Washington, New Jersey

Library Board

The Washington Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular monthly meeting. Business includes approval of minutes, committee reports, and discussion of the ongoing director search under old business. No new business items are listed. The meeting is largely procedural with one substantive item.

• Approval of minutes from May 22, 2026 regular meeting
• Old business: director search discussion

Borough Council

The council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting Ordinance 2026-11, which amends massage and bodywork business licensing and enforcement. Two new ordinances are introduced on first reading: one to establish annual local licensing for cannabis establishments (2026-12) and another amending Chapter 85 (2026-13). The agenda also includes numerous routine resolutions, such as liquor license renewals and grant support.

• Ordinance 2026-12 (first reading): Creating Chapter 54, Article II for local annual cannabis establishment licensing; public hearing July 21, 2026
• Ordinance 2026-11 (second reading/public hearing): Amending Chapter 54 to tighten licensing and enforcement for massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy businesses
• Multiple liquor license renewals: Brothers, Scotty's, Warren County Discount, Washington Discount, Williams Irish Tavern, Philberts, Enzo's
• Resolution 2026-84: Support for Warren County Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund Grant
• Resolution 2026-64: Washington Celebrates America event sponsorship

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission will consider the status of a grant application and review bids received. Old business includes the grant application, while new business covers bids and a discussion regarding 15 Alvin Sloan. The meeting will also approve minutes from May 18, 2026.

• Status of grant application
• Review of bids received
• Discussion of 15 Alvin Sloan
• Approval of May 18, 2026 regular meeting minutes

Land Use Board

Borough Council

The agenda is largely procedural, including a pledge of allegiance, public comment, and an executive session for contractual and possible litigation. No specific proposals or decisions are listed beyond the executive session.

• Executive session: contractual and possible litigation (no details provided)

The council voted 5-0 to authorize a settlement agreement with Veolia Water Municipal Services and Veolia North America, resolving alleged NJDEP permit violations. The borough must pay a $223,000 penalty by June 15, 2026. The resolution was passed after a closed executive session on contractual and litigation matters.

• Approved Resolution 2026-67 authorizing settlement with Veolia Water for $223,000 (5-0)

Borough Council

This is a special meeting of the Washington Borough Council held on June 1, 2026. The agenda consists of discussions in executive session regarding contract negotiations and possible litigation, with formal action to be taken after the closed session. No other items are listed.

• Executive session discussions on contract negotiations and possible litigation

Library Board

The Washington Public Library Board of Trustees is holding a regular monthly meeting with routine business including approval of minutes and reports. The only substantive discussion is whether to change the monthly meeting from the 4th Thursday to the 4th Monday. No new business or formal actions are listed.

• Discussion on changing meeting day from 4th Thursday to 4th Monday
• Approval of minutes from February 26, 2026 and March 26, 2026
• Reports from President, Treasurer, Director, and committees
• Public comment period

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold a first reading of Ordinance 2026-11, which amends Chapter 201 to clarify licensing and enforcement for massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy businesses, including criminal background checks and definitions of prohibited conduct. The council will also consider resolutions for lien redemption (2026-61) and a contract award (2026-62), along with routine items such as minutes approval, claims, and public comment.

• First reading of Ordinance 2026-11 amending Chapter 201 to require state licensing, criminal background checks, and municipal certificates for massage business employees
• Resolution 2026-61: Lien redemption
• Resolution 2026-62: Award of contract
• Approval of minutes from April 7 and April 21, 2026
• Open public comment periods for agenda items and general public

The Borough Council approved the minutes from April 7 and April 21 (5‑0). It also approved all pending vouchers and claims (6‑0). The council passed the first reading of Ordinance 2026‑11, amending Chapter 201 to clarify licensing and enforcement for massage, bodywork and somatic therapy businesses (6‑0).

• Approved April 7 and April 21 minutes (5-0)
• Approved vouchers and claims (6-0)
• Passed first reading of Ordinance 2026-11 amending Chapter 201 (6-0)

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission will review the 2026 budget, consider tree-related concerns at three properties on Sunrise Terrace, and discuss pruning at 80 Alvin Sloan. The commission also received a Tree City USA award package marking 26 years of recognition. Old business includes Arbor Day and grant application status.

• 2026 Budget discussion
• Tree concerns at 121, 128, and 139 Sunrise Terrace
• Pruning request at 80 Alvin Sloan
• Tree City USA award – 26 years
• Maintenance list review

The Commission approved the March 16, 2026 meeting minutes. Members discussed the current $24,650.00 budget and added several properties to the tree maintenance list for future quote requests.

• Approved March 16, 2026 minutes (4-0)
• Added 121 Sunrise, 128 Sunrise, 139 Sunrise, and 80 Alvin Sloan to the maintenance list

Land Use Board

The Washington Borough Land Use Board will hold a regular meeting with a light agenda. The board will review escrow amounts and discuss a comparison of application and escrow fees. An application by Joseph Morcos at 162 E Washington Avenue has been adjourned to June 8, 2026. The meeting includes approval of minutes and public comment.

