Morristown council introduces pay‑to‑play and airport funding ordinances; adopts police and handicap‑parking amendments

At its Oct. 8 meeting, the Morristown Town Council introduced two ordinances and adopted two others, while approving three resolutions.

Ordinance O‑26‑2024 was introduced by title; it amends Chapter 2 (administration) to update public‑contracting rules, including pay‑to‑play and redevelopment pay‑to‑play provisions to reflect recent state legislation. A council member urged a presentation by municipal counsel at a future meeting to explain what the new state law provides and how the town should adjust its due‑diligence practices.

The council also introduced Ordinance O‑27‑2024 to provide for certain capital improvements at Morristown Municipal Airport and to appropriate $8,365,522 to finance the work. The ordinance was introduced by title and scheduled for public hearing on Oct. 22, 2024.

Ordinance O‑24‑2024 (amending police regulations) and Ordinance O‑25‑2024 (adjusting a handicap‑parking placard assignment on Columbus Street) were each opened for public hearing, heard no public comment, and were adopted by council vote.

Separately, Ordinance O‑28‑2024, which would amend Chapter 4 (licensing and business regulation) governing itinerant restaurant licenses and restricted hours, was tabled after council discussion and requests for police and neighborhood input. The council adopted three resolutions (R‑159‑2024 through R‑161‑2024) and approved consent agenda items including minutes and other routine matters.

What’s next: O‑26‑2024 and O‑27‑2024 will return for public hearings on Oct. 22, 2024; staff will prepare counsel’s summary of state law changes related to pay‑to‑play and return with recommendations. O‑28‑2024 will return after police review and neighborhood outreach, per council direction.