The plan for park upgrades took center stage, with the council discussing completed projects such as a new playground, pickle ball court, and dog park, along with future improvements to soccer fields, irrigation systems, bleachers, concrete pads, landscaping, and drainage systems. The council expressed satisfaction with the progress and discussed funding sources, including a non-matching grant from the Community Development Block Grant and the Transportation Trust Fund. The next phase of the park project was estimated to cost $200,000, with possibilities of additional funding through grants and budget allocations. The council discussed the grant application process, stressing the need for budget approval prior to grant applications and the diversity of grant sources.

During public comments, a resident inquired about the overall budget for the park project. The council provided information about potential grant amounts and the financial team’s role in grant applications. Additionally, a public inquiry on the timeline for the completion of the soccer park was addressed, clarifying the steps involved, including funding, design, and construction.

The council also devoted time to honor Pastor Randy Smith via a proclamation acknowledging his dedication as an educator, coach, and pastor. Pastor Smith expressed gratitude for the community’s support and reminisced about his time in Lake Como. The proclamation highlighted Pastor Smith’s departure to Michigan and recognized his family’s involvement in community events.

The meeting proceeded with the council addressing the renewal of the storm water discharge Master permit and the adoption of an ordinance concerning privately owned salt storage. The borough engineer recommended the permit’s renewal, prompting a discussion by the council. Further resolutions included imposing a municipal lien on a property for ordinance violations with costs of $1,188 incurred by the Department of Public Works, and establishing a petty cash account for the administration department, designating Samantha Waters as the custodian.

Other agenda items included the approval of a special event application for a 5K charity event and the introduction of two ordinances for further consideration, one amending the property maintenance code and the other regulating salt storage on private properties.

Public comments featured a local high school freshman and Eagle Scout, who proposed the installation of an Eagle Scout plaque in the borough hall and offered to contribute funds for it. The council responded positively to the suggestion. A resident also raised concerns about noise from a beachfront business, which had been previously discussed with the mayor. The council assured the resident that the issue would be considered in the business’s upcoming liquor license renewal. Moreover, the HOA president voiced concerns about the condition of the sidewalk and frontage of properties owned by the association, to which the council promised to provide further information.

The council’s decision to enter into an executive session to discuss matters of shared services and pending litigation was noted, with an estimated session length of 30 minutes. Additionally, a reminder was issued about an upcoming special anniversary meeting on June 3rd.