[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6049526,"mediaKeyId","3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a","parentId",3510283,"title","Friends of Du Forest urge conservation sale to preserve forest parcel","audioSeconds",97,"startMs",3199000,"endMs",3296000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a&start=3199&end=3296","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a/thumbnail_3199000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6049526/Madison/Morris-County/New-Jersey/Friends-of-Du-Forest-urge-conservation-sale-to-preserve-forest-parcel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049526-ea209bd1a27660df63ef0608c417a4cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098777&Signature=fQceOz8vKLmb~CcCsDomlU8kX4EzgLJ2zMLLr6CucenqI0hx7AT6lM12hrNLcoRXPui8mQZVKLBDZkrHTog7rHrwV0lq7v96tXqjI1QcOyhq62eRl6dimLUCR11G8m~y6Ml17IGcvoFwfT7G9tJtBqIcw3ECNMayB0HRHDZwWrGCrcKObHiM0tX-FfZVJT9~y8k0ADHV3RJS2rj0tXRSEg2s3bSTKlb1diQSOadQRHseA2JchYwARiHaUSyXTAkeq8v7ZbQvFg2OdCWExhf8XHFv79XNwY6EE8ckk8hNyfRMvKuwP2x-qZl1otaALmog~I23RLYdiMuj~5cPGDSvSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","The Borough of Madison New Jersey","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","A member of Friends of Du Forest addressed the Madison council during the public-comment portion of the Feb. 26 meeting, urging continued efforts toward a conservation sale to preserve the Du Forest parcel.

Judy Kroll, representing Friends of Du Forest, thanked the governing body for its prior commitments and said the group has advocated for nearly four years for a conservation sale that would benefit both the university and the community while protecting the forest’s educational, ecological and recreational values. “Friends of Du Forest remain available to act for and stand for the forest,” she said, and the group said it will continue to press negotiating parties to pursue a conservation sale so future generations can enjoy the site.

Council members acknowledged the comment and the group’s ongoing advocacy; no formal council action or motion on the Du Forest was recorded in the transcript during this meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 26, 2025 Madison, NJ Borough Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment, Friends of Du Forest asked the council to support a conservation sale that benefits the community and the university; the group said it will continue to support negotiations to keep the property protected.","taxTitle","Madison, Morris County, New Jersey","taxId",70480,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6049531,"Council adopts electric time‑of‑use ordinance, approves consent resolutions and $9.01 million in vouchers",256,3154000,3410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a&start=3154&end=3410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a/thumbnail_3154000.jpg","/articles/6049531/Madison/Morris-County/New-Jersey/Council-adopts-electric-timeofuse-ordinance-approves-consent-resolutions-and-901-million-in-vouchers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049531-ab6a3b622644bf6c3ebda88cbf32cd51/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098777&Signature=RWVAdiRrizIang8voLGjpfawScLl9hkrAznp-77zJn7e-8jJHR2zt0FDDDQsoAUwG6OIxjNkIxc0tgLN08u9WUjTNvI3tY7paEkjz8o2Dh4P3KHsClFqAPwb1I-JH7kWjDRajNCmvd45m7dZP0ffg-xbi9ByhQVjN551Sfab73GKU8ZapRG7LXvrQxzYCjm9~mC0~MGWjWfeg9UBRzwMF4Xl1svfF6hRqr3U7VwaJ8HkecvnS70tz2jl9mHgj6aGrGKAK4Go0WmTFBy9TWPQhqo~NxHhrPOnrefsaKMG-W2Hn3fFCBxuCjx~e3AoGiHSYU8jXURCGoLEn2Yvuk6U4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Feb. 26 meeting, the Madison Borough Council took several formal actions during the budget hearing and consent agenda vote: it adopted an ordinance on electric department time‑of‑use rates, approved consent resolutions (85–95) and authorized vouchers totaling $9,005,885.91.

Ordinance adoption
Ordinance 4‑2025, “an ordinance of the Borough of Madison amending chapter 94 appendix A of the borough code entitled electric department rules and Regulations regarding time of use rates,” was opened for public hearing, received no public comment, and passed on second reading by roll call vote. The roll call recorded “yes” votes from Council President Ehrlich, Council Members Landrigan and Range, Miss O'nehan, and Council Member Forte; the mayor declared the ordinance finally passed and ordered publication in accordance with law.

