A central topic of the meeting was the ongoing debate surrounding the responsibility for replacing lead and galvanized pipes in the township. Council members expressed dissatisfaction with the local water utility’s approach, emphasizing the unfairness of the financial burden placed on residents. Many homeowners are reportedly unaware of the presence of these problematic pipes until they attempt to sell their homes, only to face expenses ranging from $10,000 to $12,000 for replacements. The council criticized the utility for adhering only to minimum state regulations and urged them to explore alternative funding sources, such as grants, to ease the financial strain on residents. One council member remarked, “I have concerns that the board of Smucka has forgotten that they represent the residents, not the water utility,” highlighting frustrations over what was perceived as a disconnect between the utility’s actions and community needs.

The discussion also underscored the discrepancies between public and private utilities, with residents in areas served by private utilities reportedly not incurring similar replacement costs. This disparity prompted calls for the utility to consider rate increases as a potential solution to fund necessary improvements. Council members advocated for a community-oriented approach, suggesting that shared costs for public services could benefit the township as a whole, even if not all residents directly utilize those services.

In addition to the water utility debate, the meeting featured a presentation by Drew Saskowitz, Executive Director of the SMCMUA, who detailed the authority’s operations, recent projects, and future plans. Saskowitz emphasized the role of the authority as the largest water purveyor in Morris County, serving approximately 65,000 residents daily. He outlined recent capital projects, including the replacement of 9,000 feet of water mains this year, and plans for further upgrades in the coming years. These projects aim to comply with the Water Quality Accountability Act and address areas with high main break rates or galvanized connections.

A significant portion of the authority’s future capital investment will focus on treatment facilities to meet new EPA guidelines for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with projected compliance costs of around $40 million over the next six years. The authority also plans to enhance infrastructure security by purchasing special operating nuts for fire hydrants to prevent tampering and unauthorized use. With over 3,500 residential meters replaced with new Neptune smart meters, the program also seeks to identify service line materials, addressing lead and galvanized service lines as part of its broader infrastructure strategy.

The council engaged with Saskowitz on various aspects of the authority’s report, including the financial implications of replacing lead or galvanized pipes, which range from $8,000 to $12,000 depending on line length. Concerns were raised about the economic burden these costs impose on homeowners, especially given current financial challenges. Council members discussed the need for flexible payment options to accommodate residents facing financial difficulties, with Saskowitz assuring that the authority remains compliant with lead regulations and works to maintain safe water levels.

Beyond water utility issues, the meeting also addressed other matters. Deputy Mayor Jeff Gareel was congratulated on his reelection, achieving victories in all 23 voting districts. The council introduced Ordinance 26-25, amending the township’s sewer and sewage disposal code, and Ordinance 28-25, which aimed to regulate bicycles, scooters, and e-bikes to address safety concerns. The latter ordinance received support, with discussions highlighting the importance of regulating these vehicles to enhance public safety.

The meeting included community-focused initiatives, such as the announcement of the winter farmers market opening on December 7th and efforts to promote local businesses through Shop Morris County collaborations. Recognition was given to the Environmental Commission’s sustainable landscaping forum, contributing to the township’s achievement of Sustainable Jersey Bronze status.

Veterans Day was also commemorated, with a council member delivering a tribute to honor the sacrifices of veterans. The council encouraged actions reflecting gratitude for veterans’ service, emphasizing the need to build a nation worthy of their contributions.