Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stockton council tables decision on county park grant after split public input over pavilion vs. toddler upgrades
Summary
After resident testimony and council debate over whether to prioritize a costly pavilion or smaller toddler-focused improvements, Stockton Borough Council voted to table a Hunterdon County Open Space Trust Fund grant application and solicit more public input before the Sept. 20 deadline.
The Stockton Borough Council on Aug. 19 tabled action on a potential Hunterdon County Open Space Trust Fund grant after residents and council members disagreed about what park work to pursue.
Mayor Aaron Lipsen, speaking in a resident capacity while recused from the dais for the park discussion, said the county grant application is due Sept. 20 and that the municipality would need to show the project will be completed. CFO Diane McDaniel recommended the town focus on one large item to make the application practical. Council President Thomas Hunt and other councilmembers said they wanted more public input before committing.
Multiple residents urged different priorities. Mike Odenwald questioned the timing and asked about the maximum grant amount; Attorney Lisa Maddox clarified the grant is up to $150,000. Kate Meltzer said she supported equipment for younger children and suggested adding lighting and a basketball area. Adam Juncosa asked the council to "cast a wide net" in the application and reminded members that a pavilion had been the top community preference in past surveys and the 2019 master plan.
Councilmembers debated cost and feasibility. Councilperson William Brown said a pavilion would be expensive and recommended building on existing strengths, while Hunt favored a simpler toddler area and a basketball hoop as more affordable options. Councilperson Peter Folz suggested adding musical features and delaying a pavilion.
After the public discussion and internal debate, the council adopted a motion to table the decision until the next meeting to gather more public input (motion by Michael Mann, seconded by Ken Kozuhowski). Mayor Lipsen said staff and counsel would prepare draft materials and an advertisement for a public hearing to help inform the application.
The council’s decision preserves the borough’s ability to apply in the current cycle but delays committing to specific items, leaving final content and the required 25% local match to be specified later.
