Borough Council

BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm The Borough Council Meeting of the Milltown Borough Council was held on October 27, 2025, at Milltown Borough Hall, 39 Washington Avenue, Milltown, New Jersey. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Murray at 7:00 pm. The Borough Clerk read the following statement: Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided as required under Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, specifying the time, date, and location of this meeting by posting a copy of the notice in the Municipal Building, on the Municipal Website, and providing a copy of the Annual Notice Schedule to the official newspapers of the Borough. Notice is also on file in the Office of the Municipal Clerk. Roll Call was taken by the Borough Clerk ROLL CALL Present Absent Council President Zambrana X Councilman John Collins X Councilman Frank Manco X Councilwoman Patricia Payne X Councilman Gary Posnansky X Councilman David Potter X Mayor George Murray X Borough Attorney Peter Vignuolo X Borough Engineer Mike McClelland X Borough Engineer Lou Ploskonka X Borough Administrator Fred Carr X Borough Clerk Gretchen McCarthy X Moment of Silence Mayor Murray requested everyone stand to observe a moment of silence Salute to the Flag All present participated in the salute to the flag. Presentation The Boy Scout Troop 33 Borough Hall Project presentation was postponed. Page | 1  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm Public Comment: Angelo Campilia began to ask about the block party ordinance but was redirected as his question pertained to an ordinance rather than a resolution. Eduardo Pendas asked about the borough's actual score on the 2025 best practices survey. Administrator Carr indicated he would provide the exact numbers later but assured that the borough had answered sufficient questions to meet requirements and not lose any funding. Charles Oryniak asked if Resolution 2025-349 dealt with state-appropriated funds for lead line replacement. This was confirmed. Ordinance Introduction: The clerk read the title of Ordinance 25-1575: ORDINANCE 25-1575 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 4, GENERAL LICENSING AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN TO ADD SECTION 11, BLOCK PARTIES. BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough of Milltown of the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey that the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Milltown be amended to add the following: Section 1. Chapter 4, General Licensing and Business Regulations, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Milltown, Section 11, Block Parties, is hereby added as follows: §4-11. Block Parties. §4-11.1. Definitions. As used in this Section: BLOCK PARTY Shall mean a neighborhood celebration, gathering or organized party of individuals who reside on the portion of a public street, sidewalk and/or right-of-way sought to close to through traffic for a predetermined period of time during which said celebration, gathering or organized party will be conducted. BLOCK PARTY PERMIT Shall mean a written document issued by the Borough authorizing an individual or individuals to conduct a Block Party within the Borough. BLOCK PARTY PERMITTEE Shall mean any person or persons issued a Block Party Permit pursuant to this Section. Page | 2  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm §4-11.2. Permit Required. No person or persons shall use any public street, sidewalk and/or right- of-way for a Block Party in the Borough without first obtaining a Block Party Permit. §4-11.3. Application for Permit to Conduct Block Party. a. An applicant or applicants seeking issuance of a Block Party Permit shall file an application with the Borough Clerk, together with a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 dollars at least thirty (30) days prior to date on which the Block Party will be conducted. b. All applicants seeking issuance of a Block Party Permit must reside within the affected area in which the Block Party will be conducted. c. The application for a Block Party Permit shall include an agreement and signature page that confirms that one representative of all affected dwelling units within the area in which the Block Party will be conducted (a) consent to the proposed block party, (b) consent to the proposed street closure and (c) acknowledge that all residents and their invitees attending the Block Party shall adhere to all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances; including, but not limited to, noise ordinances. d. Block Parties will only be permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays on which the Borough offices are closed. §4-11.4. Standards for Issuance of Block Party Permit. a. Approval by Chief of Police. The Borough Clerk shall notify the Chief of Police that an application for a Block Party has been filed and request that the proposed area be inspected using the following criteria: i. The conduct and location of the Block Party will not substantially interrupt or impede the safe and orderly movement of traffic through the Borough. ii. The conduct of the Block Party will not be likely to result in damage to persons or property; nor will it cause serious harm to the public. iii. The conduct of the Block Party will not interfere with the movement of emergency vehicles or equipment to such an extent that adequate emergency services cannot be provided by the Borough. iv. Block Parties shall be authorized only upon Borough-owned streets and shall not be authorized upon any street which is owned or under the jurisdiction of Middlesex County or the State of New Jersey. Page | 3  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm v. The portion of the public street to be closed is intersected by no more than two other streets. vi. One (1) representative of ALL dwelling units within the area in which the Block Party will be conducted has consented to the street closure and have signed the application. vii. Such other concerns deemed necessary in order to properly provide for traffic control, street and property maintenance and the protection of public health, safety and/or welfare. If the Chief of Police determines that the criteria above have been satisfied, the Chief or the Chief’s designee shall sign the application, indicating whether said application is approved and any special conditions required for the conducting of the Block Party. b. Closing of Public Street, Sidewalk and/or Right-of-Way. The closing of a public street, sidewalk and/or right-of-way for a Block Party shall be subject to the following requirements: i. No vehicles will be permitted to move within the area in which the Block Party will be conducted during the times of the Block Party, unless directed by a ground guide outside of the vehicle. ii. Barricades are to be erected at both ends of the street used by the Block Party. Vehicles may not be used to block the street used by the Block Party. iii. Barricades will be provided by the Milltown Public Works Department and must be picked up by the Block Party Permittee and returned on the following day after the party. A $200.00- dollar refundable deposit will be required to receive the barricades. iv. Block Party Permittees must keep a minimum of a 12-foot path through the designated public street in which a Block Party will be conducted to ensure the passage of emergency vehicles if necessary. v. No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed on the public street, sidewalk and/or right-of- way in which the Block Party will be conducted. vi. Any public street, sidewalk and/or right-of-way closed for a Block Party must be reopened by 8:00 pm or at dusk; whichever comes first. vii. The total time the street can remain closed for a Block Party is eight (8) hours. viii. Block Party Permittees shall be responsible for the cleanup and restoration of the public street, sidewalk and/or right-of-way immediately following the conclusion of the Block Party; including, but not limited to: (a) the public street, sidewalk and/or right-of-way being cleared Page | 4  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm of all persons, personal items, debris and (b) the public street, sidewalk and/or right-of-way being re-opened to traffic with barricades moved. ix. No open flames are permitted on any Borough public street, sidewalk and/or right-of-way closed for a Block Party; all firepits and barbeques must remain on private property. c. Liability and Indemnity. i. Granting permission by the Borough to hold a Block Party is in no way an acceptance of liability on the part of the Borough for any injuries or damages to persons or property that might occur as a result of the Block Party. All Block Party Permittees must assume full responsibility for same any injuries or damages to persons or property that might occur as a result of the Block Party; and agree to indemnify, defend and hold the Borough harmless from any such claims. d. Additional Block Party Requirements. All requests for Block Parties and Block Party Permits issued by the Borough Clerk shall be subject to the following additional requirements: i. No more than one (1) Block Party Permit for the same street may be issued in one calendar year. ii. No Block Party Permit shall be issued if a previously issued permit was revoked by the Borough due to violation of any local ordinances, laws or regulations within the previous five (5) years. iii. Alcohol shall only be served on private property; and no one under twenty-one (21) years of age may be served alcohol during a Block Party. iv. Amusement games/rides must be set up on the opposite side of the street on which the fire hydrant is located; and must be flush against the curb. v. Any food truck or food vendor selling, providing or distributing any type of food, even prepackaged, during a Block Party must apply for a temporary food permit with the Borough Clerk at least twenty (20) days prior to the Block Party. vi. Any outside vendors participating in and/or providing services in connection with a Block Party (including, but not limited to: food trucks, food vendors, craft vendors, bounce houses, dunk tank, face painting, etc.) must provide a Certificate of Insurance naming Milltown Borough as additional insured; providing general liability, bodily injury and property damage coverage with minimum limits of liability not less than $1,000,000. Page | 5  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm §4-11.5. Issuance or Denial of Block Party Permit. a. If all of the requirements of this Section for the issuance of a Block Party Permit have been met satisfactorily, the Borough Clerk shall issue a Block Party Permit, subject to any conditions determined by the Chief of Police (or the Chief’s designee) reasonably calculated to reduce or minimize the dangers and hazards to vehicular or pedestrian traffic and the public health safety and/or welfare, including but not limited to: changes in the time, duration or number of participants. Upon issuance of a Block Party Permit, the Borough Clerk shall forward a copy of said permit to the Borough Administrator, the Chief of Police and the Director of the Department of Public Works. b. If one or more of the requirements of this Section for the issuance of a Block Party Permit have not been met, the Borough Clerk shall deny the Block Party Permit. §4-11.6. Duties of Block Party Permittee. In addition to any