Garwood, NJ

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on Ordinance 26-17, which would suspend paid parking fees from December 15 through January 1. The council will also consider a consent agenda that includes increasing the IT services contract with Emazzanti Technologies by $45,000, hiring a per diem dispatcher, and approving tax refunds. Several resolutions assign professional attorney contracts to a renamed firm.

• Ordinance 26-17: suspends paid parking fees/times from Dec 15 to Jan 1
• Resolution 26-147: increases Emazzanti Technologies IT contract by $45,000 to $75,000
• Resolution 26-150: hires Kyle Navarro as per diem dispatcher at $20/hour, up to 29 hrs/week
• Resolution 26-148: awards food concession contract to Mama Meda Kitchen at Garwood Sports and Recreation Complex
• Resolutions 26-144 and 26-149: property tax refunds totaling $10,824.88

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will introduce Ordinance 26-17, which would suspend paid parking fees and time limits from December 15 through January 1. The council will also vote on a consent agenda that includes appointing a part-time DPW employee, increasing the bond attorney contract by $20,000, and authorizing several grant applications, including a $40,000 request for turf field improvements. A proclamation will honor Saint Anne's Centennial Anniversary.

• Ordinance 26-17: Suspends paid parking fees/times from Dec 15 through Jan 1; public hearing Aug 13
• Resolution 26-132: Appoints Dan Ramos as permanent part-time DPW employee at $21.00/hr, up to 25 hrs/week
• Resolution 26-133: Increases 2026 bond attorney contract with Rogut, McCarthy, Troy, LLC by $20,000 (total $30,000)
• Resolution 26-136: Authorizes $40,000 grant application to Union County Kids Recreation Trust Fund for turf field improvements at Garwood Sports and Recreation Complex
• Resolution 26-140: Awards $43,100 professional services contract to M. Disko Associates for Garwood Drainage Study

The Garwood Borough Council introduced Ordinance 26-17, which would suspend paid parking fees and times from December 15 through January 1, with a public hearing set for August 13, 2026. The council also approved a consent agenda including resolutions to appoint a part-time DPW employee, amend the bond attorney agreement with an additional $20,000, and award a professional services contract for a drainage study. All consent agenda items passed unanimously. The meeting included proclamations, reports, and public comments but no other substantive decisions.

• Introduced Ordinance 26-17 to suspend paid parking fees Dec 15-Jan 1 (4-2)
• Approved consent agenda including Resolution 26-132 appointing part-time DPW employee D. Ramos (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-133 amending bond attorney agreement with additional $20,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-140 awarding drainage study contract to M. Disko Associates (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-139 certifying 2025 audit review (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-141 recognizing Church of Saint Anne's 100th anniversary (unanimous)
• Approved payment of bills for periods 6/22-7/7/2026 and later (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 25, 2026 meeting as amended (unanimous)

Meeting

The Garwood Planning Board is holding its regular July meeting. The main item is a continuation of Case #PB26-01, an application by Paul C. Munz for a Certificate of Non-Conformity for a lawn sprinkler business with a service department operating at 465 Second Avenue in the R-A zone. The board will also adopt the minutes from its June 24, 2026 meeting.

• Continuation of Case #PB26-01: Certificate of Non-Conformity for lawn sprinkler business at 465 Second Avenue, Block 110, Lot 1
• Adoption of June 24, 2026 meeting minutes

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will vote on several resolutions, including purchasing two police vehicles and a wheel loader, adopting an affordable housing spending plan, and opposing two state bills that would limit local land-use control. The agenda also includes routine reports, minutes approval, and public comment.

• Resolution 26-122: Purchase 2025 Ford F150 Police Responder for $46,259.33 from Paramus Ford
• Resolution 26-123: Purchase 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 9C1 Patrol for $54,469.55 from Gentilini Motors
• Resolution 26-124: Award $208,920.00 contract to Foley, Inc. for a 2026 Caterpillar 910 Compact Wheel Loader
• Resolution 26-125: Oppose NJ Senate Bill S-1836 (land use preemption)
• Resolution 26-126: Oppose NJ Senate Bill S-1786 (accessory dwelling units)

The Garwood Borough Council approved the consent agenda, including the purchase of two police vehicles (a 2025 Ford F150 for $46,259.33 and a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe for $54,469.55) and a 2026 Caterpillar 910 Compact Wheel Loader for $208,920.00, all funded by Bond Ordinance 26-13. The council also adopted the Union County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026, renewed the liquor license for Makkan Brothers Inc. (Liquor Vault), authorized payment of bills, and adopted the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Fourth Round Spending Plan. Resolutions opposing state legislation S-1836 and S-1786 (which would preempt local land-use authority) were passed, with Councilwoman Annarelli abstaining on all three resolutions. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026.

