‘Excessive Consumption' Ordinance On Howell Council Agenda

HOWELL, NJ - The five-member Howell Township Council is set to discuss several items at its next meeting on March 23, according to municipal documents.

Here are the highlights on the agenda:

• A resolution awarding a professional services contract to T&M Associates for engineering consulting services related to the Howell Road Project. In 2019, the township received a NJDOT Municipal Aid grant for $250,000 (the remaining $63,313.13 will be paid for by Howell). The project proposes to mill and repave a portion of Howell Road from Vanderveer Road to State Route 33 Business (Park Avenue) and includes isolated concrete curbing and minor drainage repairs, according to Deputy Mayor Thomas Russo. The resolution authorizes an award not to exceed $20,000.
• A resolution accepting the FY20 Emergency Management Performance Grant for the Howell Office of Emergency Management.
• A resolution expressing support for legislation expanding offensive eligible for expungement upon successful discharge from drug court, including individuals convicted of certain offenses while dependent on alcohol or drugs at the time of commission of the offense.

• A resolution urging the repeal of a senate bill preventing law enforcement officers from notifying the guardians of a minor if found to be in possession of marijuana or alcohol.

There will also be a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance for “excessive consumption of municipal services.” Under the proposal, the township would be able to fine property owners $300 for “excessive” calls to Howell police if placed under a one-year probation.

According to an Asbury Park Press report, the ordinance was inspired by bars, party houses and a group home that frequently called authorities.

“The Township Council of Howell finds and declares that the cost of the excessive consumption of municipal services relating directly to these nuisance properties should be paid by the property owner and not through general tax revenues,” the ordinance reads.

You can read the full agenda here.

The Howell Township Council meeting will air live at 7 p.m. on the Howell Township YouTube channel. There will be no executive session according to the latest agenda.

The meeting also can be watched at the link titled 3/23/2021- Live Council Meeting feed on the municipal website here or via the Zoom link here. Then enter Webinar ID: 953 3570 7029 and Passcode: 9384500.

If you're watching live and wish to comment on the proceedings, you can call (732) 938-4500, ext. 2155 or email publicaccess@twp.howell.nj.us.