HILLSBOROUGH: Township briefs

By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
Some pool fees cut
   HILLSBOROUGH — The Township Committee unanimously approved an ordinance Monday reducing construction fees for temporary pools.
   Committeewoman Lisa Nisivoccia was absent from the meeting.
   The ordinance reduces the inspection fee for ladder safety at, and the enclosure of, temporary pools of 2 feet or more in depth from $80 to $40. A state regulation from 2007 requires building departments to conduct these inspections, including on temporary and blow up pools.
   The ordinance also eliminates the township’s $50 zoning permit fee for seasonal pools less than 4 feet deep.
Architectural group expanded
   The Township Committee unanimously approved an ordinance amending the Architectural and Site Design Advisory Subcommittee, adding two members of the public to be appointed by the mayor.
   Currently, the committee has three members and two alternates.
   Members are professionals in architecture and design fields, but the two new members will be from the general public.
   The committee will now have five members and two alternates.
Residents opt out of Claremont sewer
   The Township Committee unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance to amend a 2007 ordinance approving the installation of the sanitary sewer system in the Claremont section of town to account for several families that do not wish to be part.
   ”Some owners opted not to participate in the sewers,” Mayor Anthony Ferrera said. He said these homes have been told they can keep their septic systems because Health Officer Glen Belnay has said they do not pose a health risk.
   Aside from the change in which houses are choosing to be part of the sewer system, Mayor Ferrera said the ordinance has not been altered.
   ”The only difference is that some properties have been removed,” he said.
   The ordinance authorizes about $600,000 to begin the project, in addition to $570,000 in bonds, which will be paid for by special assessment of the homes included in the system.
   The committee initially approved the project in December 2007 after the Claremont section was placed on the State Wastewater Management Plan because of wastewater and other water quality concerns in the area.
   Public hearing for the ordinance will be held on Dec. 9.
Holidays changed
   The Township Committee unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance to amend the township code concerning holidays to include provisions for municipal offices to be open on Feb. 12, 2009, Lincoln’s birthday.
   The change was made in response to recent negotiations with union workers.
   Public hearing for the ordinance will be held on Dec. 9.
Depot contract extended
   The Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution authorizingBob Zelley, of Maser Consulting, to continue consulting services on the township’s purchase of the General Service Administration Belle Mead Depot.
   According to the resolution, Mr. Zelley will provide services for evaluating the demolition and disposal costs for the depot at a price not to exceed $18,750.
   In addition, Mr. Zelley will provide environmental consulting services for the proposed Transco pipeline at the depot for an amount not to exceed $17,500.
   ”We are moving as quickly as possible for the purchase,” Mayor Anthony Ferrera said.