On the agenda: Washington meeting — Data Center (Apr 7)

AGENDA
BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY, NJ
Date: April 7, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM
STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE NOTICE
The requirements of the Open Public Meetings Law, P.L. 1975, Chapter 231 have been satisfied
in that adequate notice of this meeting has been published in the Daily Record and Star Ledger
and posted on the Boroughs website stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting as required
by law.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
ROLL CALL Brown, France, Gorshkov, Infinito, Matteo, Musick and Cox.
PROCLAMATION
Arbor Day
Ron Hartrum
Bonnie Hill
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT-AGENDA ITEMS
REPORTS
Staff, Boards, Committee Reports

Agenda-Continued
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE 1st Reading
Public Hearing and Adoption: April 21, 2026
2026-09 Amending Chapter 85; Vehicles and Traffic, Vehicle Charging Stations
2026-10 Cannabis Establishment Regulations
ORDINANCE 2nd Reading
(Public Hearing and Adoption)
2026-02 Comcast
2026-07 Data Centers
2026-08 Capital Improvement-DPW Equipment
RESOLUTIONS
2026-40 Budget-Public Hearing Only
2026-48 Deputy Municipal Clerk Re-Appointment
2026-49 Budget Amendment (Public Hearing and Adoption of Budget: April 21st)
2026-50 Designating a Reserved Resident Handicap Parking Space at 30 Taylor
Street 2026-51 Designating a Reserved Resident Handicap Parking Space at 24 State
Street
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT
COUNCIL REMARKS AND DISCUSSIONS
MEETING RECAP-Manager
EXECUTIVE SESSION-if needed
ADJOURNMENT
Next Meeting:

______ P.M.

Arbor Day Proclamation
Whereas, In 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture set aside a special
day for the planting of trees, and
Whereas, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the
planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and
Whereas, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the
world, and
Whereas, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind
and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the
temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and
provide habitat for wildlife, and
Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our
homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products,
and
Whereas, trees in our community increase property values, enhance the
economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our
community, and
Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and
spiritual renewal.
Now, Therefore, the Mayor and Council of Borough of Washington, do
hereby proclaim
Saturday April 25, 2026 , as ARBOR DAY
In the Borough of Washington ,
and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to
protect our trees and woodlands, and

Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and
promote the well-being of this and future generations.
Dated this Seventh day of April, 2026

Mayor:

PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Ron Hartrum, a long-time resident in the
Borough of Washington, served as a volunteer Fire Fighter for
24 years and counting from April 2002 and as the Borough
Emergency Operations Manager since 2024; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hartrum’s interest, concern and dedication
to the betterment of the Borough has been deep and abiding;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hartrum performed all of his duties as a
volunteer fire fighter to a superior degree; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hartrum, as a member of various
committees and positions, Head Trustee from 2019 through
2021, Captain, Assistant Chief and Chief, attaining his New
Jersey State Fireman’s exemption in May of 2011. He was
intensely interested in the workings of these positions and
provided a great deal of positive input and creative thinking;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hartrum assisted in saving a child’s life that
was choking on July 4, 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of
Washington commends Ron Hartrum for his contributions to
the Borough of Washington Volunteer Fire Department and
presents this Proclamation of Thanks.
Dated this 7th day of April, 2026
______________________________________

Louann Cox, Mayor

Borough of Washington
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Borough of Washington takes pride in its sense of
community and public involvement and I am honored, as Mayor,
along with the Washington Borough Council to recognize the
community commitment, accomplishments and character of:

Bonnie Hill
WHEREAS, Bonnie Hill personifies the spirit of Washington Borough;
and

WHEREAS, for her unselfish commitment to the community and
the residents of Washington; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hill worked for Warren County ARC since 1990.
Staring as an Administrative Assistant and becoming the
Administrator of Properties, Facilities and Equipment managing
an enormous amount of project simultaneously; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hill was vital in the administration of the Small
Cities Community Block Grant for the Borough of Washington,
improving living conditions for the residents of the Borough; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hill has received numerous awards, including the
Warren County ARC Outstanding Employee in 1994; the Warren County
ARC Distinguished Service Award in 2016;

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Borough of Washington and
the Washington Borough Council and all of Washington’s residents,
I, Mayor Louann Cox do hereby declare April 7, 2026 Bonnie Hill
Day within the Borough of Washington.

In Witness Whereof, I have set my
hand and
caused the Seal of the Borough of
Washington
to be affixed this 7th day of April, 2026.

Louann Cox, Mayor

First Reading:
BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON
WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-09
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 85 VEHICLES
AND TRAFFIC OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON TO
ESTABLISH REGULATIONS AND FEES FOR BOROUGH OWNED ELECTRIC
VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS.
WHEREAS, the Borough has provided the general public with electric vehicle charging stations where
the public is able to charge their electric vehicles;
WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the Mayor and Council that owners are using the
Borough’s electric vehicle charging stations as parking spaces denying other electric vehicle owners
the ability to charge their electric vehicles;
WHEREAS, to prevent the electric vehicle charging stations from being used for parking, the
Borough’s Mayor and Council update the Borough’s Vehicles and Traffic Code to provide regulations
and fees for use of Borough owned electric vehicle parking stations;
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Municipal Council of the Borough of Washington, in the County of
Warren, State of New Jersey, as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 85 Section 11 and 60 of the Code of the Borough of Washington, entitled Vehicles
and Traffic is hereby amended as follows (deletions noted in strikethrough thus and additions noted in
bold italic thus):

85-11.1 TOW-AWAY
Any vehicle parked in violation of this chapter shall be deemed a nuisance and a menace
to the safety and proper regulation of traffic, and any police office may provide for the
removal of such vehicle. The owner shall bear the reasonable costs of removal and
storage, which may result from such removal before regaining possession of the vehicle.
85-60. ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS.
a.

Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following

meanings: CHARGING STATION — A location that is fitted with electric charging
station equipment.
CHARGING STATION EQUIPMENT — The conductions, including undergrounded
and grounded, and the electric vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other
fittings, devices, power outlets, charging status or apparatus installed specifically for
the purpose of delivering electrical energy from the charging station to the electric
vehicle.
CHARGING STATION SPACE — A dedicated, marked and signed parking space
that is fitted with charging station equipment and exclusively used for the charging of
electric vehicles.
ELECTRIC SCOOTER and/or ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE — A two-wheel or threewheel electric vehicle that operates exclusively on electrical energy stored in the
vehicle’s batteries.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE — A vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on
electrical energy from the charging station or other electrical energy source that is
stored in the vehicle’s battery for propulsion purposes. “Electric vehicle” includes: a
battery electric vehicle; a plug-in hybrid electrical vehicle; a neighborhood electric
vehicle; and electric scooters or electric motorcycles.
NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLE — An electric vehicle that is a low-speed
vehicle, built to have a top speed of 25 miles per hour and to have a maximum loaded
weight of 3,000 pounds.
NONELECTRIC VEHICLE — A vehicle that does not meet the definition of “electric
vehicle” as provided herein.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE or PHEV — An electric vehicle that
contains an internal combustion engine and also allows power to be delivered to
drive wheels by an electric motor; charges its battery primarily by connecting to a
charging station or other electrical source not on board the vehicle; may additionally be
able to sustain a battery charge using an on-board internal-combustion-driven
generator; and has the ability to be propelled through the use of electricity.
SITTING — An electric vehicle remaining in a charging station space after charging
is complete.
b.

Designation of spaces.
1.

Parking spaces at the following location(s) shall be designated exclusively for use
as electric vehicle charging stations:
(a) 2 spaces in Municipal Parking Lot No. 1 located on East Washington Street.

2.

c.

Notice of reserved parking for recharging of electric vehicles shall be posted on a
sign not less than 12 inches by 18 inches in size that clearly and conspicuously
states the electric vehicle charging station space is for electric vehicles only and
all others are subject to a violation and towing.

Fees. The following fees shall apply to each designated electric vehicle charging station:
Type
Hourly Rate

Fee

Up to 1 hour

$2

Up to 2 hours

$4

Up to 3 hours

$6

Up to 4 hours

$8

Maximum time limit

4 hours

Minimum fee
“Sitting” up to 5 hours

$5
$5 per hour or part thereof

After 5 hours
d.

$15 per hour

Use of designated electric vehicle charging station spaces.
1.

Electric vehicles are authorized to park in spaces designated as electric vehicle
charging station spaces only during the time when the vehicles are connected for
electric charging purposes or up to four hours, whichever is less.
Owners/operators shall be required to remove the vehicle from the charging
station space within 15 minutes past the time the vehicle is no longer charging.
Vehicles sitting in a charging station space past the fifteen-minute grace period
shall be subject to a sitting fee, a violation, and further subject to towing at the
owner’s expense in accordance with Section 85-11.1 of this chapter.

2.

It shall be unlawful for any person to park or leave standing a vehicle in a stall or
space designated for the recharging of electric vehicles unless the vehicle is
connected for electric charging purposes. Any vehicle violating this requirement
is subject to parking fees, a violation and towing at the owner’s expense in
accordance with Section 85-11.1 of this chapter.

3.

It shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct, block or otherwise bar access to a
designated electric vehicle charging station.

Section Two.
Severability. The various parts, sections and clauses of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be
severable. If any part, sentence, paragraph, section or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder off this Ordinance shall not be
affected thereby.
Section Three.
Repealer. Any ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are
hereby repealed as to their inconsistencies only.
Section Four.
Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication as
provided by law.
First Reading: April 7, 2026
Public Hearing/Adoption: April 21, 2026

First Reading:
ORDINANCE NO. 2026ORDINANCE CREATING NEW CHAPTER 54, ARTICLE II: “CANNABIS
ESTABLISHMENTS” TO REQUIRE LOCAL ANNUAL LICENSING AND
REGULATIONS.
WHEREAS, the Borough of Washington permits the cultivation, production, sale and transportation
of Cannabis in the Borough; and
WHEREAS, the Borough has determined that to further the health, safety and welfare of the
Borough residents and visitors, to regulate the cultivation, production, sale and transportation of
Cannabis (“Cannabis Establishments”) in the Borough by licensing the operators of Cannabis
Establishments; and
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Municipal Council of the Borough of Washington, in the County of
Warren, State of New Jersey, as follows:
Section 1. Article II Chapter 54 Section 14 of the Code of the Borough of Washington, be entitled
“Cannabis Establishments,” is hereby created as follows:

ARTICLE II CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENTS.
§ 54-14. Purpose.
This section is enacted to regulate the cultivation, production, sale, and transportation of
cannabis in the Borough in accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey Cannabis
Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (N.J.S.A. 24:6I-31
et seq.), and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Cannabis Regulatory
Commission.
§ 54-15. Definitions.
The definitions set forth in the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and
Marketplace Modernization Act (N.J.S.A. 24:6I-31 et seq.) are incorporated herein and shall
have the same meaning.
§ 54.16. License Required. [Added 3-13-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-02]

