One notable issue addressed at the meeting was the Borough’s stormwater management system. The Mayor acknowledged the community’s concerns following two recent intense storms, which underscored the inadequacy of the current stormwater infrastructure, dating back to the 20th century. The Mayor stated that the flooding issues are part of a broader regional challenge, involving stormwater contributions from neighboring communities. Efforts are underway to upgrade the stormwater systems, particularly in conjunction with road repaving projects. One such example is the recent improvements made on Sherman Avenue. The Borough is pursuing state funding for these infrastructure improvements and is in discussions with neighboring municipalities like Bloomfield and Montclair to develop a coordinated response to the flooding issues.

During the public comment period, a resident named Paul voiced concerns about inadequate stormwater management, particularly on M Street, during recent heavy rain events. He described significant water pooling and the insufficient number of storm drains, which exacerbated the flooding. The Council acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change and the resultant increase in storm intensity. They emphasized that efforts are ongoing to gather data on flooding incidents from residents and upgrade storm drain systems while resurfacing streets.

In response to these concerns, a council member emphasized the importance of gathering data on flooding incidents from residents to better understand and address these problems. They also mentioned exploring opportunities to upgrade storm drain systems while resurfacing streets and have already initiated conversations with neighboring municipalities to address regional flooding issues.

Another topic was the adoption of Ordinance Number 1811, which amends regulations for the removal of trees on private property. This ordinance replaces Chapter 1228 on shade trees with Chapter 1229, establishing a requirement for permits for tree removal. The ordinance aligns local regulations with new statewide mandates concerning tree removal. If a tree falls due to a storm, the property owner does not need to file an application for removal; however, documentation must be submitted to confirm the cause of the tree’s absence. The ordinance also stipulates planting replacement trees, with stipulations that may necessitate multiple smaller trees for a single larger tree removed.

Ordinance Number 1812 was also discussed, addressing the storage of salt and deicing materials on private property to prevent runoff and exposure to water supplies. This ordinance, mandated by the New Jersey Bureau of Environmental Protection, sets forth requirements for how these materials should be stored, with exemptions for one- and two-family residences.

The meeting continued with a report on the replacement of water meters in the borough. This project is set to begin soon and involves replacing meters in homes. The initiative aims to improve the inventory of any remaining lead piping located between the sidewalk and the curb, as previous efforts had already addressed lead pipes from the curb to the street.

Several resolutions were passed unanimously during the meeting, including:

– Resolution 123-142, approving $3,250 for a water meter replacement project.

– Resolution 124-24, authorizing the sale of surplus property, including vehicles and equipment no longer needed for public use, to be auctioned online.

– Resolution 125-450, concerning R Club funding.

– Resolution 126-24, creating the position of part-time Community Service Officers within the police department, with a pay rate of $22 per hour.

The Chief of Police provided a public safety report, highlighting a decrease in overall crime by 11% since 2022, despite a spike in crime in 2023, particularly motor vehicle thefts. The Council expressed appreciation for the police department’s efforts and the positive relationship being cultivated with the local school administration. Public safety collaborations with the Board of Education were also discussed, including a joint communication initiative to reinforce safety measures.

Lastly, the Planning and Development segment included two ordinances requiring adoption due to new state stormwater regulations. The first ordinance, 1811, governs the removal and replacement of trees on private property, establishing a permitting process and associated application fees. This ordinance aims to mitigate stormwater runoff and enhance water quality by regulating tree management.