Madison council adopts three ordinances on water rates, license-plate reader and filming rules; consent agenda passes

The Borough of Madison council held the second-reading hearings and adopted three ordinances on final reading.

Ordinance 39-2025 amends borough code chapter 190 to revise water rates and services, adjusting minimum fees for small service sizes so customers pay for the water they use; council members described the change as largely administrative and aimed at encouraging conservation. The mayor declared Ordinance 39-2025 adopted after a roll-call vote.

Ordinance 40-2025 appropriates $26,000 from the general capital improvement fund to purchase an automated license-plate reader and related computer hardware for the parking-enforcement vehicle; the ordinance passed on final reading by roll-call vote.

Ordinance 41-2025 amends chapter 98 to regulate commercial filming in Madison, updating local rules to align with film-ready regulations; council adopted the ordinance on final reading.

The council then moved the consent agenda (R2-60 through R2-75). Council members discussed one consent item (R2-64), an equipment purchase for DPW radio communications; members clarified it is an enhancement using the existing trunked radio system and adds a DPW base station. The consent agenda passed by roll call. The voucher totals were read and approved: total $5,019,545.15 across funds (current fund $4,682,855.27; general capital $34,338.85; electric operating $232,476.68; water operating $34,631.78; water capital $13,967.50; trust $20,635.07).

All ordinance adoptions and the consent agenda were recorded as adopted in a roll-call format during the meeting; no dissenting votes were recorded on the transcript.