The Borough Brief: 05/20/2026
PLEASE NOTE: This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
Hello Mendham Neighbors,
At this month’s Council meeting, Borough Attorney Jonathan Testa also provided an overview of proposed State legislation known as S4736, sometimes referred to as the “YIGBY” (“Yes In God’s Backyard”) bill. The legislation would significantly expand the ability of religious and nonprofit organizations to develop inclusionary housing projects on their properties, while limiting a municipality’s ability to restrict those applications through local zoning. Rather than requiring 100% affordable housing developments, the bill would allow mixed-income projects that include a set-aside of affordable units alongside market-rate housing. Among other provisions, the bill would permit developments of up to 40 units per acre and allow increased building heights in many zones.
While everyone agrees affordable housing remains an important issue across New Jersey, many municipalities and local officials have raised concerns about the bill’s potential impact on local planning, infrastructure, traffic, school capacity, and the erosion of local zoning authority. Residents who wish to voice their opinion on the legislation are encouraged to contact their State legislators directly and share their feedback as the bill continues moving through the legislative process.
Also, we wanted to take a moment to recognize a very special young resident making a meaningful impact in our community. Joseph Shadle of Halstead Road recently chose to focus his 2nd grade service project on public safety after becoming concerned about speeding on his street. Joseph presented his ideas directly to the Mendham Borough Police Department, advocating for additional traffic safety measures in his neighborhood.
We were impressed not only by Joseph’s thoughtful presentation, but also by the poise, confidence, and care he demonstrated in speaking up for his community. Thanks to his efforts, a new traffic safety sign has now been installed on Halstead Road.
While much of the public conversation around traffic safety often focuses on our major roads and throughways, neighborhoods and side streets are where many of our children walk, bike, and play every day. Joseph’s project served as an important reminder that keeping our community safe requires attention to every corner of town.
A sincere thank you to Joseph for his initiative and civic-mindedness, and to the Mendham Borough Police Department for listening and responding. We are proud to see young residents already taking an active role in making Mendham a safer and stronger community.
If you’ve found this newsletter helpful, we encourage you to subscribe and share it with friends and neighbors.
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 #08-2026 Historic Preservation Improvements (Cary Barn & Phoenix House)
What happened: Council adopted an ordinance to authorize proceeds from various grants to begin improvements on two historic Borough properties - Cary Barn and the Phoenix House.
This ordinance funds two separate projects:
Cary Barn (Scott Farm Barn) — Phase III Stabilization, Rehabilitation & Structural Improvements: $740,017. Funded by a $305,172 Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund grant and a $434,845 Preserve New Jersey Historic Trust grant.
Phoenix House — Phase III Building Exterior Rehabilitation & Structural Improvements: $250,000. Funded by a $250,000 Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund grant.
Why it matters: Both properties are cornerstones of Mendham's historic character, and the Borough has been working for years to secure outside funding to restore and stabilize them properly. This is entirely grant-funded. The Borough successfully secured these grants through state and county preservation programs, meaning our historic landmarks get restored at no local cost.
What’s next: With the ordinance formally adopted, the Borough can move forward with the funded phases of the projects, including construction, rehabilitation, and related improvement work in accordance with the approved grant programs and project plans.
Resolution #102-2026 – Recycling & Bulk Waste Collection Contract Award
What happened: The Borough awarded a three-year contract to Affordable Cartage for weekly curbside collection and disposal of single-stream recycling and bulk solid waste (Type 13). The contract runs from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2029, at a total cost not to exceed $1,078,465.
The Borough previously solicited bids in late 2025, but those bids were rejected earlier this year. After rebidding the service with multiple contract and pickup options, the Finance Committee recommended a three-year combined recycling and bulk waste collection contract with once-a-week pickup. Affordable Cartage was determined to be the lowest qualified and responsive bidder.
Why it matters: This contract ensures residents will continue to receive regular weekly curbside recycling and bulk waste collection services.
What’s next: Affordable Cartage will begin providing services under the new agreement starting June 1, 2026.
Resolution #103-2026 – Fire Department Appointments
What happened: The Borough approved the appointment of three new members to the Mendham Borough Fire Department’s Hose Company, following recommendations from the leadership of the Mendham Independent Hook and Ladder Company.
Each new volunteer firefighter will serve a six-month probationary period before becoming a regular member, subject to approval by the Fire Chief and department officers.
Why it matters: Volunteer firefighters play a critical role in protecting the community and responding to emergencies. Bringing in new members helps maintain staffing levels, supports emergency response capabilities, and ensures the long-term strength of the Borough’s volunteer fire service.
What’s next: The new members will begin their probationary service and training with the department immediately.
Resolution #104-2026 – Ironia Road Improvements Contract Award
What happened: The Borough awarded a contract to LaForza Construction LLC for the Ironia Road Improvements Project in an amount not to exceed $361,514.80.
Ten bids were received through the public bidding process, and Borough professionals determined LaForza Construction submitted the lowest qualified and compliant bid. The project includes roadway improvements designed to meet applicable pedestrian trail and stormwater standards.
Why it matters: This project represents a significant investment in local infrastructure, helping improve roadway conditions, drainage, and pedestrian safety along Ironia Road. The competitive bidding process helped ensure the Borough secured a qualified contractor at a responsible cost.
What’s next: The project will move into the construction phase under the oversight of the Borough Engineer.
