Washington, NJ

Borough Council

Library Board

The Washington Public Library Board of Trustees is holding its regular monthly meeting, where it will approve minutes, hear reports, and discuss the ongoing director search under old business. The meeting is open to the public and also available via Zoom.

• Approval of minutes from June 22, 2026 meeting
• Director search under old business
• Reports from President, Treasurer, Director, and committees
• Public comment period
• Possible executive session

Shade Tree Commission

The Washington Borough Shade Tree Commission is meeting to approve previous minutes, discuss Arbor Day, review received bids, and consider tree elevating work on Lambert Street and Alvin Sloan Avenue. The agenda is mostly routine administrative business with no major policy decisions listed.

• Review of June 15, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Arbor Day (old business)
• Review of bids received
• Tree elevating on Lambert Street and Alvin Sloan Avenue
• NJ Shade Tree Federation 101st Annual Conference, Oct 22-23 in Cherry Hill, NJ (communication)

Borough Council

The Borough Council is meeting to consider several ordinances and resolutions, including final adoption of a $290,000 road improvement ordinance and first reading of a $55,000 bucket truck purchase. They will also introduce a new ordinance establishing film-ready standards with permit fees, and vote on resolutions for a bond anticipation note, expanded open container area, and other administrative items.

• Ordinance 2026-15 (2nd reading): $290,000 for road improvements
• Ordinance 2026-17 (1st reading): $55,000 for a bucket truck
• Ordinance 2026-18 (1st reading): establishes film permit fees ($100 application, $200/day public property, $1,000/day major motion picture)
• Resolution 2026-94: Bond Anticipation Note
• Resolution 2026-95: Expanded Open Container Area

Shade Tree Commission

The Washington Borough Shade Tree Commission rescheduled its August 18, 2026 meeting to August 24, 2026 due to a lack of quorum. The agenda contains no other business items.

• Meeting rescheduled from Aug 18 to Aug 24, 2026

Land Use Board

The Washington Township Land Use Board is meeting to consider a site plan application for the Morcos property at 162 East Washington Avenue, along with a proposed ordinance amendment regarding automotive fueling stations with convenience stores. The agenda includes a first reading of the amendment and supporting documents for the site plan review.

• Site plan review for Morcos at 162 East Washington Avenue
• First reading of ordinance 2026-16 amending regulations for automotive fueling stations with convenience stores
• Affidavit of mailing and publication for the meeting

Borough Council

The Washington Borough Council will consider several ordinances and resolutions at its July 21 meeting. Items include a $290,000 road improvement ordinance, a proposed amendment to the Downtown Redevelopment Plan to permit mixed‑use automobile fuel stations with convenience stores and residential units, and ordinances on cannabis licensing and vehicle traffic regulations. The council will also hear grant applications to the NJ Department of Transportation for improvements on Ramapo Way, Lenape Trail, and Belvidere Avenue.

• Ordinance 2026-15 (1st Reading) authorizing $290,000 for road improvements from the Capital Improvement Fund
• Ordinance 2026-16 (1st Reading) amending the Downtown Redevelopment Plan to allow mixed‑use automobile fuel stations with convenience stores and residential units in the Route 31 Gateway District
• Ordinance 2026-12 (2nd Reading) creating a new chapter for local cannabis establishment licensing and regulations
• Ordinance 2026-13 (2nd Reading) amending Chapter 85 concerning vehicles and traffic
• Resolutions 2026-86 and 2026-87 for NJ DOT grant applications for improvements on Ramapo Way & Lenape Trail and Belvidere Avenue

The Borough Council adopted Ordinance 2026-12, creating a local licensing and regulation framework for cannabis establishments, with annual fees ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the class. The council also approved on first reading Ordinance 2026-16, which would amend the Downtown Redevelopment Plan to permit mixed-use projects combining automobile fuel stations with convenience stores and residential units on upper stories in the Route 31 Gateway District. Additionally, the council approved a $290,000 capital improvement ordinance for road improvements and designated HAH Washington Urban Renewal, LLC as the conditional redeveloper for Block 95, Lots 7 and 10.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-12 creating cannabis establishment licensing (5-1, Gorshkov opposed)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 2026-16 allowing gas stations with convenience stores and residential units in Route 31 Gateway District
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 2026-15 appropriating $290,000 for road improvements
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-13 amending no-parking schedule
• Designated HAH Washington Urban Renewal, LLC as conditional redeveloper for Block 95, Lots 7 and 10
• Approved grant applications for Ramapo Way & Lenape Trail Section 2 and Belvidere Avenue Improvements Section 1
• Authorized electronic tax sale for unpaid 2025 taxes on October 13, 2026
• Approved free pool passes for borough employees and volunteers

Shade Tree Commission

The Washington Borough Shade Tree Commission has cancelled its meeting scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026, due to lack of quorum. No business will be conducted.

