The Lambertville City mayor and council introduced the 2022 annual budget at its meeting May 19.
Under New Jersey’s Local Government Cap Law, municipalities can increase their budgets up to 2.5% each year. A maximum increase of 3.5% must be approved by an ordinance. If all appropriations are not met in 2022, the remaining amount can carry over to the next two succeeding years.
Lambertville Mayor Andrew Nowick and council passed an ordinance allowing the budget cap to be raised 3.5% for a total increase of $138,129.65 bringing the total budget to $6,449,114,41. This includes $594,990 in damages sustained by Hurricane Ida. The local tax rate will have an increase of 11.25% and the assessed valuation an increase of 4.57%.
Lambertville Council discussed presenting the budget in a “user friendly document.” There will be a public hearing on June 2 for residents to ask questions regarding the budget and a budget hearing will follow on June 16 for the final adoption. The budget is presently on the city’s website at lambertvillenj.org.
Lambertville Trading Company received a proclamation from the City of Lambertville for its 40 years of service to the community. Owners Lisa and Dean Stephens received the Golden Cup Award in 2006 from the Specialty Coffee Association of America and in Philadelphia’s “Best of 2000.”
Mayor Nowick congratulated the owners for their contributions to numerous charities and being steadfast in their support to the community. Their coffee shop has been a staple in Lambertville for residents and visitors alike.
The council passes a resolution to share expenses with West Amwell Township for the Waterways Project to repair Swan Creek and for repairs to Quarry Street, which both sustained damage during Hurricane Ida.
The council discussed the announcer’s booth at Ely Field – in 2019 it was determined that the structure was not up to code and a permanent structure was to be constructed. Construction is on hold until fall. Councilman Steve Stegman suggested that a paint color be chosen to better blend the booth into the environment.
The Closson Property has been declared a redevelopment area, which allows the council the opportunity to determine the best use of the buildings. Members will be conducting a study to look at all possibilities including housing.
A bond ordinance was approved for $600,000 to repair Hurricane Ida damages to Arnett Avenue and road resurfacing including streets on Cottage Hill. Mayor Nowick added that there are four residences on Arnett Avenue that still face housing problems since the storm. New Jersey Congressman Tom Malinowski has been contacted to raise the state reimbursement rate from 75% to 90% to cover Hurricane Ida damages.
Council also approved another bond in the amount of $35,000 to repair Grant Avenue and Allen Street. The repair is for the road only and not the retaining wall structure that is deteriorating.
The New Jersey Primary Election is June 7 Polls in Lambertville will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Districts 1 and 2 will vote at the Pittore Justice Center on 25 South Union St., and districts 3 and 4 will vote at the American Legion, 320 North Union St. Mail-in ballots can be dropped off in front of the Pittore Justice Center.
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