Boonton council adopts fourth-round affordable housing plan and salary ordinance; routine resolutions and liquor-license renewals approved

Boonton Mayor and Town Council on June 7, 2025, adopted the town's fourth-round affordable housing plan (Resolution 25-145), approved Ordinance 11-25 setting salaries and wages for certain town officers and employees for 2025, accepted two letters of resignation, and renewed several municipal liquor licenses as part of the meeting's consent and unfinished business items.

During discussion of Resolution 25-145 (the Round 4 affordable housing plan), the town attorney told the council that approving the plan would not alter the legal status of the Parkwoods developer or give that developer leverage over the town. "There's nothing in this document that would change the status of the Park Woods project or any of their legal standing," the attorney said in response to a council member's question.

The council noted that the plan emphasizes credit for existing federal affordable-housing units on Plain Street and reflects the governing body's adopted planning number of 99 units for the next 10 years rather than an earlier referenced figure of 153. A roll call on the consent agenda recorded majority approval; Council Member Whitesman recorded a 'no' vote on Resolution 25-145.

On routine business, the council accepted with regret the resignations of animal patrol officer Carl Doula and Green Team member Susan Char; motions to accept were made, seconded, and approved. Resolutions renewing liquor licenses for local establishments were opened, discussed briefly, and adopted; one council member recused from a renewal where they hold a leadership role in the applicant organization.

The council opened the public hearing on Ordinance 11-25 (salaries) and, with no public comments on the ordinance, moved to adopt it on roll call. Town officials thanked staff and planners for work on the housing plan and other items. The meeting concluded with announcements about tree replacement on Washington Avenue, a planned DPW agenda item on erosion near Parkwoods, and reminders about polling location changes for upcoming elections.

Votes recorded in the meeting minutes and roll calls show the council advancing the housing plan, license renewals, and the salary ordinance; details of bond amounts for major capital purchases (a replacement ladder truck) were discussed but the exact bond figure was not stated on the record.

Actions taken at the meeting will be reflected in posted minutes and any implementing steps (e.g., RFP deadlines, DPW follow-ups) will be handled by town staff.