• Joseph Morcos application at 162 E Washington Ave (Block 65 Lot 3) adjourned to June 8, 2026
• Review of escrow amounts
• Discussion of 2026 application and escrow fee comparison with suggested fees

Borough Council

The Washington Borough Council will consider seven resolutions to redeem tax liens on properties at 39 Kinnaman Ave, 21 N Lincoln Ave, 20 Grand Ave, 33 E Church St, 8 Vannatta St, 56-60 Broad St, and a seventh property (Bizmark LLC). The redemptions involve payments to investors who purchased tax certificates, with total payouts including premiums ranging from $2,735.58 to $46,811.22. The council will also adopt proclamations honoring Fliegauf Jewelers' 100th anniversary and Bonnie Hill for community service.

• Resolution 2026-54: Redeem tax lien at 39 Kinnaman Ave (Block 6 Lot 5) – $3,135.61
• Resolution 2026-55: Redeem tax lien at 21 N Lincoln Ave (Block 12 Lot 9) – $6,679.40
• Resolution 2026-56: Redeem tax lien at 20 Grand Ave (Block 13.01 Lot 7) – $2,821.32
• Resolution 2026-59: Redeem tax lien at 56-60 Broad St (Block 94 Lot 43) – $46,811.22
• Proclamations honoring Fliegauf Jewelers (100th anniversary) and Bonnie Hill (Bonnie Hill Day)

The council approved claims and six resolutions unanimously (6-0) and tabled the April 7 minutes for corrections. Budget discussion included a council member's concern over lack of a dedicated public hearing, though no formal action was taken. Council also heard reports on an $11,500 arts grant and a resident's inquiry about a DPW sign installation.

• Approved claims and vouchers (6-0)
• Adopted Resolutions 2026-54 through 60 (6-0)
• Tabled approval of April 7 meeting minutes until next meeting
• Entered executive session to discuss potential litigation (7:06 PM, returned 7:23 PM)

Library Board

The Washington Public Library Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting, primarily consisting of routine reports and approvals. The only substantive item on the agenda is a discussion about moving the monthly meeting from the fourth Thursday to the fourth Monday.

• Discussion on changing the monthly meeting day from fourth Thursday to fourth Monday

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold public hearings and vote to adopt an amended 2026 municipal budget (Resolutions 2026-49 and 2026-40), reducing anticipated surplus from $850,000 to $758,231.53 and total general appropriations from $9,584,872.31 to $9,493,103.84. Also up for final adoption is Ordinance 2026-09, which establishes regulations and fees for borough-owned electric vehicle charging stations, including a $2/hour rate and a 4-hour maximum. The meeting includes proclamations honoring firefighter Ron Hartrum and Eagle Scout Benjamin Fedon, plus an executive session on a settlement.

• 2026 budget amendment reduces anticipated surplus by $91,768.47 and total appropriations by $91,768.47
• Ordinance 2026-09 creates electric vehicle charging station fees: $2/hour up to 4 hours, $5 minimum, and escalating sitting fees
• Proclamation recognizing Ron Hartrum for 24 years of volunteer fire service and as Emergency Operations Manager
• Proclamation honoring Benjamin Fedon for achieving Eagle Scout rank and building a trailhead sign and boardwalk at Shabbecong Creek Preserve
• Executive session scheduled to discuss a settlement (Resolution 2026-53)

The Council adopted Ordinance 2026-09 to regulate two electric vehicle charging spaces in Municipal Parking Lot No. 1. The law introduces hourly fees and penalties for vehicles that remain in spaces after charging is complete. The Council also approved the 2026 Municipal Budget via Resolution 2026-40.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-09 establishing EV charging regulations and fees (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-40 for the 2026 Municipal Budget (4-2-1)
• Approved March 17, 2026, minutes (7-0)
• Approved April 13, 2026, minutes (5-0-2)
• Approved claims and vouchers (7-0)
• Issued Proclamation of Thanks to Ron Hartrum
• Issued Proclamation recognizing Benjamin Charles Fedon as an Eagle Scout

Shade Tree Commission

The Washington Borough Shade Tree Commission has cancelled its April 20, 2025 meeting due to lack of quorum. No business will be conducted.

Shade Tree Commission

The Washington Shade Tree Commission will review minutes from March, acknowledge receiving a Tree City USA award for the 26th year, discuss Arbor Day plans, and consider tree tag requests for two properties on Sunrise Terrace and a pruning request on Alvin Sloan Avenue.

• Tree City USA award received for 26th consecutive year
• Discussion of Arbor Day events
• 121 Sunrise Terrace – Tree Tag #857
• 139 Sunrise Terrace – Tree Tag #849
• 80 Alvin Sloan Avenue – pruning request

Borough Council

The Borough Council will consider a single resolution granting permission to the Washington Business Improvement District for an expanded open container area in Veterans Park Parking Lot on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The rest of the agenda consists of routine procedures.

• Resolution 2026-52 authorizing an expanded open container fenced beer garden area in the Borough Veterans Park Parking Lot
• Event date: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Applicant: Washington Business Improvement District

The council approved Resolution 2026-52, granting the Washington Business Improvement District permission for an expanded open container fenced beer garden area in the Veterans Park parking lot on April 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The vote was 4-1, with Councilmember Musick casting the sole no vote. No other substantive decisions were made; public comment periods had no speakers.

• Approved Resolution 2026-52 for expanded open container area at Veterans Park parking lot (4-1)