City Council

Lakes Management Advisory Committee Borough Council Presentation Feb 26, 2024  A Diverse Committee Membership • Members live on Mountain Lake, Sunset Lake, Crystal Lake, Olive Pond and Shadow Pond. However, most members do not live on a lake. • Average member tenure 4 years. Longest tenure 18 years. • Alpesh Amin Advisors • Debra Dewing • Chris Richter (Council Liaison) • Lucien Foster • Jackie Bay (Environment Commission • Andy Hilton Liaison) • Derek Jackson (Chair) • Mitchell Stern (Borough Manager) • Jason Miner • Nikki Riley • Bob Schindler (Black Lagoon Pond Management) • Wayne Roth • Mike Russo • Billy Barrett (Student) • John Corbo (Student) • Connor Higgins (Student) • Jack Buckley (Student)  Goals and Objectives • Advocate for the health and preservation of the borough’s bodies of water by “advising and assisting the government in matters pertaining to the maintenance and restoration of the quality of the watersheds, lakebeds and waters of the Lakes of Mountain Lakes” • Educate residents about our lakes and how they can be help preserve them  What do we do? • Formally meet the first Tuesday of each month • Report topics of concern to the borough manager, council and/or our lake management vendor partner • Meet on an adhoc basis onsite to observe, discuss lake conditions or other specific topics of interest • Research and/or educate ourselves on matters related to our lakes • Collaborate with similar Borough and/or lake association committees on experiences and lessons learned • Create educational campaigns and material for residents • Observe, make use of, and hopefully enjoy our lakes  2023 Lake Maintenance Review • Maintenance Contract Transition – Our long time vendor Solitude experienced employee attrition which caused it to be incapable of servicing contracts in New Jersey, including ours. – There was a gap in service from April until July while Solitude was unresponsive and a new vendor was found – Hired a new vendor partner Tigris (Black Lagoon) • Ongoing Maintenance Work – Spring hydro-raking with traditional equipment in Wildwood – Winter hydro-raking with harvesting machine in Mountain Lake – In addition to the budgeted Borough scope, at least 20 waterfront residents explored private weed and sediment removal on their waterfront Climate change is impacting the lakes’ environment and health Source: Tigris 2023 Year End Presentation • Higher atmospheric temperatures and frequent severe rain events increase runoff and make the environment more hospitable to algae growth. • The warmer winters encourage early season algae blooms in most lakes in the region. Mountain Lakes follows this trend. • Despite the earlier blooms, NJ DEP regulations limit algae treatments to be between April 1 and September 30. Algae in our lakes is not at toxic levels Source: Tigris 2023 Year End Presentation • There are low levels of green, golden brown and blue-green algae in our lakes. It is normal and healthy to find this algae in lakes. • Although blue-green algae can be toxic in abundance, the observed species and/or cell counts are not at a level of risk. We have counts of 100 cells / ml vs 20000+ cells / ml that NJ associates with Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs).  