Stockton advances first readings on lead-inspection rule, water-rate increase, bridge weight limit and school repairs

Stockton Borough Council on March 16 advanced first readings on a package of ordinances and approved several shared-services resolutions, moving the items to later hearings and a special meeting scheduled for March 26.

The council introduced Ordinance 2026-03 to implement lead-based paint inspection requirements for rental dwelling units consistent with P.L. 2021, c. 182 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16 et seq.). The measure would require an inspection at tenant turnover or at least once every three years, designate a borough lead evaluation contractor (while allowing owners to hire their own certified inspectors), and require dust-wipe sampling methods consistent with HUD and state regulations. The ordinance includes a $20-per-unit fee remitted to the state Lead Hazard Control Assistance Fund and authorizes penalties of up to $1,000 per week for owners who fail to cure violations until inspections or remediation commence. Borough Attorney Lisa Maddox described the ordinance as intended to ensure local compliance with state requirements.

Council members also advanced Ordinance 2026-08 to raise water charges effective April 1, 2026: the proposed rate is $4.00 per 1,000 gallons (up from $3.85) and the flat annual user charge would rise to $500 (from $400). The ordinance cites system needs including meter replacement and other obligations. Council said the change is intended to fund necessary meter work and utility maintenance.

Traffic and safety changes were included in Ordinance 2026-04, which would reduce the weight limit on Bridge Street (between Route 29 and Centre Bridge to Pennsylvania) to five tons to align with the Centre Bridge restriction. The ordinance cites a Jan. 23, 2026 NJDOT Division of Traffic Engineering letter supporting the borough’s request and requires submission to the Commissioner of Transportation for approval.

Budget and capital items advanced on first reading included Ordinance 2026-06, a $110,000 appropriation from the Water/Sewer Utility Capital Improvement Fund for water/sewer-related repairs and equipment (meters, valve replacement, leak detection, sewer jetting and cleaning), and Ordinance 2026-07, a $125,000 appropriation from the General Capital Improvement Fund for Stockton School building repairs focused on drainage and mold remediation.

Council also moved forward Ordinance 2026-05 to increase the maximum fine for zoning violations from $500 to $1,250 and referred it to the Planning Board as required under state law.

On resolutions, the council unanimously recommended Eric Perkins for appointment as the joint municipal court judge (Resolution 2026-41), authorized a three-year Interlocal Services Agreement with Hunterdon County for public-health activities through Nov. 30, 2028 (Resolution 2026-42), and approved a shared-services agreement with Lambertville to provide zoning enforcement services for up to $8,000 annually (Resolution 2026-43). The council also approved a contract not to exceed $1,500 with I’ll Write for You, LLC (Bonnie-Lynn Nadzeika) to prepare a New Jersey Historic Trust grant application for Stockton School renovations (Resolution 2026-46) and authorized payment of municipal obligations totaling $173,954.21 (Resolution 2026-45).

Council members said the ordinances will return for further consideration at future hearings; Mayor Aaron Lipsen and others noted a special meeting set for March 26 to consider ordinance advertising timing and the grant application. Council emphasized continuity with state law for lead inspections, efforts to minimize disruption from upcoming state bridge work, and ongoing work to address several water-service leaks reported by the infrastructure committee.

The meeting adjourned at 9:18 P.M. on March 16; the council expects additional action after the required public-notice and referral processes are complete.