Linden Council adopts two ordinances, approves batch of resolutions and appointments; introduces multiple capital and regulatory ordinances

The City of Linden Council voted to adopt two ordinances after public hearings and approved an array of resolutions and personnel actions during a meeting that also introduced several capital bond ordinances and regulatory changes on first reading.

Adopted ordinances and formal actions - The council closed the public hearing and adopted Ordinance 69‑1, which amends chapter 7 (traffic) to add specific handicap parking on‑street spaces at several addresses (including 631 East Henry Street, 2139 Dill Avenue and 2512 Summit Terrace). The council moved to close the hearing and approve the ordinance; a roll‑call vote followed and the ordinance was approved. - The council closed the public hearing and adopted Ordinance 69‑2, which amends chapter 26 (flood damage prevention) by repealing and replacing a section related to establishment of flood hazard areas and related tables. The ordinance had no public speakers at the hearing and the council adopted it after closing the hearing.

Resolutions, contracts and committee creation - A package of resolutions (numbered 2025‑114 through 2025‑168) was moved and approved as a block by the council. - The council approved Resolution 2025‑169, authorizing an amendment to a contract with Government Strategies Group for general management consulting related to the 2025 budget in an amount not to exceed $10,000; the resolution conditions the award on negotiation of a formal contract. - The council approved Resolution 2025‑170, creating an Affordable Housing Committee (AHC). The resolution lists the members to serve on the AHC, including representatives from several city departments and named positions (mayor or designee; city attorney or designee; director of health; tax assessor; zoning officer; city planner/affordable housing planner; CFO; municipal housing liaison; construction official; city engineer or designee; and an affordable‑housing council designee).

Personnel, finance and appointments - Council accepted the finance report and approved payment of bills totaling $1,749,004.94 for January; council members voted to authorize payments and to accept the city treasurer’s investment report for January. - A series of personnel appointments and separations across departments (police, municipal court, construction code, fire, recreation, engineering, public works, personnel) were approved as part of the personnel report. The council also approved the appointment of Fred Castle as Linden historian with a $3,000 annual stipend effective March 1, 2025.

First‑reading introductions - The council introduced (first reading) several ordinances, including amendments to Chapter 3 (noise), Chapter 7 (traffic—additional handicap parking locations and a mobile payment system ordinance), increases to train‑station parking daily fees, and multiple bond ordinances for police, fire and public‑works vehicles and capital projects (ordinances 69‑3 through 69‑13). These ordinances were introduced and will return for further hearings or adoption at later meetings.

Public comment, voting and next steps - The meeting included a public‑comment period during which residents raised quality‑of‑life issues (sidewalk hazards, vaping restrictions, alleged misuse of city vehicles, trash and parking concerns). Several items raised during public comment will require follow‑up by staff and individual council members.

Ending: Several administrative directions and procurement steps (notably the Government Strategies Group contract negotiation and the introduced bond ordinances) will return to council for subsequent votes or hearings.