Some algae and aquatic plant growth is healthy for the lakes Source: Tigris 2023 Year End Presentation • There are many benefits including – Habitat and food for fish and wildlife – Improved water clarity and quality – Protect shorelines and lake bottoms – Can be visually attractive  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Source: Tigris 2023 Year End Presentation • Residents have differing opinions about the beauty and use of the lakes. – Lake clarity and color – Sandy beach vs living shoreline – Aquatic growth impact on distance swimmers, sailors, paddlers and fishermen  Too much of a good thing is bad Source: Tigris 2023 Year End Presentation • Too much algae and/or plants can accelerate eutrophication, thereby decreasing oxygen levels and aquatic life • There is a delicate balance in nature – Because of the many factors that influence the lakes, including competing recreational objectives of residents, there is no precise formula and science to achieve balance – For example, bass weed helps create a healthy environment for fish but has become so abundant in Mountain Lake that it now impacts other recreational activities.  Our maintenance is reacting to observed symptoms • Given the large number of dynamic variables impacting our lakes, it is very difficult to determine cause and effect, or predict with certainty the impact of changes. • NJ DEP limitations on treatment prevent us from proactively treating lakes early in the season. • The Borough requires a strong strategic plan to proactively ensure the maintenance, preservation and restoration of the lakes.  2023 Lake Restoration Review • Infrastructure Restoration – Sunset Lake dam – Remains in-progress – Grunden’s Pond dam – under NJ DEP Review • Bathymetric survey of lakes in the early Summer – Goal was to measure the depth and volume of sediment in the lake beds – We have a similar study from 2012 for comparison – Data is critical in developing a strategic plan Mean Depth Change (ft) Mean Depth (ft) Mean Sediment Thickness (ft) 2012 - 2023 Sediment Pct Mountain Lake 6.80 2.10 0.23 24% Shadow / Olive 3.70 1.70 Unknown 32% Sunset Lake 4.40 3.64 0.32 45% Crystal Lake 7.80 6.30 1.00 45% Wildwood Lake 4.50 1.20 1.40 21% Birchwood Lake 5.40 5.30 0.85 50% Cove Lake 3.70 1.40 Unknown 29% Grunden's Pond 2.90 1.70 Unknown 36% Average 4.90 2.92 0.76 35% The committee is focused on executing upon the charter defined by the Council • To advise and assist the Borough government in matters pertaining to the maintenance and restoration of the quality of the watersheds, lakebeds and waters of the Lakes of Mountain Lakes, including tributaries and estuaries. • The Committee consists of nine voting members that are appointed annually. • The Committee will study methods of Lake maintenance and restoration to develop a Management Plan for lake and watershed protection and improvement. This Plan will include a program for monitoring existing lake and watershed conditions and a system of record keeping which will enable year-to-year comparison of the quality of the Borough lakes and streams.  We recommend an independent advisor to assist in the development of a maintenance, preservation and restoration plan • Historically our lake management vendor performed treatments on the lakes, and was a strategic advisor on how to ensure the long term health of the lakes. This including advice on how to remove sediment, as well as the execution of the scope of work. • We recommend the Borough retain the services of a third party lake consultant to provide unbiased advice on how to manage our lakes. This could broaden the range of services and/or solutions used beyond what our current partners provide. With this we can more confidently advise the Borough on the solutions needed to preserve the lakes.  