The restoration of the senior citizen disability relief program emerged as a point of interest during the meeting. The council deliberated on the proposed budget allocations, which included a recommendation by the town manager to allocate approximately $860,000 for different projects, such as police overtime, lighting upgrades, park improvements, and the senior citizen disability relief program. The council members underscored the importance of this program and examined various funding sources to ensure its reinstatement without compromising other essential services.

In relation to infrastructure enhancements, the potential use of FPL franchise fee overage for lighting upgrades at Cowpen Road was discussed. The council considered the reallocation of funds from other areas, such as tree trimming or sidewalk repair, to support this project. The discussion extended to the use of park impact fees for the Mini Park Capital program, highlighting that these fees have specific allocation purposes, which may affect their applicability to the proposed project. The importance of prioritizing infrastructure, such as sidewalk repair and police overtime, was emphasized by the council members.

Furthermore, the council examined the K9 Cove improvements, with attention drawn to the maintenance practices, including sodding, that would enhance the park’s condition. The maintenance of soccer fields was also a topic of concern, especially regarding the safety and playability of the fields for hosting professional teams.

Another issue was the management and funding of the litter crew. The council debated whether to fund the litter crew to enhance services or to maintain the status quo, with another entity bearing financial responsibility. The cost and frequency of the litter crew’s services were scrutinized, particularly for areas such as the 67th Avenue underpass, where litter accumulation is prominent. The potential for reallocating funding from other projects to support the litter crew was also discussed, with some council members showing a readiness to sacrifice certain projects in favor of the litter crew and senior programs.

The town attorney’s request for a budget allocation for potential legal fees related to ongoing negotiations was also presented, alongside the need for a financial reserve for such matters. An executive session was requested to brief a new council member on these ongoing legal matters, with an emphasis on avoiding unnecessary meetings and carefully reviewing the proposed expenditures.

In the midst of these discussions, there was consideration of reopening public comments. However, the meeting was ultimately adjourned without a decision on this matter.