No person shall operate a cannabis establishment or otherwise cultivate, sell, or distribute
cannabis within the Borough without having obtained a license in accordance with this section.
§ 54-16.1. License Fees; Maximum Number.
The annual license fee and maximum number of licenses for cannabis establishments in the
Borough shall be as follows.
Class of License

Annual License Fee*

Number of Licenses

Cultivator
Class 1, Micro

$5,000

Class 1, Tier I-III

$10,000

Class 1, Tier IV-VI

$20,000

Manufacturer
Class 2, <10,000 sq ft

$10,000

Class 2, >10,000 sq ft

$20,000

Wholesaler
Class 3, wholesaler

$10,000

Distributor
Class 4, distributor

$3,000

Retail/treatment center
Class 5, retail

2 total retailers/TCs
$10,000

*Annual license fees shall be assessed per license issued. A business holding more than one
license shall be issued more than one fee.
§ 54-16.2. Issuing Authority.
All licenses required by this section shall be issued by Borough Clerk.
§ 54-16.3. Application Fees.
The annual application fee for a cannabis establishment shall be $2,500. Such fee shall be
nonrefundable.
§ 54-17. Application Requirements and License Conditions.
The following items must be submitted in order to be granted a license or for the renewal of
same for the operation of any cannabis establishment:
a.

Complete application.

b.

Annual application fee.

c.

Annual licensing fee.

d.

Proof of payment of all real estate taxes due on the premises on which the cannabis
establishment is located.

e.

Proof of payment of all transfer and user taxes required by Chapter 79, Article II, of the
Borough Code.

f.

Proof of license in good standing issued by Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

g.

Full copy of the application for state licensure.

h.

Emergency contact information to be utilized by police, fire, and EMT personnel in the
event of an on-site emergency.

i.

Security plan, which shall, at a minimum consist of the following:
1.

Annual proof of submission and approval of security plan to the Washington Township
Police.

2.

A copy of the security plan shall be submitted to the Borough Clerk.

§ 54-18. Revocation of License.
a.

Any license issued under this section may be suspended or revoked for violation of any
of the provisions of this section or Chapter 94 of the Borough Code or any provision of
any applicable statute or any of the rules and regulations of the Cannabis Regulatory
Commission.

b.

Notice of a hearing for the suspension or revocation of a license shall be given, in writing,
by the Borough Clerk to the license holder. The notice shall specifically set forth the
grounds upon which the proposed revocation is based and the time and place of the
hearing. Such notice shall be served by mailing a copy to the licensee at the address on
the license holder’s application by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least five
days prior to the date set for the hearing.

c.

At the hearing, the licensee shall have the right to appear and be heard, to be represented
by an attorney, to present witnesses in his or her own behalf, to cross-examine opposing
witnesses and to have a permanent record made of the proceedings at his or her own
expense.

d.

The Borough Council shall revoke or suspend the license if it is satisfied by a
preponderance of the evidence that the licensee is guilty of the acts charged.

e.

Suspension or revocation of a license shall be in addition to any other penalty which may
be imposed for a violation of this section.

§ 4-19. Violations and Penalties.
Any person violating any provision of this section shall, in addition to suspension or revocation
of license, upon conviction, be subject to fines of $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second
offense, and $10,000 for a third offense.
Section Two.
Severability. The various parts, sections and clauses of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be
severable. If any part, sentence, paragraph, section or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder off this Ordinance shall not be
affected thereby.
Section Three.

Repealer. Any ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are
hereby repealed as to their inconsistencies only.
Section Four.
Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication as
provided by law.
Public Hearing/Adoption: April 21, 2026

Public Hearing and Adoption:
ORDINANCE 2026-02
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING RENEWAL OF MUNICIPAL CONSENT TO
COMCAST OF NORTHWEST NEW JERSEY, LLC TO CONSTRUCT, CONNECT,
OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A CABLE TELEVISION AND COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEM IN THE MUNICAPALITY OF WASHINGTON BOROUGH, WARREN
COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE
BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON BOROUGH, WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1.

PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE.

The Borough hereby grants to Comcast renewal of its non-exclusive Municipal Consent to place
in, upon, across, above, over and under highways, streets alleys, sidewalks, easements, public ways
and public places in the Borough, poles, wires, cables, underground conduits, manholes and other
television conductors, fixtures, apparatus, and equipment as may be necessary for the construction,
operation and maintenance in the Borough of a cable television and communications system.
SECTION 2.

DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this Ordinance, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall
have the meaning given herein. Such meaning or definition of terms in supplemental to those
definitions of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) rules and regulations, 47 C.F.R.
Subsection 76.1 et seq., and the Cable Communications Policy Act, 47 U.S.C. Section 521 et seq.,
as amended, and the Cable Television Act, N.J.S.A. § 48:5A-1 et seq., and shall in no way be
construed to broaden, alter or conflict with the federal and state definitions:
a.

“Borough” or “Municipality” is the Borough of Washington, County of
Hunterdon, State of New Jersey.

b.

“Company” or “Comcast” is the grantee of rights under this Ordinance and is
known as Comcast of Northwest New Jersey, LLC.

c.

“Act” or “Cable Television Act” is Chapter 186 of the General Laws of New
Jersey, and subsequent amendments thereto, N.J.S.A. § 48:5A-1, et seq.

d.

“FCC” is the Federal Communications Commission.

e.

