South River, NJ

Board of Health

The South River Board of Health is holding its regular August 2026 meeting. The agenda includes approval of July minutes, reports from the Registrar and Health Inspectors, and discussion of old business items such as the Food Bank, Animal Control/TNR, Event Planning, Operation RAM, and Frost on the Pumpkin. New business and public comments are also scheduled. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Registrar's report: 12 births, 8 deaths, 7 marriages in July 2026
• Registrar collected $312 in fees for July; $2,270 YTD to borough
• Health inspections: food inspections at multiple Main St. establishments; conditionally satisfactory ratings for Nossa Aldeia Bakery & BBQ and El Pueblo Querido Mexican Restaurant
• Housing complaint at 125 Main St. (bed bugs/roaches) resolved; no cause for action
• Solid waste enforcement at 54 DeVoe St., 56-58 Main St., 48 Main St., and 109 Cause Way; court summons issued at 56-58 Main St.

Mayor & Council

The South River Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a short-term lease of public property at 6 Thomas Street to 55 Main SR Urban Renewal LLC for $34,000, and introduce an ordinance adding a handicapped parking space on Charles Street. They will also vote on a consent agenda of 16 resolutions, including a $147,000 contract for Verkada camera systems, a sanitation truck purchase, and appointments. The meeting includes an executive session on litigation and property acquisition.

• Ordinance 2026-18: short-term lease of 6 Thomas Street to 55 Main SR Urban Renewal LLC for $34,000 (public hearing and final vote)
• Ordinance 2026-19: add handicapped parking space on Charles Street, 23 feet west of Obert Street (first reading)
• Resolution 2026-216: award contract to Millennium Communications Group for Verkada camera systems, not to exceed $147,000
• Resolution 2026-225: pay estimate #12 and close-out change order for improvements to Leonardine Avenue, Dailey Street, Darrow Street, John Street and various parks
• Resolution 2026-227: authorize purchase of a sanitation truck

Board of Health

The South River Board of Health will hold its regular meeting on July 21, 2026. They will approve the June 2026 minutes, receive the Registrar's and Health Inspectors' reports, and discuss old business including financial balances for the food bank ($162,157.69), animal control/TNR ($1,773.09), and other programs. New business includes setting dates and recruiting volunteers for a blood drive. Public comments and board member comments will also be heard.

• Approval of June 2026 meeting minutes
• Registrar's report showing $403.00 in marriage license fees for June
• Health Inspectors' June report detailing inspections, complaints, and enforcement actions at local establishments
• Old business balances: Food Bank $162,157.69, Animal Control/TNR $1,773.09, Operation RAM $1,199.89, Frost on the Pumpkin $2,470.87
• New business: discussion of blood drive dates and need for volunteers

Mayor & Council

The South River Borough Council met on July 20, 2026 to consider a first‑reading ordinance authorizing a short‑term lease of the public property at 6 Thomas Street to 55 Main SR Urban Renewal LLC for $34,000. The council also adopted a series of consent resolutions covering routine budget items, contract awards, and grant applications. Public comment and routine reports were part of the agenda before adjournment.

• Ordinance 2026‑18: short‑term lease of 6 Thomas Street to 55 Main SR Urban Renewal LLC for $34,000
• Consent Resolution 200: award contract to Athletic Fields of America for Veterans Park revision
• Consent Resolution 199: authorize turnover of Tax Sale Certificate premiums totaling $16,100
• Consent Resolution 202: grant application to NJDOT for road improvements on John, Hollander, and Nelson Streets
• Consent Resolution 208: award contract to Sockler Realty Services Group, Inc. for appraisal services

Mayor & Council

The South River Borough Council will hold a public hearing and vote on Ordinance 2026-15, which appropriates $2,921,000 and authorizes $1,805,000 in bonds for sanitation, police and fire equipment, sewer upgrades, and improvements to the Veterans Drive Athletic Field. The agenda also includes second‑reading hearings on Ordinance 2026-16 to update public‑safety and parks property procedures, and Ordinance 2026-17 to change Sunday alcohol‑sale hours. A series of consent resolutions (2026‑179 to 2026‑197) covering tax refunds, water‑operator awards, lease bids for 6 Thomas Street, water‑testing contracts, and a fireworks display will be adopted without individual debate.

