5,500 Water meters will be replaced in Margate.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – The Board of Commissioners Oct. 6 introduced a $2.5 million bond ordinance appropriating funds to cover the cost of replacing approximately 5,500 water meters throughout the city.
Grant consultant Jim Rutala of Rutala Associates of Linwood is applying for state funding to finance the project through a competitive grant/loan agreement.
Will take years to replace water meters with smart meters for every household in Margate to allow the meters to be read remotely. The meters currently installed in Margate residences are about five years over their life expectancy. Once installed, readings could be obtained electronically with a few clicks on a computer at the Utility Department.
The city is using money set aside from the American Rescue Plan to fund a portion of the project. Phase I of the project has been awarded to Core & Main LP for $211,016.
City Administrator Richard Deaney previously recommended the city consider switching to an alternative billing system that would be more beneficial for residents. Currently, the city bills for water and sewer services on an annual basis, which can be burdensome on some residents, he said in June.
“We can consider either quarterly or monthly billing since the meters can be read instantaneously,” Deaney said.
A public hearing on the ordinance will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at Historic City Hall, 1 S. Washington Ave.
Chief Financial Officer Lisa McLaughlin said the city has transitioned to a new electronic payroll system, and that the cost of health insurance for city employees is increasing more than 20% this year.
“There’s nothing we can do about it,” she said.
The city will continue using the NJ State Health Benefits Program.
McLaughlin also said the city would be selling Holiday Beach Tags this year.
In other business, the city approved the renewal of a retail alcoholic beverage license held by Lamberti Margate LLC. All aspects of the renewal process have been completed and reviewed by the Police Department and NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the renewal period 2022-2023, effective July 1. However, because construction of the restaurant located at 9707 Amherst Ave. is incomplete, the license will be held “in pocket.” The $600 annual fee has been paid.
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