Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the March 18, 2025 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) PSA on “Flushable” Wipes: Council Member Hersh reminded residents that so-called “flushable” wipes should not be flushed. Unlike toilet paper, which disintegrates quickly in water, wipes remain intact for a long time, accumulating in pipes and mixing with grease and other debris. This can lead to costly repairs to home plumbing systems and the Borough’s aging sewer mains. So please remember to trash, don’t flush, “flushable” wipes!
2) Sign-up for Autopay for Borough Bills: Council President Kim-Chohan reminded residents and businesses that utility bills for the first quarter are due at the end of the month, and she encouraged residents to consider signing up for the Borough’s relatively new Autopay service. To do so, visit the payment portal, create an account if not already registered, enter your banking information, and then click on “Autopay Enrollment.” Residents can use the service to pay quarterly utility and/or property tax bills. This is just one of several options; residents can also mail in their checks, use the drop box in front of Borough Hall, or pay bills in person at the tax office in Borough Hall.
3) Ordinance Update for Consistency with New Jersey Elections Transparency Act: The Borough Council introduced an ordinance to repeal the local “pay-to-play” rules in deference to the Election Transparency Act (ETA), which supersedes all local ordinances. The ETA permits an increase in campaign contributions, regulates those contributions, provides for additional reporting requirements, and establishes statewide regulations for municipalities, school boards, county government, and state government. A public hearing on this ordinance is scheduled for the Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 7 PM.
4) Support for the New Jersey Climate Superfund Act: The Borough Council adopted a resolution in support of the NJ Climate Superfund Act, which seeks to hold large fossil fuel companies accountable for climate-related damages. New Jersey has endured billions in losses from climate disasters, and this Act would establish a fund to pay for climate resilience projects. It ensures responsible parties pay for damages, benefiting public health, infrastructure, and the environment.
5) Condemnation Area in Need of Redevelopment Determination: The Borough Council passed a resolution designating Block 1704, Lots 43, 46, and 49 (Classic Cleaners) as a condemnation area in need of redevelopment under New Jersey’s Redevelopment Law. Following a study by the Borough Planner, and a public hearing, the Planning Board determined the site meets the statutory criteria for the designation. The site is located in the center of the area known as Tract A in the adopted Downtown Redevelopment Plan for Tracts A-D.
If you’re interested in watching the March 18th Council meeting, go to HPTV’S Youtube channel where the meeting will be posted in its entirety. The next meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1st at 7 p.m.
