Mayor & Council Meeting

*** DRAFT – SUBJECT TO CHANGE *** BOROUGH COUNCIL AGENDA REGULAR MEETING JULY 28, 2025 7:30 P.M. Reading Of Sunshine Notice Flag Salute Roll Call Agenda Session Report Metuchen EMS Public Comment Borough Council Meeting Minutes Approval of Borough Council Meeting Minutes of June 9, 2025 and June 30, 2025 Report of the Chief Financial Officer as to Award of Notes Communications Consent Agenda – Items A-G A. Receive and Accept Arts Council Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2025 and May 19, 2025 B. Receive and Accept CARES Committee Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2025 C. Receive and Accept Library Board Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2025 D. Receive and Accept Zoning Board Meeting Minutes of June 12, 2025 E. Receive and Accept Auditor's Letter to Mayor and Council F. Receive and Approve Block Party-Street Closing for Lexington Drive on September 13, 2025 G. Receive and Approve Block Party-Street Closing for Upland Avenue on September 27, 2025 Ordinance – Introduction Ord. 2025-14 ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN, CHAPTER 110 ENTITLED “LAND DEVELOPMENT”, ARTICLE 21 ENTITLED “AFFORDABLE HOUSING”, SECTION 95.7 ENTITLED “NEW CONSTRUCTION”, ITEM E ENTITLED “MULTIFAMILY ZONES” Regular Meeting 07.28.2025 Report of the Borough Administrator Reports of Council Members Report of the Mayor New Business Consent Agenda – Resolutions 2025-197 to 2025-211 R2025-197 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ELECTRICAL SUBCODE OFFICIAL R2025-198 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN THE BID THRESHOLD R2025-199 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND REQUIRING A PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT FOR THE METUCHEN EMERGENCY SERVICES CENTTER PROJECT R2025-200 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTION OF A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE PHASE II MAIN STREET CURBING AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – TRANSIT VILLAGE R2025-201 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTION APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE PHASE II MAIN STREET CURBING AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – SAFE STREETS TO TRANSIT R2025-202 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN, TO PERFORM GIS MAPS FOR STORMWATER AND SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS R2025-203 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN, TO PERFORM ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2024 TRANSIT VILLAGE GROVE AVENUE WALKWAY REHABILITATION PROJECT 12 R2025-204 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN, TO PERFORM ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2025 ROAD PROGRAM FY 2025 MUNICIPAL AID R2025-205 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1 CONTRACT INCREASE FOR STATEWIDE CONDITIONING, INC. – BOROUGH HALL AND LIBRARY HVAC COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEMS UPGRADE Regular Meeting 07.28.2025 R2025-206 RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2025-35 AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR BOROUGH BOND COUNSEL R2025-207 RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2023-210 AUTHORIZING THE AWARD FOR DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT FOR RECORD RETENTION AND DISPOSAL ESCNJ COOP 65MCESCCPS CONTRACT R2025-208 RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2025-56 AUTHORIZING PURCHASE FROM #2SOCCP SOMERSET COUNTY COOPERATIVE PRICING FOR RED DYED #2 DIESEL FUEL (ULTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL), RED DYED WINTER BLEND DIESEL AND FUEL OIL-SECOND YEAR CC-0036-23 R2025-209 RESOLUTION TO APPLY OVERPAYMENT OF 2024 AND 2025 TAXES R2025-210 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF 2023 AND 2024 TAX OVERPAYMENTS R2025-211 RESOLUTION TO REFUND ESCROW BALANCE Other New Business R2025-212 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF THE BILL LIST IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,559,607.18 Adjournment The Borough of Metuchen does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. Those individuals requiring auxiliary aids and services were necessary must notify the ADA Coordinator of the Borough of Metuchen at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the meeting or scheduled activity. The ADA Coordinator is Melissa Perilstein, 732-632-8509, mperilstein@metuchen.com.  ORDINANCE 2025-14 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN, CHAPTER 110 ENTITLED “LAND DEVELOPMENT”, ARTICLE 21 ENTITLED “AFFORDABLE HOUSING”, SECTION 95.7 ENTITLED “NEW CONSTRUCTION”, ITEM E ENTITLED “MULTIFAMILY ZONES” WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has a longstanding and well-established commitment to maximizing the opportunities for the development of housing affordable for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households; and WHEREAS, the provision of “safe, decent and attractive housing that [lower-income households] can afford serves the community’s interest in achieving an integrated, just and free society and promotes the general welfare of all citizens.” De Simone v. Greater Englewood Hous. Corp., 56 N.J. 428, 441 (1970); and WHEREAS, in the Mount Laurel decisions, the New Jersey Supreme Court held that the State’s Constitution makes it “plain beyond dispute that proper provision for adequate housing of all