Woodbridge council adopts drainage easement and lead-paint inspection ordinance, postpones FY25 budget vote

At a special meeting, the Woodbridge Township Council voted to postpone formal adoption of the fiscal year 2025 municipal budget until Jan. 7, 2025, after officials said they were not yet ready to adopt it.

Counsel explained the meeting’s intended purpose was to adopt the FY25 budget but said the council was not in a position to act; members moved and approved a motion to continue the meeting to 01/07/2025.

During the business portion, the council adopted an ordinance authorizing acceptance of an easement for drainage improvements at 149 Dunbar Avenue. The council took up the measure on second and third readings, opened the public hearing, heard no public comment on the easement, moved to adopt the ordinance and approved it by voice vote.

Council also adopted a second-reading ordinance on lead-based paint inspections for rental units of three or fewer families. Staff told the council inspections would occur on a change of rental, remediation would be referred to the health department, and that the program is required by state law and primarily grant-funded. One council member asked about cost and tenant disruption; staff said inspections and remediation processes are governed by state law and coordinated with the health department.

The council passed three ordinances (Letters C, D, and E) on first reading and scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 12, 2024, at 6 p.m., and approved 37 resolutions by consent.

No detailed roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript; the minutes reflect voice votes for motions and unanimous consent where noted. The council also approved minutes from the Oct. 1, 2024 meeting earlier in the session.