HOPEWELL BOROUGH COUNCIL UPDATE
By: Catherine Moscarello
Business at Monday’s meeting of the Hopewell Borough Council included the awarding of a garbage contract bid and talk about topics related to the recent terrorist attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon.
Only one bid was received for the three-year garbage contract for Hopewell Borough. Clerk Hilary Fortenbaugh recommended acceptance of the bid that continues the present practice of twice-a-week collection. Bulk pickup will take place annually rather than twice a year due to the increased costs for tipping fees that can run up to $15,000.
"I don’t believe the borough could stand the hit for that much money twice a year," said Mrs. Fortenbaugh. "Bulk pickup costs nearly 19 percent more than the current contract and regular pickup is up 12 percent over the last contract."
Some neighboring communities, such as Lawrence Township, have gone to once-a-week pickup and individual contracts, it was said, but council decided Hopewell residents most likely would have to pay more than the average $400 per household if each homeowner contracted separately for garbage pickup.
Once-a-week schedules, it was noted, would place undue burdens on residents carrying out a week’s worth of trash to the curb.
Rather than put the item out for rebidding and risking an interruption in service, council awarded the bid to the current contractor, Waste Management.
From concerns about the security of the borough water supply through the rescheduling of a planned Hopewell Harvest Fair fireworks celebration, several issues were touched by the events of Sept. 11.
Water Delivering a report for vacationing water supervisor, David Misiolek, borough engineer, Dennis O’Neal, assured council that Hopewell Borough has "a secure water system where everything is gated, fenced, well-lit and locked."
Mr. Misiolek had reported that he checked all the lights and locks for any security breaches immediately after the attacks on the nation. The Stevens Institute of Technology pilot program that will work to extract naturally occurring arsenic from the water supply at Well No. 6 also is secure and all equipment will be contained within existing well lines. "That project will run for six weeks and treat five to eight gallons per minute," Mr. O’Neal said. "Further, our pump houses were constructed to be vandal-proof."
Fireworks When council considered a resolution to reschedule a fireworks display originally planned as the Sept. 22 Harvest Fair grand finale, Mayor George Padgett noted that the Federal Aviation Administration had banned such demonstrations immediately after the attack, but since had lifted the ban.
Bill Walker, producer of the fireworks, has donated his labor and will present the display on Oct. 6 (Oct. 7 rain date) following a series of concerts by local music groups in the afternoon. Councilwoman Alice Huston said donations would go to the fire department’s fund for relief efforts in New York City.
Reaction Borough reaction to the Sept. 11 events prompted Mayor Padgett to comment "I’m mighty proud of our people. Our fire and first aid volunteers and police department … Community response has been tremendous.
"Some ethnic minorities have expressed concerns," Mayor Padgett said. "There have been no incidents within the borough and we will not tolerate any inappropriate actions against any citizens. Any such incidents will be dealt with swiftly."
Stream cleanup Engineer O’Neal reported that the borough is faced with the need to provide cleanup of the stream running through Nick Giuseppi’s property (off Burton Avenue and Front Street), Mr. O’Neal reported. "It’s just the way the stream bends upstream of Nick’s property that’s causing the problem." Accumulated stones, branches and other refuse build up where the stream makes a 90-degree turn and the water backs up and floods Mr. Giuseppi’s land. "Performing this cleanup is a complicated project because of the permits required," said Mr. O’Neal. "The permitting process will actually cost more than the job."
The Department of Environmental Protection requires a stream encroachment permit and one for working in wetlands. Engineering fees are estimated to be between $2,500 and $3,500. There is no fee for the actual permit which is a special one issued only to municipalities. A permit will be required every time the stream needs cleaning. "The good news is that once the engineering specifications are set, they will probably remain valid for any future permits," said Mr. O’Neal.
Clerk Fortenbaugh said there is no money in the public works budget to cover engineering fees for this project.
Alex Semple of East Broad Street inquired whether volunteers could assist in the cleanup, but Mr. O’Neal said that the buildup is large and will require a backhoe and a truck for removal of the refuse.
Bond notes Mrs. Fortenbaugh reported that the borough successfully sold $1.3 million bond anticipation notes at the end of September. Interest on these bonds was low at 2½ percent compared to 4 percent for last year’s sale. Nearly $800,000 of those bonds is earmarked for water projects already completed in the borough.
Borough buildings Representatives of HACBM/Hayden recently met with borough employees, the Hopewell Township Police Department (which covers the borough by contract) and members of the library board to discuss issues related to the proposal for construction of a new municipal building.
Councilman Tom Dallessio said that following the meeting, library board members particularly were encouraged and had "reached a better understanding" of the project.
Snowflakes, holidays On behalf of the borough’s Economic Development Committee, Mr. Dallessio received the backing of the council for an expenditure of $4,000 to purchase 20 additional snowflakes for the east end of Broad Street. The Hopewell Business Association and private donations will fund the balance of the purchase.
To mark "Hopewell Holidays" this year, the EDC has planned a tree-lighting ceremony, three separate visits from Santa Claus, a walking tour of decorated homes in the town, a live Nativity representation, musical performances and numerous museum activities. In addition, this year businesses will be asked to decorate their windows to add to the holiday setting.
Borough trees Homeowners felled three shade trees in recent weeks, In response, Councilman David Nettles asked that residents not cut down or prune borough trees. "Any tree between the sidewalk and the street belongs to the borough and not to the homeowner," Mr. Nettles said. Homeowners must obtain a permit before doing any alteration to the trees.
Proclamations Two proclamations were adopted Monday.
The first Hopewell Borough will enforce a 9 p.m. curfew for minors on "Mischief Night," Oct. 30, and Halloween, Oct. 31.
The second Oct. 14 through 20 has been proclaimed Radon Action Week. "A significant number of homes in Hopewell have radon in them," said Mayor Padgett, who urged Hopewell residents to arrange for the test to discover radon in the home. "This problem is correctable." Information about radon testing is available in borough hall or by calling the NJDEP at 1/800/648-0394.