categories of people is certainly an absolute essential in promotion of the general welfare required in all local land use regulation.” S. Burlington Cty. NAACP v. Mount Laurel, 67 N.J. 151, 179 (1975) (Mount Laurel I); and WHEREAS, the Court thus found that “each . . . municipality [must] affirmatively . . . plan and provide, by its land use regulations, the reasonable opportunity for an appropriate variety and choice of housing, including, of course, low and moderate cost housing, to meet the needs, desires and resources of all categories of people who may desire to live within its boundaries.” Ibid; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Legislature itself affirmed this commitment when it enacted the Fair Housing Act of 1985, which established that it is in the State’s interest “to maximize the number of low and moderate units by creating new affordable housing and by rehabilitating existing, but substandard, housing in the State.” N.J.S.A. 52:27D-302; and WHEREAS, accordingly, the New Jersey Supreme Court has determined that “[a]ffordable housing is a goal that is no longer merely implicit in the notion of the general welfare. It has been expressly recognized as a governmental end and codified under the FHA.” Holmdel Builders Ass’n v. Holmdel, 121 N.J. 550, 567 (1990); and WHEREAS, since then, New Jersey’s courts have consistently recognized that “[t]he public policy of this State has long been that persons with low and moderate incomes are entitled Ord. 2025-14 to affordable housing,” and furthermore that those policies do not end when a municipality has satisfied its minimum obligation under the FHA because “‘[t]here cannot be the slightest doubt that shelter, along with food, are the most basic human needs.’” Homes of Hope, Inc. v. Eastampton Tp. Land Use Planning Bd., 409 N.J. Super. 330, 337 (App. Div. 2009) (quoting Mount Laurel I, 67 N.J. at 178); and WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen has a fair share obligation consisting of a prior round obligation of 99 units, a third round need of 349 units, and a fourth round obligation of 120; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen has an established a Mandatory Set-Aside requirement for all sites that benefits from a rezoning, variance or redevelopment plan approved by the Borough in multi-family residential development of five (5) dwelling units or more produces affordable housing; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen, Middlesex County, New Jersey, that the Land Development Regulations set forth in Chapter 110 entitled “Land Development”, Article 21 entitled “Affordable Housing”, Section 95.7 entitled “New Construction”, Item E entitled “Mandatory Set-Asides”, is hereby amended, modified and supplemented as follows: Section 1. Section 110-95.7.E shall be amended and replaced in its entirety, as follows: E. Mandatory Set-Asides All applications for development and all new development proposing and/or containing five or more dwelling units shall comply with the following: (1) A minimum of 20 percent of the total number of dwelling units in a development shall be set-aside as affordable units with half being affordable to low-income households and 13 percent shall be affordable to very low-income households. If the calculation of the total number of such affordable units yields a fractional unit of less than 0.5 percent then either a payment in lieu shall be provided prior to issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy for the development, or one additional unit shall be constructed. If the calculation of the total number of such affordable units yields a fractional unit of 0.5 or greater, it shall count as one additional unit. (2) For any payment in lieu of a fraction of an affordable unit, the payment for the fraction of the affordable unit shall be calculated on a unit cost of $220,702, which is based upon the subsidy required/payment in lieu amount originally set forth for COAH Region 3 in N.J.A.C. 5:97-6.4(c), adjusted by the Urban Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) as of June 2025, and which amount shall be automatically adjusted annually by the CPI-U, unless the developer can demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Borough of Metuchen that the payment amount should be a different amount based upon the following considerations: 2 Ord. 2025-14 (a) The actual cost to the Borough of constructing and/or subsidizing an affordable unit within the Borough after considering estimated land values and development costs associated with compliance techniques included in the municipality’s Fair Share Plan and Spending Plan; (b) The costs of construction shall include development hard costs, related soft costs, developer’s fees pursuant to the cost containment provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:43-2.4(a)1 through 6, and land costs based on the first quartile of land values for comparable housing types within the municipality. (3) All payments in lieu of constructing fractions of affordable units shall be placed in the Borough's affordable housing trust fund, subject to the regulations and restrictions pertaining to same. Section II. Severability. If any article, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this Ordinance and they shall remain in full force and effect and shall be deemed valid and effective. Inconsistencies. In the event of any inconsistencies between the provisions of this Ordinance and any prior ordinance of the municipality, the provisions hereof shall be determined to govern and those inconsistent provisions shall be repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. Referral to Planning Board. A copy of this Ordinance shall be referred to the Planning Board following its introduction for review pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:55D-26A. Effective Date and Scope. This Ordinance shall immediately take effect upon its passage and publication, and as otherwise provided for by law. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be applicable within the entire municipality upon final adoption and shall become a part of the Code once completed and adopted. 3  RESOLUTION 2025-197 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ELECTRICAL SUBCODE OFFICIAL BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen that Paul Gadomski, License #011816, is hereby appointed Acting Electrical Subcode Official for the Borough of Metuchen, effective July 7, 2025 to September 1, 2025, due to illness of the Borough’s Electrical Subcode Official, John Arendt, License #005989. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.  RESOLUTION 2025-198 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN THE BID THRESHOLD WHEREAS, the State Treasurer has exercised the authority to adjust bid thresholds for contracting units subject to the Local Public Contracts Law pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11- 3(c), effective July 1, 2025; and WHEREAS, the recent changes to the Local Public Contracts Law gives local contracting units the ability to increase their bid threshold up to a maximum of $53,000.00; and WHEREAS, N.S.J.SA. 40A:11-3(a) permits an increase in the bid threshold if a Qualified Purchasing Agent has been appointed as well as granted the authorization to negotiate and award such contracts below the bid threshold; and WHEREAS, Rebecca A. Cuthbert possesses the designation of Qualified Purchasing Agent as issued by the Director of Local Government Services in accordance with N.J.S.A. 5:34-5 et seq. and has been appointed Qualified Purchasing Agent by the Borough of Metuchen; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen desires to take advantage of the increased bid threshold. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen, in the County of Middlesex, that it hereby increases the bid threshold for award of public contracts by the Borough from $44,000.00 to $53,000.00 effective July 1, 2025. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services.  RESOLUTION 2025-199 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND REQUIRING A PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT FOR THE METUCHEN EMERGENCY SERVICES CENTER PROJECT WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen is in the process of publicly advertising the Borough of Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project (“Project”); and WHEREAS, the New Jersey State Legislature has determined, among other things, that New Jersey has a compelling interest in carrying out public works projects at the lowest reasonable cost and the highest degree of quality; that New Jersey has a compelling interest in having labor disputes in connection with public works projects resolved without the disruptions of strikes, lock-outs, or slowdowns; that project labor agreements make possible legally enforceable guarantees that projects will be carried out in an orderly and timely manner, without strikes, lock-outs, or slowdowns; and that project labor agreements make it possible to provide the State with a guarantee that public works projects are completed with highly skilled workers; and WHEREAS, the Borough desires to provide for the efficient, safe, quality and timely completion of the Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project undertaken by the Borough of Metuchen; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen have determined that it to be in the best interest of the Borough of Metuchen to require a project labor agreement for the Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Metuchen hereby authorizes and directs a Project Labor Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto be required for the Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Metuchen authorizes all Borough Officials and/or Employees and Professionals to take all necessary actions for the inclusion of a Project Labor Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto subject to final review and approval of the Mayor and Borough Administrator, to be required to be executed by the successful bidder in the bid specifications for the Metuchen Emergency Services Center Project.  RESOLUTION 2025-200 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTION OF A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE PHASE II MAIN STREET CURBING AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – TRANSIT VILLAGE WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen wishes to apply for and obtain funding through the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Transit Village Grant Program for the completion of the Phase II Main Street Curbing and Sidewalk Improvement Project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen are hereby authorized to submit an electronic grant application identified as TV- 2026-Phase II Main Street Curbing and Sid-00012 to the New Jersey Department of Transportation on behalf of the Borough of Metuchen. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the grant agreement on behalf of the Borough of Metuchen and that their signatures constitute acceptance of the terms and conditions of the grant agreement and approve the execution of the grant agreement.  RESOLUTION 2025-201 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTION APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE PHASE II MAIN STREET CURBING AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – SAFE STREETS TO TRANSIT WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen wishes to apply for and obtain funding through the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets to Transit Grant Program for the completion of the Phase II Main Street Curbing and Sidewalk Improvement Project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough Council and Clerk are hereby authorized to submit an electronic grant application identified as SST-2026-Phase II Main Street Curbing and Si-00053 to the New Jersey Department of Transportation on behalf of the Borough of Metuchen. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Council and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the grant agreement on behalf of the Borough of Metuchen and that their signature constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions of the grant agreement and approves the execution of the grant agreement.  RESOLUTION 2025-202 Borough of Metuchen County of Metuchen State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN, TO PERFORM GIS MAPS FOR STORMWATER AND SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen has a need to acquire the services of a Borough Engineer as a fair and open contract pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A- 20.4; and WHEREAS, Requests for Qualifications for Professional Engineering services for the Borough of Metuchen were received by the Borough on December 17, 2024; and WHEREAS, by way of Resolution No. 2025-28, the Borough of Metuchen awarded a contract for Borough Engineer and professional engineering services to Colliers Engineering & Design for the calendar year 2025 at a cost not to exceed thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00); and WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen is in need of professional engineering services for the creation of GIS stormwater and sanitary sewer systems maps; and WHEREAS, Colliers Engineering & Design, submitted a proposal dated March 10, 2025, to the Borough to render engineering services for the creation of GIS stormwater and sanitary sewer systems maps for a cost not to exceed two hundred ninety two thousand four hundred fifty five dollars and no cents ($292,455.00); and WHEREAS, the proposal was reviewed and evaluated, and it is the recommendation of the Borough Administrator that a contract for engineering services for the creation of GIS stormwater and sanitary sewer systems maps be awarded to Colliers Engineering & Design of Red Bank, New Jersey consistent with the proposal submitted; and WHEREAS, the Council of the Borough of Metuchen have reviewed the proposal and have determined it is in the best interest of Metuchen to award a contract to Colliers Engineering & Design, of Red Bank, New Jersey to render engineering services for the creation of GIS stormwater and sanitary sewer systems maps; and WHEREAS, the cost for the proposed services shall not exceed two hundred ninety two thousand four hundred fifty five dollars and no cents ($292,455.00) without further approval by the Mayor and Borough Council; and R2025-202 WHEREAS, this contract is awarded as a “fair and open contract” pursuant to and in accordance with the Local Unit Pay-to-Play Law; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer's Certification of Funds has certified that there are sufficient funds for such contract and is available and is designated from the Capital Fund Bond Ordinance 2025-12, C-04-55-945-002 for these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen as follows: 1. The Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen hereby awards a contract to Colliers Engineering & Design, 331 Newman Springs Road, Suite 203, Red Bank, NJ 07701 on the basis of the proposal dated March 10, 2025 to provide professional engineering services to the Borough of Metuchen for the creation of GIS stormwater and sanitary sewer systems maps funded in an amount not to exceed two hundred ninety two thousand four hundred fifty five dollars and no cents ($292,455.00). 2. The Mayor and Borough officials and employees are hereby authorized to take all necessary actions in order to effectuate the terms and provisions of this Resolution, including but not limited to the execution of an Agreement in the form acceptable in contents by the Mayor and Council President. 3. This contract is awarded as a fair and open "Professional Service" in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5. 4. Notice of this action shall be printed once in The Home News Tribune.  