Watchung public meetings in 2025
22 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council will consider four ordinances updating borough codes, including rules for bow and arrow hunting and filming. The body will also authorize a settlement agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center and approve a construction change order for the Watchung Public Library.
- Ordinance allowing bow and arrow hunting within the borough
- Ordinance establishing filming regulations consistent with the NJ Film Commission
- Settlement agreement with Fair Share Housing Center
- Change order for West End KB LLC at the Watchung Public Library
- Authorization for Rutgers Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council will consider opposing pending state legislation (S4736) that would allow conversion of religious and nonprofit property to inclusionary affordable housing. The meeting includes first readings of four ordinances: updating fire prevention regulations, amending public property rules, establishing filming standards, and allowing bow and arrow hunting. Routine consent items include authorizing a grant application for Valley Road sidewalk improvements, animal control contracts, and several tax lien redemptions.
- R3: Opposing Senate Bill S4736 concerning conversion of religious and nonprofit property to affordable housing
- R4: Authorizing FY26 NJDOT Local Freight Impact Fund grant application for Valley Road roadway and sidewalk improvements
- ORD #25/24: First reading of ordinance to allow bow and arrow hunting within the borough
- ORD #25/23: First reading of ordinance establishing filming regulations consistent with NJ Film Ready program
- R11: Authorizing a 2026-2027 animal control services contract with Animal Control Solutions
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Municipal Council
The Council will consider ORD 25/20, an amendment to Borough Code Chapter 2 that creates the position of Borough Local Historian and revises the terms of the Historical Committee. Several routine consent items will be voted on, including affirming the borough’s Civil Rights Policy, tax‑lien redemptions for three properties, and purchases that exceed the normal spending limit for holiday lights and library security systems. A non‑consent item seeks an appropriation transfer for the 2025 budget.
- ORD 25/20: amend Borough Code Chapter 2 to establish the Borough Local Historian and revise Historical Committee membership terms
- R1: affirm the borough’s Civil Rights Policy for officials, employees, volunteers and the public
- R2‑R4: authorize tax‑lien redemption for 100 Deer Run, 123 Knollwood Drive, and 22 Canterbury Lane
- R5: approve purchases over the allowed threshold for Shack Shine Holiday Lights and Haig Service Corporation library fire & security alarm systems
- R6: authorize an appropriation transfer for the 2025 budget
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Municipal Council
The Mayor and Council will discuss ordinances regarding street opening permits and parking restrictions on Carrar Drive. The body is also deciding on several contracts for public works equipment and road improvements.
- ORD 25/18: Update to street opening permits and repaving requirements
- ORD 25/19: Parking restrictions along a portion of Carrar Drive
- R8: Bid contract for 2025 NJDOT Road Improvements to Riverview Paving, Inc.
- R1: Purchases for Lexipol LLC, Winner Ford (2 patrol cars), National Auto Fleet Group, Power Place Inc., and John Deere Company
- ORD 25/20: Establishment of the Borough Local Historian position
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Municipal Council
The Mayor and Council will discuss a long-term lease for a new firehouse and consider updates to street opening and parking regulations. The body will also review a settlement agreement and a salary adjustment.
- ORD #25/17: 50-year ground lease with The Connell Company for a new firehouse (Block 7502/Lot 1)
- ORD 25/18: Amendments to Chapter 17 regarding street opening permits and repaving requirements
- OR 25/19: New parking restrictions along a portion of Carrar Drive
- R5: Settlement agreement on Estrella v. Damato, et al.
- R3: Grant application for the Somerset County Trails Grant Program
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council will consider an ordinance authorizing a 50‑year ground lease with the Connell Company for a new firehouse on Block 7502/Lot 1. The council will also act on several special resolutions, including appointments and promotions within the police department, and on multiple ordinance amendments covering towing, vending machines, waste, limousine licensing, wildlife feeding, and salary ranges. Additional items include authorizing emergency work purchases, a raffle license for the Watchung Educational Foundation, and property maintenance liens on two properties. A long‑range stormwater and drainage plan will be discussed as a non‑consent item.
- OR 25/17: 50‑year ground lease with Connell Company for new firehouse (Block 7502/Lot 1)
- R4: Authorization of purchases over allowed threshold for S.E. Rose Trucking & Excavating (emergency public work services)
- R5: Authorization of Raffle License #670 to the Watchung Educational Foundation
- R9: Placement of a property maintenance lien on 31 Tuttle Road
- R10: Placement of a property maintenance lien on 131 Cedar Road
Municipal Council
The Mayor and Council will discuss several infrastructure projects and professional service contracts. The body is also introducing seven ordinances on first reading covering towing, vending, waste, and police regulations.
- Bid contract for Exposed Sewer Manhole Stabilization Project to T.R. Weniger, Inc.
- Bid contract for Phillips Field Complex Bridge Stabilization Project to T.R. Weniger, Inc.
- Sanitary Sewer Agreement with Bonnie Burn Redevelopers Urban Renewal, LLC
- Professional Services Contract for Grant Services to Bruno Associates, Inc.
