As the Council meeting opened with an immediate motion to move to executive session, the Mayor was notably absent from the dais.
After 90 minutes of executive session, the meeting re-opened moving straight through any “business” into public comment.
Sherman Avenue traffic and overall aesthetics concerns were reiterated. Although the donated named-bricks were discussed at the last meeting, the consensus is that purchasers are unhappy with the Township settling with a plaque in lieu of their bricks.
One resident questioned several bills, including a DCA bill for $19,000, in which Liza was unable to specify the purchase.
Council reports were vanilla, as usual, and included several reminders including “National Hot Chocolate Day” and “National Penguin Day.” (Side note: I don’t get why this happens or what significance it has on our Township.)
The only report of value was from Illis, she reported that she and Devanney met with an engineer about de-snaging the Passaic River and including remediation for Riverbend, Hampton Drive, and Robbins…as the progress to help families affected by the storm 6 months ago!! (To no surprise) The flooding task force has not yet been set up for 2026.
Viana reported that budget preparation has begun and the sewer plan is going to be the biggest focus.
01/20/2026 Agenda Snapshot
Big Ticket: Jet Vac Truck
Resolution authorizing the form and details of not exceeding $590,000 in bonds through the NJ Water Bank Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program, tied to the purchase of a jet vac truck. The resolution references Bond Ordinance #10-2023 (adopted July 18, 2023) and notes the CFO would be authorized to determine principal amounts, repayment schedule, interest rate, and other final terms within the program’s structure.
Wastewater Plant Items
Memorializing After-the-Fact Contract Actions
Tree Removal / Services (2026)
Vendor: Tree King, Inc. via the Morris County Cooperative Pricing System (Jan 20–Dec 31, 2026), in an amount not to exceed $140,000 (budget-contingent). Resolution indicates a split between Streets/Roads and Engineering accounts. No Public Bid Contract.
Bills List
Top Questions to Ask
- What are the final loan terms and timeline tied to the $590,000 jet vac truck?
- What is the scope and volume of work connected to the $140,000 tree services contract?
- What streets are going to be covered by the Neglia contract and where is the money coming from?
- Is it really a good idea to have the Township engineer continue to profit from Town contracts in this manner?
See All Town Council Agenda and Meeting Articles
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