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South River introduces ordinance to tighten control of fire stations, keys and outside use
Summary
Ordinance 2026-16 would clarify that fire stations and related facilities are Borough-owned, reserve ultimate authority to the Mayor and Council over access and outside uses, and formalize Building Managers' administrative role for keys and fobs. First reading occurred June 8; second reading set for June 29.
The Borough of South River on June 8 introduced Ordinance 2026-16, a comprehensive rewrite of code sections governing Fire Department facilities and access. The draft ordinance affirms that fire stations, bays, parking areas and related property are borough-owned municipal property and that only the Mayor and Council may authorize outside, non–Fire-Department private or commercial use.
The measure preserves an administrative role for Building Managers to issue, track, suspend and deactivate keys, fobs and access credentials, but makes those actions subject to review or override by the Mayor and Council. The ordinance also clarifies that no Fire Department officer or fire company officer may independently approve nonmunicipal use of borough property. It adds provisions governing Fire Cadet and Junior Firemen access and makes inconsistent fire-company bylaws void as to access and use.
Borough Attorney John DeLuca and Council members framed the ordinance as a measure to protect public property and ensure consistent, council-reviewed processes for outside use. The ordinance was introduced on first reading and scheduled for second reading and final passage at the June 29 council meeting.
