At the center of the meeting was the debate over a proposed bulk order of water meters, with the city water department having received an offer for new meter instrumentation at a discounted price. The Vice Mayor detailed that the city could save approximately $107,000 by purchasing now, as opposed to facing increased costs next year due to inflation. However, the decision was complicated by the vendor’s deadline, leaving little time for deliberation. Concerns were expressed about the potential for receiving faulty meters without adequate warranty coverage, with one participant raising the risk of losing “half a million dollars” if the batch proved defective.

The discussion took a personal turn when a participant likened the situation to a high-pressure sales tactic, questioning the prudence of committing to such a large expenditure within a limited timeframe. This skepticism was compounded by an existing backlog of uninstalled meters, estimated between “1,200 to 1,800,” and the slow pace of installations, projected to take “three to four years” to complete.

Participants debated the viability of purchasing meters in phases to hold the vendor accountable for timely installations while minimizing upfront costs. Yet, concerns lingered about whether this approach would indeed expedite the installation process, given the current contractor’s performance. The vendor’s offer to store the meters at no cost was seen as positive, but logistical issues, including storage regulations and insurance, remained unresolved.

The dialogue revealed frustrations with the contractor’s responsiveness and the lack of a set installation price, raising questions about the clarity and consistency of cost projections. The council considered exploring alternative installers to potentially accelerate the project but recognized the challenges in altering existing contracts.

Public input further underscored the urgency of resolving these issues, with residents voicing concerns about the communication of installation processes and timelines, particularly in rental-heavy areas. One resident emphasized the importance of ensuring all housing units, including apartments, receive the necessary meters and called for a transparent system to track installations.

The meeting also addressed the council’s broader responsibilities, with the Vice Mayor commending the engineering department for its work on the secondary clarifier project at the wastewater treatment plant, expected to complete by early summer. Additionally, the council moved forward with several ordinances and resolutions, including a tax agreement and bond ordinance for water utility improvements, while tabling others for further discussion.

Public acknowledgments during the meeting included recognition of the Millville Tiger Shark Swim Team for their community service, and appreciation was expressed to city employees for their rapid response to a recent sinkhole issue.