The Borough Brief: 10/07/2026
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,
A big thank you to everyone who came out for MendhamFest! Once again, Mother Nature delivered a beautiful fall day, and it was wonderful to see so many neighbors come together to enjoy everything that makes our community special. From supporting local organizations and businesses to catching up with friends and meeting new faces, days like these are a great reminder of what makes Mendham such a special place to call home.
We also had a special opportunity at this weeks meeting to recognize the talented students at Mountain View School and their artwork celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, our nation’s semiquincentennial. It was wonderful to see our students helping commemorate this historic milestone through their creativity, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this recognition possible.
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 #14-2026 (for Adoption) – Polishing Lagoons and Monitoring Wells
What happened: Council adopted an ordinance that authorizes the Borough to undertake the closure or liner replacement of the Polishing Lagoons and three monitoring wells, including the necessary studies, design, surveys, equipment, and related work.
Why it matters: The ordinance allows the Borough to redirect available sewer capital funds toward the lagoon and monitoring-well work rather than leaving those funds committed to projects for which may no longer needed.
What’s next: The Borough will proceed with the authorized improvements, with the capital budget amended as necessary to reflect the reallocation of funds.
Ordinance #15-2026 (for Introduction) – Police Department Membership & Qualifications
What happened: Council introduced an ordinance updating the Borough Code provisions governing the Police Department’s membership and the qualifications for police officers. The ordinance would update the department’s authorized structure to include a Chief of Police, increase the maximum number of authorized Sergeants from four to five, and maintain a maximum of seven Patrol Officers. The ordinance also updates the requirements for individuals seeking to join the Police Department, including age, residency, education, health, and law-enforcement training requirements.
Why it matters: These changes align the Code with the current structure of the department. The ordinance also gives the Chief of Police several pathways for hiring qualified officers, including the Alternate Route Program, existing Police Training Commission certification, or Borough sponsorship for police academy training.
What’s next: The ordinance will go through the public hearing and adoption process before any changes take effect.
Resolution #166-2026 – Police Department Accessibility Improvements
What happened: Council amended a previously approved resolution for the Police Department Accessibility Improvements project to correct the grant and matching-fund amounts and the budget year listed in the original resolution.
Why it matters: The Borough received a $42,060 Morris County Community Development Block Grant for the project, with $16,815 in Borough matching funds. The match was budgeted in the 2026 Budget. This resolution corrects the earlier resolution to reflect those amounts and the correct budget year.
What’s next: No other changes are being made to the project or contract with JJJ Solutions LLC. All other terms of the previously approved resolutions remain in effect.
Resolution #167-2026 – Temporary Part-Time Zoning & Code Enforcement Appointment
What happened: Council appointed Reinaldo A. Flores as the Borough’s temporary part-time Zoning Officer, Code Enforcement Official, and Rental Inspector following the resignation of the previous person serving in those roles. Mr. Flores holds a current New Jersey Zoning Officer License.
Why it matters: This appointment ensures the Borough continues to have coverage for zoning, code enforcement, and rental inspections.
What’s next: Mr. Flores’s appointment is effective October 8, 2026 and is temporary and part-time.
Resolution #168-2026 – Bowers Building Preservation Plan Grant
What happened: Council authorized the Borough to add $31,520 in Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund grant funding to the 2026 municipal budget for the Bowers Building Preservation Plan.
Why it matters: The grant provides dedicated funding for the preservation planning work for the Bowers Building without relying on additional local tax dollars for the same amount. Because the grant was not known when the 2026 budget was originally adopted, the Borough must formally add the grant revenue and corresponding appropriation to the budget under N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (Chapter 159).
What’s next: The Chief Financial Officer will submit the required certified resolution to the State’s Division of Local Government Services, and the $31,520 will be available for the Bowers Building Preservation Plan.
Resolution #169-2026 – Donation of Plant Material
What happened: Council accepted a donation of plant material from the Mendham Alliance for Preservation & Conservation for planting on Borough property. The donation includes Black-Eyed Susans, Purple Coneflowers, a Redbud tree, Treasure Trove plants, and Short-Toothed Mountain Mint plants.
Why it matters: The donation will help beautify Borough property and enhance the community’s public spaces, while supporting local preservation and conservation efforts.
What’s next: Borough officials will coordinate the acceptance and planting of the donated materials.
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: What is a QPA?
TL;DR
A Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) helps the Borough buy goods and services responsibly, follow state purchasing rules, and protect the integrity of the process when public money is spent.
What is a QPA?
A QPA is a professional certified to oversee municipal purchasing in accordance with New Jersey’s Local Public Contracts Law. The role helps ensure purchases and contracts follow the required procedures, including obtaining quotes or soliciting competitive bids when required. Depending on the authority granted to them, a QPA may also advertise for bids, receive proposals, and award certain contracts.
What does it take to become a QPA?
It takes specialized training and certification. In New Jersey, candidates generally need to meet state eligibility requirements, complete required coursework in public purchasing, and pass a state certification exam. Certain qualified professionals may be eligible for exemptions. And the learning doesn’t stop there: QPAs must renew their certification and complete continuing education to stay current on purchasing rules, ethics, and best practices.
The takeaway
Municipal purchasing involves public dollars, and there are rules in place to help ensure the process is fair, transparent, and accountable. A QPA helps the Borough navigate those requirements, maintain proper purchasing procedures, and make sure taxpayer funds are spent in accordance with the law.
How to Stay Engaged
📅 Next Council Meeting: October 21st, 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.