• Approved purchase of 2025 Ford F150 Police Responder for $46,259.33 (Resolution 26-122)
• Approved purchase of 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 9C1 Patrol vehicle for $54,469.55 (Resolution 26-123)
• Approved contract award for 2026 Caterpillar 910 Compact Wheel Loader for $208,920.00 (Resolution 26-124)
• Adopted Union County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026 (Resolution 26-128)
• Renewed Plenary Retail Distribution License for Makkan Brothers Inc. (Liquor Vault) for 2026-2027 (Resolution 26-129)
• Authorized payment of bills between June 22 and July 7, 2026 (Resolution 26-130)
• Adopted resolution opposing NJ Senate Bill S-1836 (Resolution 26-125) - passed 3-0-1 (Annarelli abstained)
• Adopted resolution opposing NJ Senate Bill S-1786 on accessory dwelling units (Resolution 26-126) - passed 3-0-1 (Annarelli abstained)

Meeting

The Garwood Planning Board will hold its regular meeting, including adoption of April minutes, a public hearing on a certificate of non-conformity application, and discussion of two state bills affecting housing and zoning. The board will also address claims and public comments.

• Case PB26-01: Certificate of Non-Conformity for lawn sprinkler business with service department at 465 Second Avenue, Block 110, Lot 1, in R-A zone
• Discussion of proposed ordinance opposing S-1786, which would require ADU permitting in municipalities under 9,000 population
• Discussion of S-1836, state bill on affordable housing/zoning
• Adoption of April 22, 2026 meeting minutes

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on Ordinance 26-16, which amends the zoning code to add regulations for mobile retail food facilities. The council will also consider several resolutions, including a new employment agreement for the police chief, a budget amendment for a $2,185 fire and EMS grant, and a cooperative agreement with Union County for community development funds. Routine items include approving prior meeting minutes and officer reports.

• Ordinance 26-16: Amends Chapter 106 (Land Use) to add 'Mobile Retail Food Facilities' subsection
• Resolution 26-118: Authorizes employment agreement with Jonathan Pridy as Chief of Police
• Resolution 26-119: Authorizes agreement with Union County to modify 2014 cooperative agreement for CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs
• Resolution 26-120: Amends 2026 budget to insert $2,185 from New Jersey American Water Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant
• Resolution 26-121: Payment of bills and payroll

The Garwood Borough Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 26-16, which amends the land use code to add regulations for mobile retail food facilities (food trucks). The council also approved a consent agenda that included an employment agreement with Police Chief Jonathan Pridy, a cooperative agreement with Union County for community development funds, a $2,185 budget amendment for a fire and EMS grant, and payment of bills. All votes were unanimous.

• Adopted Ordinance 26-16 adding mobile retail food facilities regulations (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-118 authorizing employment agreement with Police Chief Jonathan Pridy (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-119 authorizing agreement with Union County for community development activities (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-120 amending budget with $2,185 New Jersey American Water Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-121 for payment of bills and payroll (6-0)
• Accepted minutes from May 14 and May 28, 2026 meetings (6-0)

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold public hearings and vote on three ordinances, including a $520,000 bond for public improvements and equipment, and amendments to parking and municipal office hours. They will also introduce an ordinance to regulate mobile food facilities and consider resolutions on tax bills, budget amendments, liquor licenses, and employee salaries.

