Borough Council

BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm The Borough Council Meeting of the Milltown Borough Council was held at Milltown Borough Hall, 39 Washington Avenue, Milltown, New Jersey. Mayor George Murray called the April 13, 2026 Borough Council meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Borough Clerk Gretchen McCarthy read the Open Public Meeting Statement, confirming that adequate notice had been provided as required under Chapter 231, Public Law 1975, by posting notice at the municipal building, on the municipal website, and by providing the annual notice schedule to the official newspapers of the borough. A copy of the notice is on file in the Municipal Clerk's office. Roll Call was taken by the Borough Clerk ROLL CALL Present Absent Council President Zambrana X Councilman Frank Manco X Councilwoman Deborah Miller 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 Scott Stephens X Borough Clerk Gretchen McCarthy X Mayor Murray called for a moment of silence, followed by the Salute to the Flag. Presentation – The originally scheduled presentation by Danielle Papa regarding a fairy trail at Mill Park had been cancelled just prior to the start of the meeting Public Comment: Mayor Murray opened the floor for public comment limited to resolutions on the agenda. One attendee began to raise a question regarding a rental situation but was advised that the matter would be more appropriate for the general public comment portion of the meeting. Seeing no further comments on the resolutions, Mayor Murray closed the public comment period. 1|P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm Approve Meeting Minutes: Mayor Murray noted that three sets of meeting minutes were before the Council for approval: the January 5, 2026 Reorganization Meeting Minutes, the January 14, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes, and the January 28, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes. The presented minutes were approved with no changes on the following vote: ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Zambrana X Councilman Manco X Councilwoman Miller X Councilwoman Payne X Councilman Posnansky X X Councilman Potter X X Introduction of Ordinance Ordinance 26-1584 AN ORDINANCE TO CONVEY LOT 6 IN BLOCK 60 ON THE TAX MAP OF THE BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO THE MILLTOWN COMMUNITY SWIMMING POOL, INC. RESERVING A UTILITY EASEMENT TO THE BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN AND SUBJECT TO ANY OTHER EASEMENTS OR RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD. WHEREAS, by deed dated April 30, 2003, recorded May 17, 2004 in the Office of the Middlesex County Clerk in Deed Book 5319, Page 311, Milltown Community Swimming Pool, Inc. d/b/a Brookside Swim Club conveyed the property known as Lot 6 in Block 60 on the Tax Map of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex State of New Jersey (hereinafter the “Property”) to the Borough of Milltown; and WHEREAS, at the time of the deed transfer, the parties only intended to convey a storm sewer easement interest on the Property to the Borough of Milltown; and WHEREAS, the Borough wishes to correct the error and restore fee ownership of the Property to Milltown Community Swimming Pool, Inc.; reserving the storm sewer easement to the Borough and subject to any other easements or restrictions of record. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough of Milltown of the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey as follows: Section 1. The Mayor and Borough Clerk are authorized to sign such documents as are necessary, advisable and proper to convey the Property to Milltown Community Swimming 2|P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm Pool, Inc.; reserving a storm sewer easement to the Borough and subject to any other easements or restrictions of records. 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. 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. Mayor Murray noted that no public input would be taken on this ordinance at first reading, that the introduction summary would be published as required by law, and that the second reading, public hearing, and final adoption would be considered on April 27, 2026. Full copies of the ordinance are available on the borough website, posted at the municipal building bulletin board, and available at no cost in the Municipal Clerk's office during regular business hours. Borough Attorney Vignuolo provided context for the ordinance, explaining that in 2003, the borough had intended to acquire only an easement over the Brookside Swim Club property in connection with a stormwater utility improvement. However, the recorded document was captioned as a deed rather than a deed of easement and did not include a legal description limited to the easement area, thereby inadvertently conveying the entire parcel to the Borough. This defect had gone undetected for approximately two decades. The ordinance is intended solely to remedy this error and convey the property back to the Milltown Community Swimming Pool, Inc., while the borough retains its utility easement for the stormwater pipe and outflow structure that cross the property. ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Zambrana X Councilman Manco X Councilwoman Miller X Councilwoman Payne X X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X X 3|P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm Presentation of Bills and Claims Resolution 2026-126 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 $ $2,415,185.92. Bill lists attached to this resolution. Councilman Posnansky raised several questions. First, regarding charges from MJ Planning on page 9 of the bill list, Borough Attorney Vignuolo clarified that the majority of those items were payments made from developer escrow accounts associated with active development applications, with one item related to the borough's affordable housing obligation. Second, Councilman Posnansky inquired about a payment of $9,883.80 to Julie Petrie. Administrator Stephens indicated that these were court-ordered back pays that were anticipated to conclude in the near future and noting the sensitivity of the matter limited further public detail. Third, Councilman Posnansky raised a concern about attorney fees totaling $7,387.50 and requested that in the future some form of summary accompany legal invoices to provide greater transparency for council and residents alike. Administrator Stephens agreed to follow up with the finance department to explore what information could be provided. ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Zambrana X X Councilman Manco X Councilwoman Miller X Councilwoman Payne X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X X 4|P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm Consideration of Resolutions – Councilman Posnansky requested that Resolution 2026-129 be pulled for separate discussion. Resolution 2026-127 Approval of Consent Agenda Items 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 its April 13, 2026, meeting appear to have the unanimous approval of all members of the Borough Council: Resolution 2026-128: Authorize Payment No. 3 North Brook Drive Improvements Project Resolution 2026-130: Authorize Consumer Deposit Refunds Resolution 2026-131: Authorize Tax Refund B108 L1.03 Resolution 2026-132: Authorizing Waiver of Fees- Boy Scout Troop 33 & Cub Scout Pack 33 Resolution 2026-133: Authorizing the Extension of the Award of Bid for the Operation of the Milltown Borough Pool Concession Stand For 2026 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 April 13, 2026, meeting and adopted by separate vote. ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Zambrana X Councilman Manco X Councilwoman Miller X Councilwoman Payne X X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X X Resolutions included on the Consent Agenda Resolution 2026-128 Authorizing Payment No. 3 for the Contract with Lancha Construction Corporation for the North Brook Drive Improvement Project. WHEREAS, the Borough of Milltown advertised and received bids for the North Brook Drive Improvement Project on December 17, 2024; and 5|P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm WHEREAS, the Borough Council by Resolution No. 2024-336 dated December 23, 2024, authorized the award of a contract to Lancha Construction Corporation for the North Brook Drive Improvement Project in the amount of $638,027.96; and WHEREAS, the Borough's Engineer, CME Associates has determined that the work contained within this application of payment is complete; and WHEREAS, Payment No. 3 of $15,067.54 should be paid; and WHEREAS, the Borough's Engineer, CME Associates recommends that Payment No. 3 be made in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.; and WHEREAS, sufficient Funds are available. NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey that Payment No. 3 to Lancha Construction Corporation in the amount of $15,067.54 is hereby approved and the Borough Council further authorizes the Borough Administrator to execute said payment with funds certified by the Chief Financial Officer. Resolution 2026-130 Authorizing Certain Consumer Utility Refunds WHEREAS, pursuant to Borough Ordinance, certain Electric Utility Customers are required to post deposits when opening a new account with the Borough of Milltown Electric Utility, and; WHEREAS, upon the closing of such account the utility customer is entitled to a refund of moneys not used to settle their account, and; WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Department has prepared a list of those deposits that can be either refunded to the utility customer or used as credit to a Utility account. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey that the Milltown Electric Utility Department has made the disbursement of electric consumer deposits as per the following list prepared by the Electric Utility Department. Account Type of Amount to Borough Amount to Property Location Number Account of Milltown Customer 12A J F Kennedy Dr. 350130-1 Electric $367.50 $0.00 6|P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm 348 Ryders Lane 1568-5 Electric $1,051.13 $233.19 348 Ryders Lane 1568-5 Water/Sewer $260.68 $0.00 51 Broad St. Floor 2 110370-1 Electric $357.00 $0.00 267A So Main St. 1545-3 Electric $186.12 $174.38 Resolution 2026-131 AUTHORIZING TAX REFUNDS WHEREAS, the Collector has notified the Borough Chief Financial Officer that certain tax refunds be authorized; and WHEREAS, the Borough Chief Financial Officer 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 following refunds: Block Lot Amount Tax Year Reason Totally Disabled Veteran Tax- 108 1.03 $2,709.16 2026 Exempt Property (15F) Resolution 2026-132 Authorizing Waiving Fees for the Boy Scout Troop 33 and Pack 33 2026 Events WHEREAS, the Boy Scout Troop 33 and Pack 33 are intending to participate in various Borough activities throughout 2026 as listed herewith; and EVENT DATE TO BE WAIVED Milltown Day September 26, 2026 Table Fees Christmas Tree Sales Beginning Thanksgiving Week Electric through December 2026 Parks & Facilities Use – Albert Park June 5, 2026 Permit Fees Parks & Facilities Use – Albert Park September 18, 2026 Permit Fees Parks & Facilities Use – Albert Park October 2 & 3, 2026 Permit Fees 7|P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm WHEREAS, the Boy Scout Troop 33 and Pack 33 request a waiver of Borough fees for these events; and WHEREAS, any necessary licenses or inspections that may be required by State Law or Local ordinance including, but not limited to raffle, food, fire, or tent must be applied for and obtained a minimum of two weeks prior to the event; and 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 grants the request for the waiver of Borough fees. