Pompton Lakes Borough Council Addresses Flooding, Environmental Concerns, and Community Development

In a recent Pompton Lakes Borough Council meeting, discussions centered on addressing environmental concerns, particularly the impact of erosion and flooding on local trails and river banks. The Flood Advisory Board representative and the Trails Committee provided updates and urged immediate action to mitigate damage and enhance sustainability. The council also deliberated on various resolutions including budget appropriations, community projects, and the finalization of several ordinances. Mayor Michael Serra and council members engaged in addressing residents’ concerns, exploring volunteer initiatives for public area maintenance, and recognizing the contributions of community organizations.

The meeting began with Mayor Michael Serra explaining the need to retain a contractor as a prosecutor, leading to the establishment of a new account for this in the temporary budget. The council approved various resolutions, including the issuance of a towing license to JML Inc DBA JNM Towing and a Municipal services reimbursement agreement with Summit Falls Condominium Association for 2023.

The discussion turned to the environmental challenges facing the borough. Benen from the Flood Advisory Board stressed the need for river bank restoration, particularly after recent high water events had caused significant erosion and damage. A sustainable stabilization approach was recommended for future resilience. Ron Donos of the Trails Committee reported on similar erosion along the Panic River, the loss of a bridge on the Red Trail, and the risks posed by fallen trees. The urgent repair of storm damage and the restoration of trails were highlighted.

During the public comments section, a resident inquired about various resolutions, including the change to a property maintenance officer’s salary and the final payment on Lincoln Avenue. The resident also sought clarification on the $10,000 allocation in resolution and expressed concerns about the perception of the Willow Avenue project. The Borough Administrator provided detailed explanations, and Mayor Serra assured the council would address the Willow Avenue project concerns.

The council moved on to approve two ordinances: 24-9, which established mid-block crosswalks, and 24-7, which exceeded the municipal budget appropriation limits and established a cap bank. Ordinance 24-8, concerning the restructuring of regular council meetings to include a workshop item, was also approved after council president Erik DeLine explained that it would allow governing body members to introduce new topics with advanced documentation.

The mayor reported on various meetings and events, including discussions about the Do Highway Bridge and support for sports groups affected by flooding. Councilwoman Lisa Kihlberg announced several open positions on committees and discussed the regional traffic signal optimization project, the replacement of street signs, and a new sponsorship program for welcome signs.

Council members addressed the damage to the trail system and the need for additional support beyond volunteers. They discussed the implementation of radar flashing stop signs and motions to accept resignations and appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Environmental Committee.

Councilwoman Maria Kent reported on the Flood Advisory Board’s recommended resolutions about Pompton Dam operations and river bank restoration, while Councilwoman Jennifer Polidori updated on recreational activities and events.

The possibility of setting up volunteer groups for public area maintenance was discussed, with Mayor Serra and Councilwoman Ek Venin addressing insurance requirements for such initiatives. Councilwoman Polidori praised the First Aid Squad’s service, and Councilman Bobby Cruz provided details on the upcoming Trails maintenance event.

Councilwoman Kent raised questions about the amended shared service agreement with Bloomingdale and the feasibility of the Willowfield project. Councilman DeLine reported on meetings about stormwater management rules and the new tree removal and replacement ordinance.

The mayor reminded residents about snow removal protocols, and Councilwoman Polidori acknowledged the Department of Public Works’ efforts during snowstorms. Councilman Venin shared his intentions to understand emergency services operations and discussed the Shade Tree Commission meeting.

The Mayor’s alternate for the open space committee discussed the 2024 budget, highlighting delayed projects such as the Lakeside Park and Her Park improvements. The mayor also addressed the downtown litter issue and thanked Ron Donos for his river condition reports.

Councilwoman Kihlberg provided updates on the traffic signal optimization project and the street sign replacement initiative, seeking council direction on sign designs. A resident’s advice against using red on signs prompted further discussion on sign appearance and longevity.

Randy Hitt, a member of the public, raised questions about amendments to resolution 2455, the property maintenance officer’s compensation, and the zoning board’s construction experience. He also expressed concerns about damage estimates for Joe Grill and Carlo Field and the maintenance of baseball backstops.

In response, Kent clarified the property maintenance officer’s wage change, the volunteer nature of the zoning board, and the approach to repair estimates. The debate with Mayor Serra about funds allocation for new ballfields versus repairing existing ones underscored differing views on financial prioritization and community development.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Michael Serra
City Council Officials:
Erik DeLine, Ek Venin, Jennifer Polidori, Maria Kent, Bobby Cruz, Lisa Kihlberg

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording