The Borough Brief: 02/18/2026
Save the Date!
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Coffee With the Council
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Saturday, 3/21
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Save the Date! 〰️ Coffee With the Council 〰️ Saturday, 3/21 〰️
Dear Mendham Neighbors,
At this week’s meeting, Council introduced Ordinances #01-2026, which establishes the affordable housing overlay zone associated with Mendham’s 4th Round Affordable Housing Plan. The public will have two opportunities to comment on this ordinance. The first will be at a special meeting of the Joint Land Use Board on March 3, followed by the public hearing before Borough Council on March 4, when Council will consider adoption. We encourage anyone who would like to weigh in to attend one or both meetings.
The Finance Subcommittee is actively preparing the 2026 municipal budget, which we expect to introduce in the coming weeks. As always, our focus is on balancing responsible fiscal management with maintaining the high level of services residents expect.
It has been a busy month for Parks and Recreation across the Borough. We have officially approved the purchase of new playground equipment for the Botti Field playground expansion, with $85,000 of the project funded through the Local Recreation Improvement Grant. Looking ahead, the Borough has also applied for the 2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant in the amount of $75,000 to support planned improvements at the Borough Park playground. These improvements would not be possible without the support of these grant programs.
We have also updated our facilities use policies for groups and organizations to ensure greater consistency and clearly defined guidelines that protect the Borough. The Recreation Committee is also reviewing potential private funding opportunities that could support significant upgrades to the Borough baseball fields. There is meaningful momentum building, and thoughtful long term planning is well underway as we continue working to enhance our recreational spaces.
In addition to the evening’s business, Council heard two informative presentations. We received an update on the many services and resources offered by the Mendham Borough Library, along with a discussion of the ways the Borough continues to support its programming and operations. We also heard from representatives of ECOSST and the Hacklebarney Chapter of Trout Unlimited regarding Phase 3 of the India Brook Restoration Project and the continued efforts to improve stream health and environmental resilience in our community.
As always, this issue of The Borough Brief breaks down what Council acted on, why it matters, and what happens next, along with a deeper look at how Mendham’s form of government is structured to make these decisions.
With appreciation,
Councilmember Alexandra Henry Traut
Councilmember Matthew Bruin
PLEASE NOTE: This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
The Breakdown
The Breakdown is a recurring series where we explain important resolutions and ordinances that come before the Borough Council. Each issue will break down what was proposed, what was decided, why it matters, and what happens next in clear and straightforward terms. Full agendas and minutes are available on the Borough website.
Ordinance #01-2026 Bernardsville Road Affordable Housing Overlay Zone (B-AHO)
What happened: Council introduced an ordinance amending the Borough’s zoning code to create a new Affordable Housing Overlay Zone at Block 2301, Lot 13 (350 Bernardsville Road). The overlay is intended to implement recommendations contained in the Borough’s adopted Round Four Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.
The ordinance establishes zoning parameters for the property, including permitted uses and associated development standards, consistent with state affordable housing requirements.
Why it matters: This ordinance represents one of the implementing steps associated with the Borough’s Fourth Round affordable housing compliance efforts under the New Jersey Fair Housing Act. Municipalities are required to adopt zoning that provides a realistic opportunity to address their affordable housing obligations.
What’s next: The ordinance will proceed to public hearing and final consideration at the March 4, 2026 Council meeting. Residents will have the opportunity to provide public comment prior to any vote on adoption. If adopted, any future application concerning the property would remain subject to the applicable land use review process.
Ordinance #02-2026 Affordable Housing & Development Fee Ordinance Update
What it was: An ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 60 (“Affordable Housing”) and repealing Chapter 61 (“Development Fees”) of the Borough Code to align Mendham’s regulations with the updated New Jersey Fair Housing Act and the Borough’s Round Four Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.
Why it matters: This update ensures Mendham’s affordable housing framework complies with current state law and Fourth Round obligations (2025–2035).
What happens next: The ordinance will move to public hearing and final consideration at the next Council meeting. If adopted, the updated affordable housing regulations will govern how affordable units and related development fees are administered moving forward.
Ordinance #03-2026 Botti Fields Playground Improvements
What it was: An ordinance appropriating $85,000 for playground equipment improvements at Botti Fields, funded through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs 2025 Local Recreation Improvement Grant.