RESOLUTION 2025-203 Borough of Metuchen County of Metuchen State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN, TO PERFORM ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2024 TRANSIT VILLAGE GROVE AVENUE WALKWAY REHABILITATION PROJECT 12 WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen has a need to acquire the services of a Borough Engineer as a fair and open contract pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A- 20.4; and WHEREAS, Requests for Qualifications for Professional Engineering services for the Borough of Metuchen were received by the Borough on December 17, 2024; and WHEREAS, by way of Resolution No. 2025-28, the Borough of Metuchen awarded a contract for Borough Engineer and professional engineering services to Colliers Engineering & Design for the calendar year 2025 at a cost not to exceed thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00); and WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen is in need of professional engineering services for the 2024 Transit Village Grove Avenue Walkway Rehabilitation Project 12 project; and WHEREAS, Colliers Engineering & Design, submitted a proposal dated June 27, 2025, to the Borough to render engineering services for the 2024 Transit Village Grove Avenue Walkway Rehabilitation Project 12 project for a cost not to exceed sixty one thousand six hundred dollars and no cents ($61,600.00); and WHEREAS, the proposal was reviewed and evaluated, and it is the recommendation of the Borough Administrator that a contract for engineering services for the 2024 Transit Village Grove Avenue Walkway Rehabilitation Project 12 project be awarded to Colliers Engineering & Design of Red Bank, New Jersey consistent with the proposal submitted; and WHEREAS, the Council of the Borough of Metuchen have reviewed the proposal and have determined it is in the best interest of Metuchen to award a contract to Colliers Engineering & Design, of Red Bank, New Jersey to render engineering services for the 2024 Transit Village Grove Avenue Walkway Rehabilitation Project 12 project; and WHEREAS, the cost for the proposed services shall not exceed six one thousand six hundred dollars and no cents ($61,600.00) without further approval by the Mayor and Borough Council; and R2025-203 WHEREAS, this contract is awarded as a “fair and open contract” pursuant to and in accordance with the Local Unit Pay-to-Play Law; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer's Certification of Funds has certified that there are sufficient funds for such contract and is available and is designated from the Capital Fund Bond Ordinance 2024-11, C-04-55-944-021 for these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen as follows: 1. The Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen hereby awards a contract to Colliers Engineering & Design, 331 Newman Springs Road, Suite 203, Red Bank, NJ 07701 on the basis of the proposal dated June 27, 2025 to provide professional engineering services to the Borough of Metuchen for the 2024 Transit Village Grove Avenue Walkway Rehabilitation Project 12 project funded in an amount not to exceed sixty one thousand six hundred dollars and no cents ($61,600.00). 2. The Mayor and Borough officials and employees are hereby authorized to take all necessary actions in order to effectuate the terms and provisions of this Resolution, including but not limited to the execution of an Agreement in the form acceptable in contents by the Mayor and Council President. 3. This contract is awarded as a fair and open "Professional Service" in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5. 4. Notice of this action shall be printed once in The Home News Tribune.  RESOLUTION 2025-204 Borough of Metuchen County of Metuchen State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN, TO PERFORM ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2025 ROAD PROGRAM FY 2025 MUNICIPAL AID WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen has a need to acquire the services of a Borough Engineer as a fair and open contract pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4; and WHEREAS, Requests for Qualifications for Professional Engineering services for the Borough of Metuchen were received by the Borough on December 17, 2024; and WHEREAS, by way of Resolution No. 2025-28, the Borough of Metuchen awarded a contract for Borough Engineer and professional engineering services to Colliers Engineering & Design for the calendar year 2025 at a cost not to exceed thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00); and WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen is in need of professional engineering services for the 2025 Road Program FY 2025 NJDOT Municipal Aid Road Project; and WHEREAS, Colliers Engineering & Design, submitted a proposal dated June 9, 2025, to the Borough to render engineering services for the 2025 Road Program NJDOT FY 2025 Municipal Aid Road Project for a cost not to exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars and no cents ($250,000.00); and WHEREAS, the proposal was reviewed and evaluated, and it is the recommendation of the Borough Administrator that a contract for engineering services for the 2025 Road Program FY2025 NJDOT Municipal Aid Road Project be awarded to Colliers Engineering & Design of Red Bank, New Jersey consistent with the proposal submitted; and WHEREAS, the Council of the Borough of Metuchen have reviewed the proposal and have determined it is in the best interest of Metuchen to award a contract to Colliers Engineering & Design, of Red Bank, New Jersey to render engineering services for the 2025 Road Program FY2025 NJDOT Municipal Aid Road Project; and WHEREAS, the cost for the proposed services shall not exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars and no cents ($250,000.00) without further