By Anne Levin

Following a presentation by Clay Emerson of engineering consultants Princeton Hydro, Princeton Council approved a resolution at its Monday, October 9 meeting to proceed to the next phase of a Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study, for an amount not to exceed $149,853.

More frequent and more severe rainstorms have increased the problem of stormwater runoff in Princeton. A stormwater utility is a mechanism to raise sufficient funds for management of stormwater, and allocate its costs more equitably.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Clean Stormwater and Flood Reduction Act into law in 2019, giving municipalities the ability to create stormwater utilities and establish fees. More than 40 states already have them, but there are none so far in New Jersey, according to Emerson. “You are one of the first municipalities to consider this,” he said.

Council first considered creating an ordinance for a stormwater utility in 2021. Princeton Hydro was brought on in 2022.

Princeton Hydro has completed the first phase of the four-part study, reviewing needs and analyzing data. After holding two well-attended focus groups, the consultants evaluated current services and costs related to stormwater management, and identified unmet needs and future initiatives. The phase also included the analysis of data sources for fee allocation, the preparation of a potential impacts report, and user fee rate options. Phase II, Emerson said, “would be an even deeper dive.”

After conducting several interviews with municipal staff members, the consultants found that current expenditures are estimated at $760,000 a year for services related to stormwater. The issue is typically met in a reactive rather than proactive fashion, and shifting to a proactive approach is recommended.

“That takes a stable revenue source that is bigger than what is currently available,” Emerson said. Having staff dedicated specifically to stormwater would also be favorable, he added.

Phase II of the study will include an in-depth analysis of costs, rates, educating the public, and a program plan. Four more

focus group meetings will be held during this phase.

Other resolutions passed by Council included one involving roof repairs to the Suzanne Patterson building, a professional services agreement for community outreach and a concept plan for Community Park South, amending the term of a professional services agreement in connection with the Princeton Safe Routes to School program, an agreement authorizing a supplement for traffic signal electrical maintenance services, a site license agreement with Crown Castle for a location near 573 Herrontown Road, and the purchase of a high water rescue truck for $257,773.

The next public meeting of Princeton Council is Monday, October 23 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building at 400 Witherspoon Street.