During the public comment section, residents expressed concerns about a development project involving 17 variances that had been approved by the planning board under specific conditions to mitigate stormwater issues. One resident voiced frustration, stating that many previously agreed-upon conditions were discarded, leading to potential flooding risks. The resident emphasized the substantial efforts made to address community concerns, including hiring an engineer specializing in stormwater management. They questioned the liability for possible flooding due to the removal of these conditions and sought clarification on the appeal process for the approval. Specific examples of omitted conditions included staggered walls with planters intended to absorb water runoff, which were critical in controlling water flow from the property’s steep slopes.

Further discussion revealed that demolition had begun immediately after the property’s closing, raising concerns about compliance with the planning board’s established conditions. Council members agreed to communicate with the township engineer to ensure adherence to the planning board’s resolutions. Another resident, identifying themselves as Robert Keta, noted previous good faith efforts to work collaboratively with the planning board and expressed disbelief at how the process had unraveled. Kathleen Zoro, another resident, expressed gratitude for the council’s attention to the matter and reiterated concerns about water drainage issues affecting her property.

In addition to the development project, the council meeting featured an extensive presentation by Scott Everton, Senior Public Affairs Manager for PSEG, on the company’s Capital Improvement plans for Long Hill Township. Everton detailed a settlement with the Board of Public Utilities that would allow PSEG to invest approximately $92 million over two years to modernize aging gas infrastructure. This initiative aims to enhance safety and reliability while supporting New Jersey’s clean energy goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the replacement of outdated pipes.

Everton explained that the Gas System Modernization Program (GSMP) would proactively address pipeline leaks, which lead to extensive roadwork and disruptions. The program would increase gas pressure from low to high, enabling customers to use high-energy efficiency appliances without needing new service lines. He also mentioned that the new pipes could potentially accommodate lower carbon alternative fuels, such as hydrogen. The significant reduction in methane emissions, equating to the removal of approximately 65,000 cars from the road, was highlighted as a major benefit.

Eric Adams, Senior Gas Construction Supervisor, provided specifics about the project in Long Hill. The project will involve installing over 36,000 feet of mains and services, starting the following month and expected to last until June 2025. Concerns arose regarding specific roads involved in the project, with Adams confirming that installation would occur only along main roads, not spur roads. He assured residents that gas interruptions would be minimal, lasting no more than four hours during service transfers.

Adams also addressed questions about meter changes unrelated to the gas modernization project, clarifying that these changes were part of a different program focused on meter age. He confirmed that service lines would be replaced and meters relocated outside for safety and compliance reasons. Northfield Road was prioritized due to council urgency, and a contractor would oversee the work with PSEG supervisory oversight.

Further discussions included the annual audit presentation by Andrew Kachinsky from NIS Vahia, who detailed the financial highlights of the 2023 audit. The current fund recorded revenues of $48.8 million, with expenditures totaling $47 million, resulting in a slight decrease in the fund balance. The tax collection rate was reported to be excellent at 99.19%. Kachinsky noted two management suggestions: adjustments in accounting practices for compensated absences and ensuring full encumbrance of Covid-related federal funding by the end of 2024.

The council moved to resolutions related to the annual audit and its corrective action plan, addressing issues such as the segregation of duties and discrepancies in tax title lien dollar values. These were typical concerns for small municipalities, and measures were being implemented to mitigate associated risks.

Ordinances discussed included amendments to the township land use ordinance for stormwater management systems and the 2024 municipal budget appropriations limits. A public hearing was held for ordinance 541-24 related to emergency appropriations for prior events like Hurricane Ida, which passed with affirmative votes.