Borough council meeting minutes

1. Call to order

Kevin Sluka, Administrator, called the meeting to order and read the Open Public Meeting Law Statement.

2. Roll call

Present: Mayor Brian Gallagher, Council Members Andrew Conte, Theresa Bonner, RanD Pitts and Roger Vroom

Excused: Council Members Glen Denys and Gina Stravic

Also Present: Jeremy Solomon, Borough Attorney

3. Salute to the flag

Mayor Gallagher led the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. Departmental reports & notices

Mayor Gallagher stated there were no departmental reports or notices at this time.

5. Committee reports

Council Member Conte

The Historic Advisory Committee met last week. The committee discussed some of the historic properties in town and the 250th anniversary. The celebrations will continue to roll on for the rest of the year. The committee remains eager to hear about the master plan.

Council Member Bonner

The Public Safety Committee is not meeting this summer and will return in September. The Library Board of Trustees will meet this Thursday at the Somerville Civic Center, open to the public at 6:30 pm.

Council Member Pitts

Council Member Pitts provided an update on a new change taking effect today in the e-bike laws. E-bikes are now classified as motorized bicycles. The minimum age is 15 years old, and helmets are required for all riders. A valid driver's license or special e-bike license is now required, and registration is required for all e-bikes. Insurance is required for motorized bikes but is not required for low-speed electric bikes. More information is available at SomervilleNJ.org/e-bikes.

Council Member Vroom

Registration deadlines are coming up on July 31 for Recreation soccer leagues for players entering grades 1 through 8. Turkey Trot early bird pricing will also end on July 31.

Mayor Gallagher

Mayor Gallagher noted there were a series of storms over the past several weeks. While the Borough was not seriously impacted, significant preparation goes into readiness for these events. The Mayor thanked the Office of Emergency Management, Jason Kraska, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Rescue Squad, CERT, the Department of Public Works, and Council Member Vroom for stepping in during the Mayor's absence. A great deal of work happens behind the scenes at Borough Hall, with Administrator Sluka and the team, to make sure the Borough is prepared in the event that something occurs.

6. Meeting open to the public

No public comments were received.

7. Ordinances for public hearing and adoption

Ordinance #2806-26-0615 – Amending Schedule XVII: speed limits to include new public roadways located in the Somerset Station development and amending speed limits listed in schedule