About my First Council Meeting

On November 13 I attended my first meeting of the Bound Brook Borough Council in this term as a Councilman.

As I promised, I am reporting to you a summary of the relevant actions taken or issues discussed.

Click on the "Red" Words to view video clips.

Comments from the public included concern about property maintenance code enforcement at 3 specific properties. I have since visited those properties and agree that the concerns are justified and I am currently investigating the situation and plan to report to you and the specific citizens voicing their concerns how your government will deal with the situation. I believe that it is your elected officials’ responsibility to respond to legitimate questions from our citizens. I encourage you to contact us with your questions and /or needs and requests. I personally will do what I can to get you answers and explanations if not action.

Another issue brought up by a citizen living on Watchung Road was a request to repave the street and deal with water problems. This is a difficult issue to resolve because we have a number of conflicting desires that appear to be impossible to satisfy in a fiscally responsible manner. A substantial number of concerned (and angry) residents approached the Council with their desire to maintain the current natural environment and not endanger trees in the center island. To do so would require roadwork that would not have a life expectancy to justify the expenditures. At the insistence of these vocal citizens the Council decided to stop the project and consider reallocating the funds that were provided for this project. Council members may revisit this issue in the future.
Our Borough Engineers reported on a list of other road conditions throughout the Borough that requires attention and actions mandated by the State or County. These continuing needs and associated costs are overwhelming to me. Eventually we will have to attend to them all.

The Council enacted a well-deserved promotion of Acting Chief of Police Thomas White to Deputy Chief. His salary was not increased and he will continue to serve as acting chief.

The Council increased annual dog license fees from $8 and $11, to $18 and $21 to match NJ suggested fees and to help cover our costs for animal control.

Here is another example of what it costs to run the Borough. We entered into an agreement with Bridgewater to process our collected leaves for 3 months for a fee of $10,500.00. At this point, this is our only recourse.

Drunk drivers – don’t do it in Bound Brook! Borough Police will provide for increased police presence in connection with the state program “Over the limit under arrest 2007 year end crackdown” program to attempt to cut down on impaired driving. The state of NJ will provide for up to $5,000.00 in overtime enforcement grants funding.

Thanks to Joe Lemire at http://www.08805.com/ for the video clips

Until Next time,

Ben