Land Use Board

Green Team

The Green Team will review the Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival and discuss future suggestions. The meeting includes updates on the Farmers’ Market, Veterans’ Park, and Shabbecong Mountain Preserve.

• Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival review
• Farmers’ Market discussion
• Veterans’ Park maintenance
• Shabbecong Mountain Preserve and Creek Corridor updates
• National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat

Library Board

The Washington Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular monthly meeting. Business includes approval of minutes, committee reports, and discussion of the ongoing director search under old business. No new business items are listed. The meeting is largely procedural with one substantive item.

• Approval of minutes from May 22, 2026 regular meeting
• Old business: director search discussion

Borough Council

The council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting Ordinance 2026-11, which amends massage and bodywork business licensing and enforcement. Two new ordinances are introduced on first reading: one to establish annual local licensing for cannabis establishments (2026-12) and another amending Chapter 85 (2026-13). The agenda also includes numerous routine resolutions, such as liquor license renewals and grant support.

• Ordinance 2026-12 (first reading): Creating Chapter 54, Article II for local annual cannabis establishment licensing; public hearing July 21, 2026
• Ordinance 2026-11 (second reading/public hearing): Amending Chapter 54 to tighten licensing and enforcement for massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy businesses
• Multiple liquor license renewals: Brothers, Scotty's, Warren County Discount, Washington Discount, Williams Irish Tavern, Philberts, Enzo's
• Resolution 2026-84: Support for Warren County Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund Grant
• Resolution 2026-64: Washington Celebrates America event sponsorship

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission will consider the status of a grant application and review bids received. Old business includes the grant application, while new business covers bids and a discussion regarding 15 Alvin Sloan. The meeting will also approve minutes from May 18, 2026.

• Status of grant application
• Review of bids received
• Discussion of 15 Alvin Sloan
• Approval of May 18, 2026 regular meeting minutes

Green Team

The Green Team will discuss several environmental and community initiatives during this meeting. Topics include the Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival, the Farmers’ Market, and various water management projects.

• Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival
• Farmers’ Market
• Shabbecong Mountain Preserve
• National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat
• Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels

The Green Team approved the May 13, 2026, meeting minutes. Members discussed preparations for the Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival and the Farmers Market, including the implementation of EBT/SNAP benefits. The board also reviewed maintenance at Shabbecong Mountain Preserve and explored grant opportunities for rain gardens and the Shabbecong Creek corridor.

• Approved minutes from May 13, 2026
• Approved EBT/SNAP benefits for the Farmers Market

Land Use Board

Borough Council

The agenda is largely procedural, including a pledge of allegiance, public comment, and an executive session for contractual and possible litigation. No specific proposals or decisions are listed beyond the executive session.

• Executive session: contractual and possible litigation (no details provided)

The council voted 5-0 to authorize a settlement agreement with Veolia Water Municipal Services and Veolia North America, resolving alleged NJDEP permit violations. The borough must pay a $223,000 penalty by June 15, 2026. The resolution was passed after a closed executive session on contractual and litigation matters.

• Approved Resolution 2026-67 authorizing settlement with Veolia Water for $223,000 (5-0)

Borough Council

This is a special meeting of the Washington Borough Council held on June 1, 2026. The agenda consists of discussions in executive session regarding contract negotiations and possible litigation, with formal action to be taken after the closed session. No other items are listed.

• Executive session discussions on contract negotiations and possible litigation

Library Board

The Washington Public Library Board of Trustees is holding a regular monthly meeting with routine business including approval of minutes and reports. The only substantive discussion is whether to change the monthly meeting from the 4th Thursday to the 4th Monday. No new business or formal actions are listed.

