Politics & Government
Borough Council Congratulates New Eagle Scout and Deerfield Co-Valedictorians
Mayor addresses affordable housing obligation, Council approves purchase of DPW Truck, road opening, and Assistant Pool Manager position.
Mountainside Borough Council read a proclamation honoring James R. Murdoch Jr., the town’s latest member of the community to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. For his project, Murdoch worked with the Raptor Trust repairing cages, including roofing and stands. The public comment portion of the meeting began with community members and the council applauding Murdoch.
“It is certainly remarkable for a town like Mountainside to have so many Eagle Scouts,” said Mayor Paul N. Mirabelli, explaining that Murdoch is the 6th resident to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in the last 3-4 years. “This proclamation means your accomplishment will go down in Mountainside history.”
The council read Resolutions of Congratulations for the Co-Valedictorians of Deerfield School, Isha and Shree Mehrotra. The resolution will also be presented at the graduation ceremony.
After its second reading, the council approved an ordinance allowing the purchase of a 2011 Ford F450 for the Department of Public Works for $42,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund. The new truck will replace the 1995 Dodge Ram Pickup that the council designated for public auction, along with a 2000 International Truck.
During council comments, Mirabelli addressed development concerns and affordable housing requirements. Planning for the housing requirements will begin with the Planning Board developing a new Master Plan for the governing body to evaluate. The proposal may including rezoning areas of the borough.
“Affordable housing is a constitutional obligation,” said Mirabelli, explaining that there will be housing requirements regardless of the uncertain future of COAH. “We don’t want the fact that we have an obligation of affordable housing to change how Mountainside looks. That is the last thing we want.”
An ordinance revising fees for development applications submitted to the Planning Board was approved for a first reading.
During public comment, Mountainside property owners Victoria Tarquino and Robert Tranquilli were granted an exception to the ban on road openings within five years of it being paved. Tarquino and Tranquilli have plans to demolish and rebuild on their property on Corinne Terrace, and the ban prevents them from fulfilling the requirement of disconnecting the gas to the existing house prior to demolition. The residents asked that they be allowed to go forward with their construction plans, in light of street opening permits being issued for repairs to water mains. Given the circumstances, the council approved the request, but will require an additional bond guaranteeing the road be repaired properly.
Additionally, the council approved the hiring of Patrick Mamrak as Assistant Pool Manager for the season at $6,500, a contract for pothole repairs not to exceed $25,000, refunded duplicate tax payments and renewed liquor licenses. The council also accepted $11,760.92 from the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services for the Clean Communities Program.