“Board” or ‘BPU” is the Board of Public Utilities, State of New Jersey.

f.

“Office” or “OCTV” is the Office of Cable Television of the Board.

g.

“Basic Cable Service” means any service tier, which includes the
retransmission of local television broadcast signals as defined by the FCC.

h.

“Application” is the Company’s Application for Renewal of Municipal
Consent.
i.

“Primary Service Area” or ‘PSA” consists of the area of the Borough
currently served with existing plant as set forth in the map annexed to the
Company’s Application for Municipal Consent.

SECTION 3.

STATEMENT OF FINDINGS.

A public hearing concerning the consent herein granted to the Company was held after proper
public notice pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Act. Said hearing having been held and
fully open to the public, and the municipality having received all comments regarding the
qualifications of the Company to receive this consent, and the representations of the Company that
the Company possesses the necessary legal, technical, character, financial and other qualifications
and that the Company’s operating and construction arrangements are adequate and feasible.
SECTION 4.

DURATION OF FRANCHISE.

The non-exclusive Municipal Consent granted herein shall expire ten years from the date of
expiration of the previous Certificate of Approval issued by the Board.
In the event that the Municipality shall find that the Company has not substantially complied with
the material terms and conditions of this Ordinance, the Municipality shall have the right to petition
the OCTV, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 48:5A-47, for appropriate action, including modification and/or
termination of the Certificate of Approval; provided however, that the Municipality shall first have
given the Company written notice of all alleged instances of non-compliance and an opportunity
to cure same within ninety (90) days of that notification.
SECTION 5.

FRANCHISE FEE.

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Act, and, except as where higher payment is otherwise
required by the applicable law and regulations (including N.J.S.A. 48:5A-30), the Company shall,
during each year of operation under the consent granted herein, pay to the Borough two percent
(2%) of the gross revenues from all recurring charges in the nature of subscription fees paid by
subscribers for cable television reception service in the Borough or any higher amount permitted
by the Act or otherwise allowable by law.
SECTION 6.

FRANCHISE TERRITORY.

The consent granted under this Ordinance for the renewal of the franchise shall apply to the entirety
of the Borough and any property subsequently annexed hereto.
SECTION 7.

EXTENSION OF SERVICE.

The Company shall be required to proffer cable service to any residence or business along any
public right-of-way in the Primary Service Area, as set forth in the Company’s Application. Any
extension of plant beyond the Primary Service Area shall be governed by the Company’s Line
Extension Policy, as set forth in the Company’s Application, with a HPM (“homes-per-mile”) of
35 dwellings per linear mile from the nearest active trunk or feeder line.
SECTION 8.

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS.

a. Restoration: In the event that the Company or its agents shall disturb any pavement, street
surfaces, sidewalks, driveways, or other surface in the natural topography, the Company shall,
at its sole expense, restore and replace such places or things so disturbed in as reasonably good
a condition as existed prior to the commencement of said work.
b. Relocation: If at any time during the period of this consent, the Borough shall alter or
change the grade of any street, alley or other way or place the Company, upon reasonable
notice by the Borough, shall remove, re-lay or relocate its equipment, at the expense of the
Company.
c. Removal or Trimming of Trees: During the exercise of its rights and privileges under this
franchise, the Company shall have the authority to trim trees upon and overhanging streets,
alleys, sidewalks or other public places of the Borough so as to prevent the branches of such
trees from coming in contact with the wires and cable of the Company. Such trimming shall
be only to the extent necessary to maintain proper clearance of the Company's wire and cables.
SECTION 9.

CUSTOMER SERVICE.

In providing cable services to its customers, the Company shall comply with N.J.A.C. 14:18-1, et
seq. and all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations. The Company shall strive to meet
or exceed all voluntary company and industry standards in the delivery of customer service.
The Company shall continue to comply fully with all applicable state and federal statutes and
regulations regarding credit for outages, the reporting of same to regulatory agencies and
notification of same to customers.
The Company shall continue to fully comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and
regulations regarding the availability of devices for the hearing impaired and the notification
of same to customers.
The company shall use every reasonable effort to meet or exceed applicable FCC customer service
regulations
Nothing herein shall impair the right of any subscriber or the Borough to express any comment
with respect to telephone accessibility to the Complaint Officer, or impair the right of the
Complaint Officer to take any action that is permitted under applicable law.

SECTION 10.

MUNICIPAL COMPLAINT OFFICER.

The Office of Cable Television is hereby designated as the Complaint Officer for the Borough
pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 48:5A-26(b). All complaints shall be received and processed in accordance
with N.J.A.C. § 14:17-6.5. The Borough shall have the right to request copies of records and
reports pertaining to complaints by Borough customers from the OCTV.
SECTION 11.

LOCAL OFFICE.

During the term of this franchise, and any renewal thereof, the Company shall maintain a business
office or agent in accordance with N.J.A.C. § 14:18-5.1 for the purpose of receiving, investigating
and resolving all local complaints regarding the quality of service, equipment malfunctions, and
similar matters.
SECTION 12.

PERFORMANCE BOND.

During the life of the franchise the Company shall give to the Borough a bond in the amount of
Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000). Such bond shall be to insure the faithful performance
of all undertakings of the Company as represented in its application for municipal consent
incorporated herein.
SECTION 13.

SUBSCRIBER RATES.

The rates of the Company shall be subject to regulation as permitted by federal and state law.
SECTION 14.

