Council held the regularly scheduled sessions on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. The following issues of interest were addressed:
Six bids were received for the improvements to the water system at 78th Street and the sewer system at 29th Street. The contract in the amount of $358,750 was awarded to the low bidder, Matthys Construction Company.
Business Administrator Scott Wahl and the MIddlesex Water Company gave a presentation illustrating the increasing use of water in Avalon. In 2013 the Borough used 65.4% of its allocation, and by 2020, this had increased to 87.2 % Analysis of the data indicates that the greatest usage is between the hours of midnight and 6:00 AM reflecting the high level of irrigation that goes on during that time. The entire presentation can be seen on the Borough's Website here. Click on the January 24th meeting.
Twelve years ago, the Borough adopted a system relying on voluntary compliance with methods to restrict water usage. Initially there was compliance for the first few years, but that has apparently fallen off. Council decided that a major education program is needed to bring the water usage levels to the attention of the public, and again request voluntary compliance.
Borough resident Martha Wright addressed Council with her concerns about the degradation of the sand dunes as reported in last weekend's Sunday Inquirer. The issue involved the post construction landscaping of the property at 5608 Dune Drive. Ms. Wright wanted to know who in the Borough was responsible. The Council President advised that the owner had agreed to the Dune Vegetation Management Plan, and the Borough signed off after completion of construction. It was after this the owner proceeded with the landscaping which clearly violates the plan. The issue is now in the hands of the State of New Jersey, and the owner is being required to take action to restore the sand dunes which had been impacted by the post construction landscaping.
