Commissioners considering stormwater fee

Township officials are exploring implementing a stormwater service fee.

Commissioners on Sept. 25 directed the engineer to do a stormwater service fee analysis and report at a cost not to exceed $38,000.

Commissioners William Wells, Stacy Altman, David Calabria, Paul Abel, Frank Bruckner and David Calabria II voted in favor of the motion. Eileen Myers, Thomas Castello and Donald Giudici voted no.

Township engineer Ned Mitrovich said the process could take six to eight months and that stormwater fees would be based on how much runoff a property generates. For instance, a business with a large building and parking lot would pay a higher fee than a single-family residence.

Right now, the township faces significant stormwater runoff with no way to fund fixing it, Mr. Mitrovich said.

“No one is exempt from the fee,” he added, meaning churches and schools and other tax-exempt entities will have to pay it.

“The money is going to be used to fix the problem,” said Mr. Bruckner.

Also discussed at the meeting was the township’s new subdivision and land development ordinance, which is being updated for the first time since 1983.

“Our present [subdivision and land development ordinance] is outdated,” said township solicitor John Vogel.

Mr. Vogel said the township’s planning commission has been working on the ordinance for several years.

It pertains to new construction in the township — specifically how a building needs to be built, not where — so it is different from a zoning ordinance.

Mr. Vogel said there will be changes to make applying for simple subdivisions easier.

For instance, if someone wants to change a lot line or combine two lots in one, the process will be expedited.

Language also will be updated pertaining to both minor and major land developments. The new ordinance also is set to include regulations on inspections and improvements.