Sustainability director reports strong stream‑fee revenue, grants for sewer and stormwater projects

At the April 8 meeting, the committee heard the quarterly sustainability report from Will Williams, who said the borough’s stream‑fee revenue produced just over $1 million in the first quarter — the second‑best first quarter in a decade.

Williams explained that most stream‑fee revenue comes in during January and February and that staff expect the new payments software approved in the recent budget to raise the share of electronic transactions above the current roughly 10–15 percent. He noted a staff discussion about absorbing small convenience fees for low‑value transactions to avoid penalizing residents for small payments.

Williams reviewed capital and grant activity. He said the Taylor Run stream restoration project is wrapping up and landscaping work will be completed soon; two grants will cover construction costs. Staff are preparing bid specifications to reline failing brick storm sewers — a trenchless, cured‑in‑place liner approach that Williams said is far cheaper than full excavation — and two grants will fund that work with the borough providing the stormwater‑fund match.

On grants, Williams said the borough applied to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) for a $150,000 Perks Head Trail feasibility study to explore a rails‑with‑trails connection to a nearby commercial node. He also reported a $500,000 award for Goose Creek Sanitary Sewer Conveyance Phase 2 and said staff are closing out several prior stormwater grants.

Williams described maintenance plans for 20 green stormwater infrastructure sites and noted some plantings had to be replanted after an extended ice event. Committee members praised recent work on Taylor Run and the sidewalk‑prioritization effort conducted by the transportation advisory committee.