Consent agenda and resolutions
The council moved a consent agenda covering resolutions numbered 85 through 95, which the governing body enacted with a single roll‑call vote. Items listed for public comment earlier in the meeting included:
- Resolution 85: retroactive film permit for Winger Productions (Garfield and local roads, Feb. 18) — proof of insurance was discussed in council questions and staff confirmed coverage on the record.
- Resolution 86: appointment of Nicki Foriello as mechanic in Public Works, annual salary $66,683 (probationary period specified).
- Resolution 87: appointment of Albert Gregorio to Public Works laborer, annual salary $41,157 (probationary period specified).
- Resolution 88: reappointment of Robert Vogel as part‑time site inspector at $50/hour.
- Resolution 89: release of a performance bond to HS Investors LLC for 306 Main Street (Starbucks location).
- Resolution 90: authorizing Friends of the Madison Public Library to hold a “Touch a Truck” fundraiser on July 20, 2025.
- Resolution 91: appointment of Pastor Carol Howard as a police chaplain.
- Resolution 92: award of professional services contract to Helena Reumann, RA, for rural-related capital projects ($175/hour).
- Resolution 93: approval of a raffle license for Madison High School ETSO.
- Resolution 94: approval of the Jacob Henry Perkins trust disbursement of $1,039.14.
- Resolution 95: appointment of Andre Fernandez as part‑time arts and events assistant at $22.50/hour (up to 29 hours/week).

Vouchers and bill list
The council approved vouchers totaling $9,005,885.91. The staff read fund-by-fund totals into the record: Current Fund $7,437,890.10; General Capital Fund $474,936.25; Electric Operating Fund $685,889.97; Water Operating Fund $53,615.78; Water Capital Fund $302,896.00; Trust $50,657.81. Earlier in the meeting council members noted several unusually large bill-list items informing the total: a $3,100,000 payment to the county (first-quarter taxes and open-space assessment), a $4,067,724.33 payment to the Board of Education (monthly share of property taxes), a $340,000+ payment for Cook Avenue parking lot work, a $94,000+ payment for a sewer lift-station pump replacement, and a $266,000+ payment for repairs at a water well.

Votes and procedure
Roll-call votes were used for the ordinance second reading and for the consent agenda/voucher approvals; each recorded roll call in the transcript showed unanimous “yes” among those present. The meeting opened with one member absent (Council member Tom Haren Poudis excused).","On second reading the council adopted Ordinance 4‑2025 on electric department time‑of‑use rates, approved consent resolutions including personnel appointments and permit actions, and authorized vouchers totaling $9,005,885.91 across multiple funds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6049536,"Engineering and utilities: Madison plans solar carport, GIS mapping and PFAS review; Cook Avenue, Dodge Field projects near completion",1284,3491000,4775000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a&start=3491&end=4775","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a/thumbnail_3491000.jpg","/articles/6049536/Madison/Morris-County/New-Jersey/Engineering-and-utilities-Madison-plans-solar-carport-GIS-mapping-and-PFAS-review-Cook-Avenue-Dodge-Field-projects-near-completion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049536-3c15d936210aac3d6b3f165939db523f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098777&Signature=FksA4zgSmpguNe-SrKVzOhpURgYHw4ssWB7jA-MO1t5Zkc5ROv3IBEkyOFNncFVhusVwd55pTIPLroep5uxNFILAbvrxs9BNJmek672Gu2odr-czsxlcNVdMMDLdG5DTg1DkF61Z5jR0JKcWBtSaZ4DW0QtrIdZWBoIqZwbNzumfcRKh8YbElgYgrtS4IVhKuVaqgGEg2BKplRvictX1QEv1GKx-gNXovQRpCZaiRSzFDVbb5nPxkSV51r-4lwWV40j3SzPsbx~YFs4fuVnUaL8AVW179TasHpM~KMnI2eekYmlrDSArdT~TRncPt9A1auLRuhKlJh2kf4fQwhFT6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Madison engineering and utilities staff briefed the mayor and council on capital work, utility projects and a new GIS program at the Feb. 26 budget hearing, reporting major grants for playground work, near-completion of the Cook Avenue parking-lot project, plans for the borough’s first solar carport and attention to PFAS water-treatment compliance.

Dennis Harrington, assistant engineer, described 2024 accomplishments including mill-and-overlay road work done through the Morris County cooperative, near-completion of the Cook Avenue parking-lot project with rain‑garden work remaining, and construction of an accessible playground at Dodge Field funded largely by county and Green Acres grants. Harrington said the Dodge Field project total was nearly $700,000 to date and largely covered by grants; remaining site furnishing items will be completed with leftover grant funds.

Harrington said the borough’s Well B project was back online and is a punch‑list stage rather than a production issue. He also said some emergency repairs in 2024 addressed an at‑risk sanitary manhole and structural work at the DPW garage.