EMERGENCY USES.

a.
The Company will comply with the Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) rules in accordance
with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.
b.
The Company shall in no way be held liable for any injury suffered by the Borough or any
other person, during an emergency, if for any reason the Borough is unable to make full use of the
cable television system as contemplated herein.
SECTION 14.

COMMITMENTS BY THE COMPANY

a. Upon request the Company shall provide standard installation and expanded basic or a
similar tier of cable television service, at no charge, on one (1) outlet to Borough facilities
including the Borough Hall building, each police, fire, emergency management facilities,
provided they are located with 200 feet of active cable distribution plant. Each additional
outlet installed, if any, shall be paid for on a materials plus basis by the Borough.
b. Upon request the Company shall provide standard installation and expanded basic or a
similar tier of cable television service, at no charge, to one (1) outlet to each qualified
existing or future school and library in the Borough, public and private, elementary,
intermediate and secondary, provided the facility is within two hundred (200) feet of active
cable distribution plant or through customer owned conduit. Each additional outlet
installed, if any, shall be paid for on a materials plus basis by the Borough.

c. The Communications Act of 1934, as amended [47 U.S.C. §543 (b)], allows the Company
to itemize and/or identify: (1.) the amount on the subscriber bill assessed as a franchise fee
and the identity of the governmental authority to which the fee is paid; (2.) the amount on
the bill assessed to satisfy any requirements imposed on the Company by the cable
franchise to support public, education, and/or governmental access channels or the use of
such channels; and (3.) any grants or other fees on the bill or any tax, assessment, or charge
of any kind imposed by any governmental authority on the transaction between the operator
and the subscriber. The Company reserves its external cost, pass-through rights to the full
extent permitted by law.
d. Within six months of the issuance of a Renewal Certificate of Approval by the BPU, the
Company shall provide the Borough a one-time PEG access Capital Grant in the amount
of $20,000.00 to meet the PEG Access capital needs of the community.
SECTION 15.

LIABILITY INSURANCE.

The Company shall at all times maintain a comprehensive general liability insurance policy with
a single limit amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) covering liability for any death, personal
injury, property damages or other liability arising out of its construction and operation of the cable
television system, and an excess liability (or “umbrella”) policy in the amount of Five Million
Dollars ($5,000,000).
SECTION 16.

INCORPORATION OF THE APPLICATION.

All of the statements and commitments contained in the Application or annexed thereto and
incorporated therein, and any amendment thereto, except as modified herein, are binding upon the
Company as terms and conditions of this consent. The Application and other relevant writings
submitted by the Company shall be annexed hereto and made a part hereof by reference provided
same do not conflict with application State or Federal law.
SECTION 17.

COMPETITIVE EQUITY.

Should the Borough grant municipal consent for a franchise to construct, operate and maintain a
cable television system to any other person, corporation or entity on terms materially less
burdensome or more favorable than the terms contained herein, the Company may substitute such
language that is more favorable or less burdensome for the comparable provision of this Ordinance
subject to the provisions of
N.J.A.C. § 14:17-6.7.
SECTION 18.

SEPARABILITY.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason
held invalid or unconstitutional by any court or federal or state agency of competent jurisdiction,
such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and its validity or
unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Ordinance.
SECTION 19.

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The Company shall not be required to disclose information which it reasonably deems to be
proprietary or confidential in nature. The Borough agrees to treat any information disclosed by the

Company as confidential and only to disclose it to those employees, representatives, and agents of
the Borough that have a need to know in order to enforce this Ordinance Agreement and who agree
to maintain the confidentiality of all such information.
The Company shall not be required to provide Customer information in violation of Section 631
of the Cable Act or any other applicable federal or state privacy law. For purposes of this Section,
the terms “proprietary or confidential” include, but are not limited to, information relating to the
Cable System design, customer lists, marketing plans, financial information unrelated to the
calculation of franchise fees or rates pursuant to FCC rules, or other information that is reasonably
determined by the Company to be competitively sensitive. The Company may make proprietary
or confidential information available for inspection but not copying or removal by the
Municipality’s representative. In the event that the Municipality has in its possession and receives
a request under a state “sunshine,” public records, or similar law for the disclosure of information
the Company has designated as confidential, trade secret or proprietary, the Borough shall notify
the Company of such request and cooperate with Company in opposing such request.
SECTION 20.

FORCE MAJEURE.

The Company shall not be liable or responsible for, in whole or in part, any delay or failure to
perform any of its obligations hereunder which may result from accidents, pandemics, floods, fires,
earthquakes, tornadoes or other acts of God; war, acts of war (whether or not a declaration of war
is made), civil disobedience; civil disturbance, sabotage or vandalism, customer tampering or
interference, or act of public enemy; strikes, other labor or job actions or unavailability of materials
or equipment; or other events or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Company.
SECTION 21.

THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.

Nothing in this Franchise or in any prior agreement is or was intended to confer third-party
beneficiary status on any member of the public to enforce the terms of such agreements or
Franchise.
SECTION 22.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

The Municipality, for its part, shall endeavor to exercise reasonable efforts to require developers
and utility companies to provide the Company with at least fifteen (15) days advance notice of an
available open trench for the placement of necessary cable.
SECTION 23.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon issuance of a Renewal Certificate of Approval
from the BPU.
SECTION 24.

PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL AND GOVERNMENTAL ACCESS

a. The Company shall make available a system-wide public access channel maintained by the
Company. Qualified individuals and organizations may utilize public access for the
purpose of cablecasting non-commercial access programming in conformance with the
Company’s published public access rules.
b. The Company shall provide a system-wide leased access channel maintained by the
Company for the purpose of cablecasting commercial leased access programming in
conformance with the Company’s guideline and applicable state and federal statutes and
regulations.

c. The Company shall not exercise editorial control over any educational or governmental use
PEG Access channels, except the Company may refuse to transmit any educational or
governmental access program or portion of educational or governmental access program
that contains obscenity, indecency, or nudity.
d. The Company shall take any steps that are necessary to ensure that the signals originated
on the access channels are carried without material degradation and with a signal whose
quality is equal to that of the other standard channels that the Company transmits.
SECTION 25.

EMERGENCY USES

a. The Company will comply with the Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) rules in accordance
with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.
b. The Company shall in no way be held liable for any injury suffered by the municipality or
any other person during an emergency if for any reason municipality is unable to make full
use of the cable television system as contemplated herein.
SECTION 26.
INCORPORATION OF THE APPLICATION
All of the statements and commitments contained in the Application or annexed thereto and
incorporated therein, and any amendments thereto, except as modified herein, are binding upon
the Company as terms and conditions of this consent. The Application and other relevant
documents/information submitted by the Company shall be annexed hereto and made part hereof
by reference provided same do not conflict with applicable State or Federal law.
Introduced: February 3, 2026
Public Hearing April 7th

Public Hearing and Adoption:
BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE 2026-04
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH
OF WASHINGTON IN THE COUNTY OF WARREN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF
WASHINGTON TO INCLUDE AND DESIGINATE DATA CENTERS AS A NONPERMITTED USE IN ALL ZONES WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON
WHEREAS, the Borough of Washington Master Plan emphasizes protection of the
Borough/Township/Town’s rural character, agricultural lands, scenic landscapes, environmental
resources, and historic and cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, data centers, by nature, present an intense and unique form of use of land use
and development, posing significant challenges related to electricity consumption, noise, air
quality, water use, community character and long-term planning objectives; and
WHEREAS, preliminary data cited by Members of the New Jersey State Legislature has
cautioned that large-scale data centers can use as much as 3 to 5 million gallons of water in a single
day between liquid cooling and water consumed to generate the energy that powers them; and
WHEREAS, this extreme volume of water usage impacts homes and businesses both
within the municipality and the surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, preliminary studies noted by the State Legislature also indicate that some
data centers require 300 MW of electricity, which is roughly equivalent to the output of a small
modular nuclear reactor; and
WHEREAS, aside from increases in taxes and governmental services across the board, in
only the last year the majority of the State has already seen consumer energy costs increase more
than twenty percent (20%), with additional increases expected within the next few months; and
WHEREAS, the high-tech data centers that are proliferating throughout the state consume
a large amount of electrical power at a time when energy costs are increasing for ratepayers; and
WHEREAS, it is well established that overdevelopment, urbanization and overuse of
environmental resources impacts subterranean aquifers and the quality of drinking and other water
resources and poses a substantial strain on community water resources; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body is conscious of the hazards, such as depletion of critical
groundwater resources, and the impact on the environmental and natural resources posed by the
scope, depth and pervasiveness of large-scale commercial data center operations; and
WHEREAS, municipal regulations designed for the preservation of the environment and
the protection of ecological values are a well-recognized, legitimate and proper exercise of
municipality authority; and

WHEREAS, cutting and removal of trees has been found to cause and create increased
soil erosion and dust, instability and deterioration in the value of surrounding property and other
adverse environmental and geographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, dramatic increases and changes in population, development and the impact
of certain data center operations on residents, businesses, the environment, and private and public
property have imposed significant burdens on municipal resources and have created increased need
to balance the rights and interests of the residents and general public with that of the legitimate
rights of property owners to conduct business without unreasonable regulation; and
WHEREAS, in light of these significant changes in confluence with modern advancement
in technology, scientific and environmental research that have allowed for a more accurate and
comprehensive understanding of the hazards and dangers posed to surrounding property,
environmental and natural resources, the general public, and the proliferation and expansion of
governmental regulation of the environment, safety and business in general, that have occurred
since the enactment of the municipalities zoning and development regulations, the Mayor and
Council have determined it necessary and appropriate to amend and update its ordinances to
adequately address data center uses in a manner that best reflects present needs and realities; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Washington. have determined that
it is at this time necessary and appropriate, and in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare
of its residents and members of the public who visit, travel or conduct business in the Borough, to
amend the Borough Code to include all manner of data centers land use and development as a nonpermitted use within the geographic boundaries of the Borough and to otherwise improve and
strengthen the nature, scope, manner and effectiveness of such regulations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the
Borough of Washington., in the County of Warren, State of New Jersey as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 94, Zoning, Article III, Definitions and Word Usage, § 94-5, “Definitions” of
the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Washington is hereby amended and supplemented to
add a new section/subsection as follows:
DATA CENTER shall mean and include any facility used primarily for the storage,
management, and processing of digital or electronic data, which houses computer and
network systems, including associated components such as servers, network equipment and
appliances, telecommunications, and data storage systems, systems for monitoring and
managing infrastructure performance, Internet-related equipment and services, data
communications connections, environmental controls, fire protection systems, and security
systems and services. Typical accessory components of a data center may include
transformers, electrical substations, environmental controls, fire suppression, generators,
redundant power supplies and security facilities.
Section 2. Chapter 94, Zoning, Article VII, Zone District Requirements, § 94-73, Prohibited Uses
of the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Washington. is hereby amended and supplemented
to add, “Data Center” as a Prohibited Use:
D. All Data Centers as defined in Chapter 94, Zoning, Article III, Definitions and Word
Usage, § 94-5, Definitions of the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Washington and
any and all uses related to the same.
Section 3. The Borough Clerk is directed to give notice at least ten (10) days prior to a hearing on