With the help of an advisor we hope the 2024 plan will advise on mission critical questions and concerns • Recommend how to balance recreation with natural aquatic growth needs which support marine life habitat • How to manage and/or remove the sediment deposits that are naturally accumulating in the lakes in a cost efficient manner • Review infrastructure enhancements needed to minimize stormwater impact on our lakes – One focus area should be Wildwood Lake where stormwater runoff appears to be filling in the northwest end along the Boulevard Thank You Appendix  Potential 2024 Budget Items • Hydro-raking (typically ~$80K annually) • Treatment / Remediation Partner (Tigris in 2024) • Consultant - partner to help develop a strategy and plan • Fish restocking in Sunset • Communication Budget  Tigris / Black Lagoon Report • Tigris presented the 2023 year end report during the Lakes Committee’s February 6, 2023 public meeting. • In addition to the members of the committee, six residents attended the meeting.  The Borough of Mountain Lakes 2023 Year-End Report By Bob Schindler Operations Director Aquatic Biologist  2023 Year End Summary • 2023 Lake Treatment Review • 2023 Water Quality Data • 2023 Algae Sampling Results Birchwood Lake Oxygen (mg/L) pH Temp (F) Clarity (FT) Turbidity (NTU) 3.2 7/17/2023 7.4 8.1 72 3.5 7/24/2023 3.1 8.96 77.5 4.5 Total Phosphorous(mg/L) 0.0175 7/31/2023 6.68 9.41 73.6 4 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/L) 0.03 8/8/2023 7.12 9.2 74.6 3 8/14/2023 7.45 9.1 77.75 3 8/21/2023 7.21 9.5 75.6 3.5 8/28/2023 5.48 10.12 74.6 3.5 • Lily densities 9/5/2023 5.33 10.7 76.12 4 9/11/2023 4.7 10.27 75.26 2.5 increasing 9/18/2023 4.75 10.11 10.7 2.5 • No algaecide Treatments • Two herbicide treatments in beach and swim area Crystal Lake Oxygen (mg/L) pH Temp (F) Clarity (FT) 7/17/2023 6.4 7.77 66 4.5 Turbidity (NTU) 5.2 7/24/2023 6.11 9 77.74 4 7/31/2023 7.04 9.14 75.69 4.5 Total Phosphorous(mg/L) 0.0241 8/8/2023 7.13 8.62 76.7 3 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/L) <0.02 8/14/2023 7.12 8.6 77.5 3 8/21/2023 7 9.1 76.69 4.5 8/28/2023 9/5/2023 7 10.1 7.12 10.2 74.72 75.24 4.5 3 • No treatments 9/11/2023 9/18/2023 5.09 9.48 5 9.48 74.26 74.26 2.5 2.5 performed in 2023 • Late season increase in cyanobacteria Sunset Lake Oxygen (mg/L) pH Temp (F) Clarity (FT) 7/17/2023 6.68 7.14 67 3 Turbidity (NTU) 3.1 7/24/2023 4.4 9.04 78.1 0.8 Total Phosphorous(mg/L) 0.033 7/31/2023 6.72 8.78 74.5 3 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/L) 0.03 8/8/2023 6.53 8.01 77.2 3 8/14/2023 6.4 8 77.4 3 8/21/2023 6 8.7 76.5 3 8/28/2023 6 9.12 74.7 3 • Lily and bassweed 9/5/2023 9/11/2023 5.31 10.7 4.11 9.4 76.11 75 2 2 densities increased 9/18/2023 4.1 9.2 70 2 through season • Two algaecide treatments performed for filamentous algae growth • Late season Cyanobacteria bloom Olive Pond Oxygen (mg/L) pH Temp (F) Clarity (FT) 7/17/2023 2.3 7.5 69 2.5 Turbidity (NTU) 3.7 7/24/2023 6.4 9 76.82 0.8 7/31/2023 6.62 9.56 75.8 3 Total Phosphorous(mg/L) 0.0407 8/8/2023 5.2 8.77 77.6 3 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/L) <0.02 8/14/2023 4.9 8.8 77.2 2 8/21/2023 5.5 9.5 76.71 3 8/28/2023 5.5 9.46 75.21 3 9/5/2023 6.15 9.58 77 2 • Low oxygen levels 9/11/2023 9/18/2023 6.15 6.15 9.3 9.1 75 70 2 2 most of summer • High density cyanobacteria bloom in July • Algaecide treatment able to be performed on 8/21 Shadow Pond Oxygen (mg/L) pH Temp (F) Clarity (FT) 7/17/2023 3.4 7.7 69 2.5 7/24/2023 6.4 9 76.9 0.8 Turbidity (NTU) 3.7 7/31/2023 6.59 9.6 75.63 3 Total Phosphorous(mg/L) 0.0405 8/8/2023 6.02 8.81 77.63 3 8/14/2023 4.43 8.75 77.2 2 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/L) <0.02 8/21/2023 5.59 9.52 78.63 3 8/28/2023 5.59 9.5 75.22 3 9/5/2023 9/11/2023 6 6 9.5 9.3 77 75 2 2 • Low oxygen levels 9/18/2023 6 9.1 70 2 periodically • Algaecide treatments performed on 7/31 and 8/21. Cove Pond Oxygen (mg/L) pH Temp (F) Clarity (FT) 7/17/2023 2.8 7.3 67 3 Turbidity (NTU) 3.9 7/24/2023 5.01 9.24 74.5 3 7/31/2023 5.4 9.72 74.42 3 Total Phosphorous(mg/L) 0.039 8/8/2023 