• Ordinance 2026-15: $2,921,000 appropriation and $1,805,000 bond issuance for sanitation truck, police and fire equipment, sewer system work, and Veterans Drive Athletic Field upgrades
• Ordinance 2026-16: amendment of Chapter 72 (Public Safety) and Chapter 246 (Parks, Playgrounds and Public Buildings) to update borough‑owned property administration
• Ordinance 2026-17: amendment of Chapter 103 (Alcoholic Beverages) to change prohibited Sunday sale hours
• Consent Resolution 188: authorize receipt of bids for a lease of public property at 6 Thomas Street
• Consent Resolution 190: authorize a competitive contracting process for water testing and laboratory services

The Borough Council adopted a $2,921,000 bond ordinance for capital improvements including a sanitation truck, police and fire equipment, Veterans Drive Athletic Field improvements, and sewer work, authorizing $1,805,000 in bonds. The Council also adopted an ordinance amending Sunday alcohol sale hours to allow sales starting at 10:00 a.m. instead of 11:00 a.m. An ordinance updating procedures for use and access of Borough-owned fire department property was heard but no motion was made to adopt it, so it was not approved. The Council also approved a consent agenda of 19 resolutions covering contracts, appointments, grants, and other routine items.

• Adopted $2,921,000 bond ordinance for capital improvements (6-0)
• Adopted ordinance amending Sunday alcohol sale hours to 10:00 a.m. start (6-0)
• Ordinance 2026-16 on fire department property use not adopted; no motion made
• Approved $65,000 contract with Water Resource Management for licensed water operator (6-0)
• Appointed Patrick Molina as Acting Sergeant effective July 6, 2026 (6-0)
• Authorized FEMA grant application for $891,975.64 for fire communications equipment (6-0)
• Designated Gioca Soccer Academy as official recreational soccer provider (6-0)
• Approved $1,560,669.92 in bills and claims (6-0)

Board of Health

The South River Board of Health will vote on a resolution to appoint Michelle Urbanowicz as Registrar of Vital Statistics for a three-year term. They will also review financial reports for the Registrar and Health Inspectors for April and May 2026, and discuss old business items including Food Bank funding of $163,126.47 and animal control costs. New business includes planning blood drive dates.

• Resolution 2026-6 appointing Michelle Urbanowicz as Registrar of Vital Statistics effective June 3, 2026 through June 2, 2029
• Food Bank allocation of $163,126.47 in old business
• Animal Control/TNR expenses of $1,773.09 ($1,769.84 for TNR, $3.25 for pet pantry)
• Health Inspectors sanitation report for April/May 2026 list conditionally satisfactory ratings at Thirty Threes Tavern, Shaan Grille, and Cirino Cafe
• Registrar's monthly financial reports turned over $332.00 (April) and $277.00 (May) to the borough

Planning Board (Land Use Board)

The Planning Board will hold a discussion on a proposed amendment to the Redevelopment Plan to increase maximum permitted height from 4 stories/40 feet to 5 stories/48 feet. The board will also vote on a resolution for a property at 52 Reid Street and hold public hearings on a minor subdivision at 2 Muravski Ct (rescheduled to July 14) and a bulk variance request for a 31.5-foot driveway at 57 Kamm Ave.

• Resolution PB–2026–04 for Cristina Martinez at 52 Reid Street
• Public hearing PB–2025–21 for a minor subdivision at 2 Muravski Ct (rescheduled to July 14, 2026)
• Public hearing PB–2026–05 for a bulk variance for a 31.5-foot driveway at 57 Kamm Ave (allowed width is 20 feet)
• Board discussion of Council Resolution 2026–152 to amend the Redevelopment Plan to increase maximum height from 4 stories/40' to 5 stories/48'

Mayor & Council

The Borough Council will hold public hearings on four ordinances: renaming a special law enforcement officer title, creating no-standing zones on Charles and Lincoln Streets near Pillars Preparatory Academy, adding a farmers' market vendor permit fee, and acquiring a Little League property for nominal consideration. The council will also introduce a $2,921,000 bond ordinance for capital improvements and equipment, with final adoption scheduled for June 29. A consent agenda includes 22 routine resolutions, such as awarding contracts for pickleball courts and an inclusive playground, and appointing a police officer.