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Milltown Borough Officials, including, but not limited to the Mayor, Borough Administrator and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to take such ministerial actions as are necessary to effectuate the provisions of this resolution Resolution 2026-133 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF THE AWARD OF BID FOR THE OPERATION OF THE MILLTOWN BOROUGH POOL CONCESSION STAND FOR 2026 WHEREAS there exists a need for the operation of the Milltown Borough Pool Concession Stand for the benefit of the residents of the Borough of Milltown; and WHEREAS, the bid submitted by Maple Magic Confectionery, LLC, 23 Sand Road, Milltown, NJ 08850, has been deemed to be the lowest responsible and responsive bidder in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4a and awarded for 2025; and WHEREAS, the Qualified Purchasing agent has reviewed the performance and recommended that the governing body extend the bid award for one additional year, and hold operation costs firm, and, WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED by the governing body of the Borough of Milltown, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, as follows: 1. That the mayor is authorized to enter into an extension of the contract with Maple Magic Confectionery, LLC, 23 Sand Road, Milltown, NJ 08850, for the operation of the Milltown Borough Pool Concession Stand for the 2026 season for $1010.00, 8|P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm 2. That the Municipal Clerk shall forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the following: A. Business Administrator. B. Chief Financial Officer. C. Purchasing Agent. D. Maple Magic Confectionery, LLC 23 Sand Road, Milltown, NJ 08850 Resolution Removed from Consent Agenda Resolution 2026-129 RESOLUTION FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR THE VACANT MILLTOWN FIRE HOUSE BUILDINGS WHEREAS the Borough of Milltown needs to acquire the professional services of an appraiser for the purpose of valuing borough property without a "fair and open process" as defined by P.L. 2004, c.19, the "Local Unit Pay-to-Play Law’; and WHEREAS Otteau Group has submitted a proposal offering to provide appraisal services for $7,140.00 for this service; and WHEREAS the Qualified Purchasing Agent has determined and certified in writing that the value of the acquisition throughout the contract is anticipated not to exceed $7,140.00; and WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11 et seq., authorizes the award of this contract without public bidding on the basis that this is a professional service; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that sufficient funds are available. NOW THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Milltown as follows: 1. The Mayor and Municipal Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement with Otteau Group for professional services related to the valuation of the vacant Milltown Fire Department buildings, with an amount not to exceed $7,140.00. 2. A copy of this Resolution, the Certification of Contract Value, and the executed Agreement shall be placed on file in the office of the Clerk. 3. A notice of this award shall be published as required by law. 9|P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm Councilman Posnansky expressed opposition to proceeding with the appraisal, arguing that the council had not yet made a substantive decision about the future of the firehouse properties and that spending taxpayer funds before that determination was made amounted to putting the cart before the horse. He estimated the cost was not small and questioned the value of the information at this stage, noting that any sale would likely prompt a separate appraisal anyway. Council President Zambrana explained the background, noting that appraisals had been discussed since the prior September but that the timing and initial quote of approximately $14,000 had made the project impractical. Through the efforts of the new Borough Administrator, a more competitive quote of $7,000 with a faster four-to-six week turnaround was secured. He emphasized that this appraisal was the beginning of the process—that the South Main Street Rehabilitation Plan had been in place for three years and that having factual valuation data was necessary to make an informed decision, regardless of whether the ultimate outcome was a sale, lease, or other use. Councilman Manco agreed that taking this first step was important, recalling prior discussions about the long period of inaction on these properties and the lost revenue opportunity during the years they have sat vacant. Councilwoman Miller also indicated support, recalling that she had previously asked when the evaluation would take place and expressing her desire to see Main Street improved. ROLL CALL VOTE Motion Second Aye Nay Abstain Absent Council President Zambrana X X Councilman Manco X Councilwoman Miller X