• Ordinance 26-13: $520,000 bond for public improvements, equipment, vehicles
• Ordinance 26-16: Introduction of zoning amendment for mobile retail food facilities
• Resolution 26-107: Estimated tax bills for Q3 2026, levy $21,977,985, rate 2.897
• Resolution 26-112: Renewal of 10 liquor licenses for 2026-2027
• Resolution 26-113: 2026 salaries, e.g., Chief of Police $165,600

The Garwood Borough Council adopted three ordinances, including a $520,000 bond ordinance for public improvements and equipment, and approved a consent agenda with resolutions covering tax bills, salaries, and grants. The council also introduced a zoning amendment for mobile retail food facilities, set for a public hearing on June 11, 2026. All votes were unanimous (6-0) except for the adoption of updated council by-laws, which passed 5-1 with Councilman Padusniak voting nay.

• Adopted Ordinance 26-13, $520,000 bond ordinance for public improvements and equipment (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-14, amending municipal parking lot regulations (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-15, repealing and replacing municipal office hours section (6-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-16, zoning amendment for mobile retail food facilities (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-107, authorizing estimated tax bills for Q3 2026 with $21,977,985 levy and 2.897 rate (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-113, setting 2026 salaries for borough employees (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-114, authorizing FEMA firefighter grant application up to $1,082,642.22 (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 26-117, updated council by-laws (5-1)

Planning Board

The Garwood Planning Board's May 27, 2026 meeting is cancelled due to lack of scheduled business. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of scheduled business
• Next meeting: June 24, 2026

Meeting

The Garwood Board of Health is holding a regular meeting to accept minutes, receive officer reports from the Westfield Regional Health Department, and review vouchers for animal control services. The agenda includes discussion of the Board of Health Code and By-Laws, and public comment. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Vouchers for Animal Control Solutions: April invoice $867.00, May invoice $867.00
• Vital statistics report: 24 certificates issued, $246.00 revenue (Jan-Apr)
• Health licensing report: $12,655.00 total revenue (Jan-Apr)
• Pet licensing report: 194 licenses issued, $3,124.00 revenue (Jan-Apr)
• Discussion of Board of Health Code and By-Laws

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the 2026 municipal budget, adopt a salary ordinance, and introduce a $520,000 bond ordinance for public improvements and equipment. They will also consider several resolutions, including a new police officer appointment and event permits.

• Adoption of 2026 Municipal Budget (Resolution 26-97)
• Introduction of $520,000 bond ordinance for public improvements and equipment (Ordinance 26-13)
• Final adoption of Salary Ordinance 26-12
• Appointment of Joan Mena as Step 2 Patrol Officer at $59,930 annual salary (Resolution 26-101)
• Authorization for Garwood Rocks! event on June 7, 2026 with street closures and beer garden (Resolution 26-99)

The Garwood Borough Council adopted the 2026 Municipal Budget and User-Friendly Budget after a public hearing. The council also approved a salary ordinance, introduced a $520,000 bond ordinance for public improvements, and introduced two other ordinances. Several resolutions were passed, including the appointment of a new police officer and authorization for the Garwood Rocks! event.

• Adopted 2026 Municipal Budget (5-0)
• Adopted Salary Ordinance 26-12 (5-0)
• Introduced $520,000 bond ordinance 26-13 for public improvements (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-14 amending municipal parking lots (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-15 amending municipal office hours (5-0)
• Appointed Joan Mena as Step 2 Patrol Officer at $59,930/year (5-0)
• Authorized Garwood Rocks! event on June 7, 2026 with street closures (5-0)
• Ratified PBA and Teamsters sidebar agreements (5-0)

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a regular meeting with a capital budget presentation, final adoption of a cap bank ordinance, introduction of a salary ordinance, and several resolutions including a new police vehicle and a fire department HVAC project. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval, officer reports, and public comment.

• Final adoption of Ordinance 26-11 establishing a cap bank
• Introduction of Ordinance 26-12, the salary ordinance
• Resolution 26-92: $28,147.60 HVAC project for Fire Department at 415 South Avenue via state contract
• Resolution 26-93: Purchase of 2026 Ford Explorer for police on 3-year lease, total $45,294.13
• Resolution 26-91: Appoint Officer Scott Eriksen as Humane Law Enforcement Officer

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on Ordinance 26-10, which amends park rules, and will introduce the 2026 municipal budget and a cap bank ordinance. The consent agenda includes resolutions to approve the budget, appoint a new police officer, accept a resignation, and award a janitorial contract. The meeting also includes routine reports, minutes approval, and public comment.

