At the September 9 Pennington Borough Council meeting, Mayor Jim Davy and Council members responded to residents’ appeals for help with flooding problems. They also tackled other water-related issues including storm water pollutants and well repairs. Among other topics, they explored a Film Ready initiative and approved the Mercer at Play project.
Flooding on Roadways and in Yards: Causes and Solutions
At a public comment portion of the meeting, Dino Spadaccini, owner of Old Mill Square on Delaware Avenue, spoke about a recent storm that caused flooding on Route 31, saying it was like “a raging river.”
Appealing to the Mayor and Council, Spadaccini asked members to work with the County and State to resolve the issue and to keep him informed of the progress.
“We need to work collectively to get this done,” he said.
Other residents, Albert Teixeira and Jamie Tanguay, also spoke about flooding and suggested issues that could be causing the problem including new building construction, the location of Lewis Brook, and inadequate water piping.
Resident Wendy Vasques spoke about flooding in her back yard, saying water from the last storm was 12 inches deep. She attributed the problem to a storm drain that was not capable of handling the water flow, and she suggested that construction in town could be part of the problem.
Council member Charles Marciante emphasized that the water issues need to be fixed.
Responding to the residents, Davy said the Borough is aware of the “hot spots” and is fixing what it can right now while seeking funding for more extensive work. He said that Public Works and the Environmental Commission are actively working on solutions.
“We know where these hot spots are,” said Council member John Valenza, “but we need to address the entire watershed.” He said the commission is seeking solutions with expertise from Pennington’s Watershed Institute.
Addressing Vasques’ concern about the storm drain she described, Davy said he would follow up with Public Works Superintendent Rick Smith. Pennington Administrator GP Caminiti said he would set up a meeting with Smith and Vasques.
Stormwater Pollution
Addressing another water issue, Davy introduced an ordinance updating the current Stormwater Control Ordinance. The changes reflect updated regulations from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) designed to reduce pollutants from stormwater runoff.
As described on the DEP website, these pollutants can come from toxic chemicals, oil, plastics, sediment, and other substances, accounting for over 60 percent of water quality problems in the State’s waterways.
Well Repairs
Also related to water issues, Council adopted an ordinance for repairs to wells for the water and sewer utility, authorizing the issuance of $80,000 bonds or notes to finance repair costs. All Council members present voted to approve the ordinance, with the exception of Kati Angarone who abstained because she works for DEP.
Lights, Camera, Ready
Pennington could become an occasional destination for film and television production, thanks to a program titled “Film Ready New Jersey” initiated by the NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission. On September 12, Caminiti attended a workshop in Hamilton Township to learn about this program which is designed for municipalities and covers the basics of on-location filming.
Caminiti said he received a request from an individual interested in filming a scene at Kunkel Park. Stay tuned to MercerMe for details!
Budget News
Caminiti reported on a notice he received from the State announcing a proposed rate increase in health benefits. The increase for Local Government Active is 16.3 percent, including a 14.5 percent increase for medical care, according to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. In response, Caminiti is looking into alternative providers for better rates.
He is also looking to cut expenses in another area by possibly eliminating the cost of school crossing guards, saying he would like to see the school district assume this expense.
Funding for the Senior Citizen and Community Center
Council passed a resolution to file a grant application for Mercer At Play, a program which funds parks and community projects. The resolution states that Hopewell Township will provide match funds for Hopewell and Pennington Boroughs through approved sources such as Green Acres funds, developer contributions, municipal funds, other sources from Federal and State programs, and private or non-profit contributions.
In memory of Edward McManimon
Council accepted the donation of a wooden bench with a plaque in remembrance of Mr. McManimon, long time Pennington resident who received a Distinguished Public Service Award from the New Jersey League of Municipalities. Donated by his family and Mercer County, the bench will overlook the Pennington School track.
Other Business
A PILOT Appeal session will be held October 1. Details to be announced.
Mosquito Control: Davy announced that residents who are experiencing mosquitos on their property can call Mercer County at 609-530-7500. The County will inspect the area and spray if needed.
Deer Management: A resolution was passed authorizing professional deer hunter Brian Kubin of Scorpion Outdoors Deer Management to continue his services for controlling the Pennington deer population.
The fall Movie in the Park takes place at Kunkel Park, Friday, October 11 at dusk. Details to be posted on the Borough website.
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 7 at 7 pm.
