Newton moves forward to buy new firetruck, allow alcohol at sidewalk cafes

NEWTON — The Town Council introduced ordinances Monday which will allow bonding for the purchase of a new firetruck and alter town codes to allow restaurants with sidewalk cafes to serve alcohol to diners.

Earlier this year, the council ordered a new fire truck from Ferrara Fire Apparatus in Louisiana. The new engine, which will replace Engine 802, and carries a price tag of $945,000. The town got $145,000 in trade-in value from the current truck and will use some money from the 2022 capital budget. The remaining $474,909 comes from bonds to be sold as part of the ordinance introduced at the meeting.

A public hearing and possible final vote will come at the council's Aug. 15 meeting.

Also at the next meeting, the only one in August, the council will hold a public hearing on changing zoning to allow restaurants with an outside eating area and a valid liquor license, to serve alcohol to diners seated in the sidewalk café. The updated ordinance would also allow patrons to bring their own alcohol to a sidewalk table if otherwise allowed by the restaurant's license.

The council approved application for a $73,619 grant from the state Department of Community Affairs to purchase turnout gear for the fire department "to ensure all members are appropriately outfitted and protected."

In New Jersey, such gear, which includes coats, pants, boots, helmets and other protective gear, must be replaced by the warranty date for the individual equipment, no matter its condition. The town will pay the remaining $8,179, or 10 percent, of the budgeted amount.

The council also decided to ask the Newton Board of Education whether it wants council input or support for a "parents bill of rights," a resolution which is making the rounds of governing bodies in parts of the state and take exception to some state standards for sex and other education requirements.

Councilman John-Paul Couce, the council's liaison to the school board and attends their meetings, said there has been no mention at those meetings of any desire to approve a board resolution or ask for support. He also noted that the board has already approved the curriculum for the coming school year with no changes.

He said he would inquire of the school board what, if any, statement from the council would be appropriate.

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Newton ordinances allow for firetruck purchase, sidewalk alcohol sales