Township Reviews Stormwater Management; Public Drinking Regulations Revisited

Ellen Gilbert

At Monday evening’s Township Committee meeting, Councilwoman Liz Lempert thanked residents, particularly those who do not have children in the school system, for approving the school budget in last week’s election.

Township Committee itself was duly acknowledged as Stormwater Management President Joe Skupien began a “work session” on stormwater management rules. “I don’t know any municipality that needs it less than you,” said Mr. Skupien.

In complimenting the Township on its awareness of stormwater management concerns, Mr. Skupien noted that the municipality had passed an ordinance prohibiting the disposal of waste in 1989, five years before such a measure was legally required.

Under the requirements of New Jersey’s Stormwater Management Rules, the Township’s “Tier A” permit requires the training of elected officials as part of its ten-point compliance requirement. The Borough has its own Tier A permit.

With an eye towards minimizing pollution, permit holders develop stormwater pollution prevention plans and implement statewide basic requirements, including post-construction stormwater management for new development and redevelopment.

The Township submits an annual report to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection summarizing compliance measures. Under the Federal Clean Water Act, there are stiff financial penalties for non-compliance. Details about permits and compliance are available at www.njstormwater.org.

The meeting, which was presided over by Deputy Mayor Chad Goerner in the absence of Mayor Bernie Miller, also saw the approval of an ordinance that would beef up an existing state regulation regarding the public consumption of alcoholic beverages. Township Attorney Ed Schmierer explained that work was being done with a local magistrate to expand the definition of the word “nuisance” in the state’s law, as well as the definition of under-age drinkers. Among the goals would be the requirement — in addition to a fine — for offenders to do community service. There will be a public hearing on the ordinance at the Township Committee’s May 24 meeting.

During the “comments from the audience” section of the meeting, Valley Road resident Henry Frank complained about the “overwhelming amount of brush” that is still in evidence on Township streets. Noting the extensive damage caused by severe rain storms last month, Engineer Bob Kiser counseled patience, saying that it would all eventually be picked up.

Committee members’ announcements included Mr. Goerner’s report that as a result of a meeting with Appraisal Systems, the dates for filing appeals on home revaluations has been revised. Ms. Lempert pointed out that residents are entitled to see all the documents used to arrive at revaluation figures, and should be sure to ask for them when they meet with Appraisal Systems representatives.

Councilwoman Sue Nemeth reported that the Township’s Affordable Housing Department will host a homebuyer workshop on Saturday, May 1, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Municipal Complex. Representatives of several banks will be on hand to discuss options for homeowners. For additional information, call (609) 688-2029, ext. 1235.

Township Committee and Borough Council will hold a joint meeting on Tuesday, May 4, to consider budget and transportation-related concerns.

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