Newton approves new HVAC for town hall, proposes e-bike regulations

NEWTON — The Town Council has approved a nearly $500,000 contract to replace the municipal building's heating and cooling system.

At the council's meeting on Monday, the $487,885 bid of Iron Mountain Mechanical, Inc., of Columbia, was accepted and the council also approved a $100,000 supplemental appropriation to complete funding the project, which includes a $95,000 bond issue.

The system, which is about 20 years old, failed at times this past summer in keeping a proper working temperature for employees, with temperatures reaching unsafe levels at times inside the municipal building, officials said. The building is two stories with an occupied basement and includes government offices, meeting rooms and the police department headquarters.

The council approved $80,000 in repairs to the system in June. It was unclear Tuesday if the $500,000 replacement would be in addition to or instead of those repairs. Town officials didn't discuss a timetable for replacing the system.

The ordinance establishing the bond issues, as well as two other measures introduced Monday regarding electric bicycles and scooters as well as flood plain regulations , will go to public hearings at the council's Oct. 16 meeting. That meeting will be held on a Wednesday because the normal Monday date is the state-recognized Columbus Day holiday.

The council must approve the proposals after those hearings for them to take effect.

Newton working on e-bike, scooter rules

After discussing the need for new e-bike and scooter rules last month, the council released the language of the proposal at Monday's meeting. The proposed ordinance regulating both low- and high-speed vehicles, including bicycles and scooters. It prohibits riding any e-bike or scooter on town sidewalks. It also requires helmets for riders of low- and high-speed vehicles who are under 17 and for all ages for those who use e-bikes and scooters.

Riders of e-vehicles are prohibited from using a cell phone or tablet or carrying any package which prevents them from from having both hands on the handlebars.

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Owners of e-vehicles may register their vehicle with the town police department. Operators can also use any municipal bicycle rack for parking their electric vehicles, but can't park them on any sidewalk or attach them to any object not normally used for bicycles.

The ordinance allows for a fine of up to $100 for any non-moving violations and allows a judge to fine or even imprison people for violations of the state regulation Title 39 dealing with electric vehicles.

New flood plain ordinance advances

The flooding ordinance adopts flood plain maps for the town and stipulates how properties within a designated flood zone can be used, with the goal of limiting flood damage. Officials said the new regulations are a state requirement. The ordinance, if approved, will also designate a Floodplain Administrator for Newton.

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This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Newton approves new HVAC for town hall, proposes e-bike regulations