Resolution #105-2026 – NJDOT Grant Application for Talmage Road Improvements
What happened: The Borough approved submitting a grant application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for additional funding related to the Talmage Road Improvements Project.
Why it matters: Applying for state grant funding helps offset the cost of local infrastructure improvements and reduces the financial burden on taxpayers. Projects like roadway resurfacing and drainage improvements are expensive, so outside funding can significantly stretch local capital dollars further.
What’s next: The Borough will submit the application to NJDOT for consideration.
Resolution #107-2026 – Morris County Trail Construction Grant Application
What happened: The Borough authorized the submission of a grant application to the Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program for the Borough Park and Arboretum Trail Construction Project.
The Borough is seeking approximately $350,427 in County grant funding to support trail construction and improvements. As required by the program, the Borough would provide a 20% local match (approximately $81,517) through Open Space Trust Fund dollars and/or in-kind contributions.
Why it matters: If awarded, the grant would help expand and improve recreational trail access within Borough Park and the Arboretum while leveraging County funding to reduce the local financial burden. The project supports recreation, accessibility, and long-term investment in public open space amenities.
What’s next: The Borough will submit the grant application to Morris County for consideration. Because the program operates on a reimbursement basis, the Borough would initially front project costs and later receive reimbursement if the grant is approved.
Resolution #108-2026 - Issuance of BANs
What happened: Council authorized the Borough of Mendham to issue up to $1.38 million in bond anticipation notes (BANs) to temporarily finance or renew financing for previously approved capital projects.
Why it matters: BANs are short-term borrowing instruments, typically used before long-term bonds are issued. The notes can mature for up to one year and may be renewed as permitted under New Jersey law. The notes are backed by the full faith and credit of the Borough, meaning taxpayers ultimately guarantee repayment through the municipal budget and property taxes if necessary.
What’s next: This resolution does not approve new projects; it authorizes temporary financing for capital projects already approved through earlier bond ordinances.
Resolution #109-2026 - Recognizing National Police Week
What happened: The Borough Council passed a resolution recognizing National Police Week, observed May 11–16, 2026, and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15. The resolution honored the service of law enforcement officers nationwide, including the Mendham Borough Police Department, and recognized officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Why it matters: National Police Week serves as an opportunity for communities to publicly acknowledge the sacrifices and responsibilities of law enforcement officers.
What’s next: The resolution is ceremonial and does not create any new policies or funding obligations.
Hiring Resolutions – DPW & Administrative Staffing
What happened: Council approved the hiring of a new full-time Laborer/Driver/Operator for the Department of Public Works, along with two part-time administrative interns.
The DPW position fills a staffing need within the department and includes support for obtaining a required commercial driver’s license (CDL). The administrative interns were hired to assist Borough operations on a part-time basis at an hourly rate with no benefits.
Why it matters: These hires help ensure the Borough can continue delivering reliable day-to-day services while managing staffing needs efficiently. Strengthening the DPW supports road maintenance, infrastructure operations, and public works responsiveness, while administrative interns provide additional support across Borough offices during busy periods without creating long-term personnel costs.
What’s next: The new employees will begin onboarding and training in their respective roles, with the DPW hire joining the department full-time and the interns assisting administrative operations on a part-time basis.
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: Borough Government vs. Township Government
TL;DR:
Not all towns in New Jersey are governed the same way.
“Mendham Borough” and “Mendham Township” are not just different names — they operate under different forms of local government.
The biggest difference comes down to how mayors are selected and how governing bodies are structured.
Every municipality in New Jersey operates under a specific form of government established by state law. While the names “borough” and “township” often sound like simple geographic labels, they actually describe different systems for how local government functions.
The Borough Form of Government
Mendham Borough operates under the traditional “Borough” form of government, which is one of the oldest and most common forms in New Jersey.
Under this structure:
Residents elect a Mayor separately from the Borough Council.
The Mayor serves a four-year term.
Councilmembers serve staggered three-year terms.
The Mayor presides at meetings, may vote in the event of a tie, and has veto power over ordinances (which Council can override with enough votes).
Day-to-day operations are typically handled collaboratively between the Mayor, Council, Administrator, and professional staff.
This system creates a separation between the executive role (Mayor) and legislative role (Council), while still requiring collaboration between both branches.
The Township Committee Form of Government
By comparison, many municipalities in New Jersey — including Mendham Township — operate under the “Township Committee” form of government.
Under this structure:
Residents elect Township Committee members directly.
The Township Committee then selects one of its own members each year to serve as Mayor.
The Mayor’s role is generally more ceremonial and administrative than executive.
The governing body acts more collectively, with less separation between executive and legislative authority.
In a Township Committee system, the Mayor is not separately elected by the public and typically serves a one-year term selected internally by the Committee.
Why It Matters
Understanding a municipality’s form of government helps explain:
Who makes decisions.
How leadership is selected.
Why certain officials have different powers or responsibilities.
How accountability works.
Two towns may look similar geographically, but their governing structures can operate very differently behind the scenes.
The Bottom Line
New Jersey has one of the most diverse local government systems in the country, with multiple forms of municipal government authorized under state law. Mendham Borough and Mendham Township may share a name and ZIP code, but they operate under different governmental structures with different approaches to leadership and decision-making.
How to Stay Engaged
📅 Next Council Meeting: June 3rd, 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.
