Milltown Council Tackles Little League Improvements and CFO Appointment
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
02/26/2024
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Recording Published:
02/26/2024
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Duration:
101 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Milltown
- Meeting Overview:
The Milltown Borough Council meeting on February 26th, 2024, focused on significant municipal developments, including the Little League facility’s improvement, the temporary appointment of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and the revision of parking and snow ordinances. These issues took precedence in a session that also discussed street numbering extensions, the potential for a Farm Stand and food truck concept, and ongoing community events and infrastructure projects.
Bobby Samel, President of Milltown Little League, presented a proposal to enhance the Little League facility and Gloria Bradford Park. The plan proposed the elimination of an existing batting cage, relocation and purchase of a new shed, installation of new fencing around the dugouts, and setting up Wi-Fi connectivity. Council members inquired about the equipment to be housed in the new shed, the dimensions of the structure, and whether the proposed changes had been coordinated with relevant parties. The proposal received positive attention, culminating in a motion that was approved to move forward with a resolution for the improvements. Samel also extended an invitation to the council for the Little League’s opening day ceremony on April 13th.
In addition to the Little League proposal, the council addressed an urgent administrative matter—the appointment of a temporary CFO. A resident voiced concerns regarding the resolution related to this appointment, questioning its impact on the current CFO’s position and potential salary adjustments. The council clarified that the interim appointment was a state-mandated measure and reassured that the current CFO’s hours and compensation would remain unchanged. The council convened an executive session to discuss further details of the personnel matter and a real estate acquisition.
The meeting also saw deliberations on ordinance amendments. The council discussed updating chapter 23 of the borough’s streets and sidewalks ordinance, which now includes fines to enforce violations. The ordinance, first established with the inception of the police department and revised in 2015, was revisited to ensure convenience for residents in the fine payment process, with the judge and chief of police contributing to the revisions.
Snow ordinance enforcement generated debate among council members, who expressed concerns about residents being unprepared due to the lack of snowfall over the past two years. Suggestions were made to improve public awareness of the ordinance, including enhanced accessibility of information on the borough’s website. Ordinance number 24-11531, regarding snow-related parking restrictions, was moved to be adopted on first reading and slated for a public hearing at the subsequent council meeting. The council considered incorporating school days into the ordinance but decided to table the discussion to address questions about enforceability and resident confusion.
Parking restrictions were a recurring theme, with ordinance 24-11532 proposing timed restrictions on a specific street. After considering amendments and seeking feedback from the Chief of Police, the council opted to table the ordinance until the next meeting.
The council voted to amend ordinance 24-11530, which pertains to borough employees’ salaries and wages, specifically altering the salary range for a senior account clerk position. Following a public hearing, the ordinance was adopted with the amendment.
Financial responsibilities were addressed through a resolution authorizing the payment of the borough’s obligations, which passed without comment. However, two resolutions were singled out from the consent agenda for further scrutiny. Resolution 24-84, concerning the Middlesex County Recycling Enhancement Grant, sparked debate due to concerns about resident burden and vermin problems associated with food waste. Despite a lack of consensus to table the resolution, the council agreed to deliberate further before making a decision.
The council’s workload included various topics, such as the search for a Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) and reports from various community departments and committees. The Revitalization Committee discussed plans for Milltown Day, while the Environmental Committee arranged a Zoom meeting. The Human Relations Committee reported on membership shortages and continued efforts to potentially rename Patan Avenue.
The council entertained the idea of extending street numbering for two houses, which segued into discussions on introducing a Farm Stand and food truck concept. Members weighed the potential impact on local businesses and the logistics of managing such an endeavor, ultimately agreeing to further evaluate the idea.
The council demonstrated appreciation for various community initiatives, while residents participated actively, voicing both grievances and support for borough activities.
George Murray
City Council Officials:
Richard Revolinsky, John Collins, Gary Posnansky, David Potter, Felipe Zambrana, Frank Manco
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
02/26/2024
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Recording Published:
02/26/2024
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Duration:
101 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Milltown
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