other duties of the Block Party Permittee which are a condition of a Block Party Permittees and any other obligations of the Block Party Permittee under this Section, all Block Party Permittees shall: i. Comply with all applicable laws and ordinances. ii. Be responsible for the removal of all persons, personal items, debris from the public street, sidewalk and/or right-of-way which is the subject of the Block Party Permit. iii. Maintain a copy of the Block Party Permit upon his or her person during the conducting of the Block Party. iv. Assure that any outside vendors participating in and/or providing services in connection with a Block Party are properly licensed as required under any other ordinance or law. §4-11.7. Revocation of Block Party Permit. The Borough shall have the authority to revoke a Block Party Permit issued pursuant to this Section upon the violation of any of the standards for issuance set forth in this Section or in the event of circumstances endangering the public health, safety and/or welfare. §4-11.8. Violations and Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this Section shall, upon conviction thereof, be published by a fine of not more than $1,000.00, imprisonment for a term not to exceed thirty (30) days and/or by a term of community service not to exceed thirty (30) days. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during which a violation occurs or continues. Section 2. Each clause, section or subsection of this Ordinance shall be deemed a separate provision to the intent that if any such clause, section or subsection should be declared invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance shall not be affected. Page | 6  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm Section 3. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed as to the extent of such inconsistency. Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication according to law. Councilman Potter explained they were tabling it to discuss with the police chief and review language, particularly regarding the $50 fee which Councilwoman Payne felt was too high for most families, especially if it rains. The council also wanted to add an adjustment for rain dates. The motion to table carried unanimously. Vote to Table Ordinance 25-1575 ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Zambrana X Councilman Collins X X Councilman Manco X Councilwoman Payne X Councilman Posnansky X X Councilman Potter X Approval of Bill List Resolution 2025-341 Authorizing Payment of Municipal Obligations WHEREAS, the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey finds and declares that certain municipal obligations have come due and are now payable; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council further finds and declares that said obligations have been itemized on the annexed schedules, which are hereby deemed part of this resolution. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey does hereby authorize payment of said municipal obligations, in accordance with the recommendations of the Chief Financial Officer in the total amount of $2,337,853.57. Bill lists attached to this resolution. Councilwoman Collins questioned an expenditure for Councilman Zambrana, which Administrator Carr clarified was reimbursement for Milltown Day expenses. Councilman Posnansky raised concerns about a $15,300 payment to Bamara Home Improvement, questioning the amount. Administrator Carr explained this was for home improvements under the Page | 7  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm Borough's Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) rehabilitation program, which included electrical work, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, roof shingles, water heater replacement, attic ladder replacement, and rear entry door replacement. Carr noted there was no specific limit set by ordinance, but these rehabilitations were typically done only once per qualifying low-to-moderate income home, and the borough could implement a COAH fee for construction to create a separate trust fund for these mandated requirements. Councilman Posnansky also inquired about payments to Supplee Clooney. Administrator Carr explained they handle bank reconciliations as a third-party service for safety and control purposes, which has been ongoing for years. He clarified this was not work that could be assigned to borough staff. ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Zambrana X X Councilman Collins X Councilman Manco X Councilwoman Payne X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X X Consent Agenda - Resolution 2025-342 The consent agenda was approved unanimously without any council members requesting to pull individual resolutions for separate consideration. Approval of Consent Agenda for the October 27, 2025 Borough Council Meeting WHEREAS, pursuant to the Rules of Council, the Council may establish a Consent Agenda for any regular or special meetings upon certain conditions; and WHEREAS, each of the following Resolutions to be presented before the Borough Council at the October 27, 2025, meeting appears to have the unanimous approval of all members of the Borough Council: Resolution 2025-343: Authorizing Recreation Department Refund Resolution 2025-344: Authorizing to Hire - Department of Public Works Seasonal Laborer 1 – Scott A. Janssens, Jr. Resolution 2025-345: Authorizing the Award of a Required Disclosure Contract with Core and Main Resolution 2025-346: Authorizing the Award of a Required Disclosure Contract with Resa Power LLC Resolution 2025-347: Authorizing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for Specialized Investigative Law Enforcement Equipment for 2026 Resolution 2025-348: Authorizing Winter Termination Program Page | 8  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm Resolution 2025-349: Authorizing Requesting Approval of Chapter 159 Insertion in CY2025 Municipal Budget - Lead Service Line Replacement Resolution 2025-350: Authorizing Certification of Best Practices NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown that each of the above-listed Resolutions be approved and adopted by the Borough Council, with the same legal effect as though each was read in its entirety at the October 27, 2025, meeting and adopted by separate vote. ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Zambrana X X Councilman Collins X Councilman Manco X Councilwoman Payne X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X X Resolutions Included on Consent Agenda: Resolution 2025-343 A Resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown Authorizing Certain Recreation Refunds. WHEREAS, the Director of Recreation has notified the Borough Administrator, in memorandum that certain recreation refunds be authorized; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator has reviewed the circumstances surrounding these refunds and has recommended to the Borough Council that the appropriate Borough officials be authorized to issue said refunds, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown that the appropriate Borough officials be and are hereby authorized to issue the refunds in accordance with the memorandum from the Director of Recreation to the Borough Administrator. NAME ADDRESS PROGRAM AMOUNT 135 Washington Fresh Theater Arts Kelly Bean Avenue $125.00 Camp Milltown, NJ 08850 Resolution 2025-344 Authorizing to Hire Full-Time Seasonal Laborer Department of Public Works Page | 9  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm WHEREAS, the need exists for full-time Seasonal Laborers in the Department of Public Works; and WHEREAS, the Supervisor of Public Works has made a recommendation to hire Scott Janssens, Jr.; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council is desirous of hiring Scott Janssens, Jr., for an hourly rate of $18.50/hour; and WHEREAS, the funds are in the 2025 budget for said position; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that the Business Administrator be and is hereby authorized to offer seasonal employment to Scott Janssens, Jr. for the position of Seasonal Laborer in the Department of Public Works. Resolution 2025-345 Resolution of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, Authorizing the Award of a Required Disclosure Contract with Core And Main WHEREAS the Borough of Milltown needs specialized parts and fittings for the operation of the water and sewer utilities, and Core and Main, 81 Gross Ave, Edison, NJ 08837, has a required disclosure contract under the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq., and, WHEREAS the Qualified Purchasing Agent has certified that the value of the contract is over the Pay to Play threshold of $17,500.00 and WHEREAS Core and Main is deemed the most advantageous to the Borough based upon Price and other Factors per N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6.1 et seq., and WHEREAS Core and Main has completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification and a Political Contribution Disclosure Form, which certifies that the entity has not made any reportable contributions to a candidate in the Borough of Milltown in the previous year and that the contract will prohibit the entity from making any reportable contributions through the term of the agreement, and WHEREAS the Purchasing Agent has recommended the contract be awarded in the amount not to exceed $50,000.00 and, WHEREAS the Chief Financial Officer certifies the availability of funds and that the funds shall not exceed $50,000.00, Page | 10  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED by the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, as follows: 1. That the contract is hereby awarded for specialized parts and fittings to Core and Main, 81 Gross Ave, Edison, NJ 08837 2. That the cost for the services aforesaid shall not exceed $50,000.00 3. That the Municipal Clerk shall forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the following: A. Borough Administrator B. Chief Financial Officer C. Department of Public Works D. Core and Main 81 Gross Ave, Edison, NJ 08837 Resolution 2025-346 Resolution of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, Authorizing the Award of a Required Disclosure Contract with Resa Power LLC WHEREAS the Borough of Milltown requires critical testing for the operation of the Electric Utility, and Resa Power LLC, 5042 Industrial Rd. Unit D, Farmingdale, NJ 07727 has a required disclosure contract under the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq. and WHEREAS the Qualified Purchasing Agent has certified that the total value of the contract is over the Pay to Play threshold of $17,500.00 and WHEREAS RESA Power is deemed the most advantageous to the Borough based upon Price and other Factors per N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6.1 et seq. and WHEREAS RESA Power has completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification and a Political Contribution Disclosure Form, which certifies that the contractor has not made any reportable contributions to a candidate in the Borough of Milltown in the previous year and that the contract award will prohibit the contractor from making any reportable contributions through the term of the agreement, and Page | 11  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm WHEREAS the Purchasing Agent has recommended the contract be awarded in the amount not to exceed $34,000.00, and, WHEREAS the Chief Financial Officer