• Bond ordinance 2026-15 appropriating $2,921,000 for capital improvements, authorizing $1,805,000 in bonds
• Ordinance 2026-14 acquiring Block 58, Lot 1 from South River Little League for nominal consideration
• Ordinance 2026-12 creating no-standing zones on Charles Street (from Stanton to Lincoln) and Lincoln Street (from Charles south 265 feet)
• Ordinance 2026-13 adding a farmers' market vendor annual permit fee
• Consent resolution 2026-174 authorizing conditional appointment of Kerwin J. Sampson as a police officer

The Borough Council adopted Ordinance 2026-11 to change the title of Class One Special Law Enforcement Officer to 'Supervisor' and Ordinance 2026-12 to create no-standing zones on Charles and Lincoln Streets near Pillars Preparatory Academy. Both ordinances passed unanimously.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-11 (6-0) to rename Class One Special Law Enforcement Officer to 'Supervisor'
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-12 (6-0) to create no-standing zones on Charles and Lincoln Streets
• Waived full reading for Ordinance 2026-11 and Ordinance 2026-12
• Closed public hearings for both ordinances with no public comments

Board of Health

The Board of Health will vote on Resolution 2026-6 appointing Michelle Urbanowicz as Registrar of Vital Statistics from June 3, 2026 to June 2, 2029. It will also review minutes, reports, and old business including financial balances for the Food Bank ($165,144.77), Animal Control/TNR ($1,773.09), and event accounts. New business includes planning a blood drive.

• Resolution 2026-6 appointing Michelle Urbanowicz as Registrar of Vital Statistics
• Food Bank account balance of $165,144.77
• Animal Control/TNR account of $1,773.09
• Frost on the Pumpkin event balance of $2,986.15
• New business: Blood drive planning

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

The South River Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will convene to discuss upcoming events including the Fishing Derby, Fireworks, and sport activities. The board will also vote on a consent resolution to approve the minutes from the March 9, 2026 meeting. Public comment is invited on non-agenda items.

• Discussion of Fishing Derby event planning
• Discussion of Fireworks event planning
• Discussion of Sport Activities
• Consent Resolution 2026-05: Approval of March 9, 2026 meeting minutes

Planning Board (Land Use Board)

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on application PB-2026-04 for a single-family home at 52 Reid Street in the R75 zone, with requested variances for undersized lot, lot width, and side yard setbacks. Another application (PB-2025-21) is carried to the June 16 meeting. The board will also discuss other matters and take public comments.

• Public hearing for Cristina Martinez at 52 Reid Street (Block 148, Lot 24) for a single-family home with variances
• Application PB-2025-21 (Tioumbelekchieff) for minor subdivision at 2 Muravski Ct carried to June 16
• New Board Member Carlos Cerqueza introduction
• Approval of minutes from April 14, 2026
• No resolutions scheduled

The Planning Board approved a variance for a 3-story home on Reid Street, allowing construction on a flood-prone lot. The board also carried a public hearing for another application to the next meeting.

• Approved variance for 3-story home at 52 Reid Street (9-0)
• Carried public hearing for PB-2025-21 to June 16, 2026
• Approved April 14, 2026 meeting minutes
• Adjourned meeting at 7:15 PM

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and adopt the 2026 municipal budget. They will also consider several ordinances on traffic changes, a farmers market vendor fee, and acquisition of property from the Little League. Additionally, the council will vote on a consent agenda containing numerous routine resolutions.

• Adoption of the 2026 Municipal Budget (Resolution 2026-134)
• Ordinance amending handicap parking on Phillip Street (second reading)
• Ordinance establishing no standing zones on Charles Street and Lincoln Street (first reading)
• Ordinance adding a farmers' market vendor annual permit fee (first reading)
• Ordinance authorizing acquisition of Block 58, Lot 1 from South River Little League for nominal consideration (first reading)

The council adopted the 2026 municipal budget and passed two ordinances amending traffic codes. A third ordinance was introduced but not yet adopted.