The ordinance formally authorizes the Borough to accept and allocate the grant funding toward the purchase and installation of new playground equipment and related site improvements.
Why it matters: This ordinance allows the Borough to move forward with recreational upgrades using state grant funds and enables investing in community amenities while reducing the draw on local tax dollars. Improvements at Botti Fields will enhance play spaces for families and children while maintaining Borough facilities.
What happens next: With funding authorized, the Borough can proceed with final planning, procurement, and installation of the playground improvements in accordance with grant requirements.
Resolution #049-2026 Botti Field Playground Equipment Purchase
What it was: A resolution authorizing the purchase and ADA-compliant installation of new playground equipment for Botti Field from KOMPAN through the Bergen County Cooperative pricing system. The total authorized purchase is $111,795.19.
The purchase is funded through a Local Recreation Improvement Grant, with additional support from a Pastime Club donation and previously budgeted funds.
Why it matters: The project upgrades playground facilities while leveraging grant funding and community contributions to minimize local tax impact.
What happens next: With authorization in place and funding certified, the Borough can move forward with ordering and installation of the new playground equipment at Botti Field.
Resolution #050-2026 Amendment to 2026 Salary Resolution
What it was: A resolution amending Resolution 176-2025 to correct and update certain salary and hourly wage rates for Borough-appointed officials and employees in 2026. Specifically, it adjusts Recreation Department Day Camp salaries that were initially calculated using 2025 rates.
Why it matters: This amendment ensures employee compensation reflects the correct 2026 pay rates and maintains accuracy in the Borough’s payroll and budgeting.
What happens next: The updated salary and wage rates will be implemented as amended for the 2026 calendar year.
Resolution #051-2026 Adoption of Public Recreation Facilities Policy
What it was: A resolution formally adopting the Borough of Mendham Public Recreation Facilities Policy, as recommended by the citizen advisory Recreation Committee. The policy establishes guidelines for who may use Borough-owned recreation facilities and under what conditions.
Eligible users include municipal departments, other governmental agencies, charitable and civic organizations, Borough-related groups, and certain for-profit sports organizations, subject to approval by the Council Recreation and Parks Committee.
Why it matters: This policy creates clear, consistent standards for the use of public recreation facilities, ensuring they are managed responsibly and remain available for community benefit while maintaining Council oversight.
What happens next: All future requests to use Borough recreation facilities will be reviewed and administered in accordance with the newly adopted policy.
Resolution #052-2026 Rejection of Police Department Accessibility Improvement Bids
What it was: A resolution rejecting all bids received for accessibility improvements at the Borough Police Department. Although nine bids were submitted, the two lowest bids were deemed nonresponsive due to missing required documentation under state law. The remaining bids, including the third-lowest proposal, substantially exceeded the Borough’s cost estimates.
Why it matters: Under New Jersey’s Local Public Contracts Law, the Borough must reject bids that fail to meet statutory requirements or significantly exceed project cost estimates. Rejecting the bids protects taxpayers and ensures the procurement process remains compliant and fiscally responsible.
What happens next: The Borough will rebid the project in order to seek compliant proposals that align with project requirements and cost expectations.
Resolution #053-2026 Sanitary Sewer Inspection Services Contract
What it was: A resolution authorizing the award of a $40,749.85 contract to Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for sanitary sewer inspection services, including cleaning and hydro-excavating.
Why it matters: Regular sewer inspection and maintenance help prevent blockages, reduce emergency repairs, and protect public health and infrastructure.
What happens next: With funding certified and the contract awarded, Duke’s Root Control, Inc. will perform the scheduled inspection and maintenance services for the Borough’s sanitary sewer system.
Resolution #054-2026 Five-Year Axon Contract Renewal (Body & Fleet Cameras)
What it was: A resolution authorizing a five-year renewal contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc. for body-worn cameras, fleet vehicle cameras, and related services for the Mendham Borough Police Department. The contract runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030, at a total cost of $126,258.80 ($25,521.76 per year), through the State’s NJ START cooperative purchasing program.
Why it matters: Body-worn cameras are required under New Jersey Attorney General directives, and fleet cameras support officer safety, transparency, and accountability. Utilizing the State-approved cooperative contract allows the Borough to secure competitive pricing without conducting a separate bid process, resulting in annual savings.