4.7 9.2 77.37 2 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/L) <0.02 8/14/2023 6.87 8.6 77.4 2.5 8/21/2023 5.4 9.7 76.82 3 8/28/2023 5.4 10.1 74.6 3 9/5/2023 5.5 9.98 77.42 2 • One herbicide 9/11/2023 9/18/2023 5.5 6.56 5.5 6.4 75.4 70 2 2 treatment on 8/14 for bladderwort Grundens Pond Oxygen (mg/L) pH Temp (F) Clarity (FT) 7/17/2023 4.4 7.4 66 2.5 7/24/2023 2.5 8 75.5 0.8 Turbidity (NTU) 3.3 7/31/2023 6.68 9.07 74.89 3 Total Phosphorous(mg/L) 0.0589 8/8/2023 5.48 8.4 76.12 2 8/14/2023 6.5 8.3 76.85 2 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/L) 0.03 8/21/2023 6.37 9 75.8 2.5 8/28/2023 5.4 9 74.6 2.5 9/5/2023 5.4 9.23 76.4 2.5 9/11/2023 9/18/2023 4.37 9.1 4.2 9.1 76.4 70 2.5 2.5 • Three herbicide treatments for duckweed and watermeal • Overall, low densities of phytoplankton for this pond Mountain Lake Oxygen (mg/L) pH Temp (F) Clarity (FT) 7/17/2023 6.7 8 67 3.5 Turbidity (NTU) 5.2 7/24/2023 7.5 9.5 80 3 Total Phosphorous(mg/L) 0.0276 7/31/2023 7.12 9.08 73.41 3 8/8/2023 6.55 9.02 75.63 3 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/L) 0.02 8/14/2023 6.3 9.02 77.41 3 8/21/2023 6.92 9 76.78 3 8/28/2023 9/5/2023 7 10.12 8.26 9.63 74.8 77.32 3 3 • April Sonar 9/11/2023 9/18/2023 6.7 9.41 6.5 9.2 76.51 70.2 2 2 application for Eurasian water milfoil • August treatment for bassweed and primrose • Alum application on 11/2 • Low density phytoplankton Wildwood Lake Oxygen (mg/L) pH Temp (F) Clarity (FT) 7/17/2023 7/24/2023 6.4 7.8 7.98 9.46 67 78.03 3 2 Turbidity (NTU) 4.3 7/31/2023 6.4 8.8 75.6 3 Total Phosphorous(mg/L) 0.0217 8/8/2023 7.1 8.3 76.5 2 8/14/2023 6.43 7.79 77.3 3 Nitrate/Nitrite (mg/L) 0.03 8/21/2023 6.4 8.7 76.8 3 8/28/2023 6.2 9.78 74.8 3 9/5/2023 9/11/2023 8.28 9.67 8.28 7.2 77.48 75.21 3 2.5 • 8/2 – treatment for 9/18/2023 8.28 7.3 70 2.5 brittle naiad, primrose and filamentous algae • Consistent degraded water clarity most of latter half of summer • Overall, low phytoplankton densities  2024 Recommendations • Aggressive lily treatment in Birchwood and Crystal Lakes • Alum application in Crystal Lake in spring • Olive Pond – revisit aeration installation • Nutrient inactivation • Bacterial enhancement • Shadow Pond – maintenance of aeration system • Nutrient inactivation • Bacterial enhancement • Grundens Pond – Nutrient inactivation and bacteria • Mountain Lake – aggressive bassweed and primrose treatment • Fall alum treatment • Wildwood Lake – aggressive primrose treatment • Fall alum treatment 2024 Municipal Budget Presentation February 26, 2024  2024 Budget Process Nov - Dec 2023 December 2023 Dec 2023 - Feb 2024 Prior year budget review Borough Manager review Finance Advisory and budget request of budget requests and Committee meetings and submissions by discussion with discussions related to the Department Heads Department Heads budget January 2024 February 26, 2024 March 25, 2024 Borough Council budget 2024 Budget 2024 Budget Hearing & working sessions Introduction Adoption (anticipated) 2 Key Budget Goals • Ensure the Borough’s long-term fiscal health and stability • Minimize tax burden on residents • Maintain services and address important capital needs • Continue to invest in our community • Plan for the future 3 2024 Municipal Budget Introduction Current Budget • Total Budget, including Library: $10,742,000 • General Operations & Capital Spending • Funded by: Property Taxes, State Aid, Grants, Licenses, Fees, Leases, Interest Income Water Utility Budget • Total Budget: $975,000 • Water System • Funded by: Water Utility Bill Sewer Utility Budget • Total Budget: $974,000 • Sewer System • Funded by: Sewer Utility Bill 4 The 2024 Municipal Budget represents approximately 19% of total property