The renovation project is poised to transform B Park, located near the pond, into a modern recreational space that will serve the borough’s children and residents. The planned upgrades are part of a broader vision to improve local amenities while balancing fiscal responsibility, a point emphasized during the meeting. The council’s ongoing long-term paving initiative, which began in 2012, continues to progress with upcoming projects slated for Kon Street and Bell Street in 2025. These projects will include additional curbing and drainage enhancements, furthering the borough’s infrastructure development plans.

Another topic addressed was flood mitigation efforts in the Flats area along Belly Brook, a longstanding issue for residents. The borough’s collaboration with the county facilitated cleaning and dredging of county-owned crossings, resulting in noticeable improvements following recent storms. Although complete resolution of flooding is not feasible due to geographical constraints, the efforts have been praised for providing some relief to affected residents, particularly at the intersection of Chestnut and Vanam.

The meeting also featured the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected council members, which marked a notable moment for the borough’s leadership. Evie, one of the new council members, was sworn in by Senator Panacho, after which she expressed her gratitude for the support received during her campaign. She highlighted the importance of community involvement and the role of local businesses, emphasizing her commitment to supporting these areas. Her personal connection with the senator, both hailing from Brooklyn, New York, added a personal touch to the proceedings.

John Graziano was another new council member sworn in, taking his oath with a promise to dedicate himself to public service. He acknowledged the influence of his family in instilling the values of community service and expressed his gratitude to the residents for their trust. The ceremony underscored the importance of community leadership and engagement, themes that resonated throughout the meeting.

Emphasizing community involvement, the council discussed the need for residents to engage in various activities, particularly in the wake of pandemic-related isolation. The speaker encouraged residents to share their skills with local institutions like the library and recreation center, promoting post-pandemic recovery and community cohesion. The council also highlighted the exemplary work of the Department of Public Works and Police Department, urging residents to direct any feedback to the relevant offices instead of resorting to social media.

The meeting transitioned into regular business, with Mayor D’Amato expressing appreciation for the community’s participation in the first meeting of the year. He drew attention to heating issues during the colder months, offering assistance to residents in need. The council addressed several resolutions related to appointments and municipal business, including the confirmation of a council president and the establishment of a minimum wage for shelter staff. Additionally, a shared service agreement with Butler for water and sewer billing saw a 2% increase, reflecting ongoing administrative negotiations.

Community updates included the announcement of upcoming events, such as a free event scheduled for January 11 and the grand opening of L&B Clothing in Riverside Square. The mayor provided a positive outlook on local business activity, noting the opening of nine new stores. There was hopeful news regarding Food Town, with a possible reopening by the end of the month.