Fanwood amends property maintenance code; anti-nepotism ordinance tabled and sewer fee raised for later hearing

Council adopted an amendment to Fanwood's property maintenance code to streamline enforcement and update lien charges after a second-reading public hearing at the Nov. 21 meeting.

A presenter for public works explained the changes: the amendment removes the prior procedure requiring the public works officer (identified in the ordinance text as Clint Dixon) to bring alleged violations to a committee before issuance, requires a warning before summonses are issued, updates the borough's lien fee provisions to reflect current costs, and allows the appointment of a deputy to act in the officer's absence. The public hearing drew no speakers and the council moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading; the clerk was directed to publish the ordinance as required by law.

Separately, council discussed a proposed anti-nepotism section to add to the borough code of ethics. Members asked questions about supervisory clauses and exceptions (recreation, public works) and whether the draft matched prior A&F committee discussions; after discussion the council moved to table the anti-nepotism ordinance for further review and to revisit it at A&F.

Council also introduced, on first reading, an ordinance to raise the sewer connection fee (O-2022-15-R) and scheduled its second reading and public hearing for Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

Next steps: The property maintenance ordinance will be published as required; staff will revise the anti-nepotism draft per council direction and present it to A&F; the sewer-connection ordinance returns for public hearing Dec. 5.