MANAGER'S BLOG

Our next regular Town Council meeting (Hybrid Regular Meeting) is Monday, March 9, 2026, beginning at 7:00pm. We will have an Executive Session regarding Contract Negotiations following same.

Enjoy the Parade tomorrow!

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Clerk’s office has prepared for consideration and approval the minutes from the February 9, 2026 – Regular Meeting and Executive Session, and the February 23, 2026 – Regular Meeting.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This is for those that wish to address the Town Council but do not plan to stay for the whole meeting. There is a note to the public on the agenda to please keep their comments to a maximum of 3 minutes and limited to one turn at the microphone. This allows ample time for all who wish to speak and keeps the meeting moving forward. The public can speak on any matter. Council may choose to comment after the entire public portion has concluded. Comments from the public will be both in-person and via Zoom.

ORDINANCE(S)

There are four (4) Ordinances for 2^nd Reading and Public Hearing:

Ordinance 2026-5 amends, revises, and supplements Chapter 320 of the Town Code, entitled “Zoning: Form-Based Code”, most notably Section 320-19, Entitled “Special District 9 – Planned Neighborhood Development Zone”. There is a Resolution (#111-2026) to reject the Land Use Board recommendations regarding the adoption of Ordinance 2026-5 as per Town Attorney.

Ordinance 2026-6 adopts an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the Paterson Avenue Redevelopment Plan, pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq. There is a Resolution (#112-2026) to reject the Land Use Board recommendations regarding the adoption of Ordinance 2026-6 as per Town Attorney.

Ordinance 2026-7 adopts an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the Merriam Gateway Redevelopment Plan, pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq. There is a Resolution (#113-2026) to reject the Land Use Board recommendations regarding the adoption of Ordinance 2026-7 as per Town Attorney.

Ordinance 2026-8 approves the Cap Bank. This is done annually as per the CMFO’s recommendation.

There are two (2) Ordinances for Introduction:

Ordinance 2026-9 is a Bond Ordinance providing an appropriation of $3,000,000 for various water meter replacements.

Ordinance 2026-10 is a Bond Ordinance providing an appropriation of $3,000,000 for various water main replacements.

CONSENT AGENDA

If none of you have any items that you wish to pull from the Consent Agenda, the Mayor shall call for one roll call vote for all the Consent Agenda items. 

Resolution #105-2026* authorizes the Small Cities Citizens Participation Plan.

Resolution #106-2026* authorizes the implementation of the new Cash Payment Rounding Policy for Pennies.

Resolution #107-2026* authorizes a required disclosure contract for Water Treatment Plant fire suppression repairs.

Resolution #108-2026* endorses the amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan to the Master Plan.

Resolution #109-2026* awards professional engineering services for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation Project.

Resolution #110-2026* furthers Historic Preservation through a grant from the Certified Local Government Program in the amount of $25,000 for the Spring Street Firehouse State and National Historic Register application.

Resolution #114-2026* amends the Temporary Budget for water meter replacements.

Resolution #115-2026* amends the Temporary Budget for water main replacements.

Resolution #116-2026* approves bills and vouchers for payment.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

COUNCIL & MANAGER COMMENTS

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Resolution #117-2026 authorizes a discussion on Contract Negotiations.

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Morris Lake is minus 57 inches below the top of the spillway. 

We have submitted two (2) grant applications for Rep. Gottheimer’s consideration – Babe Ruth Field Project and Sparta Avenue Pump Station.

Our thanks to Helen Humbert who will be taking over Property Maintenance/Code Enforcement activities for the Town.

The budget will be introduced on March 23^rd and adoption will be April 27^th. 

Volunteer applications have been shared with the Council for consideration.

Enjoy your weekend!

Yours In Service, 

TSRJR

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Monaco family during this difficult time.

Many thanks to all of you who paid respects this week and I am grateful for all of the hard work by our Police Department in remembrance of Mike.

Our next regular Town Council meeting (Hybrid Regular Meeting) is Monday, February 20, 2026, beginning at 7:00pm. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This is for those that wish to address the Town Council but do not plan to stay for the whole meeting. There is a note to the public on the agenda to please keep their comments to a maximum of 3 minutes and limited to one turn at the microphone. This allows ample time for all who wish to speak and keeps the meeting moving forward. The public can speak on any matter. Council may choose to comment after the entire public portion has concluded. Comments from the public will be both in-person and via Zoom.

ORDINANCE(S)

There are seven (7) Ordinances for 2^nd Reading and Public Hearing:

Ordinance 2026-1 authorizes the sale of the property identified as Block 10.01, Lot 6 pursuant to an agreement for the sale and redevelopment of land.

Ordinance 2026-2 amends, revises, and supplements Chapter 307 of the Town Code, notably Article III, Section 307-14 and Section 307-58 regarding intersections.

Ordinance 2026-3 amends, revises, and supplements Chapter 307 of the Town Code, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”, most notably Article III, “Traffic Regulation”, Section 307-12 “One-Way Streets” and Article XI, Schedules, Section 307-55 “Schedule VI: One-Way Streets”, as well as amending Ordinance No. 2025-9.