• Adopted 2026 Municipal Budget (6-0)
• Passed Ordinance 2026-9 amending handicapped parking on Phillip Street West
• Passed Ordinance 2026-10 adding no-parking zone on William Street West
• Introduced Ordinance 2026-11 to change title of Class One Special Law Enforcement Officer
• Proclaimed May 2026 as Older Americans Month

Board of Health

The South River Board of Health will hold a regular meeting on April 21, 2026, at 6:00 pm. The agenda includes approval of March 2026 minutes, reports from the registrar and health inspectors, and discussion of old business items such as the food bank, animal control/TNR, volunteer list, event planning, Operation RAM, and Frost on the Pumpkin. New business consists of a blood drive, followed by public comments and board liaison comments.

• New business: blood drive
• Old business: Food Bank, Animal Control/TNR, Volunteer List, Event Planning, Operation RAM, Frost on the Pumpkin
• Registrar’s financial report shows $167,007.79 in vital statistics funds for March 2026
• Health inspection report includes food inspections, complaints, and enforcement actions
• Public comments period open to residents

Planning Board (Land Use Board)

The board will vote on a resolution (PB-2025-26) concerning a property at 185 Whitehead Ave. A public hearing for a minor subdivision application at 2 Muravski Ct (PB-2025-21) is proposed to be rescheduled to May 12, 2026. Other items include approval of February 10, 2026 minutes and board discussion.

• Resolution PB-2025-26, Carvalho, 185 Whitehead Ave. (Block 332, Lot 2)
• Public hearing PB-2025-21, Tioumbelekchieff, 2 Muravski Ct (Block 93, Lot 1.09) – application for minor subdivision, proposed rescheduling to May 12, 2026
• Approval of minutes from February 10, 2026
• Public comments period

The South River Planning Board approved Resolution PB-2025-26 for a property at 185 Whitehead Ave. The board also carried a minor subdivision application from 2 Muravski Court to the May 12 meeting at the applicant's request. No public comments were received and the meeting adjourned after 10 minutes.

• Approved minutes from February 10, 2026 (voice vote, all in favor)
• Approved Resolution PB-2025-26, Carvalho for 185 Whitehead Ave (3-0 roll call, 3 absent, none abstained)
• Carried PB-2025-21, Tioumbelekchieff minor subdivision public hearing to May 12, 2026 (voice vote, all in favor)

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council will vote to introduce the 2026 municipal budget (Resolution 2026-118) and hold a public hearing on an ordinance to amend loading zones on Marks Place. They will also introduce first-reading ordinances for a handicap parking zone on Phillip Street and a no-parking zone on William Street. The agenda includes mayoral appointments to the Shade Tree and Environmental Commissions, and a consent agenda covering shared services, contracts, and utility refunds.

• Introduction of 2026 Municipal Budget (Resolution 2026-118)
• Public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 2026-8 to amend loading zones on Marks Place
• First reading of Ordinance 2026-9 creating a handicap parking zone on Phillip Street
• First reading of Ordinance 2026-10 establishing a no-parking zone on William Street
• Mayoral appointments to Shade Tree Commission and Environmental Commission/Green Team

The Council approved the 2026 municipal budget and adopted Ordinance 2026-08 to modify loading zones. Two other traffic ordinances were introduced for first reading.

• Approved 2026 municipal budget (Resolution 2026-118)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-08 to modify loading zone on Marks Place West
• Introduced Ordinance 2026-9 to amend handicapped parking on Phillip Street West
• Introduced Ordinance 2026-10 to add no-parking zone on William Street West

Mayor & Council

The South River Borough Council is holding a public hearing and discussion on several ordinances, including the establishment of a new Environmental Commission (also called the Green Team) and a separate Shade Tree Advisory Board. The meeting also includes a second‑reading vote on an ordinance prohibiting the dumping of snow and ice in the public right‑of‑way, and other ordinance updates. Consent resolutions covering routine items such as water‑meter work, a contract with CME Associates, and emergency snow‑removal awards will be adopted by consent.

