High Bridge Council adopts lead service-line replacement ordinance, three other ordinances and budget

The High Bridge Borough Council on May 9 adopted a slate of ordinances and fiscal measures, including a new ordinance to replace lead service lines, approved the 2024 municipal budget and passed a consent agenda containing a redevelopment agreement and grant acceptance.

The council adopted Ordinance 2024-014, which establishes Article IV in Chapter 275 of the borough code to address replacement of lead service lines. Administrator Brett Bartman described the intent of the ordinance during the public hearing; the motion to adopt was moved by Councilman Silvestri and seconded by Councilman Graham, and a roll-call vote recorded six yes votes, after which the ordinance was adopted. The transcript does not specify an effective date for the ordinance.

At the same meeting the council also adopted Ordinance 2024-013, which amends Chapter 120 (Animals). Administrator Brett Bartman explained the ordinance’s purpose and resident Leah Epstein asked about microchipping dogs; Clerk Adam Young said residents could have microchip information placed on file with the borough. Councilwoman Ferry moved to adopt the animals ordinance, Councilman Nowell seconded, and the motion passed on a recorded vote of six yes.

The council approved Ordinance 2024-015, which sets construction fees. Clerk Adam Young summarized the ordinance’s intent; the motion to adopt was moved by Councilman Nowell and seconded by Councilwoman Ferry and passed by roll-call (six yes).

In old business the council opened and closed the public hearing on the municipal budget (Resolution 144-2024) and then adopted it. Mayor Michele Lee described a new presentation process for the budget; Councilman Silvestri questioned how emergency appropriations would be handled and CFO Michael Pitts responded with the borough’s approach and historical tax-review context. Public commenters, including resident Lorraine Harr, urged larger reductions to the municipal portion of the budget and raised concerns about tax impacts. The motion to adopt the budget was moved by Councilman Nowell, seconded by Councilman Graham, and approved by roll-call (six yes).

Under new business the council approved a consent agenda that included several resolutions: Resolution 151-2024 (Amended Creative Team), Resolution 152-2024 (amending Commons natural recycling drop-off times), Resolution 153-2024 (approval of the redevelopment agreement between the Borough of High Bridge and Grastian Rose LLC), Resolution 154-2024 (acceptance of Garden Club grant funds, Chapter 159), and Resolution 155-2024 (redevelopment escrow agreement for 100 West Main Street). The motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Councilman Nowell, seconded by Councilman Graham, and passed by roll-call (six yes).

The council adopted Resolution 156-2024 to amend the April 24, 2024 bill list total and then approved the bills as presented; the total amount listed was $160,242.91. Clerk Adam Young summarized the resolution and the bill list; the motion to approve passed by roll-call (six yes).

Public comment at the meeting focused on municipal spending, the school budget, local road repairs and planning concerns for Main Street. Resident Mike Gronsky asked whether an architectural advisor might be added to the Planning Board for incoming Main Street development; Mayor Lee said the borough would consult Clinton Township regarding a road that the borough owns. Resident Sally Ward urged more resident involvement in preserving High Bridge history. No executive session was held. The council adjourned and scheduled its next regular meeting for May 23, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at the Fire House, 7 Maryland Ave., High Bridge, NJ.

Effective dates and implementation details for the ordinances were not specified in the transcript.