Hamilton Council approves cap-bank increase, energy consulting contract and secondhand auto dealer license

Hamilton Township Council on Tuesday approved a second-reading ordinance allowing the township to exceed its municipal budget appropriation cap up to 3.5 percent, authorized a $45,000 professional services contract for environmental energy consulting, and approved a secondhand auto dealer license for Jersey Auto Cars LLC.

The measures were taken as part of the meeting's consent and ordinance business after the council voted to amend the agenda to remove a housing-related resolution (25-199) and to add a resolution designating Block 1666, Lot 80 (386 East State Street) as a non-condemnation redevelopment area and to authorize preparation of a redevelopment plan. The council also approved a package of consent items labeled CA-1 through CA-21.

The cap-bank ordinance (listed in the agenda as Ordinance 115-004) cleared second reading and a roll-call vote after council members said rising fixed costs ' including health care and a reported 50 percent increase in garbage-collection costs ' made the temporary increase necessary. Council members stated the ordinance authorizes the township to exceed the local budget cap up to 3.5 percent; according to meeting remarks, anything above 2.5 percent requires specific council authorization.

On the consent agenda, the council adopted a professional services agreement with Greener by Design LLC for environmental energy consulting. The agreement covers the township's environmental and energy consulting needs from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, with a maximum contract value of $45,000, according to the agenda amendment read aloud during the meeting. Council members linked that contract to broader municipal energy goals ahead of Earth Day.

The council also approved Resolution 25-198, a resolution approving the application of Shamil Alsacere, doing business as Jersey Auto Cars LLC, for a secondhand automobile dealer license at 1634 Nottingham Way; a motion to adopt the resolution passed on a roll-call vote with all present members recorded as voting yes.

Other items on the consent agenda included routine contracts and a donation: the council accepted a donated memorial stone to honor volunteer Little League umpires; the stone's placement was described as to be determined, with possible placement near a bench at Veterans Park/Mayo Field.

Council members concluded the meeting by noting plans to publicize the memorial stone placement and by highlighting that the energy consulting contract supports the township's efforts to maximize renewable energy use.

Votes at a glance

- Amendment to agenda (remove Res. 25-199; amend title of Res. 25-207; add CA-21 redevelopment item for Block 1666 Lot 80 at 386 East State Street): approved on voice/roll call.

- Resolution 25-198 (secondhand auto dealer license for Jersey Auto Cars LLC, 1634 Nottingham Way): motion moved and seconded; adopted by roll-call vote (recorded yeses from council members present).

- Consent agenda CA-1 through CA-21 (includes Greener by Design LLC professional services agreement for $45,000 and acceptance of a memorial stone donation): adopted by roll-call vote.

- Ordinance 115-004 (second reading, authorizing a cap-bank to exceed appropriation limits up to 3.5%): passed on second reading by roll-call vote.

Questions and public comment at the meeting were limited on these items; no members of the public spoke in opposition during the votes.

Ending: Council members said they expected the energy contract to contribute to future cost savings and a cleaner environment and indicated the township will publicize the memorial stone placement once located.