Lakehurst council discusses Clean Water grant eligibility, CDBG sidewalk work and a $7,800 leak survey

During committee reports on Feb. 6, Councilwoman Patricia Hodges said the borough is moving ahead with acquiring an automated truck and is eligible for an NJIB Clean Water Grant offering principal forgiveness of about $2 million; she said the grant must be used for stormdrain-cleaning equipment to help meet new stormwater rules.

Hodges told the council the borough will use the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for concrete work and a 2025 DOT grant to install curbs and sidewalks on the west side of Myrtle Street. She also reported a 15% water loss in the borough’s water system and said state rules require a leak survey; the cost of the survey is approximately $7,800, which the borough may spread over two years.

Mayor Harry Robbins reiterated the constraint on the NJIB grant, saying the funds are targeted to stormdrain-cleaning equipment and related compliance work. Council members did not identify alternative outside funding sources for broader equipment needs during the report.

Councilwoman Bernadette Dugan said she had met with the CFO and noted the council will meet soon with department heads to begin the budget process. The minutes record no formal vote on the grants or the leak-survey expenditure; actions described were informational updates and direction to staff to proceed with grant applications and follow-up budgeting work.

Next steps recorded in the minutes include follow-up with the borough engineer on infrastructure issues and continued budgeting conversations with department heads.