The grant received for the stormwater utility study was a point of contention. Residents and council members raised concerns about the handling of the grant, the projected costs for residents, and the focus of the project on water quality rather than flooding. The lack of public input was also criticized, with discrepancies in grant amounts and a need for more transparency in the project’s direction. The mayor, acknowledging these concerns, expressed gratitude for the grant funding but also noted issues with a mailer sent out by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters regarding educational outreach.

Some residents objected to the creation of a stormwater utility, questioning its appropriateness for the city’s size and layout. They pointed out the potential high cost and lack of return on investment for a town like Lambertville. A local business development group representative opposed the grant’s use for the study.

Council members echoed these concerns, focusing on the project’s lengthy timeline, lack of comprehensive data, and the potential financial burden on taxpayers. They advocated for immediate stormwater management projects and exploring regional solutions, rather than creating a utility. The recent outreach campaign was also critiqued, with questions raised about the motives behind the communication efforts and the feasibility study’s lack of consideration for alternative options.

One council member proposed a 12-step flood protection plan, emphasizing immediate need for a maintenance program and regular funding for cleaning and maintaining storm drains. This plan also included scoping the system, identifying necessary repairs, establishing timelines, and modifying land use ordinances for increased stormwater protection. The regional approach to addressing stormwater management was highlighted as crucial.

The council saw a resolution to authorize the amendment of the contract with Princeton Hydro for the stormwater utility study. However, this motion failed without a second. The mayor suggested pulling the issue from the June meeting schedule to allow further exploration and discussion.

Amid the stormwater utility discussions, other city projects were addressed. These included storm cleanup, capital projects, mapping of inlets and outfalls, and a debate on the necessity of a stormwater utility. The mayor acknowledged the ambitious timing of the proposal but stated that the idea of a utility was not off the table. The financial implications of putting a referendum on the ballot were discussed, with a need for concrete steps and a clear timetable for stormwater management.

The meeting also touched upon other significant city matters, such as an increase in revenue from hotel taxes and parking fees, and the introduction of ordinances to adjust street sweeping times and amend the Redevelopment plan for Lambertville High School. The latter was highlighted as an important project resulting from extensive conversations and work over time.

Affordable housing obligations were another focal point, with a proposed project that would provide 40 affordable housing units. The council held a public hearing on the stormwater Control Ordinance and deliberated on a negotiation committee appointment. Public comments on affordable housing, stormwater management, and informational mailers distribution were heard, with calls for transparency on stormwater management funding and its potential impact on property taxes.