High Bridge council approves consent agenda, $1,011,894.87 bill list; residents raise recycling-center concerns

The Borough of High Bridge Council on Nov. 13, 2025 approved a consent agenda that included multiple resolutions (Resolutions 272–281), accepted written communications noting the resignations of Michael Pitts and Jeffrey Smith, and approved a bill payment list totaling $1,011,894.87. Motions to approve the consent agenda items and the bill list were moved by Councilman Nowell, seconded by Councilman Doyle, and passed on recorded roll calls with six "yes" votes each.

The consent agenda covered administrative and operational items, including an amendment to a historical committee event (Resolution 272), authorization to refund an escrow (Resolution 274), authorization to utilize a hydrant water meter (Resolution 275), adoption of the personnel manual (Resolution 276), cooperative pricing agreement participation (Resolution 277), budget transfers (Resolution 278), a final change order for water-main improvements on Highland Ave., Maryland Ave., Elm St., and Tisco Ave. (Resolution 279), lien redemption (Resolution 280), and a resolution opposing legislation that would preempt local zoning (Resolution 281). The council approved these items by omnibus motion; roll call votes show all named council members voting "yes."

In written communications the clerk reported two resignations listed for the record: Michael Pitts and Jeffrey Smith. The meeting record does not specify the positions they held or the effective dates; those details were recorded in the written communications list and may be available in the clerk’s office.

During public comment earlier in the meeting several residents raised local concerns. Mary Murdock requested information and emailed responses on a range of items including the Union Forge gazebo bids, 25-mph signage requests, the borough CFO resignation, the resignations of Jeffrey Smith, NJLM dues, Thomas Street bridge finances and any school impacts, grant opportunities, cooperative membership, and year-end transfers. Multiple residents — Barbara Lewis, Katie Boutillier, Susan Walther, Keith Milne and Matthew Seitzman — spoke about problems with a clothing donation shed and questioned the location and operation of the Dewey Avenue recycling center; Keith Milne specifically requested increased communication from the borough about the center.

The council adjourned after approving the agenda items; the next regular council meeting was scheduled for Dec. 18, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fire House, 7 Maryland Ave., High Bridge.