Mayor & Council Meeting

*** DRAFT – SUBJECT TO CHANGE *** BOROUGH COUNCIL AGENDA REGULAR MEETING JULY 13, 2026 7:30 P.M. Reading Of Sunshine Notice Flag Salute Roll Call Agenda Session Public Comment Borough Council Meeting Minutes Approval of Borough Council Meeting Minutes of May 18, 2026 and June 8, 2026 Report of the Chief Financial Officer as to Award of Notes Communications Consent Agenda – Item A A. Receive and Approve Block Party/Street Closing for West. Chestnut Avenue for September 26, 2026 2026 Municipal Budget – Public Hearing 2026 Budget MUNICIPAL BUDGET FOR THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2026 CFO Certification of Approved Budget Public Hearing on 2026 Municipal Budget Ordinance – Public Hearing Ord. 2026-12 BOND ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,616,000 AND AUTHORIZING $2,484,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS AND PURPOSES AUTHORIZED TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY Regular Meeting 07.13.2026 Report of the Borough Administrator Reports of Council Members Report of the Mayor New Business Consent Agenda – Resolutions 2026-206 to 2026-209 R2026-205 RESOLUTION OF BOROUGH OF METUCHEN ACCEPTANCE OF NJ LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION BOND ACT GRANT FOR REHABILITATION, RESTORATION AND EXPANSION OF THE METUCHEN PUBLIC LIBRARY R2026-206 RESOLUTION AWARDING THE METUCHEN SENIOR CENTER HVAC UPGRADE PROJECT TO AMCO ENTERPRISES, INC. IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($592,000.00) R2026-207 RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2023-236 AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN, TO PERFORM PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES R2026-208 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE NIGHTTIME CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES OF THE MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY ON MAIN STREET FROM DURHAM AVENUE TO AMBOY AVENUE FOR THE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT R2026-209 RESOLUTION FOR LIEN REDEMPTION Other New Business R2026-210 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF THE BILL LIST IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,497,896.50 Adjournment  BOND ORDINANCE 2026-12 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey BOND ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,616,000 AND AUTHORIZING $2,484,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS AND PURPOSES AUTHORIZED TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring), AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The improvements described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are hereby respectively authorized as general improvements to be made or acquired by the Borough of Metuchen, New Jersey (the “Borough”). For the said improvements or purposes stated in said Section 3, there is hereby appropriated the sum of $2,616,000, said sum being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefor and including (i) the sum of $132,000 as the down payment for said improvements or purposes required by law and more particularly described in said Section 3 and now available therefor by virtue of provision in a previously adopted budget or budgets of the Borough for down payment or for capital improvement purposes,. Section 2. For the financing of said improvements or purposes and to meet the part of said $2,616,000 appropriation not provided for by application hereunder of said down payment, negotiable bonds of the Borough are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $2,484,000 pursuant to the Local Bond Law of New Jersey, constituting Chapter 2 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes (the “Local Bond Law”). In anticipation of the issuance of said bonds and to temporarily finance said improvements or purposes, negotiable notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $2,484,000 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations Ord. 2026-12 prescribed by the Local Bond Law. Section 3. (a) The improvements hereby authorized and the purposes for the financing of which said obligations are to be issued are: (i) acquisition of a shop lift, stump grinder, double axel multi-lift truck with snowplow and salter, mason dump truck, various tools and equipment; (ii) Borough Hall improvements to include elevator upgrade and/or elevator replacement, restroom upgrades, furniture and fixtures; (iii) digitization of records; (iv) acquisition of a police vehicle, weapons and AED equipment; (v) technology upgrades including computers, servers, and laptops, and related peripherals; (vi) acquisition of fire department turnout gear, fire hoses, apparatus and equipment; (vii) various park improvements; and (ix) sewer line and infrastructure repairs and replacement, including all work and materials necessary for or incidental to each of the foregoing purposes and improvements. (b) The estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued for said purposes is $2,484,000. (c) The estimated cost of said purposes is $2,616,000, which represents the initial appropriation made by the Borough. The excess of the appropriation of $2,616,000 over the estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued therefor is the amount of the down payment for said purposes. Section 4. The following matters are hereby determined, declared, recited, and stated: (a) The said purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are not current expenses and are properties or improvements which the Borough may lawfully acquire or make as general improvements, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specially assessed on property specially benefited thereby. (b) The average period of usefulness of said purposes, within the limitations of the Local Ord. 2026-12 Bond Law and taking into consideration the respective amounts of said obligations authorized for the purposes, according to the reasonable life thereof computed from the date of the bonds authorized by this bond ordinance, is 18.92 years. (c) The supplemental debt statement required by the Local Bond Law has been duly made and filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and a complete copy thereof has been electronically filed in the office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey, and such statement shows that the gross debt of the Borough as defined in the Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds and notes provided for in this bond ordinance by $2,484,000, and the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by the Local Bond Law. (d) Amounts not exceeding $204,000 in the aggregate for interest on said obligations, costs of issuing said obligations, engineering costs and other items of expense listed in and permitted under Section 40A:2-20 of the Local Bond