A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of a $975,000 bond ordinance for emergency sewer work on Ocean Park Avenue. The council emphasized the urgency of these repairs due to recent collapses and backups that posed significant challenges to both residents and the borough’s infrastructure. The Department of Public Works (DPW) was praised for their swift response, working through the night to manage the situation. The repairs required extensive efforts, including the replacement of a destroyed sewer chimney. An emergency expenditure of $15,000 was authorized to address immediate needs. The council also moved to invite bids for the Ocean Park Avenue sewer replacement project, emphasizing transparency and timely execution of the work.

In conjunction with the sewer improvements, the council introduced bond ordinance 2025-26, proposing a $2 million bond to support the sanitary sewer system’s design and planning. This initiative is part of a broader effort to overhaul the borough’s aging sewer infrastructure. The borough had qualified for a grant from New Jersey D, which would provide technical assistance funding, contingent on the bond’s approval. The council discussed the need to complete the design for remaining areas, prioritizing those previously overlooked.

The meeting also included the introduction of several ordinances aimed at improving community aesthetics and safety. Ordinance 2025-27 seeks to prohibit front yard fences, with the council believing that this change would enhance the borough’s visual appeal. Existing fences would be grandfathered in. Another ordinance, 2025-28, was proposed to establish a timeline for placing bulk pickup items on the curb, addressing concerns raised by the code enforcement officer. Residents would be required to adhere to specific hours for bulk item placement, improving the borough’s cleanliness and orderliness.

Public safety and accessibility were also addressed through the adoption of ordinance 2025-22, which establishes two-hour public parking in the municipal building’s parking area, reserving certain spaces for employees. This change aims to improve accessibility for residents and visitors, aligning with broader efforts to enhance community infrastructure and services.

The council also tackled shared service agreements and procurement processes between municipalities, focusing on cost allocation and accountability. The council emphasized the importance of managing expenses through the lead municipality.

In addition to infrastructure and service agreements, the council addressed community feedback on recent initiatives. The new parking system received positive responses, though some users faced issues with incorrect license plate entries, leading to ticketing errors. The council highlighted the importance of ensuring clear pedestrian pathways, especially with outdoor cafe licenses on the consent agenda. Business owners were urged to comply with ADA regulations to maintain accessible sidewalks.

Several resolutions were adopted during the meeting, including one for sanitary sewer improvements on Fifth Avenue, which had previously been tabled. The appointment of Bryant Curry as a part-time construction official was also approved, despite initial reservations about his qualifications. The need to fill this position promptly was deemed necessary to avoid operational delays.

The council celebrated a cost-saving shared service agreement with the local elementary school, where the borough’s DPW would handle lawn maintenance. This arrangement is expected to save the school $2,000 and generate equivalent revenue for the borough, reducing taxpayer costs.

Public comments included a request from Susan Titus, representing Food and Water Watch, urging the council to support the Super Fund Act. This legislation seeks to hold polluters accountable for financing environmental damage, with potential benefits for the borough in addressing climate change impacts. The council expressed openness to consider this request for their next agenda.