025 in the amount of $25,000.00; and WHEREAS, the maximum amount for vehicle maintenance and repair services is increased by $3,700.00, from $20,100.00 to $23,800.00 and funds are available from the 2024 Adopted Budget from Account number Streets & Roads-Vehicle Maintenance & Repair, 4-01-26-765-025, for an amended total maximum not to exceed forty eight thousand eight hundred dollars and no cents ($48,800.00); and WHEREAS, no change in the maximum amount authorized for OEM & Non-OEM Maintenance & Repair Services for Light/Medium Duty Vehicles is authorized by this resolution and does not amend the authorization granted by Resolution 2025-78 which provides under state contract 19-FLEET-00915, T2760 for OEM Automotive Parts and Accessories for Light Duty Vehicles Class 4 or Lower, which is in effect until August 4, 2025; and WHEREAS, the authorization for OEM and non-OEM maintenance and repair services for light/medium duty vehicles through state contract T0126 expires on December 17, 2025; and WHEREAS, public bids are not required when the purchase is under a state contract in accordance with 40A:11-12 of the Local Public Contracts Law; and WHEREAS, this procurement is awarded under N.J.S.A. 19:44A20.4 et seq. using a fair and open process to Malouf Ford Lincoln Inc, Inc. for the purchase of OEM & non-OEM maintenance and repair services for light/medium duty fleet vehicles of the Borough of Metuchen. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen, in the County of Middlesex that the authorization to procure OEM & non-OEM maintenance and repair services for light/medium duty vehicles is granted through December 17, 2025. RESOLUTION 2025-190 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING THE DEPOSIT OF FUNDS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF BLOCK 183.2, LOTS 5.2, 6, 7 AND 8 (THE “PROPERTY”) WITH THE SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen passed an Ordinance (2023-31) in connection with the Property on December 1, 2023, which provided for the following: A. The Borough is authorized to engage in good faith negotiations with the of the Property for the acquisition of the Property at a fair market value; and B. If the parties can agree to a fair market value acquisition of the Property, the Mayor of the Borough is authorized to execute all necessary documentation to effectuate same; and C. If the parties cannot agree to a fair market purchase price, the Borough is authorized to commence eminent domain and/or condemnation proceedings to acquire the Property using the processes approved in N.J.S.A. 20:3-1, et seq. and N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-8; and D. The Mayor of the Borough is duly authorized to execute any and all documents and affidavits related to the legal proceedings involved in acquiring the Property; and E. The Borough Attorney or special counsel and such other appropriate officials as necessary be and are hereby authorized to acquire said land interests, either by negotiation or by instituting action by exercising the Borough’s right of eminent domain (condemnation); and Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 F. The Borough Attorney and other appropriate officials be and hereby are authorized to hire and employ such appraisers, consultants and experts as may be appropriate to effectuate said acquisitions, whether by negotiation or eminent domain proceedings, and to pay said consultants and experts a reasonable fee for their services; and G. The Borough Council authorizes the filing of a Declaration of Taking in relation to acquiring the Property as required under the applicable statute. WHEREAS, the Borough sent a bona fide offer of $561,000 to purchase to the owner of the Property on or about March 13, 2024; and WHEREAS, the owner of the Property did not timely accept the Borough’s bona fide offer; and WHEREAS, the Borough filed an Order to Show Cause and Verified Complaint (in condemnation) in connection with the Property on or about January 24, 2005; and WHEREAS, the Court will hear the Order to Show Cause on July 03, 2025 and then enter an Order determining that the Borough is authorized to duly exercise its power of eminent domain and require the Borough to deposit escrow funds with the Clerk; and WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer certifies funds are available from the Middlesex County Capital Arts Grant, Account number G-02-41-760-310 in the amount not to exceed six hundred thousand dollars and no cents ($600,000.00) for a deposit for the acquisition of Block 183.2, Lots 5.2, 6, 7 and 8. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen, that the Borough Council does hereby authorize the deposit of no more than $600,000 with the Clerk of the Superior Court in connection with its acquisition of the Property by way of eminent domain. RESOLUTION 2025-191 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND – HONEYSTASH, FORMERLY DASCO SOLUTIONS, LLC WHEREAS, Nicki Louloudis, Planning/Zoning Engineer, in a letter dated June 18, 2025, has reported that the corrective measures associated with 700 Middlesex Avenue have been completed in an acceptable manner; and WHEREAS, Ms. Louloudis has recommended the release of the Performance Bond in the amount of a cash bond of $10,000.00. WHEREAS, the release of the performance bond will include interest. