Burnsville council introduces ordinances on sewer rates, kennel fees, meeting rules and affordable-housing zones

Burnsville Borough Council members introduced and passed on first reading a package of ordinances on Jan. 26 and scheduled public hearings for 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23.

Charlie (council member) moved to introduce Ordinance 20-26-2036 “concerning sewer connection fees and sewer user rates, allocation, and amending chapter 16 of the borough code entitled sewer regulations,” asking that it be introduced by title, passed on first reading and published according to law; the council approved the motion and set the Feb. 23 public hearing. Ross (council member) moved to introduce Ordinance 20-26-2037 to remove kennel fees from the borough code so fees can be set by resolution; that item also was set for Feb. 23. Another member (S6) introduced Ordinance 20-26-2038 to amend council meeting procedures (chapter 2), and S1 moved Ordinance 20-26-2039 establishing a cap bank to allow the borough to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits pursuant to NJSA 48-40-45.14; both were introduced by title and scheduled for Feb. 23.

Council also took up several zoning-related items. Christine (council member) introduced a downtown-zones affordable-housing ordinance (20-26-2040) and Jeff (council member) moved to introduce Ordinance 20-26-2041 (Claremont/Claruss Ave./related items). At the suggestion of another council member (S2), the council agreed to consolidate three related zoning items into a single ordinance to streamline notices and public hearings; the consolidated items will be heard together on Feb. 23.

The council discussed formatting and late submissions for some zoning drafts; members thanked staff (Jessica and Jack) for quick turnaround on corrections. Where minor typographical errors were noted (one council member pointed out an incorrect punctuation mark in the draft), staff said they would fix the typo before publication.

Votes at a glance: Charlie moved to pass a group of resolutions (26-27 through 26-46) with the exclusion of resolution 26-30 (liquor transfer); that motion passed on roll call. The liquor-license transfer associated with resolution 26-30 was explicitly tabled until February. No ordinances were adopted at final reading; all ordinance items were introduced and scheduled for the Feb. 23 public hearings.

Why it matters: The sewer-rate and budget-cap ordinances have direct implications for municipal finance and utility customers; the zoning and affordable-housing items change the regulatory framework for downtown development and will determine whether future development must include affordable units or conform to new zone rules. The kennel-fee change shifts fee-setting authority from ordinance to resolution, allowing the council to adjust fees without amending the borough code.

The council will consider public testimony and formal votes on these ordinances at the Feb. 23 public hearing(s).