The Alternative Press

SUSSEX BOROUGH, NJ - The July 17 meeting of the Sussex Borough Council discussed the upcoming visit by the Department of Environmental Protection to the municipality’s water plant.

The Borough recently began the process of lowering the TTHM (Total Trihalomethane) level in the water, in compliance with the DEP laws. Before the new chemical was added, the TTHM was at 112 ppb, and after 10 days of the chemical treatment that number was lowered to the 70s ppb. Two days after that reading, the number was at 68 ppb according to the state and DEP average for TTHM.

The Borough has brought the TTHM reading into compliance with the DEP, improving water quality for the community.

Along with lowering the TTHM level, Sussex Borough has been making repairs to the water treatment plant to comply with the DEP.

A water engineer, the municipal clerk, and several DEP members have been discussing these repairs over the past few months and will be meeting for a site visit on August 6. The repairs being worked on currently will be completed by this meeting, and conference members will discuss the next step in correctly the treatment plant.

The July 17 meeting also considered the purchase of a new fire engine for the municipality.

Chief Dan Stoll went before the council and suggested replacing Engine 602 through the use of a USDA grant covering 55 percent of the funds. The engine is up for replacement in 2017, however Chief Stoll believes this opportunity may not be available again, and the engine is already past its 20- year lifetime.

Chief Stoll also pointed out that applying for this grant would not prohibit the station from applying for other USDA grants, such as a new air-fill station.

Another factor in purchasing this engine would be involvement by the Township of Wantage. In the most recent fire engine purchase, Wantage paid for the ladder of the truck, equaling about 28 percent of the price of the engine.

Councilman Frank Dykstra said, “I think it’s not an option unless Wantage helps, because we protect their property and schools, and the Borough does not have the money for a new fire truck right now.”

“The truck still needs to be replaced,” Councilman Sal Lagattuta said. “So let’s just get the wheels moving on this process.”

The Council also suggested investigating the need for a new ambulance and other equipment to better understand the correct need for a fire engine, and decide if it’s the best decision to buy now.

“If we wait until 2017, then the next engine will need to be replaced soon after in 2019, and we may not have the option for the USDA to cover 55 percent of the costs,” Chief Stoll said.

The council agreed to talk with the USDA and begin a dialogue with Wantage, but will make a final decision about the purchase later in the year.

In other business:

·      The Borough auctioned municipal owned property on Block 504, Lot 7. The bidding began at no lower than $5,000 and the property was bought for $5,000. The Borough encouraged any possible buyers to investigate the property and history of the lot in order to make the best decision in purchasing.

·      The Borough met with Hardyston Council to discuss the cost of personnel in the construction office. Currently, five municipalities share the office: Hardyston, Sussex, Franklin, Hamburg and Newton. With Hardyston as the lead agency, they supply personnel and service at the construction office. After this meeting, Hardyston offered to lower the cost to Sussex Borough for 2013 and 2014, resulting in a $20,000 savings.