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Lopatcong council adopts digital‑sign rules, advances bond measures and leaves pool‑bid dispute unresolved
Summary
At the June 3 meeting the council adopted a digital‑sign ordinance, introduced two bond ordinances for capital and road work, approved most consent‑agenda items, and denied a contractor's bid‑withdrawal request for the pool project — the bid award remains pending.
The Lopatcong Township Council on June 3 adopted a digital‑sign ordinance, introduced two bond ordinances for capital projects and road improvements, approved most consent‑agenda items and declined a contractor’s request to withdraw a low bid on a pool project.
Digital signs: After a public hearing, the council adopted ordinance 26‑05 on digital signage. The ordinance permits on‑site digital signs with size limits matching otherwise‑permitted signs and explicitly prohibits off‑site billboard advertising.
Capital and road bond ordinances: The council introduced two bond ordinances on first reading: ordinance 26‑07 (authorizing approximately $727,500 for various capital improvements, including work on Striker Road and other projects) and ordinance 26‑08 (approximately $650,000 for road improvements). Both measures were placed on first reading and will return for further action according to the normal bond‑ordinance timetable.
Consent agenda and procurement: Council approved consent‑agenda items 1–13 after removing item 3 for separate consideration. Separately, the council voted to deny Shoreland Construction Inc.’s request to withdraw its low bid on the pool/park project. The mayor and counsel said Shoreland had claimed a substantive mistake, but council concluded the contractor did not meet the statutory threshold to withdraw. Bids remain outstanding and the bid award has not been finalized while attorney/contractor discussions continue.
Operational reports: The engineer updated the council on Fox Farm Road storm repairs (FEMA coordination), Striker Road Phase One design work targeting fall construction, and NJDOT local‑aid grant applications due July 1. The police chief provided May traffic statistics (313 motor‑vehicle stops, 47% of which resulted in citations) and announced upcoming traffic‑safety initiatives. DPW and recreation updates covered ongoing maintenance, a new ladder truck wet down and community events including Music in the Park and Community Day.
What’s next: Bond ordinances 26‑07 and 26‑08 are at first‑reading stage and will return for adoption votes after required notice. The pool project procurement remains unresolved pending further attorney coordination and possible remedial action; the council said it hopes to reach an agreement with the contractor and move the project forward.
