Animal welfare took center stage during the public comment segment, where a representative from a local organization highlighted the difficulties in managing stray and feral cats in the community. The speaker revealed that over 200 cats and kittens had been adopted since 2021, but there was a concerning rise in surrender calls from residents. These calls, described as “astronomical,” often involved threats for pick-ups or euthanasia, services that the organization does not provide. The volunteer expressed frustration, saying, “The calls for surrenders in this town are just astronomical,” and noted the reliance on donations to manage these challenges. They also lamented the irresponsible feeding practices of residents, which contributed to an increase in the cat population. The volunteer emphasized the need for more support from the council, especially from the animal control officer, to address the overflow of calls.

The council acknowledged the concerns and discussed potential solutions, though specific actions were not detailed. This segment of the meeting highlighted the community’s ongoing struggle with animal welfare and the need for more robust support and resources to address these issues effectively.

Another major topic of the meeting was the borough’s battery project, which had led to questions about financial transparency and planning. A resident expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of documentation and oversight, questioning the whereabouts of the project’s $600,000 profit. The resident criticized the council for not providing clear responses, stating, “If you don’t have the plans, I appreciate if you say we don’t have the plans.” Concerns were raised about potential mismanagement of funds, drawing attention to past financial issues within the municipality.

In response, a council member clarified that the project did not require a building permit, as the contractor’s processing equipment did not necessitate building plans. They assured that the borough had met all contractual obligations and promised to make project financials public. The council member explained that 75% of the savings from the project would benefit the borough, with only 25% retained by the developer. They committed to providing regular monthly updates to ensure transparency and maintain taxpayer confidence.

The meeting also covered other topics, such as infrastructure improvements, including sewer repairs and the hiring of a management company for the water treatment plant. The council approved a resolution for the sale of a spare fire truck and discussed the extension of the grace period for third-quarter taxes due to budget approval delays, pushing the deadline to August 25.

Further discussions involved the appointment of two alternate members to the cultural arts and heritage commission and the land use board. The council also approved the hiring of five new police officers, increasing the police department’s strength to align with the borough’s growth. Council members expressed gratitude for the dedication of the Department of Public Works and first responders, highlighting a recent incident where officers saved a one-year-old from choking.

Public safety concerns were also addressed, particularly regarding fire pits and the increased use of scooters and motorized equipment on sidewalks. A suggestion was made for the council to consider an ordinance to manage these issues, reflecting ongoing community concerns about safety.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session to discuss litigation, with the council voting to exclude the public from specific discussions. The council acknowledged the community’s concerns and emphasized their commitment to addressing issues related to safety, public works, and the overall well-being of the residents.