At the forefront of the June 24, 2024, meeting, residents expressed their bewilderment and dissatisfaction with the process of receiving water bills from a company in Florida, questioning the legitimacy of this arrangement and the fairness of billing practices. Their grievances highlighted the additional financial burden imposed by separate water charges atop increased rents, particularly affecting those on fixed incomes. The discussion revealed a resident’s experience of being billed twice in one month, exacerbating concerns about the equitable treatment of low-income housing tenants.

The council’s response to water billing concerns included possible recourse through Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey and the contemplation of a class action lawsuit to address these issues collectively. Furthermore, the council discussed the capacity to issue summonses for overcrowding, thanks to the presence of a housing officer on staff.

Amidst the water billing discourse, the council grappled with the approval of licenses, specifically whether to approve a business license that had been dormant. The decision carried weight due to potential state reviews and financial implications.

The meeting also delved into the intricate matter of temporary signage on Main Street, with the council critically evaluating the $50 permit fee for each sign. The conversation extended to the feasibility of the fee structure, especially for nonprofit organizations, and the proposal to include a set number of temporary signs in the permit fee for larger events and garage sales. The council’s aim was to strike a balance between generating permit revenue and supporting the community’s promotional needs.

In a similar vein, various categories of signs were scrutinized, including proposals for a $5 garage sale permit with allowance for 10 signs, a $50 fee for for-profit signs on private land for 30 days, and a $25 fee for small businesses with date-specific events for up to 15 signs. The council also proposed a limit on the duration of temporary signs. Additionally, there was a proposition to limit signs on private property to a 30-day period without charge, followed by a $10 monthly fee thereafter. Opinions among council members diverged, with some expressing concern over the impact on small businesses and others advocating for sign proliferation control.

The council’s comprehensive approach to signage extended to the regulation of non-business-related signs and the drafting of an ordinance for the use of a banner across Main Street. The goal was to establish equitable rules for businesses and nonprofits, with considerations for an easement from the fire department for banner installation. Public comments included a small business owner’s request for an extended duration for event signs and job site signs, supporting a 30-day period.

The council’s examination of these issues was punctuated by an executive session to discuss negotiations related to Cardinal CA and Courthouse Square, invoking the seldom-used “L License exception.” The meeting concluded with the approval of a resolution to renew licenses for the bureau of Flemington for the upcoming term.