- Ordinances regarding temporary dumpsters, wildlife feeding, and limousine licensing
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Municipal Council
The Mayor and Council will discuss an ordinance for a conservation easement from Bonnie Burn Redevelopers Urban Renewal, LLC. The body is also deciding on sewer rates for 2025, professional service contracts, and several personnel appointments.
- Ordinance OR#25/09 regarding a conservation easement from Bonnie Burn Redevelopers Urban Renewal, LLC
- Resolution R2 authorizing sewer rates for 2025
- Resolution R7 authorizing purchases for Thomas Canize Reassessment inspection and BL Contracting Inc. fire house asbestos abatement
- Resolution R19 awarding a professional services contract to ANS Consultants, Inc. for library construction testing
- Resolution R20 opposing Governor Murphy's New Jersey Energy Master Plan regarding offshore wind generation
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council will hold a regular meeting on July 17, 2025. Among items are a first-reading ordinance authorizing a conservation easement from Bonnie Burn Redevelopers Urban Renewal, LLC, several emergency contracts for road and sinkhole repairs, and appointments. The meeting includes public comment periods.
- First-reading ordinance OR#25/09 authorizing a conservation easement from Bonnie Burn Redevelopers Urban Renewal, LLC
- Authorizing a professional services agreement for Affordable Housing Administrative Agent to CGP&H, LLC
- Emergency contract for Elsinore Drive sinkhole repairs to S.E. Rose Trucking
- Emergency contract for roadway and culvert repairs at Glen Eagle Drive
- Emergency contract for fence repairs at Mobus Field
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council will consider endorsing the 2025-2035 Housing Element & Fair Share Plan for fourth-round affordable housing compliance. They will also vote on resolutions opposing state bills A-2145 and S-2373 that would increase workers' compensation costs. Other agenda items include awarding a tax sale hosting contract to Realauction.com, renewing liquor licenses, and authorizing payouts to police personnel. The meeting includes public comment periods and an executive session.
- Endorsement of 2025-2035 Housing Element & Fair Share Plan (R7)
- Opposition to A-2145 and S-2373 on workers' compensation costs (R1)
- Award of online tax sale hosting service to Realauction.com, LLC (R2)
- Authorization of 2025-2026 liquor license renewal (R4)
- Authorizing accumulated benefits payouts to Lt. James Kimock and Officer Woods (R9, R10)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Municipal Council
The Mayor and Council will discuss an ordinance to update temporary signage regulations in the Borough's Land Development code. The body will also consider several refunds and the adoption of the 2025 Somerset County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- OR 25/07: Ordinance revising Chapter 28, Land Development, regarding temporary signage
- R6: Adoption of the 2025 Somerset County Hazard Mitigation Plan
- R1: Waiving Mobile Food Establishment Fee for ONO Bowls Food Truck
- R4: Grant application for Somerset County's Municipal Youth Services Commission
- R7: Authorization of summer camp staff appointments
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council will vote on several consent and non‑consent items, including the establishment of the 2025‑2026 school tax levy for WHRHS. They will also consider a shared‑services agreement with North Plainfield to purchase a new E‑One aerial/ladder fire truck. Additional items include permits, a raffle license, and a refund for a duplicate tax payment.
- R6: Establishing the 2025‑2026 school tax levy for WHRHS
- R8: Authorizing a shared services agreement with North Plainfield for a new E‑One aerial/ladder fire truck
- R1: Authorizing On‑Premise Raffle License #688 for Mary E Wilson Memorial Church
- R2: Authorizing a field and facility permit for use of the Gazebo at Watchung Lake for Jerry Tucker
- R5: Authorizing a refund to Mah Realty Management, LLC for a duplicate tax payment
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Municipal Council
The Mayor and Council will discuss a redevelopment and financial agreement for a property at 291 Bonnie Burn Road. The body is also reviewing ordinances regarding temporary signage and salary limits, as well as several grant applications.
- Redevelopment Agreement for 291 Bonnie Burn Road (Block 7403/ Lots 5 & 10 and Block 7402/ Lots 19.01 & 19.02)
- Ordinance OR# 25/07 to update temporary signage regulations in Chapter 28
- Ordinance OR #25/08 establishing minimum and maximum salary
- Application for NJDOT Transportation Alternatives Program for Valley Road Sidewalk Improvement Project
- Opposition to legislation (Senate Bill S2347/1106 and Assembly Bills A2792, A4370, A2489) regarding Accessory Dwelling Units
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council will consider several items, including a public hearing on the 2025 municipal budget and the formal adoption of that budget. The council will also vote on authorizing a strategic plan submission for a regional grant, approving purchases above the usual limit from Nielsen of Morristown, and permitting a field and facility application for the Watchung Rescue Squad. Additional items include adopting the bill list and reviewing correspondence about a master plan reexamination.
- R4: Adopt the 2025 Municipal Budget
- R1: Authorize submission of the Watchung Hills Regional Municipal Alliance Grant strategic plan for FY2026
- R2: Authorize purchases over the allowed threshold from Nielsen of Morristown
- R3: Authorize field & facility permit application for the Watchung Rescue Squad
- Correspondence: Notice from North Plainfield on master plan reexamination; public hearing scheduled for May 14
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council meets to consider an ordinance to exceed the municipal budget cost of living allowance and establish a cap bank. Consent items include a settlement with the NJ Builders Association re-establishing affordable housing obligations, along with routine authorizations for permits, refunds, and purchases. A non-consent item authorizes a contract expansion for a NJDOT grant. Reports from committees and borough officers will be presented.
- Ordinance OR 25/06 to exceed municipal budget cost of living allowance and establish a cap bank
- Authorizing settlement with NJ Builders Association to re-establish 4th Round Affordable Housing obligations
- Authorizing contract expansion to RVE for 2025 NJDOT Municipal Aid Program Grant
- Authorizing field and facility permit for Watchung PTO
- Authorizing escrow return for 936 Valley Road
Municipal Council
The Mayor and Council will introduce the 2025 Municipal Budget and hear a budget presentation from the Board of Education. The body will also consider a contract for library additions and an ordinance regarding the budget cost of living allowance.
- Introduction of the 2025 Municipal Budget
- Bid contract award to West End KB LLC for proposed additions to the library
- Ordinance OR 25/06 to exceed the municipal budget cost of living allowance
- Opposition to Senate Bill S1408 and Assembly Bill A2757 regarding mixed-use developments
- Purchases over allowed threshold for Axion Enterprise and Absolute Fire Protection
Municipal Council
The meeting will include reports from standing committees and borough officers, notably a budget overview from Finance. The council will vote on four resolutions: accepting an Eagle Scout service project, authorizing two tax lien redemptions (24-00002 and 24-00008), and approving final payout of accumulated benefits for Joann Estrella.
- R1: Accepting Proposed Eagle Scout Service Project
- R2: Authorizing Tax Lien Redemption 24-00002
- R3: Authorizing Tax Lien Redemption 24-00008
- R4: Authorizing Final Payout of Accumulated Benefits for Joann Estrella
- Finance – Budget Overview report
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Municipal Council
The Mayor and Council will hold a regular meeting featuring a proclamation for National Heart Month and a special presentation on a proposed Eagle Scout project. The consent agenda includes authorizing return of escrow monies and three tax lien redemptions. An executive session is planned for personnel matters.
- Proclamation: National Heart Month
- Special presentation: Proposed Eagle Scout project by Charles Ford, Troop 129
- Commending Valley View Boys Basketball Team
- Consent: Authorizing Return of Escrow Monies
- Consent: Tax Lien Redemptions #24-00004, #24-00007, #24-00008
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council will hold public hearings and final adoption votes on five ordinances, including new prohibitions on public urination and camping or lodging on public property. The council will also consider resolutions to join the 'ARRIVE Together' police-mental health co-response program, authorize contract expansions for tax map services and remediation at the former Ness Farm site, and approve various facility permits.
- Public hearings and final adoption of ordinances OR 25/02 (banning public urination) and OR 25/05 (prohibiting camping/lodging on public property)
- Resolution R15: Authorizing MOU with North Plainfield PD, Warren Township PD, and Bridgeway Behavioral Health for the 'ARRIVE Together' co-response program
- Resolution R13: Authorizing contract expansion to RVE for remedial action at the former Ness Farm site
- Resolution R10: Authorizing contract expansion to RVE for tax map services
- Resolution R8: Supporting an Eagle Scout service project to install fishing lines at Best Lake
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Municipal Council
The Watchung Borough Council will consider three resolutions. One establishes the borough’s fourth round of affordable‑housing present need and prospective need obligations. Two authorize an off‑premise raffle license (#687) for the Watchung Parent‑Teacher Organization. The third authorizes a bingo license (BL‑6) for the same organization.
- Establish 4th round affordable housing present need and prospective need obligations
- Authorize Off‑Premise Raffle License #687 for Watchung PTO
- Authorize Bingo License BL‑6 for Watchung PTO
- Authorize an executive session
Municipal Council
The Watchung Municipal Council will hold first readings on four ordinances: banning public urination, updating fire prevention regulations, revising peddling/solicitation licensing, and prohibiting camping on public property. The council will also vote on a police promotion, grant applications, and purchase orders over thresholds. Public comments are limited to agenda items and general discussion.
- R1: Promotion of Michael Cannata to Sergeant of Police Department
- ORD 25/02: Banning public urination throughout the borough
- ORD 25/05: Prohibiting camping or lodging on public property
- R5: Purchase orders over allowed threshold — Main Street Designs $9,760 and Whitemarsh Corp $67,700
- R2: Grant application to DCA for FY2025 Local Recreation Improvement Grant Program
Municipal Council
The Municipal Council is meeting for its annual reorganization to swear in members and appoint leadership. The body will vote on the 2025 temporary budget, a cash management plan, and several professional services contracts.
- Adoption of 2025 Temporary Budget (R4)
- Professional services contracts for Borough Attorney, Tax Appeal Attorney, Prosecutor, and Auditor
- Appointment of Albert DeSandolo II as Fire Chief and Richard Sloyan as Assistant Fire Chief
- Ordinance OR 25/01 to update Council meeting rules
- Appointment of Catherine Furlan as Property Maintenance Officer