Ordinance 2026-4 amends, revises, and supplements Chapter 320 of the Town Code, entitled “Zoning: Form-Based Code”, most notably Section 320-29, Entitled “Affordable Housing”.

Ordinance 2026-5 amends, revises, and supplements Chapter 320 of the Town Code, entitled “Zoning: Form-Based Code”, most notably Section 320-19, Entitled “Special District 9 – Planned Neighborhood Development Zone”.

Ordinance 2026-6 adopts an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the Paterson Avenue Redevelopment Plan, pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq.

Ordinance 2026-7 adopts an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the Merriam Gateway Redevelopment Plan, pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq.

There is one (1) Ordinance for Introduction:

Ordinance 2026-8 establishes the annual Cap Bank.

CONSENT AGENDA

If none of you have any items that you wish to pull from the Consent Agenda, the Mayor shall call for one roll call vote for all the Consent Agenda items. 

Resolution #95-2026* approves contracts for Chemical Supplies Bid per Bid 1R-2026 for items #1, #6, and #7.

Resolution #96-2026* authorizes negotiations for chemical supplies.

Resolution #97-2026* memorializes planning and design services related to multiple project locations for utility improvement projects.

Resolution #98-2026* authorize the refund of taxes; Block 18.04, Lot 13, due to overpayment.

Resolution #99-2026* authorize refund of taxes; Block 7.10, Lot 12.

Resolution #100-2026* approves a grant management plan for a Small Cities Grant for sidewalks on Swartswood Road.

Resolution #101-2026* approves the submission of an application for a Small Cities Grant for sidewalks on Swartswood Road.

Resolution #102-2026* for Fair Housing – Statement of Actions.

Resolution #103-2026* approves bills and vouchers for payment.

Resolution #104-2026* authorizes the Town Manager and Mayor to endorse TWA applications.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

COUNCIL & MANAGER COMMENTS

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Morris Lake is minus 55 inches below the top of the spillway. 

All staff members are strongly encouraged to attend our next health and wellness session with Dr. Marisa Sweeney on Friday, February 27^th at 10:00am live in the Council chambers.

Tom Ferry and I are still crunching numbers for our 2026 budget which will be disseminated to the Governing Body end of next week in preparation for our March 2^nd Budget Hearings.

Concerns from the Planning Board regarding our affordable housing related ordinances have been raised and our planner will update our plan and provide information for us to disseminate to the Governing Body.

Tom Talk Live with Mark Maruska from this week will be rescheduled.

Hopefully you all have had opportunity to enjoy treats from Fratelli’s Bakery on Spring Street.

Enterprise orders are underway! We’ll pick you up!

Enjoy your weekend. Stay safe and warm. Snow is coming on Sunday into Monday…

Yours In Service, 

TSRJR

From the Desk of the Town Manager:

As we continue to mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, Mike Monaco, I want to ensure that everyone who wishes to attend his services has the opportunity to do so.

Therefore, I will be closing the Municipal Building to the public at 3:00pm on both Wednesday, February 18th and Thursday, February 19th. Staff will be paid for full days on both dates. Attendance at services or the celebration of life are optional and entirely up to staff members.

Any night meetings will still occur as regularly scheduled.

Visitation: Wednesday, February 18th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, Newton, NJ

Committal Service: Thursday, February 19th at 1:30pm, Newton Cemetery

Celebration of Life: Thursday, February 19th at 2:30pm, Newton VFW

Mike was more than a public servant. He was a steady presence, a protector, a mentor, and a man of quiet strength. He served Newton with courage and integrity for decades, and even when faced with unimaginable personal hardship, he continued to show up for this community with dignity and purpose. That kind of perseverance speaks to the core of who he was.

Those who worked alongside Mike know that beyond the titles and assignments, he possessed something even more meaningful — kindness. He made people feel seen. He made them feel valued. Whether you were a fellow officer, a Town Hall employee, or a resident in need, he treated you with respect. He carried himself with humility, strength, and grace, even in the darkest of days.

As a Newton family, we stand together — in good times and in sorrow. We support one another. We show up for one another. That is how we honor Mike’s legacy. May we remember Mike not only for how he served, but for how he lived — with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

I understand this is a very difficult time for many of us. If you need additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or Jennifer Dodd in Human Resources.

As most of you know, I am a spiritual person. I close with this. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the depth of love we give and the courage with which we face our days. Death does not erase a life well-lived; it transforms it. The body rests, but the influence of a good soul continues — in the people shaped, the values taught, the kindness shown, and the strength modeled. Those who live with integrity never truly leave us. They become part of the moral fabric of the community they helped build. And in every act of compassion and service that follows, their spirit quietly endures. May Mike’s spirit carry with all of you as you continue to serve Newton, your families, and others. Rest in peace dear friend.

Thomas S. Russo, Jr., Town Manager
Newton, NJ