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to release said Performance Bond in the amount $10,000.00 as recommended and directed by the Planning/Zoning Engineer to Honeystash, LLC – Formerly Dasco Solutions, LLC. RESOLUTION 2025-192 RESOLUTION TO REFUND ESCROW BALANCE WHEREAS, the Planning Board Office has requested that the following escrow account be closed, and the balance be refunded to the depositor, WHEREAS, the Planning Board Office has contacted the Board Planner, Engineer, and Attorney for authorization to release the funds and determine the project is closed, Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 WHEREAS, the Planning Board Office has provided a list to the Chief Finance Officer with a sign-off from the Board Professionals, that the following escrow project is complete and can be closed, and that no further billing from the professionals for this project will be paid; and WHEREAS, the payment for release for project 23-1359 E will include interest in addition to the amount shown in the chart below. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen for the Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector is instructed to refund, in the amount indicated, the following escrow balance to the depositor, as the project has been determined to be closed: ESCROW AMOUNT DEPOSITOR ACCOUNT 23-1359 E $1362.51 Wiley Lavender PC RESOLUTION 2025-193 RESOLUTION TO GRANT EXEMPTION FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN AND TO REFUND AND CANCEL 2025 TAXES WHEREAS, the Tax Assessor of the Borough of Metuchen has been provided sufficient proof that the owner of the property known as 5 Sylvan Street, Block 154.02, Lot 5.01, in the Borough of Metuchen is owned by a 100% Permanently & Totally Disabled Veteran, as noted in a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs dated May 8, 2025; and WHEREAS, the property owner James Kohl, being determined to be totally and permanently disabled by the Department of Veteran Affairs applied to the Borough of Metuchen for the tax exemption on May 8, 2025, for Block 154.02, Lot 5.01, effective May 8, 2025. effective date for the 100% Permanent and Total Determination exemption from property taxes will be May 8, 2025. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen that the Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector is hereby authorized to refund the homeowner the monies already paid for 2025 taxes from the date of the exemption, and to cancel taxes billed for the 2025 year, from May 8, 2025 forward. RESOLUTION 2025-194 RESOLUTION TO GRANT EXEMPTION FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN AND TO REFUND AND CANCEL 2025 TAXES WHEREAS, the Tax Assessor of the Borough of Metuchen has been provided sufficient proof that the owner of the property known as 49 Robins Place, Block 118, Lot 3, in the Borough of Metuchen is owned by a 100% Permanently & Totally Disabled Veteran, as noted in a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs dated April 19,2022; and WHEREAS, the property owner Wing-Cheong Lam, being determined to be totally and permanently disabled by the Department of Veteran Affairs applied to the Borough of Metuchen for the tax exemption on January 30, 2025, for Block 118, Lot 3; and WHEREAS, the effective date of the 100% Permanent and Total Determination exemption from property taxes will be January 29, 2025 which is the date of the recorded deed for the purchase of 49 Robins Place by Wing-Cheong Lam. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen that the Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector is hereby authorized to refund the homeowner the monies paid for 2025 taxes from the date of the exemption, as recorded in the ALTA settlement statement in the amount of $2,965.41, and to cancel the remainder of taxes billed for the 2025 year. Borough Council Meeting June 30, 2025 RESOLUTION 2025- 196 RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE METUCHEN EMERGENCY SERVICES CENTER PROJECT WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen publicly advertised the Borough of Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project (“Project”); and WHEREAS, on May 22, 2025, the Borough held a public bid opening for the Project; and WHEREAS, the Borough received bids from thirteen (13) different bidders which were opened at the public bid opening; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-13.2, entitled, “Rejection of bids by a contracting unit”, a contracting unit may reject all bids received in order “to substantially revise the bid specifications for the goods or services”; and WHEREAS, the Borough has determined that it is in the best of the Borough to reject all bids received, substantially revise the bid specifications and rebid the Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Metuchen hereby rejects all bids received on May 22, 2025 for the Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-13.2 in order to substantially revise the bid specifications; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Metuchen hereby authorizes the re-bid of the Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough of Metuchen authorizes Borough Officials and/or Employees and Professionals to take all necessary actions including the substantial revisions to the bid specifications and for the Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project to be rebid and for the return the bid bonds to all bidders. Other New Business Council President Delia made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-195, authorizing payment of the bill list in the amount of $5,566,278.64, second by Councilmember Giamboi with all in favor, motion carried, 5-0. RESOLUTION 2025-195 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF THE BILL LIST BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen that the proper warrants be drawn, and all bills be paid totaling $5,566,278.64. Adjournment Council President Delia made a motion to adjourn the meeting, second by Councilmember Giamboi, with all in favor, 5-0, the meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Deborah Zupan, RMC, Borough Clerk