During the meeting, Ms. Rry Den outlined the possible sale of the sewer system, emphasizing that the current deliberations are preliminary and do not bind the borough to any sale. The council stressed the importance of transparency throughout the process. Ms. Rry Den highlighted the potential benefits of a sale, including an upfront purchase price that could alleviate existing municipal debts and stabilize sewer rates for residents. Despite concerns about privatization, she assured the public that any rate changes would be regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

The borough plans to gather expert input from financial advisors, legal teams, and engineers to assess the feasibility of a sale. Ms. Rry Den provided a timeline indicating that if the council proceeds with the resolution, bids could be solicited by the end of March, with responses anticipated by mid to late May. She shared examples of other municipalities that had successfully sold their sewer systems, such as Long Hill Township, which sold its system for $23 million and achieved a structured rate plan that stabilized costs for residents.

As the council navigates this complex issue, public input will be crucial. Ms. Rry Den assured that there would be numerous opportunities for public hearings and discussions, allowing community members to voice their perspectives. Any final decision will be subject to a public vote in November.

In addition to the sewer sale discussion, the council addressed other topics, including community welfare initiatives and infrastructure developments. The meeting featured proclamations recognizing March as Youth Art Month and Women’s History Month. The latter was celebrated by the three female council members, who highlighted women’s contributions across various fields.

The council also introduced Ordinance 2012-08, which involves amending the general legislation concerning handicapped parking. This ordinance was introduced without discussion, with a public hearing and adoption scheduled for the March 18 meeting. The council proceeded to adopt two other ordinances related to tree legislation and sewer improvements associated with a redevelopment project known as Dunellen Station.

Community welfare was a recurring theme, with discussions about assisting residents affected by flooding. The council emphasized the urgency of addressing these residents’ needs, particularly through the Blue Acres Program, which aims to buy out properties susceptible to flooding. Collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Environmental Protection was highlighted as a critical step in managing flood risks in vulnerable areas.

Infrastructure improvements were also discussed, with New Jersey American Water announcing plans to continue water main replacements in the borough. The project will involve removing and replacing water mains, installing new services to each residential water box, and adding new fire hydrants. Additionally, CME Associates provided updates on wayfinding signage for downtown and corrective work for Cing Place.

The council addressed several resolutions and appointments, including the authorization of payments for public improvements and the appointment of Russell Miller to the fire department. The meeting also included discussions on a contract for additional playground equipment at Morcraft Park and the ongoing shift to automated side-load recycling services, seen as a significant improvement in waste management efficiency.

These discussions were complemented by updates from various departments, including the fire department, which responded to numerous calls in February, and the Public Library, which announced upcoming events. The Recreation Department concluded its winter basketball season and opened registration for spring youth sports, emphasizing community participation.

A notable development was the ongoing negotiations with Verizon for additional service provision.