Central to the meeting was the debate over the condition and safety of the t-ball fields, which are located in a flood-prone area. Joe Kleinot, associated with the Little League board, highlighted that these fields are at risk from foul balls and home runs due to their proximity to adjacent fields and frequent flooding. He emphasized the importance of relocating the fields to a safer location, citing the heavy usage by about 150 of the 400 children in the league weekly. Kleinot outlined the financial aspects of the project, noting that $580,000, comprised of grant money and open space funds, must be utilized by April to avoid wasting $100,000 already spent on engineering and permits. He expressed concerns over the inflated project cost estimates of $947,000 but believed they could be adjusted.

Brendon Mar also voiced worries about safety, emphasizing that the t-ball fields are particularly vulnerable to flooding. He argued that the fields need modernization to match the facilities of neighboring towns, which have superior amenities. Donald Oery, a parent and coach, pointed out the disheartening experience of competing against towns with better facilities and highlighted the need to focus on future improvements for the children.

The meeting also addressed the financial challenges of the proposed project. The borough engineer provided an overview of the project, which includes relocating the t-ball fields and constructing a new little league field. The project has faced issues such as permitting and cost estimates, with aspects like vegetation restoration adding to the costs. The engineer suggested possible cost-saving measures, such as reducing fencing or eliminating a planned walking path, which could save approximately $80,000. Concerns about parking logistics were also discussed, given the expected increase in vehicle traffic. Though existing parking arrangements were considered during design, specifics about a dedicated parking study were unclear.

The council debated the total investment required, with the base project cost estimated at around $731,000. After accounting for grants and funding adjustments, the borough’s financial burden was estimated at approximately $121,000. The discussion revealed a desire to phase the project and explore additional grant opportunities after the initial phase. The potential impact of future flooding on the project was a concern, with a focus on ensuring the project would not lead to further financial burdens.

Safety was another key theme, with discussions about the importance of fencing to protect children and parents during games. The need for safe crossings for children to access snack stands was emphasized, with proposals to close certain crossings to reduce risks. The meeting also touched on the necessity of tree replacements as part of the project, with some skepticism about the effectiveness of planting smaller trees in the flood-prone area.

As the meeting progressed, council members expressed frustration over unreflected cost-cutting measures in the presented plan, noting that approximately $25,000 had been trimmed from the initial cost estimate. Concerns about the condition of existing facilities, including bathrooms and septic systems, were raised, highlighting the need to address these alongside field improvements.

Debate ensued regarding the inclusion of a playground and walking path in the project. While some members saw the playground as beneficial for child safety and enjoyment, others suggested removing it from the current budget to avoid overextending funds. The council reached a consensus to remove both the playground and walking path from the current plan, with the possibility of revisiting them if budgetary conditions permit in the future. Public comments largely supported the project, with an emphasis on addressing immediate safety improvements over less urgent additions like the playground.