Councilwoman Payne X Councilman Posnansky X Councilman Potter X X 10 | P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm Reports of Council and Standing Committees Council President Zambrana – Finance, Administration, & Planning, Personnel: Council President Zambrana had no formal report. Councilman Manco – Utilities: Councilman Manco reported that the electrical department replaced streetlights and addressed several house service issues. The department has been working with CME Engineers on infrastructure and distribution issues related to several new projects in progress, and utility billing coordination issues are also being addressed. Hanging wire calls were responded to. On the water utility side, pump station monitoring continues on a regular schedule, and significant mark-out activity is underway in connection with both emergency repairs and preparation for lead water service line replacement. He explained that the associated grant is a reimbursement-based mechanism, not a direct allocation, and that the borough must ensure all work is performed in compliance with grant requirements before funds are returned. The annual DEP-required hydrant flushing has commenced, and he encouraged residents who have questions about temporary water discoloration or low pressure to sign up for Civic Plus alerts by texting "MILLTOWN" to 38276. He also noted that the Reba and Brook Drive pump station was unclogged, pulled, and is currently being repaired. Councilwoman Miller – Environmental, Health, & Social Services: Councilwoman Miller reported that the Board of Education met on March 25, completed an audit with no recommendations, and is working on its budget. A representative reported that there would be no financial burden on Milltown from the recent cybercrime loss and that no cuts to academic programs are anticipated. The district is seeking state approval to issue a bond to recover stolen funds. The next BOE meeting is April 20 at Joyce Kilmer School, and the public budget hearing is May 4. The Board of Health met on March 24 and is conducting annual food establishment inspections. Vital statistics for January and February included zero births, eight deaths, and four marriages; 226 dog licenses and 8 cat licenses have been issued. A rabies clinic will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 6 to 8 PM at the DPW. The Environmental Commission met on March 18 and held a Community Energy Planning Grant town hall on March 19; results will be reported back. The commission will host its fifth annual Earth Day cleanup on Saturday, May 2 at Millpond Park from 10 AM to 3 PM, featuring kayaking, educational vendors, and demonstrations. The Cable TV Committee reported that Channel 15 is operational with a community events slideshow, and council meetings are being broadcast on Channel 15 and YouTube. Both the Environmental Commission and the Cable TV Committee are seeking new volunteer members; interested residents should complete the citizen leadership application available on the borough website. Councilwoman Payne – Public Safety: Councilwoman Payne acknowledged Councilwoman Miller's work on the cable committee. For the month of March, the police department responded to 1,347 calls for service, conducted 110 radar details, made 106 motor vehicle stops, and executed 19 arrests for offenses including shoplifting, simple assault, and DWIs. A town-wide traffic study has been completed, and new radar speed signs—similar to the one on Washington Avenue—have been ordered for both ends of Main Street, with installation anticipated in April. For the fire department, March saw 28 total incidents and 82 year-to-date. Notable calls included a fire under a garage canopy on East Church Street, a structural 11 | P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm inspection at Saint Paul's Church after a vehicle struck the building, and an elevator rescue on Ford Avenue. Training activities included equipment checks, drills, and preparation for a live burn at the Fire Academy. New drivers are being trained, and a new recruit is in the pipeline. The rescue squad responded to 98 total calls in March—79 in Milltown, 8 on the turnpike, and the remainder mutual aid. Members participated in vehicle extrication training, and the squad continues to seek new volunteers. Councilman Posnansky – Public Works & Recycling: Councilman Posnansky presented a senior center report, highlighting a workshop led by Police Liaison Officer Nick Olesinski on the Blue Angel program, a free service that provides a police-controlled lockbox for seniors who may be unable to answer the door in an emergency. He underscored the importance of such programs by referencing a community member who had fallen at home and was not discovered for five days. He then delivered a DPW report, extending thanks to DPW Superintendent Ralph Jasanowski and his crew for preparing the Little League fields for opening day. He noted that road repairs are beginning now that asphalt plants have reopened following winter water main breaks, that park bathrooms have been painted and opened for the season, and that spring cleanup and maintenance is underway. He and Superintendent Jasionowski held their first quarterly meeting to discuss road improvements, with final decisions pending the adopted budget. Councilman Potter – Parks & Recreation: Councilman Potter reported that all winter youth and adult recreation programs have concluded. A limited number of tickets remain for the Price is Right Live event at the State Theater on May 1. Seasonal applications for the borough pool and Albert Avenue summer rec