• Discussion on changing meeting day from 4th Thursday to 4th Monday
• Approval of minutes from February 26, 2026 and March 26, 2026
• Reports from President, Treasurer, Director, and committees
• Public comment period

The board approved the February and March meeting minutes, accepted the March, April and May treasurer reports, and approved the April and May bill lists, each by a vote of four ayes, no nays, and no abstentions. A motion to transfer $5,000 from the savings account to the checking account was also approved unanimously. The board voted to return to a 4th‑Monday meeting schedule, ending the 4th‑Thursday schedule.

• Approved Feb & Mar 2026 meeting minutes (4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions)
• Accepted March 2026 treasurer report (4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions)
• Approved April 2026 bill list (4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions)
• Accepted April 2026 treasurer report (4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions)
• Approved May 2026 bill list (4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions)
• Accepted May 2026 treasurer report (4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions)
• Transferred $5,000 from savings to checking account (4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions)
• Changed regular meeting day to 4th Monday (unanimous agreement)

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold a first reading of Ordinance 2026-11, which amends Chapter 201 to clarify licensing and enforcement for massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy businesses, including criminal background checks and definitions of prohibited conduct. The council will also consider resolutions for lien redemption (2026-61) and a contract award (2026-62), along with routine items such as minutes approval, claims, and public comment.

• First reading of Ordinance 2026-11 amending Chapter 201 to require state licensing, criminal background checks, and municipal certificates for massage business employees
• Resolution 2026-61: Lien redemption
• Resolution 2026-62: Award of contract
• Approval of minutes from April 7 and April 21, 2026
• Open public comment periods for agenda items and general public

The Borough Council approved the minutes from April 7 and April 21 (5‑0). It also approved all pending vouchers and claims (6‑0). The council passed the first reading of Ordinance 2026‑11, amending Chapter 201 to clarify licensing and enforcement for massage, bodywork and somatic therapy businesses (6‑0).

• Approved April 7 and April 21 minutes (5-0)
• Approved vouchers and claims (6-0)
• Passed first reading of Ordinance 2026-11 amending Chapter 201 (6-0)

Shade Tree Commission

The Shade Tree Commission will review the 2026 budget, consider tree-related concerns at three properties on Sunrise Terrace, and discuss pruning at 80 Alvin Sloan. The commission also received a Tree City USA award package marking 26 years of recognition. Old business includes Arbor Day and grant application status.

• 2026 Budget discussion
• Tree concerns at 121, 128, and 139 Sunrise Terrace
• Pruning request at 80 Alvin Sloan
• Tree City USA award – 26 years
• Maintenance list review

The Commission approved the March 16, 2026 meeting minutes. Members discussed the current $24,650.00 budget and added several properties to the tree maintenance list for future quote requests.

• Approved March 16, 2026 minutes (4-0)
• Added 121 Sunrise, 128 Sunrise, 139 Sunrise, and 80 Alvin Sloan to the maintenance list

Green Team

The Green Team will discuss the Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival and the Farmers’ Market. The meeting also includes discussions regarding Shabbecong Mountain Preserve, National Wildlife Federation habitats, and rain gardens.

• Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival
• Farmers’ Market
• Shabbecong Mountain Preserve
• National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat
• Veteran’s Park clean up

The Green Team approved the April 8, 2026 meeting minutes and decided to table discussions regarding hunting in the Shabbecong Mountain Preserve for 2026. The board also coordinated volunteer staffing for the upcoming Sustainably Green Music & Arts Festival and Farmers Market.

• Approved April 8, 2026 minutes
• Tabled discussion of hunting for 2026 at Shabbecong Mountain Preserve
• Determined Green Team cannot prep Veterans' Park site due to lack of equipment

Land Use Board

The Washington Borough Land Use Board will hold a regular meeting with a light agenda. The board will review escrow amounts and discuss a comparison of application and escrow fees. An application by Joseph Morcos at 162 E Washington Avenue has been adjourned to June 8, 2026. The meeting includes approval of minutes and public comment.

• Joseph Morcos application at 162 E Washington Ave (Block 65 Lot 3) adjourned to June 8, 2026
• Review of escrow amounts
• Discussion of 2026 application and escrow fee comparison with suggested fees

Borough Council

The Washington Borough Council will consider seven resolutions to redeem tax liens on properties at 39 Kinnaman Ave, 21 N Lincoln Ave, 20 Grand Ave, 33 E Church St, 8 Vannatta St, 56-60 Broad St, and a seventh property (Bizmark LLC). The redemptions involve payments to investors who purchased tax certificates, with total payouts including premiums ranging from $2,735.58 to $46,811.22. The council will also adopt proclamations honoring Fliegauf Jewelers' 100th anniversary and Bonnie Hill for community service.

