Montclair, New Jersey Development News
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Montclair Township Council Meeting - July 14, 2026
Published: Jul 14, 2026
Montclair Council Votes Unanimously to Divest Funds from Citizens Bank
The Council considered Resolution #37, authorizing the divestment of township funds from Citizens Bank. Several residents spoke in favor of the resolution, citing Citizens Bank's financing of private prison companies involved in immigrant detention and alleged human rights abuses. The council members discussed the moral implications of banking with an institution that supports such practices, acknowledging that while Montclair needs a bank, it has choices. Manager Marks stated that Jersey City divested its funds in approximately two weeks and that Montclair's cash management plan pre-qualifies about a dozen banks, with proposals already being solicited. He noted that another pre-qualified bank offered a 0.25% higher interest rate on investments, suggesting a potential financial benefit to switching. Council members expressed support for divesting, emphasizing it as a matter of human rights and aligning the town's financial decisions with its stated values. The resolution passed with a unanimous vote.
Montclair Council Supports Grant Application for Park Street and Wildwood Drive Traffic Calming Project
The Council considered Resolution #40, which authorizes the submission of a grant application for introducing two neighborhood traffic circles and associated bike facilities on Park Street and Wildwood Drive. The proposal aims to calm traffic, improve safety, and manage traffic flow. Councilor Harrison expressed concerns about the potential damage to traffic circles by larger vehicles and the safety of cyclists within the circles, suggesting a four-way stop might be safer. The presenter, Jake, explained that the design would allow large vehicles to proceed and that appropriate transitions for cyclists would be engineered. Community input and flexibility in the final design were emphasized, with a timeline of approximately two years for community outreach and implementation. The resolution supports the grant application, with the understanding that the final design will be community-informed and meet necessary standards. The vote was 6-1 in favor, with Councilor Harrison voting against.
Montclair Selects GovPilot for New Integrated Permitting and Administrative Software System
The Council approved Resolution #2 (Resolution Awarding a Non-Fair and Open Contract to GovPilot LLC), authorizing a three-year agreement for a new permitting and administrative software system. The current system, SDL, had limitations, expired contracts, and experienced a significant security incident in May, prompting the switch. The new GovPilot Unlimited platform offers unlimited users, 150 modules applicable to various departments (including Fire Prevention, Public Works, Health, Rent Control), data migration, training, and GIS mapping, all for a cost savings of approximately $40,000 in the first year compared to the original quote. The system aims to improve inter-departmental communication, modernize public services with online applications and payments, and enhance security by moving to Microsoft Azure. Fire Official Justin Thompson highlighted the benefits for fire prevention, including better interoperability and reduced paperwork. The system is expected to be operational within 45-60 days.
Montclair Council Explains Tax Bill Delays and Referendum Cost Spreading
Councilor Birmingham provided a detailed explanation regarding the timing of tax bills and the process for setting the annual tax rate in Montclair. She clarified that the February and May tax bills are preliminary, based on the prior year's taxes, because the current year's budgets (school, town, county, library) are not yet finalized and certified by the county board of taxation. She explained that the third quarter tax bills cannot be issued until the tax rate is set, and that state law provides an interest-free grace period for late bills, typically 25 days from mailing. The November bill has a shorter grace period. Birmingham also discussed the impact of the recent referendum, explaining that the council decided to spread the cost over two years (Q3/Q4 of the current year and into 2027) instead of a single large increase in Q3/Q4, a decision supported by taking out tax anticipation notes. The CFO confirmed a AAA bond rating and a 4% interest rate for borrowing $6.3 million to facilitate this spread, costing less than $200,000 in interest.
Montclair Council Approves Multiple Ordinances on Land Use, Traffic, and Departmental Changes
The Township Council discussed and voted on several ordinances related to land use, parking, and departmental organization. Ordinance 0-26-15, regarding water services and metering, was moved forward. Ordinance 0-26-22, which repeals and replaces ordinances related to temporary no parking signs, was also discussed and approved, with clarification provided on the 10-day advance purchase requirement for signs. Ordinance 0-26-23, amending permit requirements and inspection fees, was passed, with a brief discussion on the $5 inspection fee. Ordinance 0-26-24, amending land use procedures, was approved with an amendment regarding partnership agreements. Ordinance 0-26-25, concerning vehicles and traffic, was approved. Ordinance 0-26-26, also amending vehicles and traffic rules, was approved after a discussion about traffic calming measures like traffic circles and bike lanes, and the need for community input. Several other ordinances were introduced and passed, including those for capital improvements for water and sewer utilities, amending township personnel for vacation time, updating fire prevention fees, establishing a fire marshal title, changing department names (Community Services to Public Works, Administration to Housing Services), repealing a single-use food and beverage item ordinance due to state preemption, authorizing special law enforcement officers, and amending police department composition. A resolution was also passed authorizing the acceptance of a donation for the Clary Anderson Arena.
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The Montclair News archive
Montclair Planning Board Meeting - July 20, 2026
Complete Streets Oversight Board Meeting - July 16, 2026
Montclair Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - July 16, 2026
Montclair Zoning Board Meeting - July 15, 2026
Montclair Planning Board Meeting - July 6, 2026
Montclair Historic Preservation Commission - June 18, 2026
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