09:10The council adopted the 2025 municipal budget, which totals approximately $21.2 million, reflecting a $31,000 increase from the previous year. The budget includes a local municipal tax rate increase of 2.9 cents, raising the tax rate from 0.938 cents in 2024 to 0.967 cents for 2025. This change equates to an annual increase of just under $50 for an average assessed home valued at around $162,000. The anticipated revenues of $7.96 million show a decrease from the previous year’s $8.6 million, largely due to reduced grant funds and the absence of one-time revenues.

The council emphasized the importance of surplus accumulation to stabilize finances and mitigate future tax increases. Public safety, insurance, public works, and administrative expenses were highlighted as key expenditure areas. No public comments were made on the budget during the hearing, and it was adopted with one dissenting vote.

33:39A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to infrastructure discussions, particularly the coordination of road repairs and utility work. Concerns were raised about the impact of utility companies on road integrity post-repair projects. It was noted that the Department of Transportation (DOT) does not fund infrastructure improvements, meaning grant money is limited to covering paving costs. The council stressed the need for a systematic approach to address problem areas, coordinating with utility companies to complete necessary upgrades before road repairs.

57:54A council member proposed legislative measures to enforce stricter standards on utility companies, suggesting that if a road is opened for repairs, a larger section should be restored rather than just patching the disturbed area. This proposal aims to improve the aesthetic quality and longevity of the roads. Additionally, there was a discussion on increasing the concrete strength specifications for curbs and sidewalks from 4,000 psi to 5,000 psi, with the belief that the long-term benefits of stronger concrete would justify the costs.

25:05The council also addressed safety concerns related to ongoing projects, particularly at Aces field, where inadequate safety measures were cited. The lack of flags, cones, and road signs during construction activities prompted a call for full-time inspections to mitigate liability risks. To enhance safety, a police presence was proposed for upcoming work involving heavy equipment.

The meeting also covered updates on municipal projects funded by state gas tax revenues, including bids for East Front and Alexander streets. Concerns about the condition of the water main on North Terrace led to a reconsideration of planned capital projects. The Aces Park project was discussed due to complications with the basketball court’s base, with negotiations underway to ensure proper stabilization and prevent future issues.

Further discussions involved stormwater management, with a focus on meeting the submission deadline for storm sewer mapping and addressing flooding issues in specific areas. In water and wastewater management, the township aims to meet a 2029 deadline for the removal of lead service lines, with an application pending with the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for project funding.

The council also discussed the annual hydrant replacement program and highlighted a grant for water plant improvements. Complications with a deed restriction related to the site purchase for a new water plant were noted, alongside the need to relocate the existing antiquated facility from a floodway.