The arrival of smart meters in Upper Saddle River and surrounding communities has caused considerable discussion, consternation and questions as residents have attempted to understand them, and the issues and concerns surrounding them.
So, it was interesting to see 4 representatives of Rockland Electric Company at the Mayor and Council meeting on Thursday, September 6, 2018. The representatives were there prepared to present and answer questions.
There were approximately 9 or 10 residents at the meeting.
The residents were not there to listen to a presentation.
They weren’t expecting one.
No one knew Rockland Electric Co. would be there.
During the course of the meeting it was apparent that the council was as lost about the issues regarding smart meters as the residents and used the time to question, and clarify.
Which is interesting.
In March members of the council, administration and police chief were invited to a presentation by Rockland Electric Co. on the meters. It was postponed due to weather, and was re-scheduled. But did any one attend? There did seem to be some vagueness on this.
Then late in August they met again with town officials and it was agreed they would come to address the council and residents at the next council meeting – approximately 10 days later.
Yet, the meeting was held and there was no notification about this visit or presentation.
No residents knew.
There was also considerable confusion on the day of the meeting regarding whether it was that day, or September 12, as the newsletter had the wrong date, and many people – council members included – had to clarify when the meeting exactly was.
Which raises the question – why weren’t the residents informed?
The meeting was quite productive for the residents in attendance as they did have questions and demanded answers and clarification on several things from the representatives.
But at the end of the meeting there were still many questions unanswered.
And unasked.
It is surprising that the leaders of the town aren’t on top of the issues that affect the town. Don’t they live in town too? And in this day of instant everything not one member of the administration thought that maybe, just maybe the residents would like to be told about the representatives visit? With one click it would have been done.
But it wasn’t.
I am unclear about these meters and would certainly like more information from Rockland Electric.
Agreed. We have included some posts and links here to help people and there will be more coming. The meeting with the Rockalnd employees was interesting but nothing really helpful. It was a quite well done marketing job. No health issues, or privacy were covered. Thanks for your comment and stopping by!