The meeting commenced with a presentation by a representative from the Human Fire Company, highlighting the department’s reliance on volunteers and the extensive range of services they provide, from fire response to first aid and water rescues. This volunteer-based organization responds to approximately 180 calls annually and is integral to the safety and well-being of the community. The representative emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We’re always looking for new volunteers,” and assured potential recruits of receiving necessary training and equipment at no cost. The fire company also detailed its partnership with the police department.

A significant portion of the presentation was dedicated to the fire company’s fundraising efforts, particularly the annual fireman fair, an event for maintaining the firehouse and purchasing equipment not covered by the borough’s budget. During the presentation, the speaker underscored the need for a new truck, with ongoing discussions with the borough to finalize specifications. This highlights the financial realities and challenges faced by the fire company in sustaining its operations.

Following the fire department’s presentation, a issue was raised regarding unleashed dogs in Fair Haven Fields. A resident, Joanne Stein, shared a personal incident where her dog was approached by loose dogs, resulting in anxiety and threats from other dog owners. She expressed concerns over the non-compliance of dog owners with the existing ordinance requiring dogs to be leashed. The council acknowledged the issue and reiterated the importance of adherence to leash laws, encouraging residents to report incidents to the police. The presence of surveillance cameras in the fields was noted as a potential tool for addressing such incidents.

The broader issue of dog control in the community was discussed, with the police chief acknowledging frequent calls related to animal control and the need for possible proactive measures. The idea of establishing a designated dog park was proposed as a solution to mitigate conflicts between dog owners and those who prefer leashed pets.

Community safety concerns extended to discussions on children riding bicycles, with reports of reckless biking behavior and calls for parents to ensure children adhere to safety rules. The police have been monitoring the situation, issuing warnings to cyclists for unsafe behavior. The council highlighted this as a community-wide issue, particularly regarding traffic safety and the risks posed by distracted drivers.

The meeting also addressed the transition to a digital-only communication model for the borough’s newsletter. Concerns were raised about the accessibility of information for residents who lack internet access or prefer paper copies. A resident suggested reevaluating the opt-out list for paper communications to gain insights into residents’ preferences. While financial and environmental considerations underpin the move to digital, printed copies remain available at borough hall for those who request them. The council stressed the importance of ensuring all community members are informed about borough activities, regardless of their access to technology.

In addition to these discussions, the council introduced and unanimously approved new ordinances, including a general capital ordinance and adjustments to sections on violations and penalties. A consent agenda was presented, with one resolution separated for further discussion regarding additional funding for a project nearing completion. The council expressed gratitude for the project’s progress and collaborated to ensure necessary funding for its completion.

Lastly, announcements were made about upcoming community events, including National Night Out scheduled for August 5th, and updates on the community center. The meeting concluded with a brief mention of a fully booked rental for a dunk tank, sparking some disappointment among council members.