On energy, Harrington said design and structural work for the Madison Recreation Center solar carport are finalized and the borough expects to break ground this month. He called the carport “a significant alternative energy source for the borough, our first solar project.”

Ryan Fury, the new project manager in engineering, outlined a boroughwide GIS initiative to consolidate maps of three utilities on the Esri platform and overlay the electric utility data so all assets sit in a single system. “GIS ... it's a geographic information system. Right? So it's basically an overview of your entire town, and it's like a big map,” Fury said, adding that a consolidated platform would support asset inventory, load management and hydraulic modeling.

Fury also discussed water priorities: replacing aging transmission mains and service lines to reduce unaccounted-for water loss and a full evaluation of treatment systems to anticipate new federal and state regulations. On PFAS, Fury summarized federal and state action and said the borough is reviewing historic sampling and planning for possible treatment or interconnection solutions. “The borough currently, is in compliance with those,” he said of PFAS levels, and staff are evaluating measures to meet anticipated lower federal limits.

Council members asked that work on problematic stormwater areas such as West Lane be prioritized and emphasized the need for regional solutions to increasing storm intensity. Harrington said some issues require comprehensive regional approaches rather than piecemeal fixes.

Staff also reviewed land‑use permit volumes (about 667 zoning permit applications in the year) and noted grant applications under way for further mill‑and‑overlay projects and trail work. The engineering presentation included goals to continue public-construction projects, secure grant funding and plan for a larger reconstruction project in coming years.","Engineering and land‑use staff told the council about near‑complete Cook Avenue parking, a $700,000 grant‑funded accessible playground, an upcoming solar carport at the recreation center, a water system return‑to‑service and a boroughwide GIS mapping effort; PFAS regulatory compliance was flagged as an emerging cost and design issue.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6049541,"Madison library faces unanticipated construction costs; reopening targeted for early spring",504,2766000,3270000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a&start=2766&end=3270","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a/thumbnail_2766000.jpg","/articles/6049541/Madison/Morris-County/New-Jersey/Madison-library-faces-unanticipated-construction-costs-reopening-targeted-for-early-spring","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049541-7ff19adce4f9ea5582aa157b8690876b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098777&Signature=X4s6pBSjuu6Y1augrkMtG~hq4qoKBDUf3suKUHJq-dK09gAzOas8JmGu0ilh6Z6B2RLryLgdWHSkkUOAKUzqfltaM-hGu543l12hzJyWYJkESBx2rhCniianTRQVgD~Et3ZGorT1Ooq0IgdenDDujzz66jY7-zzXucglV43IrjbkJxDLPQ3Crm9n1rQFAGIkSzquvxb4L8seAVmcD7wV8jQEpav~JiDUvBLmWQDj4E8VQm3W08iJA4I0drgBARr-sbtnLGMYXrI~L4m9NrU2KPeWoJC4X-9KTb2rvglPatyo7xNh~l2C5dyNTU9zuI1RtR6t9k2gXzlPvuVerKqHCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Library trustees and staff updated the mayor and council on the final phases of the Madison Public Library renovation at the Feb. 26 budget hearing, reporting unanticipated abatement and out‑of‑scope expenses but saying reopening is expected in early spring.

David Luber, board treasurer for the Madison Public Library, said the library’s statutory one-third mill appropriation “increased by $5,943 in 2025,” but higher retirement (PERS), health and insurance costs have outpaced that increase. He told the council “we are managing increases in some of our construction costs along with having to fund a number of unplanned out of scope items.”

Officials said asbestos was discovered in multiple places — under carpeting in the lobby and on pipe wrap near restrooms — and needed abatement. The project also incurred additional furniture, historic‑piece restoration and other unanticipated items. The treasurer said out‑of‑scope items totaled about $178,000 and that some schedule slippage pushed the expected reopening a few months later than the original target.

Funding for the renovation is a mix of sources the presenters described as unchanged from prior reports: state funds that remain withheld until the project is complete, borough contributions, and a large share from Madison Public Library, Inc. The board treasurer said a recent unexpected bequest to the library “of almost over a million dollars” will help cover costs; the transcript indicates the gift was discovered late in 2024 and early 2025.

Library leaders summarized 2024 service adjustments during construction: continued operating hours from a mini-library location, delivery of programs in partner venues, new museum passes, Spanish-language welcome packets and expanded STEM programming for young patrons. They reported a full reorganization and inventory of more than 80,000 items returned from storage.

