0:00A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the introduction and debate over Ordinance 24549, which proposes amendments to Chapter 7 of the borough’s traffic regulations. This ordinance aims to impose new parking restrictions on several streets within Milltown. A council member questioned the rationale behind these choices, revealing that the list was provided by the mayor and other council members and had been reviewed and agreed upon by the local police chief to help alleviate parking issues.

The debate became particularly focused on Acran Street, where proposed restrictions on both sides of the street were seen as potentially unnecessary and detrimental to residents who rely on parking there. The council member suggested reevaluating the decision for Acran Street, pointing out inconsistencies in how restrictions were applied compared to other streets.

The discussion broadened to the general implications of parking restrictions for residents. Concerns were raised about the potential inconvenience to residents who might find themselves unable to park near their homes. While some members expressed frustration over the potential impact on public safety, arguing that the safety of drivers and pedestrians should take precedence over convenience, others emphasized the need to involve residents in the decision-making process. The possibility of notifying residents about the proposed changes before the next meeting was debated, with opinions divided on whether it was necessary. The council president assured transparency by committing to posting all adopted ordinances on the borough’s website.

22:56The council also introduced Ordinance 24550, focusing on amendments to Chapter 25, Water, of the borough’s ordinances, including provisions for discontinuing water service for non-payment. This sparked a debate among council members about the specifics of implementing this measure. Concerns were raised about the fairness of discontinuing water service and the absence of specified timeframes for payment defaults. There was a suggestion to include a minimum timeframe for arrears before water service could be cut off, to protect residents facing financial hardship. The ordinance also mandated that each dwelling unit must have separate water meters.

Financial implications of the ordinance were also discussed, particularly regarding the structure of water rates based on individual meters. Concerns were voiced about the potential burden on multi-family housing, but it was clarified that the goal was to capture accurate billing by recognizing the actual number of units using water. The ordinance proposed a slight increase in the per-thousand-gallon rate to create a cushion for unexpected costs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate revenue for operational sustainability.

40:10The council also dealt with water and sewer billing agreements between Milltown and New Brunswick, particularly concerning properties on East Brunswick and Starkin Road. The debate revealed that Milltown currently does not bill these residents for water, complicating financial dynamics since New Brunswick also does not bill Milltown for water or sewer usage from these properties. The complexities of the existing agreements, particularly one from 1982, were highlighted, leading to discussions about revisiting the terms to establish a fair billing structure for those residents.

1:13:22Additionally, the meeting addressed the rising costs of electricity, projecting an increase of approximately $1.2 million. The Electric Department reported on a line clearance project aimed at enhancing reliability along several avenues, involving the trimming and removal of numerous trees. The Water Department reported on various maintenance activities, including the replacement of defective valve boxes and annual root control applications in the sewers.

The Recreation Department generated excitement over a “Fun Night Under the Lights” event at Rucker’s football game. The Senior Center announced several events, including a bingo night and a presentation on back pain and exercise. The Historic Preservation Committee discussed ongoing projects and plans for public engagement during Milltown Day.

2:24:10Public comments included concerns about safety on Garver Avenue, with residents describing erratic parking by non-residents. The council discussed efforts to pass a vacant lot ordinance aimed at improving the situation on Main Street and addressed the challenges posed by blighted properties.