Runnemede council advances two ordinances, approves grant applications and a $1.12 million field-lighting contract

The Runnemede Borough Council on Jan. 8 approved first readings of two ordinances and adopted multiple resolutions that move capital projects and grant applications forward.

Council introduced Ordinance 2602, a 2% increase to sewer charges (an example given in discussion: from $198 to $202), and adopted it on first reading to go to public hearing at the council’s next meeting. The council also introduced Ordinance 2603, a bond ordinance authorizing up to $927,000 for various capital projects and equipment (including a borrowing estimate of $809,400 and a $100,000 down payment); that ordinance also passed first reading and will be posted for a public hearing at the next meeting.

Council members moved and approved a 10-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement related to the borough housing pilot (described on the record as the housing pilot for block 135 lot 41.02). The pilot agreement must be authorized by ordinance and will return for public hearing before final adoption.

On the consent/resolution calendar the council:

• Approved Resolution 2632 authorizing the local Run Green Team to apply for a $2,000 PSEG Sustainable Jersey grant.

• Approved Resolution 2633 to participate in and accept a CSX-administered military/first-responders grant of $5,500 to purchase water-rescue equipment for the fire department.

• Adopted Resolution 2634, extending budget deadlines per state guidance: budget introduction to March 31 and adoption to April 30.

• Adopted Resolution 2635 awarding the low quote for the FY2026 recreation field lighting project to Janney Electric. The council recorded a base quote of $738,900 plus an alternate for $376,700, for an aggregate contract amount of $1,115,600; the council noted the winning bid was about $500,000 lower than other bids on the table.

• Adopted Resolution 2636 authorizing an application for a FY2026 Local Recreational Improvement Grant seeking $100,000 to continue lighting work at fields not covered by the awarded contract.

Payment of the monthly bills was approved by roll call.

Votes at a glance (roll-call results as recorded at the meeting):

• Ordinance 2602 (first reading; sewer rate amendment): motion by Mr. Murray, second Mr. White — recorded votes: Miss Kelly: yes; Mr. Pharaoh: yes; Mr. Shapiro: yes; Mr. Murray: yes; Mr. White: yes. (One member was listed as absent/excused.)

• Ordinance 2603 (first reading; bond ordinance): motion to adopt on first reading by Miss Kelly, second Mr. Shapiro — recorded votes: Miss Kelly: yes; Mr. Farrell (or Mr. Ferrell as recorded): yes; Mr. Shapiro: yes; Mr. Murray: yes; Mr. White: yes.

• Pilot agreement (housing pilot, block 135 lot 41.02): motion to adopt on first reading (motion/second recorded) — recorded votes: Kelly: yes; Mr. Barrow: yes; Mr. Sapiro/Shapiro: yes; Mr. Murray: yes; Mr. White: yes.

• Resolution 2632 (PSEG Sustainable Jersey grant application): adopted (roll-call unanimous among members present).

• Resolution 2633 (CSX first-responders grant): adopted (roll-call unanimous among members present).

• Resolution 2634 (budget date extension): adopted.

• Resolution 2635 (Janney Electric contract award, $1,115,600): adopted.

• Resolution 2636 (FY2026 recreational grant application, $100,000): adopted.

Councilman Murray flagged budget and revenue items during committee reports. He said dispensary revenue for 2025 totaled $223,384 (two dispensaries) and that year-to-date (for the 2026 fiscal year) the town had received about $87,000. Murray also reported roughly $22,800 in storm-related costs so far (overtime, materials and equipment).

What’s next: the ordinances that passed first reading will be published and scheduled for the borough’s next meeting public hearing and final vote; grant applications will proceed as authorized. The council set a goal to finish park lighting work before the fall season and will pursue the $100,000 grant to expand field improvements.