camp are being accepted through April 15 electronically only. Spring youth and adult programs are commencing, with registration open for a Buddy Bowl program, dance, basketball clinics, musical theater, youth cooking, tennis, multi-sports, chess, and an adult co-ed softball league. Albert Avenue Park shelters are available for reservation for birthday parties and family events. Pool memberships will go on sale in mid-May, and Albert Avenue Camp begins June 29. The Planning Board meeting scheduled for April 1 was canceled; the next meeting is May 6. He announced the Fourth of July Committee's first annual Red, White, and Brew event at the American Legion on Saturday, April 18, with tickets at $40 per person. Super raffle tickets are available through committee members and at several local businesses. He concluded by congratulating the Milltown Little League on a successful opening day. Mayor Murray noted an upcoming Middlesex County event—a 90th birthday bash celebration luncheon for county residents aged 90 and older, scheduled for Friday, May 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Piscataway Senior Center. Reports from Professionals Borough Attorney Vignuolo: No report. Borough Engineer McClelland: No separate report; deferred to Borough Engineer Ploskonka. 12 | P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm Borough Engineer Ploskonka: Reported that 2,526 water meters have been replaced to date, representing approximately 97% of the total. Twenty-three installations remain incomplete, seven are currently scheduled, and 36 are not yet scheduled. The next available scheduling date is April 27. Regarding the lead service line project, fieldwork is approximately 90% complete in coordination with public works mark-outs, and an additional 10 lead lines have been identified through the replacement project, bringing the total to approximately 80. The Main Street Speed Study final report has been submitted to the county for consideration of a speed limit reduction to 25 miles per hour. Borough Administrator Stephens: No formal report; offered to answer any outstanding council questions. Borough Clerk McCarthy: No report. Old Business Councilman Posnansky raised concerns regarding affordable housing, referencing Resolution 2026-111. He expressed concern about the inclusion of "very low income" housing designations beyond the standard "low income" category. He also questioned the necessity of retaining an outside consultant as the administrative agent, suggesting that the borough administrator could potentially be certified to fulfill this role. Borough Attorney Vignuolo responded that while it is theoretically possible to assign this role in-house, most borough job descriptions do not include affordable housing administration, and the cost of bringing someone on staff or training an existing employee would likely exceed the cost of the consultant. Cook clarified that any municipality in New Jersey is legally obligated to have a named administrative agent under state law as adjudicated through the courts, and that failure to comply exposes the borough to builder's remedy lawsuits. Councilman Posnansky pressed on whether there was currently any active work for the consultant given that no units exist in the borough. Administrator Stephens confirmed an invoice had been received, and Cook noted that compliance-related administrative obligations exist regardless of whether units are physically present. The parties ultimately agreed that the legal obligation to comply is clear, though Councilman Posnansky maintained his concern about expenditure of taxpayer funds for what he saw as limited current utility. New Business Councilwoman Miller requested an update on the projected timeline for the lead service line replacement project. Borough Engineer Ploskonka confirmed that a bid is anticipated for spring or early summer 2026, with construction work to follow within the calendar year. Public Comment Kelly Kushner, 25 West Joffre Avenue, addressed the council regarding what she described as a long-standing and serious rental oversight problem in her neighborhood. She described multiple rental properties on and near her block that have gone uninspected since initial occupancy, with one property found to have been illegally rented as a two-family unit housing 13 | P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm 10 to 12 tenants on a single meter. She cited issues including excessive tenants, rodents, garbage accumulation, late-night disturbances, parking on lawns, and leaves backing up storm drains. She acknowledged that Zoning Officer Martin O'Neill had been responsive and helpful in recent months, but stressed that the problem requires consistent, systematic oversight. She called on the borough to publicly list registered rentals, regularly scan online platforms for unregistered units, and impose stricter fines on absentee landlords. She also raised fire safety concerns, noting that uninspected properties with altered floor plans pose a risk to firefighters. She provided photographs to council members for review. Brian Wong, 12 Innis Road, East Brunswick (business owner at 23 North Main Street, Unit 4), addressed the council regarding the vacant firehouse properties. He described himself as a tenant whose lease is expiring and who is actively seeking to remain in Milltown. He expressed interest in being considered for a commercial redevelopment of the Main Street firehouse location, proposing a multi-unit commercial concept that would preserve as much of the original structure as possible. He noted the challenge that high commercial