On October 7th we had a Town Council meeting. Here is a recap of the highlights.
We started off the meeting with certifying the 2023 Audit. We had two minor corrective actions we agreed to take. One related to cash flow of our short term notes and how we handle the accounting of grants. The other dealt with some recording issues in the Finance department. I encourage residents to read our Financial Audit here: https://www.veronanj.org/departments/finance/budgetinfo
We then introduced a $60K bond for improvement of drainage in the sewer line from Bloomfield to the Peckman. This is in direct response to some significant issues we are having during rain events with sewage backup on certain properties on Derwent. The work that will be performed is being "fast tracked" vs other projects that have been identified as a direct result of the smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system. We will have a second reading and vote on this ordinance at our next meeting. Expect a full report on the smoke testing findings at a future meeting.
We passed a bunch of resolutions. DMR was selected to help us develop a Community Energy Plan and serve as our planning advisor for the 4th round of affordable housing. Related to that we accepted a grant to cover the cost of the Community Energy Plan. We took an important step forward, finally, in the Claridge Pump project by hiring Boswell Engineering to manage the construction. This was required by the iBank as a necessary step to move forward.
We authorized an emergency contract to fix a significant water main break on Grove. We hired Wind River Environmental to help with the sewage work that will be completed with the bond referenced above. We passed a resolution ratifying the 2022-2026 contract with the Verona PBA Local #72. We awarded a contract to GovPilot for software that the Municipal Clerk will use. We dedicated "tree escrow" by rider, as was required by our finance department.
Under new business, we discussed and then introduced changes to our stormwater ordinance, which is required by the state. I will re-iterate that if you are planning any projects to expand your home, decks, backyards or driveways you should very carefully review our stormwater ordinance with a professional before you get too far along in planning.
Those were the highlights. If you have any questions, please send them to the entire Council using the attached form here: https://www.veronanj.org/councilcontactform.