The Hopewell Borough Council’s January 2, 2025 meeting included reorganization and regular business, including an anticipated adjustment to water and sewer ranges (but not rates, yet) for individuals and businesses.
After some discussion, the Council voted to adjust the ranges of water/sewer rates for residents and businesses.
Mayor Ryan Kennedy later explained the positive impact of the ordinance.
“At the end of last year we passed a resolution changing our rates so that our business owners could get some relief… lowering them to the bottom of the current range of rates, meaning we could not lower them any further without adjusting the ordinance itself,” he said. “We’ve [now] started that process, and come February will be in a place where we can make further adjustments.”
Kennedy reminded everyone that in 2025 every Council meeting will include a brief update on developments regarding the borough water system.
As to the potential sale of the water system: the Borough’s Request for Qualifications has been answered by three of the biggest water companies in the state; NJ American, Aqua, and Veolia. Council President Mackie stated that after careful examination from fiscal, engineering, and legal standpoints, all three applicants were deemed qualified.
A motion to proceed with the next step, sending out Requests for Proposal, was passed. The companies will have one month to respond. A public referendum on the potential sale of the water system will likely take place during the general election in November 2025.
For additional coverage of Hopewell Borough’s water system:
- Hopewell Borough Council Addresses Hopewell 57, Water System Sale, and Ordinances
- Hopewell Borough Council Faces Pushback on Redevelopment and Water System Sale
- Petition Delays Water System Sale in Hopewell Borough
Reorganization, Announcements, Thank Yous, and Other Business
Highlights of the reorganization portion of the meeting included the ceremonial Oath of Office taken by re-elected council member Deborah Stuhler and newly elected council member Anthony Fuller. Council member David Mackie was appointed Council President for 2025 by unanimous vote.
Mayor Kennedy opened regular business by thanking volunteers and staff for their contributions to the community, and offered special recognition to outgoing 2024 Council President Krista Weaver.
Kennedy pointed out that Weaver had risen to the occasion by running meetings during a time when it was necessary for Kennedy to recuse himself. He thanked her for her service as President in 2024 and called for a round of applause, noting Weaver’s accomplishments.
“As a fellow volunteer with school-aged children, I know how hard this can be,” Kennedy said. “On behalf of everyone in the Borough, I thank you for doing this and still finding time to land one of the biggest pedestrian safety grants in the state. You’ve been the driving force behind a safer downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
The Mayor referenced 2024 wins in the area of pedestrian safety that will impact future generations. Most notably, he said, the speed limit on Broad Street being reduced to 25 miles per hour and the garnering of more than $1.5 million in state funding for safety improvements around town.
During public comment, Scott Fulmer stepped forward as a representative of the Hopewell Valley Green Team. The organization, which promotes sustainable living, will host two public events:
- Potluck meal and optional puzzle exchange at the borough train station on January 26 from 5-7 p.m., and
- Scrap metal collection at the Hopewell Township Public Works Building (201 Washington-Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville) on February 8 from noon to 3 p.m..
“There’s something else I’m here for, which is…” Fulmer paused while pulling out a bright orange hat and placing it on his head. “I am also Vice President of the Hopewell Harvest Fair, and we’re having a potluck dinner too!”
On January 12, the Hopewell Harvest Fair Committee will host a potluck from 2-4 p.m. at Hopewell Presbyterian Church (80 West Broad Street). All are invited to attend and get involved in the 2025 Harvest Fair.
Council business moved forward with a unanimous vote to approve a motion providing property tax relief for disabled veterans in the Borough. For more information, see the NJ Division of Taxation.
Borough liaisons shared brief updates on the Hopewell Public Library, EDC (Economic Development Committee), and PBSAC (Pedestrian, Bicycle and Safety Advisory Committee). Council member Heidi Wilenius announced that her role as liaison with the EDC will be taken over by Council member Sherri Hook.
The meeting closed with expressions of appreciation for 2024 volunteers and a positive outlook for 2025. Sam Frisby and Kristen McLaughlin, both members of the Mercer County Board of Commissioners, stepped forward to express their admiration for the Borough Council’s work.
“Almost every week we are voting on something Hopewell Borough related, where the County and Borough intersect,” said McLaughlin, Chair of the County Board of Commissioners. “So, you guys are getting a phenomenal amount of work done for your residents.”
The next meeting of the Hopewell Borough Council will be on Wednesday, February 5 at 7 p.m. in Borough Hall (42 E. Broad Street).
