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High Bridge council approves consent agenda and $325,656.82 bill list
Summary
On March 27, 2024, the High Bridge Borough Council unanimously approved a multi‑item consent agenda including contracts, appointments and change orders and approved the bill list totaling $325,656.82; several items drew council questions about cost and maintenance.
The High Bridge Borough Council on March 27 unanimously approved a multi‑item consent agenda and a bill list totaling $325,656.82, actions the council said will move forward routine municipal work and projects.
Council members approved the consent agenda by motion (moved by Councilman Nowell, seconded by Councilman Graham) with a roll call vote recorded as Doyle, Ferry, Graham, Matos, Silvestri and Nowell voting yes. The consent package included appointments, administrative forms, change orders, engineering agreements, contract awards, lien redemptions and program authorizations across Resolutions 123–135 (see "Votes at a glance" below for key items and outcomes).
Councilman Silvestri described Resolution 125 as an upgrade to the electronics at the West Main Street pump station, saying the change order reflects intent to improve controls that were not in the original contract plans. The council approved Resolution 125 by motion (Nowell/Graham) with a unanimous roll call.
On Resolution 126, which authorizes Colliers Engineering & Design for engineering services on the Highland Avenue, Maryland Avenue and Elm Street water main replacement project, Silvestri and Mayor Lee discussed project components and timing; the measure passed on a 6–0 roll call (motion: Ferry/Nowell). Administrator Brett Bartman and Councilman Graham noted departmental coordination and that some project elements will require additional planning.
Resolution 134, which authorizes Colliers Engineering & Design for Commons bathroom design, prompted questions about cost, design and long‑term maintenance. Councilman Silvestri said he supported the project in principle but wanted greater clarity on costs and upkeep; Mayor Lee and Councilman Nowell said the council can offset expenses through current cost savings and continue discussion with the borough engineer. The council approved Resolution 134 by motion (Nowell/Ferry), roll call 6–0.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve consent agenda (selected resolutions 123–124, 127–133, 135): moved by Nowell, seconded by Graham — vote: 6 yes, motion passes. - Resolution 125 (Change Order 1, West Main St. Pump Station control upgrades): moved by Nowell, seconded by Graham — vote: 6 yes, motion passes. - Resolution 126 (Colliers Engineering & Design — water main replacement engineering): moved by Ferry, seconded by Nowell — vote: 6 yes, motion passes. - Resolution 134 (Colliers — Commons bathroom design): moved by Nowell, seconded by Ferry — vote: 6 yes, motion passes. - Bill list approval (Total: $325,656.82): moved by Nowell, seconded by Graham — vote: 6 yes, motion passes.
The council signaled that some items approved on consent will require continued oversight and follow‑up with engineers or administrators to finalize scope and maintenance plans. The meeting adjourned after closing public comments; the next council meeting is scheduled for April 11, 2024.