On capital planning, trustees said the refurbished building is part of a 50‑year outlook for the facility, and they listed remaining items for a five‑year plan including courtyard, plaza and fountain repairs. The board treasurer said cost estimates have changed as the project progressed and that the library will update its strategic plan once construction is finished.

Council members thanked staff and volunteers and noted the library’s role in providing public Wi‑Fi and services to residents who may lack home internet access. The library team expects to present final completion timing as weather permits and said they are working on landscaping and final punch-list items.","Library officials told council the renovation work discovered asbestos and other out‑of‑scope items, increasing costs; the project remains funded largely by Madison Public Library, Inc. and donations, with state funds withheld until completion.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":103,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6049546,"Madison police cite sharp drop in auto thefts, report 90 Arrive callouts with no force used",913,1853000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a&start=1853&end=2766","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3510283-a21f58cb423095a917237eff11a6b60a/thumbnail_1853000.jpg","/articles/6049546/Madison/Morris-County/New-Jersey/Madison-police-cite-sharp-drop-in-auto-thefts-report-90-Arrive-callouts-with-no-force-used","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6049546-fef2f6c0dd0d34392df6978101f7f4e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098777&Signature=koNPpk3Yo8xJdGLvHyRwEOMvNA5eI~7w9wHwZ-igIuklWvC8k99G7-PVi2WOGT1JNtkQkNq8LrGPPThsfgDQh24FGaplntKk2za6S4WW1iipmlukSlTDop14XCizt9MNao4pBSSl7ECGoRafnN55aVL8odgY7hgaQgVP825JJ8m-CoZA0rgKxWjzyuZtuEtXWJkzZsV6LcRid6vCEbPmdVmitV73rl~sxQD6f6zg8oonlsJr6zfL3wnYx3Op8VX70u4yA-MPdgfADrKtY1jx4Lj93asImN1X3zNmXUtxZrqLMCmS6IBvAho7PiWCiW150HBLaNmUatb2hS~4pwpNMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Madison Police Department reported large declines in vehicle theft and burglary and highlighted its use of the Arrive Together mental-health response model at the Borough Council budget hearing on Feb. 26.

Chief of Police (name not specified) told the council that motor vehicle thefts fell from seven in 2023 to one in 2024, and motor vehicle burglaries dropped from 20 to two. “We have decreased those auto theft related cases in town,” the chief said, adding that one individual in the lone 2024 theft case was identified and arrested.

The presentation placed the Arrive program front and center. The chief said the department tracked 90 Arrive referrals in 2024 and reported that “out of those 90 callouts, there was not 1 use of force incident that was related to any 1 of those calls.” The department said the statistic supports continued investment in crisis-intervention training and clinician partnerships.

The department described current staffing and organization: a patrol division with multiple squads, a detective bureau, and a newly added full‑time community relations officer assigned to Arrive, school security and outreach. The chief said three officers recently were in the academy and that the dispatch vacancy has been filled.

Police officials also listed training and technology priorities for 2025, including continued crisis intervention (CIT) and de‑escalation training, replacement of body armor on a schedule tied to end-of-life cycles, and electronic upgrades such as automated license plate reader (ALPR) features and additional cameras. The chief noted grant funding has offset some equipment upgrades, including bulletproof vests.

Council members praised the results. Council President Ehrlich called the turnaround in car thefts “extraordinary,” and other members credited interjurisdictional cooperation and the ALPR program for regional gains. The council and chief discussed pedestrian-safety and Complete Streets work that includes police participation on traffic- and safety-focused committee efforts.

The department linked increased proactive enforcement to rises in motor vehicle stops and written warnings recorded in 2024 and said traffic and parking enforcement activity increased year over year.

The presentation closed with a reminder that the department will continue to pursue grant funding for pedestrian-safety and seat‑belt enforcement initiatives and seek to expand Arrive coverage regionally as clinicians and hours are added.

Council members asked questions about resources and expressed support for continuing funding and regional cooperation on public‑safety issues.","Madison Police Department told the mayor and council that motor vehicle thefts and burglaries fell sharply in 2024 and that 90 Arrive mental-health callouts resulted in no uses of force; department outlined staffing, training and technology plans.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Friends of Du Forest urge conservation sale to preserve forest parcel

Council adopts electric time‑of‑use ordinance, approves consent resolutions and $9.01 million in vouchers

Engineering and utilities: Madison plans solar carport, GIS mapping and PFAS review; Cook Avenue, Dodge Field projects near completion

Madison library faces unanticipated construction costs; reopening targeted for early spring

Madison police cite sharp drop in auto thefts, report 90 Arrive callouts with no force used