• Final adoption of Ordinance 26-10 amending Chapter 126 (parks, facilities, playgrounds) prohibited activities
• Introduction of Ordinance 26-11 to establish a 2026 cap bank (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14)
• Resolution 26-79/80: Introduce and read 2026 municipal budget by title; public hearing May 14, 2026
• Resolution 26-84: Appoint Ahmed Omer as Step 2 Patrolman at $59,930/year; Resolution 26-85 accepts resignation of Officer Yaya Coulibaly
• Resolution 26-86: Award $24,000 annual janitorial contract to J&R Cleaning and Disinfectant Services for 403 South Ave.

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council are holding a special meeting to present and discuss the 2026 municipal budget. The agenda includes a public comment period. No other substantive items are listed.

• Presentation and discussion of the 2026 Municipal Budget
• Public comment period (5-minute limit per speaker)

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will consider a consent agenda that includes authorizing $6,365,000 in general improvement bonds, setting 2026 summer camp fees, and approving a drone-as-first-responder pilot program with NOXAERO, LLC at no cost to the borough. They will also introduce an ordinance amending park prohibited activities, and handle routine appointments, budget transfers, and bill payments.

• Ordinance 26-10: amends Chapter 126 (Parks, Facilities, Playgrounds and Recreation) prohibited activities; public hearing April 7, 2026
• Resolution 26-67: sets 2026 Recreation Summer Camp rates — $135 (residents, until May 22), $160 (May 23–June 14), $185 (late, June 15–21), $270 (non-residents)
• Resolution 26-72/73: authorizes $6,365,000 General Improvement Bonds dated May 1, 2026, and related sale notice
• Resolution 26-76: authorizes agreement with NOXAERO, LLC for Drone as First Responder Pilot Program, April 1, 2026 for 2 years, no cost to borough
• Resolution 26-75: awards Employee Assistance Program contract to Telus Health, not to exceed $3,500 annually

Meeting

The Garwood Planning Board is holding a public hearing on the 2026 Circulation Element of the Master Plan, prepared by Harbor Consultants. The board will also discuss draft ordinances on food trucks and bicycle parking, and consider claims. This is a regular meeting with routine items including adoption of prior minutes.

• Public hearing: Garwood 2026 Circulation Element of the Master Plan (prepared by Harbor Consultants)
• Discussion of proposed food truck draft ordinance
• Discussion of proposed bicycle parking draft ordinance
• Adoption of March 11, 2026 Planning Board meeting minutes
• Claims

Planning Board

The Garwood Planning Board will hold a public hearing on March 25, 2026, to hear comments on the proposed 2026 Circulation Element of the Borough's Master Plan. After public comment, the board will consider adopting the element, which addresses transportation and circulation. Written comments may be submitted to the Board Secretary at least two days prior.

• Public hearing on adoption of the Garwood 2026 Circulation Element of the Master Plan
• Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Municipal Building, 403 South Avenue, Garwood
• Written comments due by March 23, 2026, to Board Secretary Adele C. Lewis
• Plan available for public inspection at Borough Clerk's Office and on borough website

Meeting

The Garwood Board of Health is holding a regular meeting to elect a president, approve minutes, and pay a $17,259.50 voucher to the Westfield Regional Board of Health for first-quarter health services. Officers will present reports on health department activities and licensing for December 2025 through February 2026. New business includes a discussion of a Board of Health code update.

• Payment of $17,259.50 to Westfield Regional Board of Health for 1st Quarter Health Services
• Election of a Board of Health President
• Officer reports from Westfield Health Department for Dec 2025–Feb 2026
• Licensing report: 44 food licenses ($8,815), 4 e-cigarette licenses ($800), 4 marriage licenses ($12), 12 marriage certified copies ($180), 1 death certified copy ($10)
• New business: Board of Health code update

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold public hearings and vote on several ordinances related to affordable housing compliance, including repealing and replacing affordable housing and development fee articles, creating overlay zones for Garwood Plaza, Garwood Rest, North Avenue Gateway, and South Avenue Gateway, and adopting an amended redevelopment plan for 75 North Avenue. They will also consider a $530,000 bond ordinance for road improvements and an ordinance updating industrial sewer fees. The meeting includes routine reports, a consent agenda with resolutions on a shared court grant and an affirmative marketing plan, and public comment.