• Ordinance 2026‑5: amendment to prohibit placement or dumping of snow, ice, debris in public right‑of‑way
• Ordinance 2026‑6: repeal of Chapter 22 and creation of separate Environmental Commission/Green Team and Shade Tree Advisory Board
• Ordinance 2026‑7: amendment to require a security deposit for reservations of Grekoski Park baseball field
• Ordinance 2026‑8: amendment to Chapter 193 (Vehicles and Traffic) with a reading scheduled for April 13, 2026
• Consent Resolutions 2026‑107 to 2026‑117 covering items such as water‑meter replacement change order, CME Associates contract, emergency snow‑removal awards, and property‑tax refund

The Borough Council waived the full reading of Ordinance 2026‑05 and closed its public hearing, both unanimously. The ordinance was then adopted, amending the Borough Code to prohibit placing snow, ice, debris or other material in the public right‑of‑way. All council members voted in favor of the measures.

• Waived full reading of Ordinance 2026‑05 (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing of Ordinance 2026‑05 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026‑05 prohibiting placement of snow, ice, debris in public right‑of‑way (unanimous)

Board of Health

The South River Board of Health will review February reports, discuss old‑business financial items such as the Food Bank allocation of $163,019.33, Animal Control/TNR costs, and other small expense items, and will hear public comments. No new business decisions are listed.

• Food Bank $163,019.33
• Animal Control/TNR $1,458.09
• Event Planning $164.74
• Operation RAM $1,199.89
• Frost on the Pumpkin $2,986.15

Planning Board (Land Use Board)

The South River Planning Board will meet to approve minutes and a resolution regarding a property on Whitehead Ave. A public hearing for a minor subdivision at 2 Muravski Ct has been rescheduled for April 14, 2026.

• Resolution PB–2025–26: 185 Whitehead Ave. (Block 332 Lot 2)
• Rescheduled Minor Subdivision application PB–2025–21: 2 Muravski Ct (Block 93 Lot 1.09)

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

The South River Parks & Recreation Advisory Board will vote to approve the minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting. It will also discuss new business items including spring activities and an egg hunt. A public comment period and a directors report on activity updates are scheduled.

• Consent resolution to approve Jan 12, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of spring activities (new business)
• Discussion of egg hunt (new business)
• Public comment period (no action unless placed on agenda)
• Directors report on activity updates

The board confirmed the annual Egg Hunt will take place on March 21 at 4 pm on the grass area and parking lot of St. Mark’s, with Mr. Kiernan serving as the bunny and Ms. Urbanski providing photo props. Board members agreed to hire an outside company to run instructional flag‑football sessions before games. Yoga class registrations were opened to run from the end of March through mid‑May. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Egg Hunt scheduled for March 21 at 4 pm at St. Mark’s grass area (partnered with St. Mark’s)
• Mr. Kiernan agreed to serve as the bunny for the Egg Hunt
• Ms. Urbanski offered to bring photo props for Egg Hunt participants
• Board agreed to bring in a company to run instructional flag‑football before games
• Yoga sign‑ups opened; classes to run end of March through mid‑May

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council are meeting to vote on a bond ordinance for road work and discuss the establishment of a separate Shade Tree Advisory Board. The body will also consider new rules regarding snow removal in public rights-of-way and security deposits for park use.

• Bond Ordinance 2026-3: $950,000 for improvements to Mercer Street, Lyons Street, and Mitchell Avenue
• Ordinance 2026-5: Prohibiting dumping of snow, ice, or debris in the public right-of-way
• Ordinance 2026-7: Requiring a security deposit for Grekoski Park baseball field reservations
• Ordinance 2026-4/6: Establishing separate Environmental Commission/Green Team and Shade Tree Advisory Board
• Consent resolutions including contracts for CME Associates, Crossroads Paving Company, and Joe’s Heating LLC

The Borough Council adopted Ordinance 2026-03, a bond ordinance that appropriates $950,000 for road improvements on Mercer Street, Lyons Street, and Mitchell Avenue and authorizes up to $253,500 in bonds and notes. The ordinance was adopted, though the minutes do not record a vote count. Mayor Guindi also presented a proclamation honoring Donna Stoddard as Recycling Coordinator of the Year. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Adopted Bond Ordinance 2026-03 authorizing $950,000 for road improvements and $253,500 in bonds (adopted)
• Waived full reading of Ordinance 2026-03 (all in favor)
• Closed public hearing of Ordinance 2026-03 (all in favor)
• Presented proclamation honoring Donna Stoddard as Recycling Coordinator of the Year

Board of Health

The South River Board of Health meeting on Feb 17, 2026 will review the January registrar and sanitation reports, discuss old‑business items such as the Food Bank, Animal Control/TNR, Operation RAM, and consider two new FOTP/Health & Wellness scholarships. Public comments will also be heard before adjournment.

