At the forefront of the meeting, Brandon from NW Financial presented a plans to the council regarding the borough’s sewer rates. The proposed changes are a response to an aging infrastructure and a financial analysis that showed the necessity for adjustments. Currently, Dunellen contracts with Parsa for sewer management, charging a flat rate of $365 for single-family homes and $515 for commercial properties. Although there had been consideration of selling the sewer system due to infrastructure concerns, the council ultimately decided against it after evaluating a $5.5 million offer from NJ American Water. The proposal was deemed insufficient to address the existing $2 million sewer utility debt.

The council approved a plan to maintain the flat fee while introducing a new volumetric charge of $130 per 1,000 gallons of usage. This model aims to distribute costs based on consumption, allowing users more control over their expenses. The proposed increase is partially a response to Dunellen absorbing rising costs from MCUA and Parsa, which had not been passed onto consumers. The last increase was a modest $15 in 2024, the first since 2014. The presentation will be available to the public, with further discussions scheduled for the next council meeting on December 15.

The council also addressed ordinance 2025-20, concerning the acquisition of property on North Washington Avenue, formerly the old Investor Bank property. The $1.1 million purchase, largely financed through bonds, aims to establish a municipal parking lot and assess future enhancements to municipal services. Alongside this, the purchase of a Lutheran church for municipal use was discussed, with consultations planned with financial advisors to determine optimal utilization by 2026.

In addition to infrastructure and financial decisions, the council addressed several resolutions, including the approval of a service contract with Animal Control Solutions LLC and awarding the bid for the Second Street Improvements Phase 2 to Topline Construction Corporation. Each resolution was passed unanimously.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing local volunteers through the Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards. Nominees for the Volunteer of the Year included David Ainstein, known for his impressive response record and service with the rescue squad, Ken Bordisel, noted for his long-standing community involvement, and Sue Connelly, celebrated for her dedication to the rescue squad and fire department. In a tightly contested decision, Ken Bordisel was awarded Volunteer of the Year, recognized for his extensive contributions and positive impact on the borough.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously awarded to Harold Vandermark, lauded for his service in youth sports, the arts, and the borough council. Vandermark’s contributions left a lasting impact on the community, and council members expressed a shared sentiment that his recognition was well-deserved, albeit posthumously.

The meeting also included updates from various council members on community events and initiatives. Announcements included the return of the Dunellen PBA toy drive movie nights, updates on holiday decorations by the Department of Public Works, and community events such as the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and house decorating contest. Council members also reported on ongoing projects, including the Washington Avenue beautification project and the Bound Brook Road Streetscape project, which are progressing with additional engineering required due to utility challenges.