Hopewell Township rang in the new year – literally – in the first regular town meeting of 2020. The official town crier, Stanley Saperstein, rang his bell for the start of the first meeting of the new year and educated audience members about the origins of “ringing in the new year.”
Following the lively introduction, the Committee addressed important dates for upcoming events and meetings including Christmas tree disposal deadlines and meetings regarding Trenton Water Works and energy aggregation.
The Township urges those who need to dispose of Christmas trees to put them out at the curb no later than January 22.
A Trenton Water Works information session will be held on January 21 to address updates and the possibility of increasing rates for the residents in the wake of Trenton City Council’s decision to not to fund $18 million of needed repairs
The Township will continue the series of public meetings it started before the holidays to explain the potential benefits of energy aggregation. There will be a meeting at the Stony Brook Millstone Watershed on January 22 at 7pm. Another opportunity for the public to hear about energy aggregation will be available at Stony Brook Elementary School on January 30 at 7pm.
With 2020 being a census year, Mayor Mclaughlin also emphasized the importance of the Hopewell Township residents’ participation because results will impact the allocation of federal funds. She also urged the residents of Hopewell Township to vote, as voting will allow the public’s voice to be heard.
“We want to be heard,” McLaughlin said. “It will affect our daily lives.”
The Committee also passed a resolution to reappoint Michael Van Clef as a member of the Hopewell Township Deer Management Advisory Commission. Resolutions to reappoint William H. Springer Jr. as executive coordinator of the Hopewell Valley Office of Emergency Management, and to appoint an alternate member to the Affordable Housing Committee were also passed.
All resolutions passed unanimously.
During public comment, two members of the public raised concern about the types of construction Hopewell Township allows, referencing a recent Bound Brook, NJ fire that tore through multiple apartment buildings under construction. The resident is concerned that Hopewell Township would consider using construction that is more cost efficient but less safe.
Agenda items for future meetings are listed on the Township website on the Clerk’s page.
The next scheduled meeting is on January 27.
