At the January 6 Pennington Borough Council meeting, Mayor James Davy and Council members tackled environmental issues, including water and sewer system upgrades and costs, an upcoming public session on recycling, and a grant to reduce the town’s carbon footprint.
Water and sewer rates likely to increase, but when?
The Council debated an introductory ordinance that would increase water and rates.
Council Member Kit Chandler said the municipality’s cost of providing these utility services is increasing and will continue to increase over the years. She cited required lead pipe replacements, reducing PFAS (“forever chemicals”) from the water supply, and asset management as causes.
Chandler reasoned that it would be better to start charging small increases soon instead of one large increase in the future.
Objecting to raising rates to the public at this time, Council member John Valenza suggested waiting until the cost of future upgrades are known. However, when it came time to vote, Vanelza joined the other members in passing the ordinance, reasoning that this was an introductory ordinance and there would be time for further discussion before a final decision. Council member Charles “Chico” Marciante, who also opposed raising rates right now, gave a yes vote, but noted he was doing so “begrudgingly.”
Environmental Commission addresses recycling and reducing the town’s carbon footprint
Newly elected Council member and Environmental Commission member Dan Rubenstein announced an upcoming community conversation on recycling, the topic that received the most interest in a recent survey completed by over 200 residents.
The event will take place Thursday, January 30. More details will be posted on the Borough website. Rubenstein said additional community conversations on the survey topics will take place throughout the year.
Valenza reported that the Environmental Commission is considering ways to best use the money it was awarded from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Community Energy Plan Grant Program. Pennington’s environmental website says the grant provides $10,000 in funding, which will be used to reduce energy consumption, transition to renewable energy sources, and reduce the town’s overall carbon footprint.
Other business and announcements
In other business at the Council meeting:
- Edit 1/20/25: Pennington Borough has been able to receive payments via online banking and credit cards for several years. What has changed recently is that we are issuing water bills electronically only – i..e no longer sending them by US mail and in paper. People can still pay these bills by whatever method they choose.
- Electronic equipment recycling and paper shredding events will be offered again in 2025 and 2026.
- Water quality and safety: Council passed a resolution contracting Pace Laboratories to conduct routine laboratory sampling, analysis, and consulting services related to operating the Borough’s potable water system.
- Alcohol and drug testing services for commercial drivers: The Borough is working to provide these services through an agreement with Occupational Health, a program of Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.
- Senior Services: Council passed a resolution to enter into a shared agreement with Hopewell Borough and Hopewell Township for the position of a senior services coordinator.
Moving off the agenda, Council members Valenza and Marciante aired individual concerns about media coverage. Newly elected President Nadine Stern took the opportunity to recommend improved communication with media outlets about Council’s projects.
Giving a shout out
Council member Kati Angarone thanked the Pennington Business & Professionals Association and all contributors for the “fantastic” Holiday Walk, Christmas tree and Menorah lighting in December.
Sergeant Novin Thomas thanked Rick Smith and Public Works for keeping the roads clear and safe during recent snow days.
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for February 3 at 7 pm virtually by zoom.