taxes County 10% Municipal 19% Schools 71% ➢ The Borough collects and disburses School and County taxes, but plays no role related to School or County budget oversight and spending 5 The 2024 Municipal Budget funds the operations and capital needs of the Borough Public Safety Police, Fire, Office of Emergency Management Administration Manager, Clerk, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector, Financial Administration, Building Official, Planning, Zoning & Code Enforcement Public Works Road & Sidewalk Cleaning, Plowing & Maintenance, Garbage & Recycling, Water Infrastructure, Buildings & Grounds Recreation Youth Programming, Summer Camps, 55+ Programming, Community Celebrations, Summer Concert Series, Hub Lakes Competition Other Services Health & Animal Control Public Library The Municipal Budget funds most of the Mountain Lakes Public Library budget, including for the Makerspace program Capital Needs Vehicles, Equipment, Paving, Road & Sidewalk Improvements, Parks & Recreational Facilities, Other Borough Improvements Water Utility Wells, Tanks, Water Mains, Maintenance, and Upgrades Sewer Utility Sewer Mains, Maintenance, Upgrades, and Processing 6  2024 Municipal Budget Summary 2023 2024 YTY +/- Introduced Budget $10,774,000 $10,742,000 -0.3% Amount to be Raised by Taxation $6,981,000 $6,911,500 -1.0% Ratable Tax Base $1.414B $1.526B +8.0% Tax Rate 0.49381 0.45286 -8.3% Taxes per $100,000 Assessed Home Value $493.81 $452.86 -8.3% Average Residential Property Value $887,800 $963,400 +8.5% Average Municipal Tax Payment $4,384 $4,363 -0.5% • Municipal budget decrease of 0.3% • Amount to be Raised by Taxation decrease of 1.0% • Municipal tax rate decrease of 8.3% – 4 straight years of tax rate decreases • Average home property value increase of 8.5% • Average municipal tax payment decrease of 0.5% year-to-year 7 Borough of Mountain Lakes Ratable Base The Borough of Mountain Lakes Ratable Base totals $1.526B in 2024 – 91.3% Residential – 8.4% Commercial / Utilities – 0.3% Vacant Land/Farmland The Borough’s ratable base grew $112M (+8%) in 2024, primarily due to market increases in property values – The Average Residential Assessment in 2024 is $963,400, up 8.5% year-to-year – The Borough’s reassessment program captures market changes on an annual basis; property valuations may fluctuate significantly year-to-year – A change in the assessed value of your home will impact your tax bill only if your home’s valuation has increased or decreased by a greater % than other properties in the Borough 8  Municipal Budget Revenue 64% of the Municipal Budget is funded by taxes to be raised in 2024 6% 6% Amount to be Raised by Taxation (64%) 5% Anticipated Fund Balance (19%) State Aid & Grants (5%) 19% Licenses, Fees & Leases (6%) 64% Interest Income & Other (6%) 9 The 2024 Municipal Budget reflects responsible management of Fund Balance • The proposed budget utilizes $2,000,000 of Fund Balance. • The proposed budget leaves $1,661,665 in Fund Balance • A healthy Fund Balance will help ensure solid financial footing for the Borough in 2024 and beyond 10 Municipal Budget Appropriations 2024 Expenses Police Insurance, Workers Comp, Pensions Bond Principal & Interest on Bonds Reserve for Uncollected Taxes Solid Waste & Recycling Center Public Works Administration & Legal Services Aid to Public Library Parks & Recreation Electricty, Natural Gas, Petroleum Emergency Management Fire - 400,000 800,000 1,200,000 1,600,000 2,000,000 Having a volunteer fire department is a considerable savings to our taxpayers – Thank you, MLVFD! 