certifies the availability of funds and that the funds shall not exceed $34,000.00, NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED by the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, as follows: 1. That the contract is hereby awarded for electrical testing to Resa Power LLC, 5042 Industrial Rd. Unit D, Farmingdale, NJ 07727 2. That the cost for the services aforesaid shall not exceed $34,000.00 3. That the Municipal Clerk shall forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the following: A. Business Administrator B. Chief Financial Officer C. Department of Public Works D. Resa Power LLC 5042 Industrial Rd. Unit D, Farmingdale, NJ 07727 CERTIFICATION OF FUNDS Resolution 2025-347 Authorizing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for Specialized Investigative Law Enforcement Equipment for 2026 WHEREAS, the Borough of Milltown (“Borough”) wishes to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, (“MCPO”), for the use of specialized investigative law enforcement equipment; and WHEREAS, the Borough Attorney has reviewed the MOU, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof, and recommends execution of same; and Page | 12  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that the Borough Council formally approves the MOU; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the appropriate municipal officials are hereby authorized to execute the MOU on behalf of the Borough of Milltown and that their signature constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions of the MOU. Resolution 2025-348 Authorizing Winter Termination Program WHEREAS, the Tax Collector is responsible for the billing and collec on of the Borough of Milltown’s electric, water, and sewer accounts; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 54:5-8 the Tax Collector is charged with enforcement of all unpaid municipal u lity charges; and WHEREAS, the Borough’s Code Book § 22-16 and § 25-6 allow for termina on of service for non-payment of accruing electric and water charges; and WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs has ins tuted a Winter Termina on Program, N.J.A.C. 5:45 effec ve August 7, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Winter Termina on Program prohibits the Borough from termina ng service from November 15th through March 15th for residen al customers that meet certain requirements; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that the Tax Collector and the Borough of Milltown U lity Department will not terminate u lity service for residen al users for non-payment during the period of November 15, 2025, through March 15, 2026. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all other aspects of the Borough’s Code Book remain in effect. Resolution 2025-349 Authorizing Approval Request of Chapter 159 Insertion in CY2025 Municipal Budget – Lead Service Line Replacement WHEREAS, NJSA 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and WHEREAS, the NJSA 40A:4-87 provides that the Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for equal amount, Page | 13  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm WHEREAS, the Borough of Milltown has received notice of an award from the State of New Jersey for the Lead Service Line Replacement in the amount of $1,000,000.00 and wishes to amend its CY2025 Budget to include this amount as revenue; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the CY2025 in the amount of $1,000,000.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that one certified copy of this resolution be electronically forwarded to the Director, Division of Local Government Services with a copy of the award letter for approval. Resolution 2025-350 Authorizing the Municipal Clerk to Certify the Best Practices Inventory Certification WHEREAS, in accordance with the State of New Jersey Fiscal Year Appropriations Act, the Division of Local Government Services has distributed the 2025 Best Practices Inventory to municipalities; and WHEREAS, a component of the inventory is a public review of the completed inventory by the respective governing bodies. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, the inventory has been completed by the Chief Finance Officer and the Municipal Clerk is hereby authorized to file the necessary certification to the Division of Local Government Services. Reports from Borough Professionals Attorney Vignuolo noted that the scheduled executive session would not be necessary. Borough Engineer Lou Ploskonka reported that 2,368 water meters had been installed to date, which represented 90.7% completion. He noted that 203 properties still had not scheduled their meter installations. When questioned by the Mayor, he confirmed that residents could now successfully use both the QR code and phone systems to schedule appointments, though the contractor had reduced their time in town due to fewer sign-ups. Administrator Carr emphasized that the contractor was hired to install all meters, not just a percentage, and should remain available even as the frequency of installations decreased. Page | 14  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm Borough Clerk McCarthy reminded everyone about upcoming election matters. Early voting had begun the previous Saturday and would continue through November 2nd, with centers open from 10 am to 8 pm daily (6 pm on Sundays). Sample ballots had been mailed starting October 22nd. The deadline for the county clerk's office to receive vote-by-mail applications was October 28th, with in-person applications accepted until 3 pm the day before the election. The ballot drop box at the edge of the parking lot would remain open until 8 pm on November 4th. On Election Day, polls would be open from 6 