• Ordinance 26-02: Repeal and replace affordable housing and development fee articles to comply with Fair Housing Act and UHAC
• Ordinance 26-03: Garwood Plaza Overlay Zone (Block 114, Lot 4.02)
• Ordinance 26-04: Garwood Rest Overlay Zone (Block 502, Lot 1)
• Ordinance 26-05: North Avenue Gateway Overlay Zone (Block 211, Lots 8, 9, 10)
• Ordinance 26-08: Bond ordinance for $530,000 2026 Road Improvement Project

Meeting

The Garwood Planning Board is holding a regular meeting to consider a variance request for a property at 400 Spruce Avenue and to review an ordinance adopting the amended Garwood Paperboard Redevelopment Plan for 75 North Avenue. The board will also adopt minutes from its February 25, 2026 meeting and hear public comments.

• Variance request (Case PB 25-06) for 400 Spruce Avenue to allow a 13.9 ft front yard setback where 25 ft is required
• Review of Ordinance No. 26-07 adopting the amended Garwood Paperboard Redevelopment Plan for Block 211, Lot 6, 75 North Avenue
• Adoption of February 25, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public hearing scheduled for March 25, 2026 on the 2026 Circulation Element

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will introduce three ordinances: one adopting an amended redevelopment plan for the Garwood Paperboard site at 75 North Avenue, one authorizing a $530,000 bond for the 2026 Road Improvement Project, and one updating industrial sewer fees. The council will also consider resolutions accepting the resignations of the Acting Municipal Clerk and Recreation Director, modifying the shared court services agreement with Fanwood, and approving tax refunds.

• Ordinance 26-07: Adopting amended Garwood Paperboard Redevelopment Plan for Block 211, Lot 6-75 North Avenue
• Ordinance 26-08: $530,000 bond ordinance for 2026 Road Improvement Project
• Ordinance 26-09: Amending Chapter 134 (Sewers) to update industrial waste fees
• Resolutions 26-51/26-52: Tax overpayment refunds of $3,169.53 and $3,147.38
• Resolutions 26-53/26-54: Accepting resignations of Acting Municipal Clerk Patricia Vazquez and Recreation Director Katya Lysak

The Garwood Mayor and Council introduced three ordinances, including an amended redevelopment plan for the Paperboard site at 75 North Avenue and a $530,000 bond ordinance for the 2026 road improvement project. The council also approved an extension to the shared court services agreement with Fanwood. No ordinances were adopted or denied; all actions were introductions or approvals of routine items.

• Introduced Ordinance 26-07 amending the Garwood Paperboard Redevelopment Plan (5-0, 1 recusal)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-08, a $530,000 bond ordinance for the 2026 Road Improvement Project (6-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-09 amending industrial sewer fees (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 26-55 extending shared court services agreement with Fanwood (6-0)
• Approved minutes of January 22, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (6-0)
• Approved payment of claims (6-0)

Meeting

The Garwood Planning Board will hold a public hearing on an amended Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, a required housing document. The board will also vote on a minor subdivision at 63 Second Avenue and hear an application for a front-yard setback variance at 400 Spruce Avenue, plus begin preliminary review of the 2026 Circulation Element.

• Public hearing on Amended Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan
• Resolution for minor subdivision, Case #PB25-07, 63 Second Avenue (Primavera Parkview, LLC)
• Application Case #PB25-06, 400 Spruce Avenue: 13.9 ft front yard setback variance where 25 ft required
• Preliminary review of 2026 Circulation Element of Master Plan
• Adoption of January 28, 2026 meeting minutes

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and vote on adopting Ordinance 26-01, which establishes a restricted parking zone for a handicap space at 260 North Avenue. The council will also introduce five ordinances (26-02 through 26-06) that overhaul the borough's affordable housing regulations and create overlay zones at several properties, including Garwood Plaza, Garwood Rest, and the North and South Avenue gateways. The consent agenda includes a $3,500 contract for a soil permit report, termination of a violations clerk, and a budget transfer.