• Food Bank (old business)
• Animal Control/TNR (old business)
• Operation RAM (old business)
• Scholarships (2) FOTP/Health & Wellness (new business)
• Public comments

The Board of Health approved the January 2026 meeting minutes and accepted the January registrar and health inspector reports, all unanimously. The board also approved scholarships for two South River seniors under the FOTP/Health & Wellness program. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved January 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted January 2026 registrar report (unanimous)
• Accepted January 2026 health inspector sanitation report (unanimous)
• Approved scholarships for two seniors (FOTP/Health & Wellness) (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board (Land Use Board)

The South River Planning Board will consider a C‑variance application to widen the driveway at 185 Whitehead Avenue (Block 332, Lot 2). The board will also adopt a resolution for the property at 2 Grove Street (Block 165, Lot 7) and approve the minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting. The agenda includes a public comment period and standard board discussion.

• Resolution PB‑2025‑25 for 2 Grove St., Block 165, Lot 7
• Public hearing PB‑2025‑26: C‑variance to widen driveway at 185 Whitehead Ave., Block 332, Lot 2
• Approval of minutes from the January 13, 2026 meeting
• Board discussion and public comments

The board approved the minutes from the January 13 meeting by voice vote. It approved a resolution for application PB-2025-25 Nogueria. The board also approved the variance request PB-2025-26 Carvalho for 185 Whitehead Avenue. Procedural motions to close the meeting to the public and to adjourn were approved by voice vote.

• Approved meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved resolution PB-2025-25 Nogueria (roll call: B. Almeida, Giannakopoulos, Guindi, Bodak)
• Approved variance PB-2025-26 Carvalho (roll call: Eleto, Frost, Giannakopoulos, Guindi, B. Almeida, Bodak; Hare abstained)
• Closed meeting to the public (voice vote)
• Adjourned at 6:15 pm (voice vote)

Mayor & Council

The South River Borough Council will hold public hearings and consider motions to adopt several ordinances, including a bond ordinance that appropriates $950,000 for road improvements and authorizes $253,500 in bonds, a budget‑cap ordinance that exceeds the municipal appropriation limit by $530,528.04, and an amendment to the borough fee schedule. The agenda also includes an ordinance to create a separate Environmental Commission/Green Team and Shade Tree Advisory Board, as well as a series of consent resolutions covering items such as a fire‑department boot drive and utility refunds. New business items address the acceptance of a resignation and the termination of a road‑department employee.

• Ordinance 2026-1: Exceed municipal budget appropriation limits by $530,528.04 for CY 2026
• Ordinance 2026-2: Amend Chapter 155 (Fees) with specific recreation and program fee changes
• Ordinance 2026-3: Bond ordinance appropriating $950,000 for various road improvements, authorizing $253,500 in bonds and notes
• Ordinance 2026-4: Repeal and replace Chapter 22 to establish an Environmental Commission/Green Team and Shade Tree Advisory Board
• Consent Resolutions 2026-76 to 91: include authorizing a fire‑department boot drive and various utility and grant agreements

The Borough Council adopted Ordinance 2026-01, raising the 2026 municipal budget by 3.5% ($530,528.04) above the prior year’s final appropriations. The Council also adopted Ordinance 2026-02, amending Chapter 155 of the Borough Code to revise fees for a variety of recreation programs and athletic field rentals. Both ordinances were passed after waiving full readings and closing public hearings, with no public comments recorded.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-01 to increase CY 2026 budget by 3.5% ($530,528.04)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-02 amending recreation and park fees per Chapter 155
• Waived full reading of Ordinance 2026-01 (motion by Council President DeSantis, seconded by Councilman Giannakopoulos)
• Closed public hearing for Ordinance 2026-01 (motion by Councilman Gurchensky, seconded by Councilman Dziemian)
• Waived full reading of Ordinance 2026-02 (motion by Councilman Giannakopoulos, seconded by Council President DeSantis)
• Closed public hearing for Ordinance 2026-02 (motion by Councilman Gurchensky, seconded by Councilman Dziemian)