rents pose for small businesses and suggested that the borough could incubate new businesses by keeping rental rates at the firehouse competitive. He indicated he was flexible in his vision and open to further conversation with the council or administration. Council President Zambrana and others thanked him for his presence and contributions to the community. Steve Gregus, 25 Lincoln Avenue, offered several suggestions to help offset Milltown's high taxes. He proposed that the borough consider charging a fee for appliance pickup and large item removal, noting that the cost to taxpayers has grown significantly. He confirmed with the council that park rental fees and borough employee overtime associated with rentals are already coordinated. He urged the council not to sell the Ford Avenue firehouse, arguing that the land may be needed for future municipal use and that a sale would likely result in additional housing, which he felt would strain infrastructure. He also renewed a longstanding request for the borough to engage Middlesex County in discussions about flood remediation for Millpond, citing that hundred-year flood events appear to be occurring with increasing frequency, and referenced a county-funded remediation project completed in Spotswood as a comparable example. Keith Cook, 219 North Brook Drive (private citizen, not in his capacity as Borough Attorney), offered two brief comments: a suggestion that the borough consider providing transportation for seniors to attend the May 15 county birthday luncheon, and a lighthearted observation that only 8 cats appear to be registered in town, suggesting the number seems low. Lee Weissenburger, 99 JFK Drive, raised a concern about curbing elevations on Main Street, noting that the borough's curbing code and the county's standards may not be aligned and that the road's curb heights are inconsistent throughout its length. He stated that property owners cannot meaningfully undertake sidewalk or curbing repairs without knowing what the correct elevations should be. Mayor Murray confirmed that the county has indicated a full road reconstruction would be required before curbing and sidewalk improvements would be included, as milling and paving operations preserve the existing road surface elevation. Borough 14 | P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm Engineer McClelland added that while some elevations may exist from a partial reconstruction performed approximately 30 years ago near the firehouse, no comprehensive elevation map of Main Street is known to exist. Weissenburger urged the council to maintain persistent advocacy with the county on this issue and referenced a historical (circa 2000) curb and sidewalk program in which 135 homeowners enrolled, suggesting a similar program could be revisited for side streets. He also warned the council about the potential liability associated with Millpond, noting a recent news article about property owners in Hunterdon County who were held responsible for dam repair costs after DEP involvement, and urged the borough to clarify ownership and responsibility for the pond before a similar situation arises. Council Comments Councilman Potter thanked the resident for raising the rental oversight issue and indicated the council would be following up with Zoning Officer O'Neill on next steps. Councilman Potter also offered a special congratulations to Milltown's own Dylan McGrath for winning the 2026 Mister Spotswood competition. Councilwoman Payne echoed sympathy for the residents affected by the rental situation and pledged council follow-up. She requested that Councilman Posnansky pass along a message to DPW Superintendent Jasionowski to conduct a town-wide street sweeping, noting that the street cleaner had been delayed due to a mechanical issue. She also commended the Environmental Commission's town hall meeting on the community energy planning grant, noting that all council members attended and that the event offered a valuable opportunity for residents to engage on topics of sustainability and solar energy outside the formal council meeting setting. Councilwoman Miller reminded residents that cats are required to be licensed in the borough, encouraging owners to register their pets in anticipation of a higher count at the next report. Council President Zambrana noted the safe return of the Artemis astronauts and reflected on its significance, particularly for younger generations who have grown up with a different reference point for space exploration risks. Mayor Comments Mayor Murray reflected that the idea of redeveloping the Main Street firehouse as a microbrewery had been brought to the council's attention approximately one and a half to two years ago by local residents and investors, and that this interest was part of what originally prompted discussion about the vacant property. He also expressed frustration regarding the practice of tenants vacating rental properties and leaving large volumes of garbage on the street and called for stronger fines on property owners who allow this to occur. He further noted that residents blowing leaves into the street rather than bagging them has been an ongoing code enforcement challenge affecting the street sweeper's effectiveness. 15 | P a g e  BOROUGH OF MILLTOWN Borough Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 - 7:00pm Adjournment Motion: Councilwoman Potter moved to adjourn, seconded by Council President Zambrana. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:25 PM. Respectfully submitted, Gretchen McCarthy Municipal Clerk Approved by Council May 27, 2026 16 | P a g e