approval by the Mayor and Borough Council; and R2025-204 WHEREAS, this contract is awarded as a “fair and open contract” pursuant to and in accordance with the Local Unit Pay-to-Play Law; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer's Certification of Funds has certified that there are sufficient funds for such contract and is available and is designated from the Capital Fund, Bond Ordinance 2025-12, C-04-55-945-012 for these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen as follows: 1. The Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen hereby awards a contract to Colliers Engineering & Design, 331 Newman Springs Road, Suite 203, Red Bank, NJ 07701 on the basis of the proposal dated June 9, 2025 to provide professional engineering services to the Borough of Metuchen for the 2025 Road Program FY 2025 NJDOT Municipal Aid Road Project funded in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars and no cents ($250,000.00). 2. The Mayor and Borough officials and employees are hereby authorized to take all necessary actions in order to effectuate the terms and provisions of this Resolution, including but not limited to the execution of an Agreement in the form acceptable in contents by the Mayor and Council President. 3. This contract is awarded as a fair and open "Professional Service" in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5. 4. Notice of this action shall be printed once in The Home News Tribune.  RESOLUTION 2025-205 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1 CONTRACT INCREASE FOR STATEWIDE CONDITIONING, INC. – BOROUGH HALL AND LIBRARY HVAC COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEMS UPGRADE WHEREAS, by way of Resolution 2025-110, a contract was approved for HVAC computer control systems upgrade for Borough Hall and Library HVAC systems. by the Mayor and Council and Statewide Conditioning, Inc.; and WHEREAS, on June 23, 2025, Statewide Conditioning, Inc. submitted a memo to the Borough for a Change Order increase to the Borough in the amount of $4.476.63 which was reviewed and approved by the Borough Administrator and Qualified Purchasing Agent; and WHEREAS, the increase to the Borough for the Change Order #1 is $4,476.63. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen that the proper officials are hereby authorized to execute the attached Change Order #1.  RESOLUTION 2025-206 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2025-35 AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR BOROUGH BOND COUNSEL WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen has a need to amend Resolution 2025-35 previously awarded for Borough Bond Counsel as an amendment to a contract previously awarded, fair and open process pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4; and WHEREAS, Requests for Qualifications were received on December 17, 2024 and reviewed by the Borough Administrator, Chief Financial Officer/QPA, and Borough Clerk; and WHEREAS, the anticipated term of this contract is the calendar year 2025; and WHEREAS, the original agreement stipulated that the maximum amount of the contract shall not exceed $ 20,000.00; and WHEREAS, the Borough deemed it necessary to dedicate an additional $5,000 for continued services; and WHEREAS, the maximum amount of the contract is amended and shall not exceed twenty five thousand dollars and no cents $ 25,000.00 and the Chief Financial Officer certifies that there are sufficient funds for such contract amendment and are available and designated from the 2024 Capital Bond Ordinance 2024-11, C-04-55-944-021 for these additional services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen, in the County of Middlesex, as follows: The Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to increase the available funds for bond counsel services from the firm McCarter & English LLP, 4 Gateway Center, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07101.  RESOLUTION 2025-207 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2023-210 AUTHORIZING THE AWARD FOR DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT FOR RECORD RETENTION AND DISPOSAL ESCNJ COOP 65MCESCCPS CONTRACT WHEREAS, by way of Resolution 2023-210, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen authorized the award to procure document management for record retention and disposal for the Borough of Metuchen, in the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey; and WHEREAS, these services are available through 65MCESCCPS Middlesex County Education Services Commission ESCNJ 22/23-11 Document Management for Records Retention and Disposal awarded from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024, with the extensions to June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2026; and WHEREAS, said contract extension expires on June 30, 2026; and WHEREAS, an amendment to the original awarded amount of $78,177.39 is needed to increase the award authorization by forty nine thousand one hundred twenty four dollars and four cents ($49,124.04); and WHEREAS, the maximum amount for records retention and disposal under this contract award is amended to increase the authorization by $49,124.04, for a grand total in an amount not to exceed $127,301.43 as certified by the Chief Financial Officer and that there are sufficient funds for such awarded contract amendment and are now made available and is designated from Capital Bond Ordinance 2022-08 C-04-55-038-003; 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. