Flooding and United Water Top the Agenda at Mayor & Council Meeting

In Mayor Ann Subrizi's absence, Council President Howard Berner presided over Monday night's Mayor and Council meeting. 

The public portion of the meeting was dominated by discussion of United Water and the recent flood. Councilwoman Celeste Scavetta informed the public that she and Subrizi met with a representative from United Water last week to discuss what United Water can do for the residents of New Milford in the event of future flooding. 

Having read that United Water had set up a foundation to assist the towns of Westwood and Hillsdale with their clean-up efforts, Scavetta inquired if they would do the same for the residents of New Milford. She reported that the representative from United Water was "receptive to talking about this" and as talks progress she will have further information.

Council President Berner reported that Mayor Subrizi attended the first Flood Advisory Commission meeting, an appointment that gives New Milford a voice on the county Freeholder level. 

Also reported, the council, along with some residents whose homes were damaged by the flood, met with United Water last Thursday to begin a series of on-going discussions. This first meeting was to get an understanding of how the United Water system works. 

The council informed the public that United Water is regulated by the DEP and the only way they are "allowed" to release water is if there are dam safety issues. Short of that, they must get DEP approval before releasing any water.

Scavetta informed the public that during the meeting with United Water a proposed two-mile pipeline that would drain water into the Hudson was discussed, thereby avoiding excess water to drain into the lower reservoirs during serious storms. This long-term plan would need the approval of the governors from New York and New Jersey. A follow-up meeting with United Water is scheduled for October.

Council President Berner reported that representatives from United Water will be coming to New Milford to host town hall meetings. The dates for these meetings have not yet been confirmed. He also said that the council wants United Water to provide assistance to the residents of New Milford to help with clean-up. 

When asked about short-term tax relief the council informed the public that the only way they can seek relief is by speaking directly to the tax assessor. If a resident seeking relief is not satisfied by the assessor's decision, they can file an appeal of their taxes with the county between January 1st and April 1st. 

Other business included:

FEMA 

Residents who have gone to the FEMA office in Hackensack and met with a representative reported that they are very pleased. Borough Administrator, Christine Demiris, encouraged all residents who have been affected by the flood to meet with a FEMA representative in Hackensack and let them "walk you through the process," even if the paperwork has already been completed.

Any residents who have received a FEMA denial letter should send a copy to Mayor Subrizi's office and she will forward them to the Freeholders and to Congressman Scott Garrett.  

Click here for more information on FEMA.

PSE&G

The Mayor and Council will also be having discussions with PSE&G regarding the power stations. During the aftermath of the flood, many businesses, as well as homeowners, had no electricity for upwards of a week and could not operate their sump pumps to drain the water. 

Fire Co. #2

Boswell Engineering delivered its report regarding a study on the cracks in the wall. The report said that the cracks do not indicate any structural damage. Also discussed was a potential addition to the firehouse. 

Sign Ordinance Committee and Athletic Field Committee

Appointments were made to both the Sign Ordinance Committee and the Athletic Field Committee.

The Sign Ordinance Committee will undertake a review of commercial signs to ensure that they conform in size and scope to the ordinance.

The Athletic Field Committee is an exploratory committee that will take a look at the town's fields and make recommendations as to which ones could be shared by both the schools and the town and be improved at a shared cost. 

Tetanus Shots for DPW and all First Responders during flood

The Health Dpt. is providing tetanus shots for all DPW and First Responders who assisted during the flood. 

Mosquitos 

The council recommends that if you have a large population of mosquitos in your yard due to water, call Mosquito Control directly or contact the Health Dpt. and they can arrange it for you. 

Upcoming Events

Sat. Oct. 1st: Clean Community Day. Meet at DPW at 9 a.m. to clean up various areas of town. For more information call 201-967-8172.

Thurs. Oct 13: Fire Awareness Night. The New Milford FD will have a presentation behind Borough Hall from 6 p.m. tp 9 p.m. Fire trucks will be on display. Adopt-a-Fire-Hydrant program kicks off on this night. If you would like to adopt a fire hydrant, call Fire Marshall Alan Silverman at 201-967-5415.

The next Mayor and Council meeting will be a work session on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.