Borough engineer urges shorter trench settlement, certification for road-opening ordinance

Borough engineer (Speaker 9) told the council the road-opening code (Section 12-2.8.g) currently permits a lengthy settlement period before final restoration — historically described as up to one year — and proposed tighter options so repairs can be completed sooner.

Engineer explained the ordinance could be shortened to allow final restoration after one month if the trench is compacted in 6-inch lifts and each lift passes 95% Proctor compaction testing, certified either by borough inspection or by a certified third-party or utility inspector. He said Boswell and other firms had used this approach, and escrow or certification could be required to ensure compliance. Council members expressed frustration at long waits for PSE&G and others to complete work and asked for draft ordinance language for the next meeting.

Discussion touched on cost allocation (contractor or utility to absorb material and inspection costs, escrow to fund borough inspections), whether private roads/dedicated roads are subject to the rule, and the borough’s options to mandate in-code inspection standards. No final ordinance vote was taken; the engineer will provide proposed language for council consideration at the next meeting.

The exchange clarified that shortened timelines are feasible with stringent compaction and inspection requirements, and that the borough can require certification from utilities or post escrow to reimburse borough inspection costs.