Flooding issues commanded attention during the Pequannock Town Council meeting as residents of the area voiced their concerns about ongoing water accumulation challenges. Donna McGovern and others from the neighborhood around Andrews Place and Kenny brought up the problem of clogged storm drains. They urged the council to find a solution to the flooding, which has been a consistent issue in their community. Harold Bolton added to the conversation, emphasizing that the affected properties were located in a flood zone X, which is considered to have a low likelihood of flooding. Despite this, he recounted a neighbor’s experience with a cracked underwater drainage pipe.

Another resident, identified as Patrick, detailed the extensive amount of water he was pumping from his basement. He expressed concerns over the impact on his property and the financial burden of dealing with the flooding. His testimony highlighted the urgency felt by residents and pointed to clogged storm drains as a significant contributing factor. The conversation touched on the need for inspections, infrastructure improvements, and the impact of excessive rainfall. There was also a debate about whether residents’ own pumping systems could be contributing to the problem.

In a related matter, the council addressed stormwater management on a legislative level. Ordinance number 20243, which focuses on stormwater management regulations, was opened for public hearing. No comments were made, and the council moved to adopt the ordinance unanimously. Other ordinances passed included number 20244, concerning salt storage regulations, and number 20245, dealing with tree removal and replacement requirements. The latter prompted a resident to seek clarification on the specifics, which were provided by a council member before the unanimous adoption.

The meeting also navigated the complexities surrounding the town’s library. An individual resident brought up issues related to the handling of library trustee meetings and the abrupt end to a public comment segment by the mayor. The resident recalled a presentation by an architect on the library’s potential renovation and the need for modernization and safety improvements. They also mentioned disputes among the library board members, particularly concerning funding allocation and a staff member’s threat of legal action due to verbal abuse.

The town manager’s report included a recommendation for the concession provider for PD Park, sparking a brief exchange regarding the provider’s past performance and financial contributions. The council’s conversations then moved to pay homage to a former volunteer known as Jay, acknowledging his contributions to the community. The council discussed the effectiveness of LED signs as a speed-controlling measure, citing visibility concerns during the day for the existing sign at the rail trail intersection. Additionally, the council deliberated over a policy for compensating residents for mailboxes damaged by snow plowing. Views were split between recognizing the need for goodwill gestures and concerns about potential policy abuse. A decision was made to continue this discussion at a subsequent meeting.

Amidst these discussions, the council took time to approve several resolutions. Noteworthy among them was R202472, which involved a change order for the route 23 sewer project. Clarification was sought and provided on whether the change order was an addition or a reduction. The meeting also recognized community events like the polar plunge and acknowledged achievements in sports and environmental work. Updates from council committees were given, including news of resignations and appointments to various boards, such as the library board and the Environmental Commission.