What happens next: With authorization and funding certified, the Borough will proceed with the five-year contract renewal to ensure continued camera coverage and related services for patrol operations.
Resolution #055-2026 Award of Contract for Patriots Path Improvements
What it was: A resolution awarding a contract to AJM Contractors, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $81,360 for the Patriots Path Improvements Project. Although 22 bids were received, the two lowest bids were deemed nonresponsive due to missing required documentation. AJM Contractors was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in compliance with the Local Public Contracts Law.
Why it matters: This project, funded through a Local Recreation Improvement Grant, will enhance Patriots Path while ensuring the Borough follows proper public bidding procedures. Careful legal and engineering review protects taxpayers and ensures the project meets all technical and statutory requirements.
What happens next: The Mayor and Borough Clerk will execute the contract, and the Borough can proceed with construction of the Patriots Path improvements.
Resolution #056-2026 Adoption of Fourth Round Affordable Housing Spending Plan
What it was: A resolution adopting the Borough’s Fourth Round Affordable Housing Trust Fund Spending Plan (February 2026), prepared in accordance with the amended New Jersey Fair Housing Act. The plan outlines how the Borough intends to use funds collected in its Affordable Housing Trust Fund during the Fourth Round obligation period (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2035).
Why it matters: State law requires municipalities to obtain approval for how affordable housing development fees and related funds will be spent. Adopting a formal spending plan ensures compliance with state requirements and allows the Borough to responsibly allocate trust fund dollars toward eligible affordable housing activities
What happens next: The adopted spending plan will guide how affordable housing trust funds are committed and expended during the Fourth Round, subject to state oversight and compliance requirements.
Government, Explained
Government Explained is a recurring series where we take time to explain how local government works in simple terms. Each issue will focus on a different topic we believe will be helpful for residents, breaking down the process, roles, and decisions so it is easier to understand what is happening and why it matters. A lot of the questions we hear from residents come down to process. Why something happened when it did, why certain discussions aren’t public yet, or who is responsible for what. Understanding how local government works can help distinguish between a true lack of transparency and legal or procedural requirements that guide how and when decisions are made.
This Month’s Topic: Council Committees
TL;DR: Council committees help organize the work of the Borough Council by focusing on specific areas like finance, public safety, and land use. But, all final decisions are made by the full Council together.
In Mendham Borough, Council members serve on standing committees that study issues, make recommendations, and help prepare matters for full Council consideration. These committees are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council. Their role is to plan, review, and report on specific topics such as budgeting, public safety, parks, or personnel matters.
Here’s how it works:
Standing Committees are ongoing groups focusing on key areas of Borough operations. They help carry on routine work, develop recommendations, and report back to the entire Council.
A committee cannot bind the Council, make final decisions, or set policy on its own. Only the full Council can do that through a public vote.
The Chair of each committee reports to the Council about the committee’s activities and accomplishments.
Each standing committee is responsible for particular subject areas. For example:
The Finance Committee reviews bills, budget practices, and financial procedures.
The Public Safety Committee focuses on police, fire, and related safety matters.
The Recreation & Parks Committee looks at parks and recreation issues.
The Public Works & Utilities, Land Use, and Personnel Committees each guide work and make recommendations in their respective areas.
Committees help Council work more efficiently by diving deep into topics before Council votes but final decisions about ordinances, resolutions, and Borough policy are made by all six members of the governing body at public Council meetings.
If you want to learn which Council member chairs each committee, check out the official page here: Mendham Borough Council Committees
Looking Ahead
We hope you will join us for our next Coffee with the Council on Saturday, March 21. Please mark your calendars. The exact time is still to be determined and will be shared soon.
These informal gatherings are a great opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and have open conversations with your elected officials in a relaxed setting outside of a formal meeting. We look forward to connecting with residents and continuing the conversation.
In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Our contact information is listed below.
How to Stay Engaged
📅 Next Council Meeting: March 4th, 2026 @ The Garabrant Center | 4 Wilson Street, Mendham
📧 Reach Out: atraut@mendhamnj.org | mbruin@mendhamnj.org
🗣️ Get Involved: Attend a meeting or reach out if you have questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to see covered in future newsletters.
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This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