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen, in the County of Middlesex as follows: The Chief Financial Officer and Borough Administrator are hereby authorized and directed to amend and forward a Purchase Order to Alpine Consulting, Inc. dba AccuScan, 950 Mt. Holly Road, Edgewater Park, NJ 08010.  RESOLUTION 2025-208 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2025-56 AUTHORIZING PURCHASE FROM #2SOCCP SOMERSET COUNTY COOPERATIVE PRICING FOR RED DYED #2 DIESEL FUEL (ULTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL), RED DYED WINTER BLEND DIESEL AND FUEL OIL- SECOND YEAR CC-0036-23 WHEREAS, by way of Resolution 2025-56, authorization to purchase diesel fuel was awarded for the Borough of Metuchen, in the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey; and WHEREAS, this can be purchased through the Somerset County Cooperative Red Dyed #2 Diesel Fuel (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel), Red Dyed Winter Blend Diesel and Fuel Oil, Open-ended Contract #CC- 0036-23, Cooperative Pricing Bid #2-SOCCP, Second Year of a Two-Year Contract pursuant to the provisions of NJSA 40A:11-11 (5); and WHEREAS, said contract is the second year of a two-year contract for Red Dyed #2 Diesel Fuel (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel), Red Dyed Winter Blend Diesel and Fuel Oil, Open-ended Contract #CC-0036- 23, Co-operative Pricing Bid #2-SOCCP which was approved on October 24, 2023 by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners is effective from October 24, 2023, to October 21, 2025; with the authorization to purchase diesel fuel under this resolution of award until October 21, 2025; and WHEREAS, the authorization to purchase under this award expires on October 21, 2025; and WHEREAS, the maximum amount of the purchase of Red Dyed #2 Diesel Fuel (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel), Red Dyed Winter Blend Diesel and Fuel Oil previously awarded by Resolution 2025-56 award resolution for the Borough of Metuchen was in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00; and WHEREAS, the additional award for the purchase of diesel fuel is a maximum of $50,000.00 and that there are sufficient funds for such award as certified from the 2025 Adopted Budget, designated from Diesel and Gasoline Fuel Account Number 5-01-31-821-074; and WHEREAS, the County of Somerset, New Jersey shall be responsible for complying with the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.) and all other provisions of the revised statutes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen, in the County of Middlesex as follows: The Chief Financial Officer and Borough Administrator are hereby authorized and directed to amend and forward a Purchase Order to National Fuel Oil Inc., 175 Orange Street, Newark, NJ 07103, to include an amendment not to exceed $50,000.00 for a grand total authorized in an amount not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars and no cents ($100,000.00).  RESOLUTION 2025-209 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION TO APPLY OVERPAYMENT OF 2024 AND 2025 TAXES WHEREAS, the following has made an overpayment of taxes and has requested that the tax overpayment be applied forward to future tax quarters: Name Block/Lot Address Amount Year Ashvin Parmar/Priti 68/48 36 Smith Street $4,096.30 Duplicate 2024, 3rd qtr Parmar payment Ashvin Parmar/Priti 68/48 36 Smith Street $4,169.20 Duplicate 2024, 4th qtr Parmar payment Ashvin Parmar/Priti 68/48 36 Smith Street $3,998.33 Duplicate 2025, 1st qtr Parmar payment NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the above listed property tax overpayment be applied to current and future taxes billed to Block 68, Lot 48 in the amount of the total overpayment of $12,263.83.  RESOLUTION 2025-210 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF 2023 AND 2024 TAX OVERPAYMENTS WHEREAS, the following parcels have an overpayment of taxes: Block Lot Address Amount Year/Quarter 34 38 20 Homestead Road 3,295.89 2023/Qtr 3 51.05 21 214 Center Street 1,576.31 2024/Qtr 2 178 3 113 Spear Street 2,813.16 2024/Qtr 2 215 22 52 Myrtle Avenue 2,356.90 2024/Qtr 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the above listed tax overpayment balances be canceled, in the amount of $10,042.26.  RESOLUTION 2025-211 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION TO REFUND ESCROW BALANCE WHEREAS, the Planning Board Office has requested that the following escrow accounts be closed, and the balance be refunded to the depositor, WHEREAS, the Planning Board Office has contacted the Board Professionals for authorization to release the funds and determine the projects are closed, 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 projects are complete and can be closed, and that no further billing will be paid. 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 balances to the depositor, as the project has been determined to be closed: ESCROW DEPOSITOR AMOUNT ACCOUNT 17-1132 I 158.75 Fox & Foxx Development, LLC  RESOLUTION 2025-212 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey 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 $5,559,607.18. I, Rebecca Cuthbert, Chief Financial Officer of the Borough of Metuchen do hereby certify that funds are available for the payment of bills for the Borough of Metuchen. ______________________________ Rebecca Cuthbert, CFO