Board of Health

At the January 20, 2026 regular meeting, the South River Board of Health elected a President and Vice‑President, appointed Michelle Urbanowicz as Secretary and Naomy Young as Assistant, and approved a stipend for Deputy Registrar Debra Lackey. The board also adopted its compiled Rules and Regulations for 2026, set the public‑meeting schedule for the year, and designated the Home News‑Tribune as the official newspaper. Old‑business reports listed a Food Bank expense of $166,380.53 and other small expenditures, while new‑business items included a Rabies Clinic on March 28, 2026 and two health‑related scholarships.

• Election of President and Vice‑President (Resolution 2026‑1)
• Appointment of Secretary (Michelle Urbanowicz) and Assistant (Naomy Young) (Resolution 2026‑1)
• Stipend recommendation for Deputy Registrar Debra Lackey (Resolution 2026‑2)
• Adoption of 2026 Rules and Regulations (Resolution 2026‑3)
• Adoption of 2026 meeting schedule with dates (Resolution 2026‑4)

The Board elected Bonnie Trygar as President and Robyn Prasek as Vice‑President. It appointed Michelle Urbanowicz as Secretary and Naomy Young as Assistant, approved a stipend for Debra Lackey, adopted the 2026 Rules and Regulations, set the 2026 meeting calendar, and designated the Home News‑Tribune as the official newspaper. All actions were approved unanimously by the members present.

• Bonnie Trygar elected President (Yeas: Lukacs, D. Balazs, Trygar, Prasek, Sweeney; Nays: none)
• Robyn Prasek elected Vice‑President (Yeas: Lukacs, D. Balazs, Trygar, Prasek, Sweeney; Nays: none)
• Michelle Urbanowicz appointed Secretary and Naomy Young appointed Assistant (Yeas: Lukacs, D. Balazs, Trygar, Prasek, Sweeney; Nays: none)
• Stipend recommended for Debra Lackey as Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics (Yeas: Lukacs, D. Balazs, Trygar, Prasek, Sweeney; Nays: none)
• 2026 Rules and Regulations of the South River Board of Health adopted (Yeas: Lukacs, D. Balazs, Trygar, Prasek, Sweeney; Nays: none)
• 2026 public meeting schedule approved (Yeas: Lukacs, D. Balazs, Trygar, Prasek, Sweeney; Nays: none)
• Home News‑Tribune designated Official Newspaper; Sentinel Publication designated for display ads (Yeas: Lukacs, D. Balazs, Trygar, Prasek, Sweeney; Nays: none)
• Meeting adjourned (Yeas: Lukacs, D. Balazs, Trygar, Prasek, Sweeney; Nays: none)

Mayor & Council

The Mayor and Council are considering an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits for 2026. The body is also reviewing updates to the borough's recreation program and park fee schedule.

• Proposed ordinance to increase 2026 budget by 3.5% ($530,528.04) over previous final appropriations
• Proposed amendments to Chapter 155 'Fees' regarding recreation programs, including baseball, basketball, and soccer
• Determination that Block 143, Lots 3.03 and 3.04 and Block 356, Lot 1.06 need redevelopment
• Appointment of an Interim Business Administrator
• Contract with Byram Laboratories, Inc

The Borough Council approved Ordinance 2026-01, raising the 2026 municipal budget by 3.5% ($530,528.04) with a majority vote. The Council also approved Ordinance 2026-02, amending the Borough Code to change fees for recreation programs and athletic field use, also by majority vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-01 to increase FY 2026 budget by 3.5% ($530,528.04) (majority vote)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-02 amending recreation program and park fees (majority vote)

Planning Board (Land Use Board)

The board will elect its Chair and Vice Chair and appoint professional staff. The meeting includes public hearings for residential additions and variances, as well as discussions on redevelopment study areas.