Law are included as part of the estimated costs of said improvements or purposes. Section 5. Any funds from time to time received by the Borough as grants in aid of financing the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance, including without limitation any grants received therefor, shall be used for financing said improvements or purposes by application thereof either to direct payment of the costs of said improvements or purposes, or to payment or reduction of the authorization of the obligations of the Borough authorized therefor by this bond ordinance. Any such funds so received may, and all such funds so received which are not required for direct payment of the costs of said improvements or purposes shall, be held and applied by the Borough as funds applicable only to the payment of obligations of the Borough authorized by this bond ordinance. Ord. 2026-12 Section 6. The full faith and credit of the Borough are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the obligations authorized by this bond ordinance. Said obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the Borough, and the Borough shall be obligated to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the jurisdiction of the Borough for the payment of said obligations and interest thereon without limitation as to rate or amount. Section 7. The capital budget of the Borough is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this bond ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing all detail of the amended capital budget and capital program as approved by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, are on file with the Borough Clerk and are available for public inspection. Section 8. The Borough intends to issue bonds or notes to finance the cost of the improvements described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance. The Borough expects that the maximum principal amount of bonds or notes that will be issued to finance the cost of the improvements described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance is $2,484,000. If the Borough incurs any such costs prior to the issuance of its bonds or notes, the Borough intends to reimburse itself for such expenditures with the proceeds of such bonds or notes. Section 9. This bond ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond Law. For the avoidance of doubt, the publication of this bond ordinance is satisfied by the posting of a copy of this bond ordinance on the Borough’s website.  RESOLUTION 2026-205 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION OF BOROUGH OF METUCHEN ACCEPTANCE OF NJ LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION BOND ACT GRANT FOR REHABILITATION, RESTORATION AND EXPANSION OF THE METUCHEN PUBLIC LIBRARY WHEREAS, on March 24, 2026, Metuchen Public Library was awarded a grant in the amount of $1,622,990.00 under the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act Grant Program (“LCBA Program”) for Rehabilitation, Restoration and Expansion of the Metuchen Public Library (the “Project”). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY Borough of Metuchen, that: Section 1. The above recitals are incorporated into and are made a part of this Resolution. Section 2. The Borough of Metuchen hereby approves the Project or has authorized the Library Board of Trustees to approve the Project. Section 3. The Borough of Metuchen hereby approves and authorizes the execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement with the New Jersey State Librarian or has authorized the Library Board of Trustees to approve and authorize execution and delivery of the Grant Agreement with the New Jersey State Librarian. Section 4. The Borough of Metuchen hereby acknowledges that it is authorizing the required grant match through a capital bond ordinance to be used to finance 50% the Project up to the LCBA grant award in the amount of $1,622,990.00. Section 5. This Resolution was adopted at the official meeting of the governing body of the Borough of Metuchen held on July 13, 2026.  RESOLUTION 2026-206 Borough of Metuchen County of Metuchen State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AWARDING THE METUCHEN SENIOR CENTER HVAC UPGRADE PROJECT TO AMCO ENTERPRISES, INC. IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($592,000.00) WHEREAS, pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1, et seq., the Borough of Metuchen advertised to receive bids on or before June 30, 2026 for the Metuchen Senior Center HVAC Upgrade Project; and WHEREAS, on June 30, 2026, seven (7) bids received were publicly opened by the Borough; and WHEREAS, the lowest numerical bid received was submitted by AMCO Enterprises, Inc., located at 600 Swenson Drive, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 with a total bid of five hundred ninety-two thousand dollars ($592,000.00); and WHEREAS, said bid was reviewed by the Borough and its consultant who have found that the bid appears to be reasonable and is in compliance with the Bid Specification and has recommended an award of the contract to AMCO Enterprises, Inc., located at 600 Swenson Drive, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 in the total amount not to exceed five hundred ninety- two thousand dollars ($592,000.00); and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that there are sufficient funds for such contract and is available and is designated from, Capital Bond Ordinance 2024-11, C-04- 55-944-003 in the amount not to exceed $592,000.00. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1, et seq. the contract for the Metuchen Senior Center HVAC Upgrade Project is hereby awarded to the lowest responsive responsible bidder, AMCO Enterprises, Inc., 600 Swenson Drive, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033 in the total amount not to exceed five hundred ninety-two thousand dollars ($592,000.00); and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is authorized to return the bid securities to all but the three (3) lowest bidders, if requested; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and the Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract for Metuchen Senior Center HVAC Upgrade Project with AMCO Enterprises, Inc. consistent with all the terms and conditions set forth herein, and in the Bid Specifications and approved as to final form by the Mayor and Borough Qualified Purchasing Agent; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copy of the within Resolution shall be forwarded  R2026-206 to AMCO Enterprises, Inc. along with a form of contract consistent with this Resolution for their execution and return to the Borough along with all documentation required by the Bid Specifications; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon receipt of the signed contract by AMCO Enterprises, Inc. and the receipt of the insurance information, performance and payment bonds, and other required documentation, the Borough Clerk is authorized to return the bid securities to the remaining bidders.  