The mayor opened the meeting by addressing the state’s mandate requiring rental properties to undergo testing for lead, emphasizing the lack of local incidents of lead ingestion from water or paint. He acknowledged the borough’s financial investments in lead-related infrastructure improvements, stating, “we have paid millions for lead pipes, lead paint, galvanized pipes, and all kinds of things that the state has imposed upon us.” Despite the burdensome costs, the mayor expressed confidence in the community’s ability to meet these new requirements, assuring residents of the safety measures in place.

Traffic safety on Fairview Avenue emerged as a concern. Despite existing no left turn signage and enforcement attempts, council members noted ongoing violations. The conversation highlighted the challenges in policing these issues effectively, with suggestions for new strategies to enhance compliance. The council recognized the need for innovative solutions, including the possible use of plastic delineators, though previous attempts at similar measures had limited success. The debate touched on the severity of penalties for traffic violations, considering whether such violations should lead to points on licenses, with an acknowledgment that these issues affect the community’s quality of life.

Infrastructure projects were another focal point, with the borough engineer providing updates on various initiatives. The replacement of galvanized water service lines at local schools was nearing completion, while new gas line projects were scheduled for commencement. The council discussed potential coordination between water and gas line projects to minimize disruptions, though skepticism was expressed regarding the feasibility of such efforts. Additionally, the engineer reported progress on the Lafayette Streetscape and Wagro Fields improvements, with bleacher assembly set to begin and issues with the hockey rink curb being addressed.

The council also turned its attention to upcoming community events, emphasizing their importance in fostering local engagement. The Hispanic Heritage event scheduled for October 4th was highlighted, featuring cultural performances and family-friendly activities. The Green Fair, set for September 7th with a rain date of September 14th, was also discussed, with plans for a coordinating meeting among public works and other relevant departments.

A resident raised concerns during the public comment segment about traffic congestion at North Wong, driven by drivers ignoring left turn prohibitions. The same resident commented on the state of the streetscape along Lafayette, pointing out areas needing better maintenance and suggesting more trash bins to prevent littering.

The council meeting also addressed water-related issues, with the borough providing water through emergency interconnections to neighboring towns affected by a main break. Residents were urged to conserve water voluntarily to support these efforts. A resolution was introduced to authorize a shared service agreement with Ridgewood for water sales, aimed at generating steady revenue.

The borough’s new website launch was announced, with enhancements like a chatbot feature and a “report a concern” button for residents to submit issues directly to relevant departments. The update, praised for its accessibility and functionality improvements, was a collaborative effort across several departments.