the adoption of this Ordinance to the Warren County Planning Board and to all other persons or
entities entitled thereto pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-15, including to the Clerk of adjoining
municipalities.
Section 4. After introduction, the Borough Clerk is hereby directed to submit a copy of the within
Ordinance to the [Planning Board/Land Use Board] of the Borough of Washington. for its review
in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-26 and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-64. The Planning Board/Land Use
Board is directed to make and transmit to the Borough Council, within thirty-five (35) days after
referral, a report including identification of any provisions in the proposed Ordinance which are
inconsistent with the Master Plan and recommendations concerning any inconsistencies and any
other matter as the Board deems appropriate. Upon the adoption of this Ordinance, after public
hearing, the Borough Clerk is further directed to publish notice of the passage and to file a copy
of this Ordinance, as finally adopted, with the Warren County Planning Board, as required by
N.J.S.A. 40:55D-16.
Section 5. Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency.
Section 6. Severability. Each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause and phrase of this
Ordinance is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase. If
any portion of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstances, shall be adjudged
or otherwise determined to be invalid, unconstitutional, preempted, void, or ineffective for any
clause or reason, such determination shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Ordinance,
and the application of such remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in
full force and effect, and to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and
publication according to law.
Section 8. Prior actions. All actions of the Borough of Washington. taken prior to the date of
adoption hereof contemplated by this Ordinance are hereby ratified and approved.
Section 9. Codification. This Ordinance may be renumbered for codification purposes.

BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE 2026-08
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING VARIOUS GENERAL
IMPROVEMENT FOR THE BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON AND APPROPRIATING $160,000
THEREFOR FROM THE “CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND” OF SAID BOROUGH
BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Washington in Warren County,
New Jersey as follows:
Section 1. The Borough of Washington in Warren County (hereinafter referred to as
“Municipality”) is hereby authorized the following Capital Improvements for the Borough of
Washington:
Purchase of the DPW equipment and vehicles $160,000.00, consisting of
a Forestry Bucket Truck, Sign Shop Equipment, a Skidsteer, Implements
and Asphalt Saw.
Section 2. The work and acquisitions, authorized by Section 1 of this Ordinance shall be
undertaken as
a general improvement, the entire cost of which shall be contributed and borne by the municipality as a
general
expense, and no part of said cost shall be specially assessed against any property. The estimated cost
noted
of such project shall not exceed $160,000.00 unless this Ordinance is amended.
Section 3. It is hereby determined and stated that the undertaking of the aforesaid projects
(hereinafter
referred to as “purpose”) is not a current expense of the municipality; and that the total estimated cost of
said
purpose is $40,000.00, the estimated cost for the projects having been noted in Section 1 above.
Section 4. The sum of $160,000.00 is hereby appropriated for said purpose from the “Capital
Improvement Fund” of the municipality for said purpose as required by law and now available therefore
under a
budget or budgets of the municipality previously adopted.
Section 5. The Capital budget of the municipality is hereby amended to conform with the
provisions of
this Ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith.
Section 6. This Ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication as provided by law.

2026 Municipal Budget
Resolution 2026-40
For the fiscal year of 2026

Revenue and Appropriations Summaries
Anticipated

Summary of Revenues
1. Surplus
2. Total Miscellaneous Revenues
3. Receipts from Delinquent Taxes
4. a) Local Tax for Municipal Purposes
b) Addition to Local School District Tax
c) Minimum Library Tax
Tot Amt to be Rsd by Taxes for Sup of Muni Bnd
Total General Revenues

Summary of Appropriations
1. Operating Expenses:

Salaries & Wages
Other Expenses
2. Deferred Charges & Other Appropriations
3. Capital Improvements
4. Debt Service (Include for School Purposes)
5. Reserve for Uncollected Taxes
Total General Appropriations

2026

2025

850,000.00
2,305,492.27
371,000.00
5,796,441.60

800,000.00
1,608,820.07
400,000.00
5,796,441.56

261,938.44
6,058,380.04

241,876.15
6,038,317.71

9,584,872.31

8,847,137.78

2026 Budget

Final 2025 Budget

1,241,267.20
5,857,654.31
453,338.00
410,000.00
558,958.80
950,000.00
9,471,218.31

1,223,261.00
5,700,216.78
339,788.00
50,000.00
633,872.00
900,000.00
8,847,137.78

Total Number of Employees

2026 Dedicated

Sewer

Utility Budget
Anticipated

Summary of Revenues
1. Surplus
2. Miscellaneous Revenues
3. Deficit (General Budget)
Total Revenues

Summary of Appropriations
1. Operating Expenses:

Salaries & Wages
Other Expenses

2. Capital Improvements
3. Debt Service
4. Deferred Charges & Other Appropriations
5. Surplus (General Budget)
Total Appropriations

2026

2025

576,500.00
1,700,000.00

626,500.00
1,650,000.00

2,276,500.00

2,276,500.00

2026 Budget

Final 2025 Budget

240,000.00
1,466,500.00
100,000.00

240,000.00
1,466,500.00
100,000.00

20,000.00
450,000.00
2,276,500.00

20,000.00
450,000.00
2,276,500.00

Total Number of Employees

2026 Dedicated

Solid Waste

Utility Budget
Anticipated

Summary of Revenues
1. Surplus
2. Miscellaneous Revenues
3. Deficit (General Budget)
Total Revenues

