Council Member Conte said there have been previous concerns expressed about the DSA and the Borough is not getting the response we’re looking for from this DSA.

Council President Vroom said the Borough should send a survey to everyone who pays the SID tax, including business owners and property owners to hear what constituents in the SID have to say.

Council Member Pitts suggested the DSA board meetings are recorded and made available for public viewing.

8. Ordinance for introduction

Ordinance #2810-26-0817 – Amending Chapter 102-95, Article XI Entitled Zoning, Creating Subsection H Entitled “Affordable Housing”

Administrator Sluka explained that the Borough had previously adopted this provision and later amended it during discussions with the state regarding its model ordinance. Under this amendment, anyone constructing a new two-family home or converting a one-family home to a two-family home will have an affordable housing fee obligation. The change does not affect one-family homeowners making improvements to their existing homes with permits. It applies only to conversions from a one-family to a two-family home or new two-family construction.

Introduction

Motion: Council Member Stravic

Second: Council Member Denys

All voted in favor and Ordinance #2810-26-0817 was introduced.

9. Consent resolutions 26-0817-247 through 26-0817-254

Walk-on: Resolution 26-0817-255 - Authorizing the Borough of Somerville to Enter into a Global Settlement Agreement Resolving Litigation and Land Use Objections Concerning the Wheatsworth Properties Urban Renewal LLC Development in the Township of Bridgewater, and Authorizing the Borough Clerk-Administrator to Execute the Same upon Completion of Special Counsel Review.

Discussion

Council Member Conte asked for confirmation that the security camera authorized under Resolution 26-0817-253 would be Borough-owned and tied to the Police Department, and not accessible to others.

Administrator Sluka confirmed that the camera is Borough-owned. The intended vantage point over Parking Lot 4 required mounting the camera on a neighboring privately owned building, and the property owner agreed to the installation.

Approval

Motion: Council Member Stravic

Second: Council Member Pitts

All voted in favor and the consent agenda, including the walk-on resolution, was approved.

10. Bills and vouchers

PO # Vendor Name Amount
25-01326 BOWCO LABORATORIES, INC 95.00
26-01399 THA Consulting, Inc. 9,400.00
26-00278 STAR LEDGER 611.43
26-00307 USA TODAY MEDIA CORP 352.34
26-01449 29 SOMERSET LLC 300.00
26-01407 CENTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES 350.00
26-01420 NJ LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES 200.00
26-01358 W.B. MASON CO., INC 25.84
26-01358 W.B. MASON CO., INC 21.65
26-01358 W.B. MASON CO., INC 262.56