The primary focus of the meeting was ordinance 2725-25, which proposes substantial amendments to the township’s stormwater management regulations. These amendments are intended to improve stormwater practices in accordance with Millburn’s 2018 master plan. A point of discussion was the ordinance’s requirement to double the volume of stormwater management systems compared to existing regulations, with particular emphasis on the implications for commercial projects and mixed-use developments. Concerns were raised about the potential burdens this would place on developers, especially in mixed-use areas where it might be challenging to separate residential and commercial components.

Board members explored the complexities of applying these new requirements, especially considering state regulations that might change and complicate compliance. There was consensus that while the board could not lower the Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS), there might be pathways to pursue enhanced standards through state approval. This discussion was particularly relevant given local flooding issues, leading to a call for supplemental ordinances to better manage stormwater for high-density residential projects.

The board also examined how existing drainage patterns affect stormwater management requirements. It was noted that municipalities sometimes mandate stormwater management studies even when state guidelines do not, which sparked further dialogue about the factors influencing these decisions. The board recognized the need to consider different parts of a site rather than just its overall impervious coverage, a move that could impact how stormwater is managed for projects converting from impervious surfaces, such as parking lots.

Another aspect of the meeting was the proposed ordinance’s language and formatting. Members expressed concerns about the clarity and consistency of the document, with specific references to missing sections and page numbers. The lack of clear definitions for terms like “major development” was noted, prompting a recommendation for a review of the ordinance to ensure accuracy before any vote could take place. It was suggested that the board consider separating regulations for major and minor developments into distinct ordinances to streamline the regulatory process and avoid confusion.

Further discussions highlighted the relationship between the proposed stormwater management changes and the township’s master plan. The board was tasked with ensuring that the ordinance was consistent with the master plan while having the opportunity to make recommendations for improvements. The urgency of acting on the ordinance was underscored by the potential implications for upcoming developments and the fact that existing applications would be governed by the ordinances in effect at the time of submission.

The board recognized the need for a ordinance that would exceed current standards. There was a call for collaboration with qualified consultants to draft more robust stormwater management standards, including provisions for minor developments. This suggestion received agreement from members, who acknowledged the importance of proactive measures to address stormwater management issues, particularly in light of past flooding concerns.

Technical questions arose regarding the effectiveness of limiting outflow versus increasing capacity, leading to a discussion on more efficient stormwater management practices. One participant explained that managing the flow of water could mitigate flooding more effectively than simply doubling storage. This approach, focusing on the nuances of hydrology and the impact of varying storm sizes, was seen as a potential way forward.