The discussion on rising utility rates dominated much of the meeting, initiated by residents expressing frustrations over increased water bills. One resident described paying over $600 for two quarters, prompting them to apply for a permit to remove one of two meters at their two-family home to reduce the charges. Another resident questioned the absence of in-line filters on Elkin’s Lane, which means the water supply is directly from New Brunswick without any filtration, raising concerns about water quality.

The council acknowledged the issue, explaining that new water rates, established in December, would apply from April 1, with the billing cycle affected by the timing of the new rates. Clarifications were provided on the $20 million debt in the water department, which had accumulated over 35 to 40 years, not from recent mismanagement. Residents were concerned about the potential for future rate increases, with council members noting that a six-year contract with New Brunswick limits annual rate hikes to 3 percent, designed to shield residents from unpredictable charges.

A significant issue highlighted was the replacement of lead service lines. Residents were eager to know if the municipality had mapped homes with lead or galvanized piping. The ongoing project to replace water meters, which includes checking for lead, was discussed as part of compliance with the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act. Residents expressed frustration over the municipality’s past inaction on identifying lead pipes.

The council member explained that the meter replacement project was addressing lead piping, with new regulations requiring proactive measures. However, residents argued that infrastructure issues, such as lead piping, should be managed by the municipality, similar to public safety responsibilities like sidewalk maintenance. The council member acknowledged the complexities of water service agreements with New Brunswick, which restrict the borough from seeking alternative sources, further complicating efforts to address water rate and supply concerns.

In addition to water-related concerns, the meeting covered various other topics. The council introduced Ordinance 25556, aimed at amending general licensing and business regulations to update towing fees, with a public hearing and adoption scheduled for March 10, 2025. Ordinance 25557 was also introduced, focusing on installing stop signs on Paron Avenue, tied to a grant from the NJ Department of Transportation for road improvements.

The Schwendeman Homestead subcommittee establishment stirred discussion, with concerns raised about taxpayer expenditures and the absence of a subcommittee dedicated to firehouse preservation. Despite the dissenting vote, the resolution passed, alongside authorization to hire a computer consultant vendor through competitive contracting.

The topic of the borough’s IT vendor was also addressed, as the current vendor had been operating without a contract since January 2024. The council clarified that the vendor would be invited to bid as part of the competitive contracting process.

Updates were provided on various departmental activities. The Borough Engineer reported on the water meter replacement project, with 161 meters replaced to date, and ongoing work for additional replacements. The Recreation Department highlighted the youth basketball season and upcoming events, while the Historic Preservation Committee discussed Green Acres funding timelines and marketing grants for the train project.

As the meeting concluded, the Borough Clerk, who announced her resignation previously, shared her appointment as a part-time clerk while a replacement search continued. She encouraged applicants for the clerk position and noted remote work availability. The Clerk also provided deadlines related to the primary election, including petition filing and voter registration deadlines.