The Borough Brief: 03/04/2026
Save the Date!
〰️
Coffee With the Council
〰️
Saturday, 3/21
〰️
Save the Date! 〰️ Coffee With the Council 〰️ Saturday, 3/21 〰️
Dear Mendham Neighbors,
At our most recent meeting, Ordinance #004-2026 (Snow and Ice Removal Requirements) and Ordinance #01-2026 (Bernardsville Road Affordable Housing Overlay Zone – B-AHO) were both tabled. They will return to a future agenda for further consideration.
We also heard a presentation from Mendham Area Senior Housing (MASH) in support of Resolution #062-2026, which would allow MASH to pursue funding through the Morris County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to install emergency generators at the site. MASH is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on grant funding and donations to support its mission. Donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS guidelines. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, you can learn more at: https://mashnj.org/volunteer-or-donate.
Finally, the Borough Attorney provided an overview of the history of affordable housing legislation in New Jersey, as well as recent statutory changes that guide how municipalities plan for and meet their housing obligations.
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 #02-2026 Affordable Housing & Development Fee Ordinance Update
What it was: There was a public hearing and vote on 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.
The ordinance modernizes the Borough’s affordable housing regulations, updates administrative procedures, and incorporates current state requirements following the dissolution of COAH and the creation of the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program.
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 was adopted by Council. The updated Affordable Housing chapter of the Borough Code is now in effect and will guide how Mendham administers its affordable housing obligations and related programs as part of the State’s Fourth Round compliance process.
Ordinance #03-2026 Botti Fields Playground Improvements
What it was: There was a public hearing and vote on 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: The ordinance was adopted by Council, formally appropriating the grant funding for the Botti Field playground improvements. With funding now authorized, the Borough can proceed with purchasing and installing the new playground equipment as part of the improvement project.
Resolution #058-2026 Final Change Order for Phoenix & Knollwood Drives Road Improvements
What it was: A resolution authorizing Change Order No. 2 (Final) for the Phoenix & Knollwood Drives Road Improvements Project with DLS Contracting, Inc. The change order reflects a decrease of $45,418.93 from the original contract amount due to adjustments in estimated quantities, bringing the final contract total to $353,756.37.
Why it matters: Change orders are a standard part of construction projects and reflect final adjustments based on actual work performed. In this case, the project was completed below the original contract amount, resulting in cost savings to the Borough.
What happens next: With the final change order approved and the project deemed substantially complete by the Borough Engineer, the contract will be formally closed out.
Resolution #059-2026 Extension of Recycling & Bulk Waste Contract
What it was: A resolution authorizing a two-month extension of the Borough’s contract with Blue Diamond Disposal, Inc. for curbside collection of recyclable materials and bulk solid waste (Type 13). The extension runs from April 1, 2026 through May 31, 2026, at a rate not to exceed $24,275 per month.
Why it matters: The original five-year contract has expired, and the Borough is currently rebidding these services. This short-term extension ensures there is no disruption to recycling and bulk waste collection while the new bid process is completed.
What happens next: Bids for the new contract are scheduled to be opened on March 31, 2026. Once reviewed, the Borough will move forward with awarding a new contract.
Resolution #060-2026 Application for Green Communities Grant
What it was: A resolution authorizing the Borough to apply for a Green Communities Grant – Inventory and Community Forestry Management Plan (CFMP) Development Grant in an amount of up to $20,000 from the State of New Jersey.
Why it matters: TIf awarded, the grant funding would support development of a Community Forestry Management Plan and related inventory work, helping the Borough strengthen its environmental planning and tree management efforts.
What happens next: The Mayor is authorized to submit the application and, if awarded, execute the grant agreement and any necessary amendments.
Resolution #061-2026 Interlocal Agreement with Mendham Township
What it was: A resolution authorizing a one-year interlocal agreement between the Borough of Mendham and the Township of Mendham for shared public works services in 2026.
Under the agreement:
The Township will provide street sweeping services to the Borough twice per year (April–November 2026).
The Borough will provide roadside mowing services to the Township twice per year (May–September 2026).
Why it matters: Each municipality has the equipment needed to perform the other’s service, allowing both to meet operational needs efficiently, without any monetary exchange.
What happens next: The agreement runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Resolution #062-2026 CDBG Grant Application
What it was: Council adopted a resolution supporting an application by Mendham Area Senior Housing (MASH) to the Morris County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to help fund the installation of emergency generators at the MASH facility.
Why it matters: MASH provides affordable senior housing in the community and relies on grants and donations to maintain and improve the facility. Emergency generators would help ensure residents have reliable power during outages, supporting the safety and well-being of senior residents.
What happens next: With Council’s support, MASH can move forward with submitting its application to Morris County for CDBG funding. If awarded, the grant would help fund the generator project at the MASH property.
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: How Meeting Notice & Agendas Work in Mendham Borough
TL;DR: Mendham Borough publishes an annual meeting schedule that satisfies state notice rules. Special meetings require 48-hour notice. Agendas are posted online as a best practice, though the law only requires them “to the extent known.” All formal votes must occur in public.
We’re often asked: When are meetings advertised and when are agendas posted?
Under the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), the Borough must provide “adequate notice” of meetings. That means:
Annual Meeting Schedule
At the start of each year, Mayor & Council (and our Boards and Committees) adopt and publish an annual meeting schedule by resolution.
That schedule includes dates, times and locations. Because those meetings are properly advertised in advance, no separate 48-hour notice is required for each regular meeting, unless something changes.
If a date, time, or location changes, new notice must be issued.
Special Meetings
If a meeting is not on the annual schedule, the Borough must provide at least 48 hours’ notice that includes date, time, location and agenda (to the extent known) and the notice is posted at Borough Hall, filed with the Borough Clerk, sent to designated official newspapers/online publications and posted on the Borough website.
In Mendham’s practice:
Agendas are typically posted on the Borough website in advance of meetings and Council packets are made publicly available whenever possible. Items may still be added if necessary before a meeting. Meeting agendas, documents and minutes can be found here.
Executive Session
When Council enters executive session, it must adopt a public resolution stating the general topic (e.g., personnel, litigation, contract negotiations), as permitted under OPMA. No formal action is taken in executive session and any binding vote must occur in public.
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 18th, 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.
📱 Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram: Stay up to date with news, reminders, and community updates.
Follow Us On Social Media —>
This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
