Said the library is important to her family. She said the mold testing being conducted by an industrial hygienist is a good start and that other airborne substances beyond mold can affect people with asthma, allergies, migraines, or compromised immune systems. She asked the borough and county to repair their working relationship.
Said the organization serves some of Somerville's most vulnerable residents and wanted to raise awareness of its work in town.
Asked when the borough or Department of Public Works would repave Veterans Memorial Drive, which he said has been in poor condition for years.
Said the borough should be a partner in decisions about the library rather than informed after the fact. She asked the Council to confirm whether the required processes were followed before closure of the branch. She noted the Borough Clerk confirmed no formal approval was sought or given, as required under the borough's agreement with the county library system. She also asked whether the County Library Commission itself formally approved the closure before its summer recess. She presented a petition with several hundred signatures supporting the library as a borough priority.
Close public comment
All voted in favor and the meeting was closed to the public.
Discussion
Mayor Gallagher addressed the Veterans Memorial Drive paving question, stating that the project is funded through a federal grant.
Kevin Sluka confirmed that bids are due August 12, 2026. The project must be reviewed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the federal government, which also requires a full-time construction inspector on site. We’re waiting for approval for that RFP.
Mayor Gallagher said that mold testing showed no elevated levels inside the building compared to outside air. He said the borough intends to preserve its rights under its agreement with the county library system, and that the goal remains to reoccupy the building once it is certified clean and to work with the library commission on a longer-term plan.
11. Consent Resolutions
Resolutions 26-0803-234 through 26-0803-245
All voted in favor and the consent agenda was approved.
12. Bills and Vouchers
| Account | PO # | Vendor Name | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-01-20-135-000-503 | 25-00995 | PKF O'CONNER DAVIES, LLP | 25,000.00 |
| 5-01-25-240-000-720 | 25-01765 | ELITE VEHICLE SOLUTIONS | 59,886.44 |
| 5-01-26-290-000-560 | 25-00065 | PDQ AUTO SUPPLY OF MANVILLE | 1,278.32 |
| 5-01-26-290-000-560 | 26-01313 | NAPA-GENUINE PARTS CO. | 21.04 |
| 5-01-26-290-000-560 | 26-01313 | NAPA-GENUINE PARTS CO. | 8.62 |
| 5-01-26-290-000-560 | 26-01313 | NAPA-GENUINE PARTS CO. | 82.45 |
| 6-01-20-100-000-530 | 26-01353 | XEROX CORP | 1,032.83 |
| 6-01-20-100-000-532 | 26-01330 | NEW JERSEY LEAGUE OF MUNICIPAL |
420.00 |
| 6-01-20-100-000-628 | 26-01283 | W.B. MASON CO., INC | 17.09 |