Summary of Appropriations
1. Operating Expenses:

Salaries & Wages
Other Expenses

2. Capital Improvements
3. Debt Service
4. Deferred Charges & Other Appropriations
5. Surplus (General Budget)
Total Appropriations
Total Number of Employees

2026

2025

70,000.00
960,000.00
120,000.00
1,150,000.00

25,000.00
1,301,000.00

2026 Budget

1,326,000.00
Final 2025 Budget

36,000.00
956,500.00

36,000.00
910,000.00

154,500.00
3,000.00

377,000.00
3,000.00

1,150,000.00

1,326,000.00

RESOLUTION 2026-48
RESOLUTION RE-APPOINTING CONSTANCE DEAN AS DEPUTY MUNICIPAL
CLERK FOR THE BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY, STATE OF
NEW JERSEY
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A 40A:9-135 permits a municipality to have a Deputy Municipal
Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Code Chapter 3-31 Section B creates the position of Deputy
Municipal Clerk;, and
WHEREAS, Constance Dean has been in the position of Deputy Clerk since March 27th,
2023.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough of Washington Governing
Body on the recommendation and authority of the Municipal Clerk to re-appoint Constance Dean
as Deputy Clerk for a term of one year, from today’s date and subject to reappointment each year
thereafter by the Municipal Clerk.

2026-49
BUDGET AMEDNMENT

WHEREAS, the local municipal budget for the year 2026 was introduced and approved on the 3 d of March , 2026 and
WHEREAS, the public hearing on said budget has been held as advertised, and
WHEREAS, it is desired to amend said approved budget, now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Washington, County of Warren, that the following amendments to the
approved budget of 2026 be made:

RECORDED VOTE
LOUANN COX
SHERRY MUSIK
JERRY BROWN
CHRISTOPHER INFINITO
MARCO MATTEO
EDWARD FRANCE
CASSANDRA GORSHKOV

Ayes

(
(
(
(

Nays (
(
(
(

Abstained (
(
(
Absent (

FROM

TO

850,000.00

758,231.53

Total Surplus Anticipated

850,000.00

758,231.53

7. Total General Revenues

9,584,872.31

9,493,103.84

120,000.00

28,231.53

8. General Appropriations:

Anticipated Deficit in Utility

Total Deferred Charges & Statutory Expenditures-Municipal Within CAPS

424,658.00

332,889.53

8,634,872.31

8,543,103.84

(H-1) Total General Appropriations For Municipal Purposes Within "CAPS"

(L) Subtotal General Appropriations {Items (h-1) and (o)}

9. TOTAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS 9,584,872.31 9,493,103.84
8. GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS
Summary of Appropriations
(H-1) Total General Appropriations For Municipal Purposes Within "CAPS"
Total General Appropriations

3,403,764.00
9,584,872.31

3,311,995.53
9,493,103.84

Dedicated Revenue from Solid Waste Utility

Operating Surplus Anticipated

70,000.00

161,768.47

Total Operating Surplus Anticipated

70,000.00

161,768.47

Deficit (General Budget)

120,000.00

28,231.53

Total Solid Waste Utility Revenue

1,150,000.00

1,150,000.00

Special Items of General Revenues Anticipated with Prior Written Consent of
Director of Local Government Services

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that two certified copies of this resolution be filed forthwith in the Office of the Director of Local Government Services
for her certification of the local municipal budget so amended.
Public hearing on this amendment will be held on April 21st at 7 p.m. at the municipal building located at
100 Belvidere Ave, Washington, NJ 07882

It is hereby certified that this is a true copy of a resolution amending the budget, was introduced by the governing body on the 21st day
of April, 2026.
Certified by me
, 2026
Municipal Clerk

RESOLUTION 2026-50
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A RESERVED RESIDENT HANDICAP PARKING
SPACE
AT 30 TAYLOR STREET
WHEREAS, New Jersey Title 39: 4-197.6 authorizes the Borough of Washington to
establish a restricted parking zone in front of a residence occupied by a person with a disability;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Borough Code Chapter 85 Section 79 the Borough may assign a
resident handicap parking space in front of his/her residence, alternate side parking shall be
followed;
NOW, THERE FOR BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of
Washington that the Handicap parking space in front of 30 Taylor Street be reserved for the
resident of said address with the Handicap placard number P2988897.
No other person shall be permitted to park in this space. Any person parking a motor
vehicle in a restricted parking space without the special vehicle identification card P2988897
shall be subject to penalty pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:4-203 and 39:4-207.7.
RESOLUTION 2026-51
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A RESERVED RESIDENT HANDICAP PARKING
SPACE
AT 24 STATE STREET
WHEREAS, New Jersey Title 39: 4-197.6 authorizes the Borough of Washington to
establish a restricted parking zone in front of a residence occupied by a person with a disability;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Borough Code Chapter 85 Section 79 the Borough may assign a
resident handicap parking space in front of his/her residence, alternate side parking shall be
followed;
NOW, THERE FOR BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of
Washington that the Handicap parking space in front of 24 State Street be reserved for the
resident of said address with the Handicap placard number D23576110006512.
No other person shall be permitted to park in this space. Any person parking a motor
vehicle in a restricted parking space without the special vehicle identification card
D23576110006512 shall be subject to penalty pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:4-203 and 39:4-207.7.