One of notable topics addressed was the ongoing power outages impacting residents, particularly highlighted by Gail Smith from River Road. Smith reported experiencing 29 power outages last year and at least 15 this year, emphasizing her frustration with the situation. She recounted her repeated attempts to engage BPU ACL for solutions, describing the situation as “out of control.” Smith shared that JCP&L representatives planned to loop the power line to enhance reliability; however, she was concerned about potential delays due to the need for town permits. She urged the council to expedite any required permits, emphasizing the critical nature of resolving the power issues. The council clarified that only road opening permits would be necessary if road excavation was involved.

Additionally, Smith brought attention to the persistent litter problem along River Road, detailing her efforts to clean the area during her retirement. Despite her efforts, she continued to find significant amounts of litter, including disturbing discoveries like human feces in a Dunkin’ Donuts cup. She attributed the litter to both passing vehicles and individuals using the roadside as a dumping ground. Council members acknowledged the enforcement challenges in addressing littering without catching individuals in the act. Suggestions included the potential installation of cameras to deter littering, with discussions on using grant money to fund such initiatives.

The council also engaged in an extensive discussion on water quality and flooding issues in local streams. The focus was on educational outreach and stakeholder engagement, particularly concerning pollutants like fecal coliform and mercury. Concerns were raised about mercury contamination, with its persistent nature noted as a environmental issue. The council acknowledged that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection had not established specific safety standards for mercury levels in fish, which caused frustration among attendees. Discussions also touched on the need for further investigation into upstream pollution sources and the potential use of grants for stormwater management.

Further complicating the environmental landscape was the outdated data being used for the watershed improvement plan, with some information dating back to 2002. The council discussed the complexities of addressing these issues, particularly the challenges posed by increased flooding and new stormwater requirements from the NJDEP.

On the financial front, the council deliberated on the upcoming bond anticipation note due in October and whether to engage Phoenix Advisors as a municipal advisor. Some council members expressed skepticism, viewing the involvement of Phoenix as an unnecessary expense given the existing bond counsel’s expertise. Members emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of the bond market and financing options before proceeding, with suggestions to invite both Phoenix Advisors and bond counsel John Drake to further meetings.

Infrastructure and redevelopment were also on the agenda, with particular focus on the impact of neighboring developments on local drainage systems and the configuration of a new redevelopment project. Concerns were raised about the addition of impervious surfaces from new developments and their potential to exacerbate runoff issues in Pohatcong. A council member recounted attending a prior meeting where assurances were sought from a developer about a detention basin’s impact, only to later observe significant water discharge toward township roads.

Additionally, discussions covered the financial implications of ongoing projects, including a proposed elevator project and the Woodmont warehouse development. The council also addressed updates on the pickleball courts, budgetary constraints, and the potential impacts of declining assessed values on the tax levy. The importance of balancing immediate repairs with long-term financial health was a recurring theme, alongside the necessity of careful budget management to ensure the town’s financial stability.