• Public hearing and adoption vote on Ordinance 26-01: restricted parking zone for handicap space at 260 North Avenue
• Introduction of Ordinance 26-02: repealing and replacing affordable housing and development fee articles in Chapter 106
• Introduction of Ordinances 26-03 through 26-06: creating overlay zones at Garwood Plaza (Block 114, Lot 4.02), Garwood Rest (Block 502, Lot 1), North Avenue Gateway (Block 211, Lots 8, 9, 10), and South Avenue Gateway (3.66-acre portion of Block 301, Lot 1)
• Resolution 26-48: $3,500 contract with Mott MacDonald for NJDEP soil permit biennial certification report
• Resolution 26-49: terminating Martha Marino as Violations Clerk effective January 31, 2026

The Garwood Borough Council introduced four ordinances (26-03 through 26-06) establishing overlay zones on specific properties to address the Borough's fourth-round affordable housing obligations. The council also introduced Ordinance 26-02, which repeals and replaces the affordable housing and development fee articles in the land use code. All five ordinances were introduced with a 5-0 vote, with Councilwoman Annarelli recusing herself. The council also adopted Ordinance 26-01, establishing a restricted parking zone at 260 North Avenue, and approved a consent agenda including a soil permit, a court employee termination, and a budget transfer.

• Adopted Ordinance 26-01 establishing a restricted parking zone at 260 North Avenue (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-02 repealing and replacing affordable housing and development fee articles (5-0, Annarelli recused)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-03 creating the Garwood Plaza Overlay Zone at Block 114, Lot 4.02 (5-0, Annarelli recused)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-04 creating the Garwood Rest Overlay Zone at Block 502, Lot 1 (5-0, Annarelli recused)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-05 creating the North Avenue Gateway Overlay Zone at Block 211, Lots 8, 9, 10 (5-0, Annarelli recused)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-06 creating the South Avenue Gateway Overlay Zone at a portion of Block 301, Lot 1 (5-0, Annarelli recused)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Resolution 26-48 (NJDEP soil permit, $3,500), Resolution 26-49 (terminating Martha Marino), and Resolution 26-50 (2025 budget transfer #6) (5-0)
• Approved payment of claims as listed on file (5-0)

Meeting

The Garwood Planning Board is holding a regular meeting to consider two applications: a variance request for a front yard setback at 400 Spruce Avenue and a minor subdivision at 63 Second Avenue. The board will also adopt minutes from its January 14, 2026 meeting.

• Case PB 25-06: 400 Spruce Avenue, Block 407, Lot 16, R/A Zone — variance for 13.9 ft front yard setback where 25 ft. required
• Case PB 25-07: 63 Second Avenue, Block 208, Lot 5, R/B Zone — minor subdivision, no variances; existing non-conforming 14.07 ft front yard
• Adoption of January 14, 2026 meeting minutes

Meeting

The Garwood Mayor and Council will fill a vacant Council seat from three nominees submitted by the Democratic Municipal Committee, and will introduce five ordinances creating overlay zones tied to affordable housing obligations. The agenda also includes routine consent resolutions, including a budget transfer, a police officer resignation, and appointments.

• Appoint Council member from nominees Deborah J. Ledger, Thomas M. Englese, Hursh V. Sureka
• Introduce Ordinance 26-01: restricted parking zone near 260 North Avenue
• Introduce Ordinances 26-02 through 26-05: overlay zones for Garwood Plaza, Garwood Rest, North Avenue Gateway, South Avenue Gateway
• Resolution 26-43: 2025 budget transfer of $15,125
• Resolution 26-47: accept resignation of Police Officer Trevor Witzel

The Garwood Mayor and Council appointed Hursh V. Sureka to fill the vacant Council seat for the unexpired term through the November 2026 election. The Council also introduced an ordinance to establish a restricted parking zone for a disabled resident at 260 North Avenue, and adopted a consent agenda including budget transfers, a housing liaison appointment, and acceptance of a police officer's resignation. Four affordable housing ordinances were postponed to the February 12 meeting.

