A grant to restore the porch at City Hall was discussed at the Lambertville Council meeting on July 21.
Architectural drawings to restore the porch to its original likeness when City Hall was a residence had been previously drawn up and the project had an estimated cost over $88,000.
An available grant for historic preservation is open until January 2023. The grant requirements include the grantee’s providing matching funds. Mayor Andrew Nowick suggested that the grant be pursued in place of taking a bond out for the project. Matching funds could be raised through donors and fundraising.
Councilman Steve Stegman agreed that the “city should take the lead to restore this historic building and further focus the city’s commitment to historic preservation.” It was also discussed that it would be an added benefit to couples considering City Hall for their weddings.
The D&R Canal Watch is a nonprofit organization working to preserve the history of the canal. The group has approached the city to host the Model Canal Project. This consists of a model board displaying the canal locks measuring 130 feet x 60 feet.
The Closson property was mentioned as a feasible option to host the project and also looking into other suitable spaces was sugggested. Council recommended having a representative from D&R Canal Watch make a presentation to the mayor and council.
Council passed a resolution to appoint Lt. Robert Brown to serve as the LGBTQ+ liaison to law enforcement and Roni Todd-Marino as LGBTQ+ liaison to the city executive. Mayor Nowick explained that having designated representatives for the LGBTQ+ community will increase the Human Rights Commission Municipal Equality Index for the city from a rating of 92 to 97.
Another resolution increased salaries 2% for non union employees of Lambertville who have worked for the city over one year. The raises will be retroactive from Jan. 1. All salaries can be found on the city’s website at lambertvillenj.org.
Mayor Nowick and council discussed concerns over residents owning chickens. There have been growing complaints over chickens escaping from their residences and causing property damage. Requiring a minimum of acreage to own chickens is not feasible, given the size of properties in Lambertville. It was suggested that they would have to remain in an approved coop and not roam at large in compliance with the Public Health Code.
Councilman Wardell Sanders stated the city should solicit comments from residents concerning the chickens. Nowick will address it in his weekly email Lambertville Matters.
The fee for parking meters will be increased from $1.25 per hour to $1.50 through coins and parking apps. Changing the meter hours will be discussed in a later meeting.
An ordinance promoting economic growth in commercial zones would change the current parking requirements and allotment of parking spaces for businesses. A resident expressed concern that doing so would take away limited parking spaces for residents.
The city will have four cannabis retail licenses, two of which will be for micro-businesses.
Mayor Nowick has been in contact with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. There will be a crosswalk installed on Route 29 South by Feeder Street to allow residents access to town. NJDOT is also assessing changing the traffic pattern from Route 179 South coming into town. A designated right turn only lane would prevent accidents at that location.
There will be a special meeting on Aug. 4 to discuss contracts to repair Hurricane Ida damage to Swan and Ely creeks and York Street.
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