Roxbury Town Council Addresses Elevated Lead Levels in Water System Amid Other Community Updates
- Meeting Overview:
The recent Roxbury Town Council meeting centered primarily on addressing elevated lead levels detected in the Sky View water system, alongside other community updates such as awards for historical preservation and infrastructure issues in local schools.
The council’s discussion on the Sky View water system revealed elevated lead levels in some homes, prompting an in-depth conversation about public health and safety measures. Although the distribution system reportedly lacks lead service lines, individual household plumbing materials, such as lead solder and brass fixtures, were identified as potential sources of contamination. Public notifications were issued, including an immediate notice on June 3, 2025, followed by an educational flyer to inform affected homeowners. The township emphasized that the elevated levels were not indicative of a system-wide issue but were specific to older homes built before stricter lead reduction regulations were enacted in 2014.
The council underscored the importance of educating residents on minimizing lead exposure, advising homeowners to flush taps in the morning to decrease lead leaching from stagnant water. The discussion covered technical aspects of the EPA’s lead and copper rule, which requires that 90% of samples fall below the action level of 15 parts per billion.
Throughout the discourse, council members emphasized that the problem was not a public health crisis, but a targeted concern requiring communication and cooperation from residents. The need for clear and precise communication was highlighted to prevent unnecessary anxiety among the public. Residents were encouraged to participate in lead and copper sampling, especially during the summer months, to ensure comprehensive monitoring and compliance with state regulations.
In addition to the water system issues, the meeting included recognition of community members and organizations for their contributions to historical preservation. Mike Mangano, chairman of the 2025 Memorial Day parade committee, received a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in organizing the successful parade. Reverend Timothy Clarkson accepted an award on behalf of the First Presbyterian Church for restoring the historical Black Star Chapel. Mary and Edomine Rivera were acknowledged for their preservation of a historic cottage on Kings Highway, and Reverend Paulie Paul received recognition for the Fort Morris United Methodist Church’s historical significance.
The Overman family was also honored for their property on Main Street in Ledgewood, contributing to the area’s historical fabric. The Mayor emphasized the importance of celebrating lesser-known historical sites and figures.
The council meeting also touched on infrastructure challenges within the local school system, as reported by a council member who attended a recent Board of Education meeting. The district faced pipe bursts at Eisenhower and Jefferson schools, while simultaneously being recognized for receiving the 2025 National District of Character Award and the 2025 Best Community for Music Arts Award. However, a solar project encountered supplier issues, leading to its termination.
Updates on local traffic and infrastructure were provided, including the recent opening of additional lanes on Route 80 and the normalization of traffic light timing in Roxbury. A request from a developer to vacate certain “paper streets” in the Parkview property area was discussed, with the council agreeing to move forward based on recommendations from the town engineer.
Public participation in the meeting highlighted concerns about traffic light timing at a specific intersection, with residents citing safety issues. The council discussed potential solutions, including requesting a review from the Department of Transportation. Additionally, a successful flag collection program for proper disposal was noted, underscoring community pride and collaboration with local American Legion posts.
Jacqueline Albrecht
City Council Officials:
Jim Rilee, Mark Crowley, Fred Hall, Shawn Potillo (Deputy Mayor), Bob DeFillippo, Tom Carey
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/10/2025
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Recording Published:
10/04/2025
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Duration:
62 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Morris County
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Towns:
Roxbury
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