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, Glen Denys, Gina Stravic, Roger Vroom and RanD Pitts

Excused: Council Member Theresa Bonner

Also Present: Jeremy Solomon, Borough Attorney

3. Salute to the Flag

The mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. Departmental Reports & Notices

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

5. Resolution 26-0803-233 – Approving the Hiring of Eric A. Melendez as Police Officer Effective August 4, 2026

All voted in favor and Resolution 26-0803-233 was adopted.

6. Oath of Office

See Oath of Office section below, after the ordinance hearing.

7. Committee Reports

Council Member Conte

The Historic Advisory Committee had not yet met this month. The committee looks forward to discussing several items later in the month, including displaying more borough artifacts and museum items in town, and continuing to map historic places in town for the committee's online google map.

Council Member Stravic

On September 27, 2026, the Board of Health will have a presence at the farmers market. Council Member Stravic called it a good partnership and opportunity for the Board of Health to work with the community. The Rescue Squad continues its good work.

Council Member Denys

The Fire Department responded to 74 service calls in July. The Environmental Commission met on July 14, 2026, and 2 new pet waste stations were installed along the greenway in partnership with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority's Water Ambassadors program and the Department of Public Works. On September 9, 2026, Green Team member David Dvorin will host a talk on lowering energy bills. Volunteer days for the Peters Brook Habitat Restoration Project are scheduled for August 22, September 16, September 27, and October 1, 2026, with additional details and sign-ups to follow. The Environmental Commission will also be at National Night Out on August 4, 2026, sharing energy-saving tips, and will hold its monthly meeting on August 11, 2026, at 7 pm at the Somerville Civic Center.

Council Member Pitts

Council Member Pitts reminded residents that National Night Out is August 4, 2026, and encouraged the community to come meet the Police Department, Fire Department, and Rescue