The council discussed compliance and operational procedures for the new McDonald’s property, which is projected to attract 700 to 800 cars daily. Concerns were raised about how the establishment could secure a Certificate of Occupancy before becoming operational. A temporary Certificate of Occupancy allows for safe occupancy, but not for business operations. Noise and traffic tests must be conducted to ensure adherence to sound regulations. There was also a focus on the enforcement of regulations for businesses like McDonald’s, including the potential for significant fines if violations occur. A consistent enforcement approach was emphasized to ensure equity among businesses of all sizes.

Public interest was piqued when a resident, Joe Amaro, proposed transforming the Traffic Committee from an advisory role to a regular committee with formal meetings and public participation. Amaro also suggested adopting a Complete Streets policy to enhance safety for all traffic types, including vehicles and pedestrians. The council was open to exploring this policy.

The council also made strides toward modernizing municipal operations by discussing the digitization of records. A representative provided an estimate for scanning all municipal documents and plans. The council considered combining efforts with the police and fire departments to streamline the process, with a focus on retaining ownership of the data to ensure future flexibility. The digitization initiative aims to reduce the physical paperwork burden, particularly for the fire department. The head of fire prevention shared performance statistics, noting an increase in inspections and revenue after shifting to a full-time role.

In leadership news, Michael Ivy was appointed to the council, with his term expiring on December 31, 2025. The mayor also made appointments to the planning board, including Marian Ster and Andrew Wolf. Additionally, within the council, Mike Garvagle was elected as the new chairperson, while John Bezal was appointed as vice chairperson. These changes are expected to influence the council’s direction and priorities moving forward.

The meeting also addressed the borough’s affordable housing obligations. The council is required to submit an acceptable number of affordable housing units by January 31, 2025, based on state formulas. The council’s planner is working to provide a more accurate number by assessing actual land availability rather than relying on aerial maps. A resolution was proposed to reduce the state-mandated number of affordable housing units from 137 to 106.

Further topics included the council’s consideration of applying for the AARP Challenge Grant to improve lighting along pathways to the train station, addressing residents’ safety concerns during darker months. The council also acknowledged the need for a qualified purchasing agent, discussing the possibility of hiring part-time or sharing services with neighboring towns.

The farmers’ market’s management was highlighted, with suggestions to form an advisory board to distribute responsibilities and potentially hire someone to manage the market. The council recognized the challenges faced by volunteers and explored solutions to ensure the market’s continued success.

Public safety was emphasized through reports on recent incidents. The council also commended public works for their efforts during recent storms, highlighting community maintenance and ongoing services like garbage collection and Christmas tree pickup.