A focus was the borough’s engagement in a class action lawsuit against 3M and Dupont over PFOS contamination. The attorney representing the borough reported successful filing of initial claims for settlement money, with more claims anticipated later in the year. The long-term maintenance costs of the treatment systems and the potential lead times to obtain quotes for these systems were also topics of discussion. The attorney highlighted an upcoming deadline on August 26th.

The municipal aid grant application for reconstructing portions of New York Avenue and Broad Street was another major topic. The grant award amount is set to determine the project’s scope, with the borough having 18 months to complete the work upon receipt of the grant. There were questions from the council regarding the timeline for receiving the grant award and the potential need for additional borough funding if the grant amount proved insufficient.

The council members engaged in discussions about the prioritization of projects for annual grants, questioning if there was a priority list from the Department of Public Works for sewer, water, and utility work. They also inquired about the potential improvements for traffic safety and pedestrians in the grant application. The conversation touched on the need for a comprehensive tree cutting ordinance to mitigate flooding and replace trees, the positive feedback from the Shade Tree Commission, the successful fireworks display, and the progress in finalizing the borough’s energy plan report.

Addressing the costs of hosting events, the council discussed the need to plan for expenses earlier in the budget process. A second cannabis location on Burgers faced challenges due to the refusal of the application by the Readington Township planning board. The council agreed to add the matter to the executive session under contract negotiations. Updates on the Planning Board, the library audit, and the Public Works meeting were provided. The library audit showed a strong financial position, and the decision to lift fines for late book returns had a positive impact on patron engagement.

Infrastructure issues at the new police department building, particularly the failing sewage system, were debated. Proposed solutions included the design of a hidden pump system inside the building and the challenges of obtaining an easement for an outside pump system. The cost implications and urgency of resolving these issues were emphasized, given the health risks posed by the sewage system failures.

The council was informed about the hiring of a marketing firm, Brand Enchanting Media, for branding and signage work by the Flemington Community Partnership (FCP). The council proposed having the firm present at a future meeting for a work session. The FCP was also working on revamping its bylaws with the help of a hired attorney.

Public comments highlighted the success of the recent corn, tomato, and beer festival, praising the improved event planning and vendor accommodation. The council expressed satisfaction with the progress made and the use of technology to enhance planning and coordination for future events.

The town’s preparedness for Main Street events, including the use of a new GIS tool for mapping and vendor placement, was also discussed. The council showed enthusiasm for exploring new events and activities, such as a pumpkin festival and holiday events in Court Street Park. An ordinance for a compliance checklist for the planning board, the approval of minutes, and various resolutions related to tax payments and grant applications were mentioned.

Lastly, the council reviewed government permit fees for events and organizations within the borough. A draft included permit fees for various event types, with discussions focusing on the appropriateness of the fees and their potential impact on borough businesses. The need to review and potentially increase the fees based on administrative staff input was agreed upon, alongside considerations for the costs and logistics of a new mechanism for hanging banners across the town.