Ordinance #2807-26-0706 – Bond Ordinance Providing an Appropriation of $850,000 for the Design and Resurfacing of South Middaugh Street and Washington Place for and by the Borough of Somerville, in the County of Somerset, New Jersey and Authorizing the Issuance of $700,000 Bonds or Notes of the Borough for Financing Part of the Appropriation

Public Comments

Council President Vroom opened the meeting for public comment. No public comments were received.

Introduction

Motion: Council Member Stravic

Second: Council Member Denys

Abstain: Council Member Bonner

Ordinance #2807-26-0706 was introduced.

Discussion

Council Member Conte asked why the borough was borrowing this amount.

Administrator Sluka explained that 2 state grants, totaling approximately $543,000, will offset the appropriation, with the bond representing the borough's local match toward a state Department of Transportation grant.

Ordinance #2808-26-0706 – Amending Chapter 61 Entitled Cannabis, Section 5 Entitled Classes Permitted, Subsection B(9) Entitled Hours

Public Comments

Council President Vroom opened the meeting for public comment. No public comments were received.

Introduction

Motion: Council Member Denys

Second: Council Member Conte

All voted in favor and Ordinance #2808-26-0706 was introduced.

Discussion

Council Member Bonner asked if this ordinance extends the permitted hours of operation.

Administrator Sluka confirmed this will allow cannabis retailers to be competitive with surrounding municipalities.

Ordinance #2809-26-0706 – Amending Chapter 133 of the Borough Code Entitled Retail Food Establishments

Public Comments

Council President Vroom opened the meeting for public comment. No public comments were received.

Introduction

Motion: Council Member Denys

Second: Council Member Bonner

All voted in favor and Ordinance #2809-26-0706 was introduced.

Discussion

Council Member Stravic noted the ordinance had not yet come before the Board of Health.

Administrator Sluka explained the ordinance will be introduced with minor changes requested by council members, including a reference to sidewalk cafes, and that a copy will be sent to the Board of Health for review before the public hearing and adoption. The ordinance is intended to consolidate existing policies and practices regarding retail food establishments, previously contained in a single paragraph of the borough code, into a complete ordinance.