The council proposed a new ordinance targeting residents consuming over 74,000 gallons of water annually. Under this proposal, these residents would incur higher charges beyond this threshold, while those using less would maintain their current rates. This strategy aims to encourage residents to reassess their water usage, particularly concerning irrigation and landscaping, amidst ongoing drought conditions in New Jersey. The proposed changes would affect a small fraction of the community, approximately 420 out of the 19,000 annual bills, targeting specifically the high consumers.

In addition to water conservation efforts, the ordinance seeks to address discrepancies in service charges for different water meter sizes. Residents with one-inch meters currently face higher minimum charges compared to those with smaller meters. The council plans to equalize these charges to promote fairness and remove disincentives for conservation. A further proposal involves applying fees for unmetered construction water usage, thereby encouraging timely meter installations during construction projects.

The discussions on water conservation coincided with updates on the borough’s efforts to replace outdated water meters. Recent efforts have seen 2,200 meters replaced by a new contractor, outpacing the previous year’s progress and leaving only 800 replacements pending. This modernization is expected to enhance leak detection and water waste management, providing residents with timely notifications of unusual consumption patterns.

Complementing the conservation agenda, the meeting also highlighted the borough’s receipt of a silver certification as a Sustainable Jersey Champion and the Mayor Art Andish Leadership Award for contributions to sustainability. The council celebrated the borough’s achievements in environmental stewardship, including the successful ARRIVE program, which pairs mental health professionals with police officers during crisis situations.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure planning, notably the introduction of a Geographic Information System (GIS) to optimize the electrical grid. This initiative, set to commence in 2025, aims to support the borough’s growing electrical demands due to the increased adoption of electric vehicles and solar energy. Additionally, the council explored the potential for solar power installations at public school sites, following a favorable engineering study on the municipal grid’s capacity.

Public safety was another focal point, with updates on preparations for the upcoming Christmas parade, emphasizing community cooperation and safety measures. The fire department reported the lifting of the outdoor fire ban while maintaining caution due to prevailing drought conditions. Firefighters completed arson investigation training, and confined space rescue training was scheduled with neighboring departments.

Residents expressed support for the council’s efforts to preserve the Drew Forest, applauding the recent grant applications and continued advocacy. The Friends of Drew Forest representative highlighted community involvement and the importance of land preservation efforts.

Concerns were also raised about local safety and vandalism incidents, particularly at Hillside Cemetery, prompting calls for increased police vigilance and community awareness. The council was urged to consider integrating more green infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly designs in town planning, aligning with state guidelines and the Morris County safety action plan.

In a forward-looking gesture, the council moved on to adopt the 2025 climate action recommendations. The meeting concluded with reminders of upcoming events and meetings, including the reorganization meeting scheduled for January 2, and a collective wish for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving for all residents.