am to 8 pm. Old Business No old business was brought before the council. New Business No new business was brought before the council. Public Comment Debbie Miller asked for updates on Ford Avenue, but Attorney Vignuolo declined to comment as it was still in litigation. She also asked about plans for the firehouse on Main Street. Council President Zambrana explained they were working on obtaining appraisals to determine the property value, and decisions about whether to sell or rent it would come later, with the goal of doing what's in the best interest of residents. Miller suggested the borough consider hiring a professional grant writer. She also thanked the police department, fire department, rescue squad, DPW, sponsors, and the community for supporting the library's successful third annual fall harvest festival. Lee Weissenburger shared historical information about the dredging of Mill Pond in 1969 led by Mayor David Crabiel, and a 1937 WPA project where 247 men cleaned the Lawrence Brook waterway. He suggested the borough approach the Army Corps of Engineers directly about current water issues. He also shared historical details about the railroad bridge from 1908 and discussed historical pollution issues with the pond. Weissenburger expressed concern about the tax assessor's office transferring pond property to Milltown and urged action on this issue. He also discussed a 2013 ordinance regarding riparian buffer zones and steep slopes, which coincided with Ford Avenue redevelopment approvals. Doriann Kerber informed the council about upcoming watershed planning requirements, noting that by January 2027, the borough must have a plan in place for waterways. She discussed stormwater management, rain gardens, and the implementation of stormwater fees in other municipalities. Kerber offered her expertise as a green infrastructure champion to help with planning and implementation at no cost to the borough. Charles Oryniak thanked Lee Weissenburger for his historical research and Rachel Fried for the successful Milloween event. He clarified that when the previous administration discussed the firehouse, selling it was only one option, not a decided outcome. He noted that in 2019, he presented a Page | 15  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm petition with 1,588 signatures supporting keeping the firehouse in borough hands. Oryniak also expressed concern about tree removal during street repaving projects, asking if the borough planned to replant trees. Rosa Tavares asked about plans for handling households that haven't scheduled water meter replacements. Mayor Pendas explained they would implement monthly charges of approximately $250 as motivation. She also inquired about lead service line replacements, and Administrator Carr explained the borough has received $1 million in funding to begin replacing lead and galvanized lines, with a mandate to complete the work by 2031. Council Comments Council President Zambrana thanked the Clerk for the election update and noted that early voting was available at the East Brunswick Community Center on Cranbury Road. He also thanked Senator Deignan, Assemblyman Karabinchak, and Assemblyman Stanley for securing $1 million for lead water line replacement. Councilwoman Payne reminded residents to drive carefully on Halloween as children would be out in costumes and encouraged everyone to vote on November 4th. Councilman Posnansky discussed concerns about changes to the council's procedural rules without proper resolutions, particularly regarding council comments and committee reports. He attempted to make a motion to have reports at every meeting but was advised by Attorney Vignuolo that proper notice was required to amend the rules of council. He also expressed concern about the $7+ million in taxes owed on the Ford Avenue property and questioned the borough's handling of contamination issues. Councilman Posnansky reported on several upcoming meetings: with TK1 about livestreaming meetings, with shop owners about fees, and with homeowners about water and sewer rates. He relayed that DPW leaf bags would be available Monday through Friday and Saturdays 8 am to noon, that a large broken pipe at the pool had been repaired, that heating and air conditioning replacement for the DPW building and firehouse remained undecided, and that painting of the annex building would likely begin in the spring as a self-funded project by the Historical Society. Councilman Potter announced the winners of the Recreation Department's first pumpkin carving contest: first place to the Cahill family for "Millo Scream," second place to the Solomon family for "I'm not crazy, you're crazy," and third place to the Pastore family for "Big Back." He also commended the eighth-grade students who helped with the Haunted Riverwalk. Mayor Comments Mayor Murray asked about expediting the lead service line replacement project, suggesting that work begin on known lead lines rather than waiting to identify all properties. Engineer Ploskonka agreed to work with Administrator Carr to develop a scope of services. The Mayor also inquired about the installation of water meters in borough buildings and commercial properties, learning that these were excluded from the current count and being handled separately. Page | 16  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 27, 2025, at 7pm ADJOURNMENT Mayor Murray asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion was made by Councilman Collins and seconded by Councilman Potter to adjourn the meeting. All Councilmembers present voted in favor, carrying the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25pm. Respectfully submitted, Gretchen McCarthy Borough Clerk Approved by Council March 9, 2026 Page | 17