11 2024 Capital Improvement Program $1M Capital Budget (Net of Grants) Police Department: $74,500 Public Works & Rec (cont.) • Base Station Radio Upgrade ($6k) • Garage Doors/Building Improvements ($85k) • Alco-Test ($20k) • Refinish Front of Building ($15k) • Police Car Upfitting, 2 cars ($40k) • 2 Ford F350 Vehicles ($50k) • Breaching Equipment ($8.5k) • ML2 Mason Dump Truck ($100k) • Quad Plow ($12k) • 2 Replacement Fire Hydrants ($15k) Fire Department: $64,000 • Water Utility Truck, Additional Funds ($20k) • Turnout Gear/PPE ($16k) • Sound System Upgrade ($5k) • Thermal Imaging Camera ($8k) • 20” Mow Jet Fan, Smoke Ejector ($4k) • Vehicle Exhaust System ($36k) Financing Costs: $23,500 Public Works & Rec: $1,156,000 Grants: $304,500 • Sidewalks ($55k) • NJ DOT Roadwork Grant: ($234.5k) • Paving/Roadwork ($679k) • NJ Local Recreation Grant for • Trolley Path Improvements ($120k) Trolley Path Improvements: ($70k) 12 Average Residential Municipal Taxes 2024 Annual Budget: $10,742,000 2024 Tax Rate: $0.45286 Average Residential Property Value: $963,400 Average Municipal Taxes (Annually): $4,363 Average Municipal Taxes (Monthly): $364 13  • Police Protection • Fire Protection • Emergency Medical Assistance • Recreation Programs • Beach Facilities • Lakes Management • Buildings and Grounds $364 per • • Garbage & Recycling Services Roads, Sidewalks, and Curbs • Water Infrastructure month • • Public Works Construction Official and Office provides: • • Zoning and Planning Borough Clerk • Borough Manager • Finance Administration • Health Services and Animal Control • Code Enforcement • Mountain Lakes Public Library • Current & Prior Year Capital Needs 14 Water Utility Budget Highlights • The 2024 Water Budget is balanced at $975,000 • The Water Budget will decrease by $11,500 (-1.2%) over 2023 15  Sewer Utility Budget Highlights • The Sewer Budget is balanced at $974,000 • The Sewer Budget will increase by $67,500 (7.4%) over 2023 • This YTY budget increase is primarily due to an increase in costs from the Parsippany Sewer Utility 16 In Summary • The 2024 Municipal Budget is balanced at $10,742,000 and reflects a 0.3% decrease year-to-year • The Amount to Be Raised by Taxation is decreasing by -1.0% • The Municipal Tax Rate is decreasing by 8.3% – a fourth straight year of municipal tax rate decreases • The average homeowner’s municipal tax bill is decreasing by 0.5% • The Municipal Budget addresses important Borough priorities and investments in our community – including public safety, recreation, increased lake maintenance, improved bulk trash collection, road and sidewalk improvements, and facility and infrastructure upgrades 17 Thank You 18  BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES COUNTY OF MORRIS, NJ RESOLUTION 80-24 “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH TO ACCEPT HIGHLANDS COUNCIL GRANT FOR THE HIRING OF A SPECIAL PLANNER TO COORDINATE THE PROCESS OF HIGHLANDS REGIONAL MASTER PLAN CONFORMANCE” WHEREAS, the Borough of Mountain Lakes desires to hire a special planner to coordinate the process of Highlands Regional Master Plan Conformance; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Mountain Lakes is desirous of accepting a grant from the Highlands Council in the amount of $15,000 for this purpose. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough Manager is hereby authorized to accept the $15,000 grant from the Highlands Council to hire a special planner to coordinate the process of Highlands Regional Master Plan Conformance.  CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Borough Council of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, at a meeting held on February 26, 2024. ____________________________ Cara Fox, Borough Clerk Name Motion Second Aye Nay Absent Abstain Cannon Korman Menard Muilenburg Richter Barnett Sheikh