The City Engineer presented the comprehensive changes in Ordinance Number 62024, which seeks to align with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Tier A permitting requirements. The proposed amendments include lowering the threshold for what constitutes a development, now defined as any disturbance of one-quarter acre or more, down from the previous half-acre requirement, and introducing a new category for minor developments. These changes are designed to broaden the scope of regulated projects.

Key elements retained from the existing ordinance include redevelopment projects and private storm drain inlet retrofitting. The ordinance also emphasizes the preservation of stream corridors and introduces a mitigation section, allowing exceptions for sites with constraints that prevent standard stormwater management practices. New requirements mandate field testing of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) before and during construction to ensure compatibility with designed infiltration rates.

A notable addition is the precipitation adjustment factor, which accounts for anticipated increases in rainfall. The ordinance also requires on-site retention of a volume equivalent to 1.25 inches of rainfall.

The council discussed the procedural changes, including the need for property owners to submit annual reports detailing bi-annual inspections of their stormwater management features. These reports will be incorporated into the city’s annual stormwater report submitted to the state.

Residents expressed mixed reactions to the proposed ordinance. One resident questioned its effectiveness. Concerns were raised about the practicality of the new requirements for homeowners and the potential fees associated with stormwater management applications. The council acknowledged these concerns and assured that further engagement and clarification would be provided in upcoming meetings.

Another issue was the proposed development of 200 houses, which community members argued would not align with Lambertville’s character and could negatively impact the neighborhood. Residents emphasized the emotional toll of feeling unsupported by government representatives and called for the council to recognize and address community voices. The conversation highlighted the importance of two-way communication between the council and the community, with a focus on timely responses to public concerns.

In addition to stormwater management, the council discussed extending the operating hours for cannabis retail operations. Union Chill, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, requested extended hours from the current 9 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sundays to new hours of 9 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 9 PM on Sundays. Another dispensary, Baked by the River, echoed this request, highlighting that many nearby businesses operate later, including restaurants and bars. The council acknowledged the request but emphasized the need to consider the impact on residential areas and conduct traffic studies before making any changes.

Public comments revealed concerns about the potential impact of extended hours on neighborhood quality of life. One resident expressed discomfort with the nature of clientele frequenting the dispensary at night, contrasting it with that of restaurants and bars. Another resident questioned whether the council was exposing itself to legal challenges by imposing restrictions on hours for certain businesses.

The council also addressed traffic and parking issues, particularly at the intersection of Triangle Street and North Main Street. A proposal for a four-way stop at this intersection was met with general approval, and plans to introduce an ordinance for this change were hinted for the next meeting. Speed issues on Stford Street were discussed, with suggestions to use visual aids or signage to encourage reduced speed rather than speed bumps, which could pose hazards due to the slope.

Additionally, the council considered a pilot bike rental program initiated by Big Bear Gear, a local business. The program aims to establish a bike rental service featuring approximately a dozen bikes available through an app for residents and visitors. Discussions focused on suitable locations for bike racks, insurance responsibilities, and the potential impact on local traffic and pedestrian safety. The idea of connecting the bike rental service with local hotels was also raised, positing that visitors could benefit from easy access to the bikes.

The meeting concluded with updates on lead paint certification for rental properties and the regulation of food trucks and vendors. The council proposed contracting with LW Environmental to manage lead inspection results, streamlining operations and reducing the burden on city staff. Concerns were raised about the volume of rental properties subject to the lead paint requirements and the impact on staff time.