A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing unusual sewer billing practices that have affected the residents of Bedminster Village. These anomalies arose due to estimated billing by New Jersey American Water during a dry summer, resulting in unexpectedly high charges. The council discussed how the billing cycle for sewer services is traditionally based on water consumption at the start and end of the year to avoid periods of increased water use, such as lawn watering. However, this year saw an irregular spike in bills, which prompted concern and led to discussions on possible adjustments to avoid similar issues in the future. A board member was credited with identifying these irregularities, and the advisory board is preparing to propose recommendations to the township committee to address the billing spikes. Furthermore, the need for repairs to manholes along Main Street and updates on the pump station project were also highlighted as part of the overall infrastructure discussion.

The council also focused on the anticipated rise in electricity rates across New Jersey, scheduled to take effect on June 1st, with an average estimated increase of 20.2%. The discussions clarified that these hikes are not solely attributed to JCP&L, the utility responsible for electric transmission and distribution in the area. Instead, the rate increases are part of broader trends involving all utility providers in the state, driven by market dynamics and state energy policies. The speaker commented on the imbalance created by these policies, noting that increased demand from mandates, such as the requirement for all new vehicles to be electric by 2035, could exacerbate energy costs.

In addition to electricity, water services were also discussed, particularly the potential for a salty taste in tap water due to brine and salt runoff during winter road treatments. New Jersey American Water assured residents that this was a temporary situation. A shift from chloramine to free chlorine in water treatment was also mentioned, with an expected temporary change in water taste until mid-April. Council members expressed skepticism about these explanations.

The meeting included updates on local infrastructure projects, such as the generator station upgrades by JCP&L, which were clarified to be unrelated to the recent fee increases. Further discussions touched on the challenges faced by neighborhoods with aging septic systems, such as Deer Haven and Ski Hill, and the need to explore engineering solutions for extending sewer access to these areas.

Environmental initiatives were highlighted by updates from the Environmental Commission, which is working on a program to remove invasive species involving local youth groups. The Commission is also collaborating with the Department of Public Works to establish a recycling program for styrofoam. These efforts reflect the community’s interest in sustainable practices and the need for improved waste management solutions.