Council adopts a slate of ordinances, introduces budgets and applies for open‑space grants

The Pompton Lakes Borough Council acted on a group of routine fiscal and land‑use matters at its March 27 meeting.

Grants and applications: Council opened a public hearing and approved submission for Passaic County Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund assistance to support library exterior work (Phase 2: roof, gutters and a new front porch). The council also authorized applying for a Passaic County grant to complete Hirschfield Park Phase 2 playground and trail improvements; borough staff said the borough has $105,000 on hand and requested an additional $100,000 to complete phase 2.

Budgets: The council introduced the 2024 Special Improvement District budget (stated as $323,300) and set a public hearing and final adoption for April 24, 2024. The 2024 municipal budget was introduced by title and likewise scheduled for an April 24 public hearing; copies were made available at the municipal clerk’s office and on the borough website.

Ordinances adopted: Council opened and closed public comment for a series of ordinances and moved to final adoption. Items approved included:

- Ordinance 24‑12: amending municipal employee salary ranges for 2024.
- Ordinance 24‑13: amendments to chapter 4 establishing fees for park sponsorships and vendor fees.
- Ordinance 24‑14: establishing compensation for members of the Pompton Lakes Municipal Utilities Authority.
- Ordinance 24‑15: accepting a deed of easement from the county for operation of the recycling center.
- Ordinance 24‑16: establishing summer day camp fees for 2024.
- Ordinance 24‑17: authorizing a tax‑exemption/payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and a financial agreement for Block 2600 Lot 2 with the Passaic County Affordable Housing Corporation.

Routine business: Council approved minutes for the March 13 meetings and authorized bills and wires (stated amount $608,000). Council also approved a block of resolutions numbered 24‑162 through 24‑173.

What happens next: Public hearings for introduced budgets are scheduled for April 24, 2024; several capital projects and grant applications will proceed through county and agency review.