Stockton council reviews committee reports: FEMA outreach, school grant, generator timeline and pavement concerns

During committee reports Jan. 22, Councilperson William Brown said letters will be mailed to roughly 44 Stockton addresses eligible for FEMA elevation funding and announced a Feb. 5 virtual information session; Frenchtown will provide a consultant to assist residents navigating the application process.

Councilperson Hunt, newly chair of the Stockton School Committee, reported that the NJ Historic Trust has awarded $43,000 for school soft costs; initial paperwork is due March 28. Hunt described the grant as promising but requiring substantial follow-up work by municipal staff.

Brown said the Infrastructure Committee is waiting on the contractor for delivery and installation of a replacement emergency generator, which could take three to four months through the Caterpillar supply chain; the borough will use an older generator in the interim to avoid transporting a portable unit.

Councilperson Kate Meltzer said she will follow up with the borough engineer about a pavement grant design and will meet with colleagues Matt and Peter to set priorities. During an open-comment period for agenda items, resident Steve Giocondo asked the Grounds Committee to inspect and seal half-inch cracks on Glenwood Lane, Crestmont Circle and Wilson Drive; Mayor Lipsen said he would consult the borough engineer for an opinion.

The council encouraged committees to begin preparing budget requests for the year and to meet within the coming month to develop plans.