• Election of Board Chair and Vice Chair
• Appointment of Board Attorney, Engineer, Consulting Planner, and Secretary
• Public hearing for addition to dwelling at 2 Grove St. (PB–2025–25)
• Public hearing for C variance to widen driveway at 185 Whitehead Ave. (PB–2025–26)
• Review of Non–Condemnation Areas In Need of Redevelopment for Albourne Woods and Wojie Way

The Planning Board elected Robert Bodak as Chair and nominated John Frost as Vice Chair, both by voice vote. It appointed Thomas Barlow as legal counsel, Justin Cornell as engineer, Todd Bletcher as planner, and Julie M. Moy as secretary, and approved the 2026 meeting schedule and official newspaper designation. The Board approved a resolution for Garden State Christian Church and the Nogueria dwelling addition. It also unanimously recommended the Albourne Woods and Wojie Way study areas as non‑condemnation areas in need of redevelopment.

• Elected Robert Bodak Chairman (voice vote)
• Nominated John Frost Vice Chair (voice vote)
• Appointed Thomas Barlow legal counsel (voice vote)
• Appointed Justin Cornell board engineer (voice vote)
• Appointed Todd Bletcher board planner (voice vote)
• Appointed Julie M. Moy board secretary (voice vote)
• Approved Albourne Woods Study Area as non‑condemnation redevelopment area (unanimous)
• Approved Wojie Way Study Area as non‑condemnation redevelopment area (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

The board will meet to discuss spring activities, the egg hunt, and school usage. The meeting includes a review of activity updates and the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Discussion of Spring Activities
• Discussion of Egg Hunt
• Discussion of School Usage
• Resolution 2026-01: Approval of November 25, 2025 minutes

The board approved a reorganization, appointing Mr. Singer as Chair, Mr. Kiernan as Vice Chair, and Ms. Damas as Secretary, each motion passing unanimously. A new security requirement for school facilities was adopted, taking effect on January 12, 2026. Spring program registrations and a tentative March 21 Egg Hunt date were also announced.

• Mr. Singer appointed Chair (unanimous approval)
• Mr. Kiernan appointed Vice Chair (unanimous approval)
• Ms. Damas appointed Secretary (unanimous approval)
• Security required in school buildings when using facilities (effective Jan 12 2026)

Mayor & Council

The South River Borough Council adopted the amended Rules of the Borough Council with Robert’s Rules of Order for 2026 (Resolution 2026‑1). Mayor Guindi administered oaths of office to councilmember‑elect Joseph Donato and councilmember‑elect Sandra DaSilva. The council approved appointments of liaisons to the Board of Education, Budget Committee, Cable Television Advisory Board/TV‑35, Cultural Arts and Heritage Commission, Economic Development and Planning, Environmental Commission/Shade Tree/Green Team, Facilities Management/Public Works & Utilities, Finance & Administration, and other bodies (Resolution 2026‑2).

• Adopt Rules of the Borough Council for 2026 (Resolution 2026‑1)
• Administer oath of office to councilmember‑elect Joseph Donato
• Administer oath of office to councilmember‑elect Sandra DaSilva
• Appoint council liaisons to multiple boards and committees (Resolution 2026‑2)
• Approve organizational consent resolutions (e.g., temporary budget, meeting schedule)

The Borough Council swore in Councilmember‑elect Joseph Donato and Councilmember‑elect Sandra DaSilva. Matthew DeSantis was approved as Council President. The Council adopted its Rules of the Borough Council for 2026 (Resolution 2026‑1) and authorized liaison appointments (Resolution 2026‑2). The Mayor also appointed four members to the Land Use Board.

• Administered oath of office to Councilmember‑elect Joseph Donato
• Administered oath of office to Councilmember‑elect Sandra DaSilva
• Approved Matthew DeSantis as Council President
• Adopted Rules of the Borough Council for 2026 (Resolution 2026‑1)
• Authorized council liaison appointments (Resolution 2026‑2)
• Appointed Sandra Adelino, Christian Eleto, Bryan Almeida, and Katlin Vargo to the Land Use Board