37:01The most pressing topic, brought to the council’s attention by a local resident, Steve Gregas, revolved around the potential sale of the borough’s firehouses. Gregas, speaking on behalf of community interests, emphasized the importance of retaining the Cottage Avenue firehouse. He expressed concern about the possible sale of the South Main Street Firehouse, warning that it could lead to unwanted residential development. Gregas highlighted the community’s preference for business-oriented utilization of the property. He pointed to past community engagement efforts when a sports bar was proposed but failed due to competition issues. Gregas called for public input in decision-making and advocated for the establishment of a recreational center in the town. His comments underscored a broader community sentiment aimed at preserving local assets and preventing overdevelopment.

0:28The council also focused on Ordinance 25-1558, which proposes amendments to Chapter 22 concerning electrical service. During the discussion, a council member expressed concerns about the potential impact of demand charges on small businesses, particularly those on Main Street already facing economic challenges. The council member referenced an article highlighting rising electricity costs in New Jersey and stressed the need for policies that balance energy demands with the economic health of local businesses. While the ordinance might benefit nonprofits, the council member cautioned that small shops could be disproportionately affected, contributing to a trend of businesses leaving the area.

21:20In addition to these issues, the council reviewed the borough’s ongoing infrastructure projects and financial management. The water department reported on the replacement of fire hydrants and the success of the water meter replacement program, urging residents to participate through online registration. The transition to electronic billing was highlighted as a cost-saving measure aimed at enhancing the town’s financial health. The borough engineer further reported on progress with the water meter project, noting that nearly 400 meters had been replaced.

The meeting also included updates on public safety, with the police chief reporting on February’s activities, including 1,134 service calls and 13 arrests. The need for an updated dispatching system was emphasized, and residents were encouraged to communicate directly with the police for non-emergencies to prevent misinformation. The fire department reported a busy month, with 16 incidents and significant training efforts, including fire school and Swift water rescue training. The department, along with the rescue squad, continues to seek new recruits.

37:01In the realm of community events, Russ Binder, another resident, shared the success of recent community gatherings and previewed plans for the upcoming Fourth of July celebration. Binder teased the announcement of a Grand Marshall for the event and introduced a raffle initiative aimed at raising funds for the town. He encouraged residents to participate in these community efforts, emphasizing their role in fostering local engagement.

Additional council discussions focused on financial transparency, with a clarification of the borough’s debt situation. The council addressed concerns about the water department’s $6 million debt as part of a larger $29 million obligation, assuring residents that these were part of long-term capital projects expected to decrease over time.