RESOLUTION 2026-207 Borough of Metuchen County of Metuchen State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2023-236 AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN, TO PERFORM PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES WHEREAS, by way of Resolution No. 2023-21, the Borough of Metuchen awarded a required disclosure contract pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 for Borough Engineering services to Colliers Engineering & Design for the calendar year 2023 at a cost not to exceed thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00); and WHEREAS, the Borough of Metuchen had identified the need for professional environmental services for Vidas Park pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5; and WHEREAS Colliers Engineering & Design, submitted a proposal dated August 2, 2023, to the Borough to render professional environmental services for a cost not to exceed eight thousand five hundred dollars and no cents ($8,500.00); and WHEREAS, the proposal was reviewed and evaluated, and a contract was awarded by way of Resolution 2023-221 for professional environmental services for Vidas Park be awarded to Colliers Engineering & Design of Holmdel, New Jersey consistent with the proposal submitted in an amount not to exceed eight thousand five hundred dollars and no cents ($8,500.00); and WHEREAS, the total amount of the previously submitted proposal is twenty thousand five hundred dollars and no cents ($20,500.00) for the contract to Colliers Engineering & Design, of Holmdel, New Jersey to render professional environmental services for Vidas Park; and WHEREAS the amended award for the cost for the proposed services shall not exceed twenty thousand five hundred dollars and no cents ($20,500.00) without further approval by the Mayor and Borough Council; and WHEREAS, this contract is awarded as a “required disclosure (non-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 had certified that there are sufficient funds for such contract and is available and is designated from the 2023 R2026-207 Adopted Budget Appropriation Line Administrative & Executive, Professional Services 3- 01-20-701-028. WHEREAS, Colliers Engineering & Design has submitted a proposal dated June 25, 2026 for additional professional environmental services due to additional NJDEP reporting requirements; and WHEREAS the amended award for the cost for the proposed services shall not exceed eighteen thousand dollars and no cents ($18,0000.00) without further approval by the Mayor and Borough Council; and WHEREAS, this contract is awarded as a “required disclosure (non-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 had previously certified $10,000.00 for LSRP services by way of Resolution 2025-45 for such contract and is available and was designated from the 2025 Adopted Budget Appropriation Line Administrative & Executive, Professional Services 5-01-20-701-028, of which $10,000.00 remains available and is designated as part of the authorization for the additional $18,000 authorization, as well as the certification of $8,000.00 from the 2026 Temporary Budget and the 2026 Adopted Budget Appropriation Line Administrative & Executive, Professional Services. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Metuchen that it hereby amends the previous contract award to Colliers Engineering & Design, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 on the basis of the proposal dated June 25, 2026 to provide additional professional environmental services to the Borough of Metuchen for Vidas Park for a cost not to exceed eighteen thousand dollars and no cents ($18,000.00). BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that 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.  RESOLUTION 2026-208 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE NIGHTTIME CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES OF THE MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY ON MAIN STREET FROM DURHAM AVENUE TO AMBOY AVENUE FOR THE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT WHEREAS, the Middlesex Water Company (“MWC”), as part of their “Water for Tomorrow” initiative is conducting an important infrastructure project in the Borough of Metuchen which will include replacing cast iron water mains, upgrading service lines and modernizing infrastructure on Main Street from Durham Avenue to Myrtle Avenue progressing towards Brunswick Avenue; and WHEREAS, § 222-9(C) of the Code of the Borough of Metuchen limits construction activity between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, or between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays; and WHEREAS, the MWC and the Borough of Metuchen have determined that it is in the best interest of the Borough and the efficiency of the construction of the Project for the Borough to permit construction work on Main Street from Durham Avenue to Amboy Avenue from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from July 13, 2026, the commencement of the Project, through and until the completion of that portion of the Project NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen hereby permits the hours of the construction work required for the completion of the Project on Main Street between Durham Avenue to Amboy Avenue to occur on weekdays from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. commencing immediately through and until the completion of that portion of the Project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Metuchen hereby relax the requirements of § 222-9(C) of the Code of the Borough of Metuchen limiting construction activity between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all Borough employees and officials are hereby authorized and directed to any and all action necessary to effectuate the within Resolution; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Metuchen that if any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, clause or provision so adjudged and the remainder of the ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective.  RESOLUTION 2026-209 Borough of Metuchen County of Middlesex State of New Jersey RESOLUTION FOR LIEN REDEMPTION WHEREAS, the Tax Collector received the necessary amount to redeem the following Tax Sale Certificate on the following property: Cert # Block/Lot Address Lienholder 23-00002 100/33.02 590 Main Street Phoenix Funding Inc. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tax Collector be authorized to cancel this lien from the municipal record.  RESOLUTION 2026-210 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 $4,497,896.50. 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