Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sayreville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues with high priority
Fire District Budget Question
The council agreed to pursue a voter referendum to raise pension (LOSAP) contributions for volunteer firefighters and first aid squad members to the full amount — a recruitment and retention move after four firefighter deaths were memorialized this year.
Flock license plate cameras
A resident criticized the delay in the promised public forum on Flock cameras, calling them an easily-hackable mass surveillance system tied to a national database. Councilman Rios also pressed for safeguards, saying asking questions about data collection isn't anti-public-safety.
1909 town hall / President Park firehouse repair delays
A motion to declare the old firehouse historic failed 3-3. Supporters want the designation to unlock preservation grants; opponents, including the mayor, say the $3 million office renovation should proceed without the constraints of historic status.
Sewer fee shortfall and MCUA costs
Councilwoman Novak says the town can't wait any longer on water and sewer rate decisions and wants sewer rates, water rates and connection fees examined separately, noting connection fees haven't been adjusted in years.
Jernee Mill Road/Bordentown Avenue intersection safety
Residents near Kenneth Avenue fear the proposed double roundabouts will displace longtime homeowners and make the intersection more dangerous, not safer. The council unanimously backed a resolution telling NJDOT to go back to the drawing board; the attorney will draft formal language for next meeting.
'Make Polluters Pay' Resolution
Food & Water Watch asked the council to back a state bill making polluters fund cleanup, potentially $50 billion over 20 years. The mayor referred it to the Environmental Commission for a recommendation.
Melrose Pump Station flood-resilience rebuild
Sayreville locked in $2.86 million in Hurricane Ida recovery money to reconstruct and upgrade the Melrose Pump Station so it can better handle flooding and coastal storms.
Bailey Park contamination concerns
Resident Tom Biesiada detailed decades of Hercules and DuPont chemical dumping and warned against park plans on contaminated ground. The business administrator said an environmental assessment is underway before any construction.
Hercules Redevelopment Plan II — Sunshine Biscuit site
The public hearing on the amended redevelopment plan for the former Sunshine Biscuit site was pushed to April 13 so the planner and redeveloper can answer council and public questions.
$800,000 Sewer Fee Shortfall
Sewer fees came up $800,000 short this year — a shortfall now being made up through taxes. Novak said a fee ordinance is coming before year's end to shift costs off homeowners.
Public Employee Health Care Cost Reform (Resolution 2026-160)
The council unanimously voted to have a resolution prepared demanding reform of health benefits — a cost issue that hits the borough budget and taxpayers.
Affordable Housing Ordinance Update (Ordinance #08-26)
The council reaffirmed its commitment to adopt everything needed to implement its court-approved affordable housing plan — 194 present-need and 240 prospective-need units.
Aging Water Infrastructure
The borough is planning a $19 million overhaul of its sewer system, including replacing the South River sewer line and pump station. State low-interest loans would cover the cost without new debt service, protecting taxpayers.
Port Authority Use of the Borough Gun Range
The council split 3-3 on whether to even negotiate with the Port Authority over sharing the borough's police firing range. Supporters point to Port Authority money for sound barriers and mandatory suppressors that have cut noise; opponents say the range was promised to Sayreville police only and worry about noise for residents near Laurel Park.
Paid EMT service and EMS billing
A resident pushed for a paid, round-the-clock EMT department, citing 40-minute ambulance waits and being billed improperly by Hackensack Meridian despite insurance. The borough administrator offered to help residents with EMS billing disputes.
Volunteer first responder recruitment and retention
Fire, first aid, police and OEM need volunteers badly. Council President Zebrowski is pushing for higher LOSAP and clothing allowance contributions in the next budget to recruit and retain them.
JCP&L power outages and infrastructure reliability
Repeated outages — including one that forced a warming center opening during a February cold snap — have residents and council members furious. The BPU has ignored letters from the mayor and council, and residents are demanding escalation to state legislators and possible regulatory action.