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,
While this month’s Council agenda was relatively short, there is certainly a lot happening around the Borough as we head into the holiday season! We have a couple of great community events coming up on November 21st, and we hope you’ll join us in making them a success.
First up is the Borough’s Holiday Food Drive, supporting the Chester Mendham Food Pantry. From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the DPW, 37 Ironia Road, residents are invited to donate items that will help local families prepare for the holidays. The pantry is collecting a variety of nonperishable food items, including cranberry sauce, stuffing, broth, gravy, shelf-stable milk, rice, applesauce, and more. Gift cards in $25 increments are also welcome.
We’re also excited to share a Reusable Grocery Bag Drop-Off Event taking place at the same time and location! Mendham Borough residents are invited to bring their gently used reusable grocery bags to the DPW. The bags will be professionally cleaned by GOATOTE and redistributed to local food assistance organizations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give those bags a second life while supporting both sustainability and our neighbors.
Both events will take place on Saturday, November 21st, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Mendham Borough DPW.
Finally, please stay tuned for information on the upcoming ribbon cutting for the new play structure at the Botti Pavillion!
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 #15-2026 (for Adoption) – Police Department Membership & Qualifications
What happened: Council adopted 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 is effective immediately.
Ordinance #16-2026 (for Introduction) – Lead-Based Paint Inspection Updates
What happened: Council introduced an ordinance amending the Borough Code to expand who is authorized to conduct lead-based paint inspections. Currently, the Code authorizes the Construction Code Official to perform these inspections. The proposed change would allow a Borough-designated, state-certified lead evaluation professional to conduct them instead.
Why it matters: This change would provide the Borough with greater flexibility in assigning lead-based paint inspections while ensuring they are conducted by a professional with the required state certification.
What’s next: The ordinance will go through the public hearing and adoption process. If adopted, the updated language will take effect upon final passage and publication as required by law.
Resolution #170-2026 – Consulting Contract with William F. Craig, Jr.
What happened: Council authorized a consulting contract with William F. Craig, Jr. for the period of October 1 through December 31, 2026. Mr. Craig previously served as the Borough’s Public Safety Director and will assist the Police Department as it transitions to the newly established Chief of Police structure, while also providing general administrative support as needed.
Why it matters: Following the appointment of Chief Patrick McNichol and the Borough’s return to a traditional Police Chief model, Mr. Craig’s experience and knowledge of the department will help support the transition and bring the process to a close.
What’s next: The contract runs through December 31, 2026.
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 an OPRA Request?
TL;DR
OPRA gives the public a formal way to request access to government records. It helps keep local government transparent, while recognizing that some information must remain confidential under the law.
What is OPRA?
OPRA stands for the Open Public Records Act, a New Jersey law that gives the public a way to request access to government records maintained by state and local agencies. These records might include municipal budgets, meeting minutes, contracts, correspondence, or other documents related to Borough business.
How does it work?
If you’re looking for a specific government record, you can submit a written request to the appropriate Records Custodian. The request should clearly describe the records you’re seeking and follow the Borough’s submission procedures. The Records Custodian reviews the request and determines whether the records can be released.
While many government records are available to the public, not everything is automatically disclosed. Certain records, or portions of records, may be exempt from release to protect privacy, security, or other interests recognized by law. There may also be fees for copies or for certain requests that require significant time and effort to fulfill.
Why does it matter?
OPRA is an important tool for transparency and accountability. It helps residents understand how their local government operates, how public funds are spent, and what decisions are being made on behalf of the community.
How to Stay Engaged
📅 Next Council Meeting: November 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.
