(Fanwood, NJ) – The Borough Council held its monthly meeting Monday night, June 16at which time they adopted four ordinances including a bond ordinance for this year’s capital projects.
The council approved proclamations for National Gun Violence Awareness Month, Juneteenth, and National Jewish American Heritage Month.
The council adopted the following ordinances:
An ordinance setting procedures for the rank of captain within the Fanwood Police Department.
An ordinance setting fees for firearm permits to match those fees set by the State of New Jersey.
A bond ordinance for capital improvements including a stage at the Carriage House for the Performance Series, capital projects for the police department and public works, information technology upgrades for the municipal court and Borough Hall, an electronic sign board, road improvements to Waldron Road, Kyte Place, Graybar Terrace and Watson Road, and resurfacing the basketball court and reconstruction of the tennis court at La Grande Park.
A bond ordinance for sewer lining on Graybar Terrace, Watson Road, Waldron Road and Kyte Place.
A resolution was adopted to approve the 2025 municipal budget as amended.
Sally Drewes of Watson Road spoke about the history of 383 South Avenue where an apartment building application is currently being heard by the planning board. Drewes said her father told her that the property used to be a luncheonette and gasoline station dating back in the 1930s and that the gas station closed in the 1940s. She said she does not know if the gasoline tanks were ever removed from the property.
Bruce Paterson of Belvidere Avenue commented on the 2025 municipal budget. Chief Financial Patricia Celardo invited Paterson to meet with her at Borough Hall so that she can answer his questions.
Bruce Paterson of Belvidere Avenue speaks on the 2025 municipal budget.
Borough Administrator Jesse Moehlman said the borough is doing estimated tax bills for the third quarter for the first time in a while. He said the estimated bills will be mailed next week with third quarter payments due August 1st. Once the borough’s tax rate is certified a reconciled fourth quarter tax bill be mailed, which will include preliminary first and second quarter tax bills for 2026.
Moehlman also said that the planning board will have a public hearing on the Housing Element and the Fair Share Plan for the borough’s fourth round of affordable housing obligations on Wednesday, June 25th. If passed by the planning board, the Borough Council will meet on Monday, June 30th to consider endorsing the Housing Element and the Fair Share Plan.
Council President Patricia Walsh reminded residents that the Fanwood Recycling Center will be open on Saturday, July 12th from 8 am until 11 am.
In reading the Environmental Commission report, Councilwoman Walsh said Daisy Girl Scout Troop 40158 has contacted the Commission about wanting to provide a snail trail in the Fanwood Nature Center. This project is intended to convey the message “to take your time, slow down and enjoy nature at our Nature Center,” she said. In addition, the Peace Pole at the Nature Center is being updated by some local troops with a dedication ceremony to be held later in the year.
Councilman Jeff Banks noted that Fanwood Fan Jam will be held this Sunday, June 22nd at LaGrande Park from 11 am to 7 pm.