• Resolution 2026-54: Redeem tax lien at 39 Kinnaman Ave (Block 6 Lot 5) – $3,135.61
• Resolution 2026-55: Redeem tax lien at 21 N Lincoln Ave (Block 12 Lot 9) – $6,679.40
• Resolution 2026-56: Redeem tax lien at 20 Grand Ave (Block 13.01 Lot 7) – $2,821.32
• Resolution 2026-59: Redeem tax lien at 56-60 Broad St (Block 94 Lot 43) – $46,811.22
• Proclamations honoring Fliegauf Jewelers (100th anniversary) and Bonnie Hill (Bonnie Hill Day)

The council approved claims and six resolutions unanimously (6-0) and tabled the April 7 minutes for corrections. Budget discussion included a council member's concern over lack of a dedicated public hearing, though no formal action was taken. Council also heard reports on an $11,500 arts grant and a resident's inquiry about a DPW sign installation.

• Approved claims and vouchers (6-0)
• Adopted Resolutions 2026-54 through 60 (6-0)
• Tabled approval of April 7 meeting minutes until next meeting
• Entered executive session to discuss potential litigation (7:06 PM, returned 7:23 PM)

Library Board

The Washington Public Library Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting, primarily consisting of routine reports and approvals. The only substantive item on the agenda is a discussion about moving the monthly meeting from the fourth Thursday to the fourth Monday.

• Discussion on changing the monthly meeting day from fourth Thursday to fourth Monday

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold public hearings and vote to adopt an amended 2026 municipal budget (Resolutions 2026-49 and 2026-40), reducing anticipated surplus from $850,000 to $758,231.53 and total general appropriations from $9,584,872.31 to $9,493,103.84. Also up for final adoption is Ordinance 2026-09, which establishes regulations and fees for borough-owned electric vehicle charging stations, including a $2/hour rate and a 4-hour maximum. The meeting includes proclamations honoring firefighter Ron Hartrum and Eagle Scout Benjamin Fedon, plus an executive session on a settlement.

• 2026 budget amendment reduces anticipated surplus by $91,768.47 and total appropriations by $91,768.47
• Ordinance 2026-09 creates electric vehicle charging station fees: $2/hour up to 4 hours, $5 minimum, and escalating sitting fees
• Proclamation recognizing Ron Hartrum for 24 years of volunteer fire service and as Emergency Operations Manager
• Proclamation honoring Benjamin Fedon for achieving Eagle Scout rank and building a trailhead sign and boardwalk at Shabbecong Creek Preserve
• Executive session scheduled to discuss a settlement (Resolution 2026-53)

The Council adopted Ordinance 2026-09 to regulate two electric vehicle charging spaces in Municipal Parking Lot No. 1. The law introduces hourly fees and penalties for vehicles that remain in spaces after charging is complete. The Council also approved the 2026 Municipal Budget via Resolution 2026-40.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-09 establishing EV charging regulations and fees (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-40 for the 2026 Municipal Budget (4-2-1)
• Approved March 17, 2026, minutes (7-0)
• Approved April 13, 2026, minutes (5-0-2)
• Approved claims and vouchers (7-0)
• Issued Proclamation of Thanks to Ron Hartrum
• Issued Proclamation recognizing Benjamin Charles Fedon as an Eagle Scout

Shade Tree Commission

The Washington Borough Shade Tree Commission has cancelled its April 20, 2025 meeting due to lack of quorum. No business will be conducted.

Shade Tree Commission

The Washington Shade Tree Commission will review minutes from March, acknowledge receiving a Tree City USA award for the 26th year, discuss Arbor Day plans, and consider tree tag requests for two properties on Sunrise Terrace and a pruning request on Alvin Sloan Avenue.

• Tree City USA award received for 26th consecutive year
• Discussion of Arbor Day events
• 121 Sunrise Terrace – Tree Tag #857
• 139 Sunrise Terrace – Tree Tag #849
• 80 Alvin Sloan Avenue – pruning request

Borough Council

The Borough Council will consider a single resolution granting permission to the Washington Business Improvement District for an expanded open container area in Veterans Park Parking Lot on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The rest of the agenda consists of routine procedures.