• Appointed Hursh V. Sureka to vacant Council seat (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-01 establishing restricted parking zone at 260 North Avenue
• Adopted Resolution 26-43 authorizing 2025 budget transfer #5
• Adopted Resolution 26-44 amending police dispatcher vacation hours policy
• Adopted Resolution 26-45 appointing John Arthur as Municipal Housing Liaison ($2,500 salary)
• Adopted Resolution 26-46 accepting GCSUD grant of $3,549 for substance use prevention
• Adopted Resolution 26-47 accepting resignation of Police Officer Trevor Witzel
• Postponed four affordable housing ordinances to February 12 meeting

Meeting

This is the Garwood Planning Board's 2025 annual report, approved January 14, 2026. It summarizes the board's actions and discussions during 2025, including an appeal decision, several applications, and ongoing work on zoning and affordable housing. The report is informational and does not propose new actions for this meeting.

• Appeal PB25-01: Board overrode Zoning Officer's decision, allowing car storage at 639-645 South Avenue with conditions
• Zoning amendment for 54 Third Avenue (Block 204, Lot 26) by Garwood Gardens, LLC was denied
• Certificates of Non-Conformity granted for 36-unit garden apartment at 54 Third Avenue and two-family dwelling at 59 Willow Avenue
• Public hearing held on proposed Housing Element and Fair Share Plan for Fair Housing Act compliance
• One-year extension granted for Garwood Chicken, LLC site plan at 10 South Avenue

The Garwood Planning Board held its annual reorganization meeting, electing Stephen Greet as Chair and Kathleen Villaggio as Vice Chair for 2026. The board unanimously adopted resolutions appointing the board attorney, consulting engineer, and secretary, and approved the 2026 meeting schedule. The board also adopted the 2025 Zoning Board Annual Report and discussed amending a resolution to require print newspaper publication of notices, pending legal research.

• Elected Stephen Greet as Chair for 2026 (unanimous)
• Elected Kathleen Villaggio as Vice Chair for 2026 (unanimous)
• Appointed Donald B. Fraser Jr. as Board Attorney through January 2027 (PB-1)
• Appointed Victor Vinegra/Harbor Consultants as Consulting Engineer/Planner through January 2027 (PB-2)
• Appointed Adele Lewis as Board Secretary through January 2027 (PB-3)
• Adopted resolutions PB-4 through PB-6, including official newspapers, rules, and 2026 meeting dates (all in favor)
• Adopted minutes of December 10, 2025 meeting (general consent)
• Adopted 2025 Zoning Board Annual Year End Report (motion carried)

Meeting

The Garwood Borough Council is awarding several professional services contracts for 2026, including legal, engineering, auditing, and affordable housing administrative services. These contracts are awarded under New Jersey's fair and open process, with fees set according to the 2026 municipal budget. The meeting is primarily administrative, approving these routine professional appointments.

• Municipal Attorney: Adam S. Abramson-Schneider, Esq., Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs, LLC
• Labor Attorney: Adam S. Abramson-Schneider, Esq., Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs, LLC
• Tax Appeal Attorney: Robert F. Renaud, Esq., Renaud Colicchio, LLC
• Municipal Engineer: Michael Disko, M. Disko Associates Consulting Engineering
• Audit services: Suplee, Clooney & Company, fees up to $45,400 for 2025 Statutory Audit, $8,875 for 2025 Annual Financial Statement and Debt Statement, $425 per Supplement Debt Statement, $1,350 for Deferred Compensation Plan review

The Garwood Mayor and Council held their reorganization meeting, swearing in Councilwomen Nolde and Annarelli and electing Councilwoman Boto as Council President. The Council approved a settlement agreement with Garwood Paperboard Urban Renewal Associates, LLC regarding affordable housing, with Councilwoman Annarelli recused. The agreement, which was previously announced, sets a density of 45 units per acre and requires ordinances and a redevelopment agreement by March 15.

• Approved settlement agreement with Garwood Paperboard Urban Renewal Associates, LLC (4-0, Annarelli recused)
• Adopted 2026 Temporary Budget (5-0)
• Awarded professional services contracts for attorney, engineer, accountant, and other roles (5-0)
• Approved Council meeting dates for 2026 (5-0)
• Appointed Council President Boto (5-0)
• Swore in Councilwomen Nolde and Annarelli for three-year terms
• Appointed various board members and committee liaisons
• Adopted rules of order and designated official newspapers (5-0)