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Butler council introduces vandalism ordinance, approves hires and bids and rejects cell‑tower bid
Summary
At its Sept. 16 meeting the Butler Mayor and Council introduced an ordinance creating Chapter 222 on vandalism of public property, scheduled an Oct. 21 public hearing, authorized bids for Spring Street, approved two Butler Power & Light hires and rejected a cell‑tower lease bid from SBA Communications.
The Butler Mayor and Council met Sept. 16 at Borough Hall and took a series of administrative and policy actions, including introducing a new ordinance to penalize vandalism of Borough property and rejecting a recently opened cell‑tower lease bid.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Council President R. Verdonik reported that borough finances remain on track; Borough Clerk Brandi Greco reported August receipts for tax collections and utilities.
On ordinance and resolutions: the council introduced Ordinance 2025‑10, which would add Chapter 222, "Vandalism of Public Property," to the borough code and establishes prohibited acts (including tampering with Borough security cameras) and penalties ranging from a $100 minimum to a $2,000 maximum fine plus restitution and other penalties authorized under N.J.S.A. 40:49‑5. Council voted to introduce the ordinance (motion by Councilman M. Piccirillo, second by Councilman J. Guzman) and set a public hearing for Oct. 21, 2025.
Votes at a glance
- R2025‑126 — Authorization for payment of bills and vouchers: Moved by Council President Verdonik; seconded by Councilwoman Orcutt; vote recorded Aye: Guzman, Meier, Orcutt, Piccirillo, Verdonik; Absent: Calvi. Outcome: approved.
- Ordinance 2025‑10 — Introductory vote to add Chapter 222 ("Vandalism of Public Property"): Moved Piccirillo; second Guzman; recorded as introduced and scheduled for public hearing Oct. 21, 2025.
- R2025‑127 — Authorize advertisement and receipt of bids for improvements to Spring Street: Moved Guzman; second Orcutt; outcome: approved (all in favor).
- R2025‑128 — Appointment of Connor Kubilus, Ground Hand, Butler Power & Light (effective Sept. 15, 2025): Moved Orcutt; second Verdonik; outcome: approved (all in favor).
- R2025‑129 — Appointment of Christopher Finelli, Maintenance Worker, Butler Power & Light (effective Sept. 15, 2025): Moved Orcutt; second Verdonik; outcome: approved (all in favor).
- R2025‑130 — Resolution rejecting bid results for the cell‑tower lease (SBA Communications bid opened July 29, 2025): Moved Piccirillo; second Guzman; recorded Aye: Guzman, Meier, Orcutt, Piccirillo, Verdonik. Outcome: approved (bid rejected). The resolution states the borough reserves the right to re‑advertise or negotiate more favorable terms.
- R2025‑131 — Authorization of refunds/overpayments/cancellations in the Electric Department: Moved Meier; second Verdonik; outcome: approved (all in favor).
- R2025‑132 — Motion to meet in executive session (contract negotiations): Moved Piccirillo; second Orcutt; recorded Aye: Guzman, Meier, Orcutt, Piccirillo, Verdonik. Outcome: approved; council later returned to open session at 7:41 p.m.
Council records show Councilman Calvi absent for several roll‑call votes; motions that recorded "all in favor" are recorded as adopted with the membership present.
Why it matters: The vandalism ordinance, if adopted after its Oct. 21 hearing and final vote, would create a local penalty structure for damage to Borough property and equipment (including cameras). Rejecting the SBA Communications bid leaves the borough free to seek different lease terms or to re‑advertise the cell‑tower opportunity.
The meeting packet included the full ordinance text and an itemized payment batch verification listing for $3,436,588.32 in total funds by line item and vendor, as well as the detailed language of the newly introduced Chapter 222.