• Resolution 2026-52 authorizing an expanded open container fenced beer garden area in the Borough Veterans Park Parking Lot
• Event date: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Applicant: Washington Business Improvement District

The council approved Resolution 2026-52, granting the Washington Business Improvement District permission for an expanded open container fenced beer garden area in the Veterans Park parking lot on April 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The vote was 4-1, with Councilmember Musick casting the sole no vote. No other substantive decisions were made; public comment periods had no speakers.

• Approved Resolution 2026-52 for expanded open container area at Veterans Park parking lot (4-1)

Green Team

The Washington Borough Green Team will meet to discuss the Data Centers Ordinance and updates regarding the Shabbecong Mountain Preserve and National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat. The group will also consider whether to allow bow hunting at the Shabbecong Mountain Preserve.

• Data Centers Ordinance update
• Discussion on allowing bow hunting at Shabbecong Mountain Preserve
• National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat update
• Weeding at Veteran’s Park

The team approved the February 11, 2026 minutes. It approved a motion requesting the Borough Council to authorize regulated bow hunting at the west end of Shabbecong Mountain Preserve, using rules similar to nearby municipalities. The farmers market was confirmed to accept EBT/SNAP benefits and received a $10,000 Good Food Bucks matching fund. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved minutes from February 11, 2026 (motion by Suzanne Marr, seconded by Michael Franks)
• Approved motion to request Council approve bow hunting at Shabbecong Mountain Preserve (motion by Josephine Noone, seconded by Suzanne Marr; approved by Michael Franks, Suzanne Marr, Josephine Noone, Gary Pohorely)
• Confirmed farmers market approved for EBT/SNAP benefits and secured $10,000 Good Food Bucks matching funds
• Planned purchase of cork tiles, padlock, stain, and paint brush for new kiosk at Nunn Avenue entrance

Borough Council

The Washington Borough Council will hold a first reading and public hearing on Ordinance 2026-09, which amends Chapter 85 to establish rules and fees for borough-owned electric vehicle charging stations. The meeting also includes the first reading of Ordinance 2026-10 to create local licensing requirements for cannabis establishments, and two resolutions designating reserved resident handicap parking spaces at 30 Taylor Street and 24 State Street. A public hearing on Budget Amendment 2026-49 is also scheduled.

• Ordinance 2026-09 – Amend Chapter 85 to set regulations and fees for electric vehicle charging stations (fees range $2‑$15 per hour).
• Ordinance 2026-10 – Create Chapter 54, Article II to require local licensing and regulation of cannabis establishments.
• Resolution 2026-50 – Designate a reserved resident handicap parking space at 30 Taylor Street.
• Resolution 2026-51 – Designate a reserved resident handicap parking space at 24 State Street.
• Resolution 2026-49 – Budget amendment with public hearing and adoption scheduled for April 21, 2026.

The borough council approved Ordinance 2026-09, establishing regulations and fees for borough‑owned electric vehicle charging stations, by a 7‑0 vote. A motion to approve vouchers and claims passed with six ayes, one abstention and no nays. Ordinance 2026-10 was voted on, receiving six ayes and one nay. No other substantive actions were taken on the public comment regarding cannabis licensing.

• Approved Ordinance 2026-09 (electric vehicle charging stations) – 7 ayes, 0 nays
• Approved vouchers and claims – 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstain (France)
• Voted on Ordinance 2026-10 (first reading) – 6 ayes, 1 nay (Gorshkov)
• Public comment on cannabis ordinance received; no decision made

Library Board

The Board of Trustees will conduct its regular monthly meeting on March 26, 2026, at the library and via Zoom. The agenda includes approving the February 26 minutes, receiving public comments, and hearing reports from the President, Treasurer, Director, and several committees. No specific policy changes or contracts are listed.

• Approval of minutes from the February 26, 2026 meeting
• President’s report
• Treasurer’s report
• Director’s report
• Committee reports (Finance, House, Policy, Friends of the Library)

The trustees accepted the Treasurer's reports based on the February 2026 financial statements, with all four members voting yes. They also approved the March 2026 bill lists, again with unanimous support. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Accepted Treasurer's reports (Feb 2026) – approved 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
• Approved March 2026 bill lists – approved 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions
• Adjourned meeting – approved 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions