Kevin Sluka, Administrator, called the meeting to order and read the Open Public Meeting Law Statement.
Borough of Somerville
Borough Council meeting minutes
August 17, 2026
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
Council President Vroom presided in the absence of Mayor Gallagher.
Present: Council Members Theresa Bonner, Andrew Conte, Glen Denys, RanD Pitts, Gina Stravic and Roger Vroom
Excused: Mayor Brian Gallagher
Also Present: Jeremy Solomon, Borough Attorney
3. Salute to the flag
Council President Vroom led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Approval of minutes
July 6, 2026
Motion: Council Member Pitts
Second: Council Member Bonner
All voted in favor.
July 20, 2026
Motion: Council Member Pitts
Second: Council Member Bonner
Yes: Council Members Bonner, Conte, Pitts, and Vroom
Abstain: Council Members Denys and Stravic
5. Departmental reports and notices
There were no departmental reports or notices at this meeting.
6. Committee reports
Council Member Bonner
The library building is currently closed, but library programs continue at locations around town, including at the Somerset County Business Partnership building. Residents can check the Somerset County Library System website for event times and locations. New solar-powered crosswalk signals have also been installed on Main Street to improve pedestrian safety.
Council Member Pitts
Council Member Pitts had no report at this time.
Council Member Conte
The Historic Advisory Committee looks forward to its meeting this Thursday. No additional report was given.
Council Member Stravic
The Board of Health will meet on September 16. The Somerville Rescue Squad continues its work and recently swore in a new member. Membership in the squad remains open for anyone interested in volunteering as an emergency medical technician.
Council Member Denys
The Environmental Commission met last week. National Night Out was a success with good resident engagement. The commission completed a downtown street tree walk with an arborist on July 21; 5 trees have been removed downtown to date, and the commission is working on replacement locations and species for planting this fall. Habitat restoration work will take place Saturday, August 22 at 9:30 am at the Pocket Meadow and Shade Grove on William and Grove Streets; those interested in volunteering can sign up through the commission's social media or by email. On October 3, the commission will hold a 250 Trees community planting event to celebrate