The council’s deliberation on traffic congestion and safety concerns along South Madison Avenue was a focal point of the meeting. The proposal to implement alternate side street parking during school hours between Lehi Avenue and Center Street arose from community concerns regarding traffic congestion and safety hazards. The road, heavily trafficked during school drop-off and pick-up times, becomes narrowed when vehicles park on both sides, posing risks to motorists and pedestrians in the absence of sidewalks.

The council discussed the possibility of introducing a pilot program, although this would require an ordinance to enforce the changes. One council member underscored the importance of community input. Another member expressed concerns about the inconvenience the changes might pose to residents living between Lehi and Walnut, who could experience increased parking in front of their homes. The discussion touched upon the long-term solution of installing a sidewalk system to provide a safer path for pedestrians, though the associated costs were acknowledged as potentially prohibitive.

The idea of conducting a traffic study was also introduced, with an emphasis on a comprehensive assessment of pedestrian traffic and road conditions. The council anticipated that a grant under the Safe Routes for All program could support a borough-wide analysis of pedestrian access and infrastructure improvements. However, they recognized that implementing changes could take time, possibly a year or two.

Throughout the discussion, council members expressed concern about current traffic issues and the safety of schoolchildren. There was a consensus on the need for collaboration with the school, including exploring staggered start and end times to reduce congestion. Enforcement was noted as a key component, with suggestions for police and parking authority involvement during peak traffic periods.

In response to the pressing nature of these issues, a consensus emerged on obtaining an estimate for the sidewalk construction to better understand the financial implications and explore potential funding options. Despite previous discussions and grant applications, the council acknowledged the ongoing challenges of traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.

In a separate, significant agenda item, the council addressed the vacancy caused by the passing of Council Member Harold Vandermark. Resolution 358 was introduced, listing three candidates proposed by the Republican Municipal Committee to fill the vacant seat: David Denapoli, Sherry Muha, and Elizabeth Vandermark. Following nominations and a roll call vote, Elizabeth Vandermark was unanimously approved to fill the vacancy until December 31, 2026. The council extended congratulations to Vandermark, who will be sworn in as a new council member.

The meeting also included consideration of a best practices inventory presented by the municipal clerk. The inventory, distributed by the Department of Community Affairs, evaluates municipal government practices across New Jersey with 70 questions, of which 50 are scored. The topics included budgeting, capital projects, emergency services, ethics, and more. The municipality achieved a score of 40, surpassing the minimum requirement of 32, thereby qualifying for full funding.

Another noteworthy discussion revolved around a series of resolutions, including Resolution 360, which authorized a memorandum of understanding for the use of specialized equipment from Middlesex County. The equipment, which is not currently available to the borough, was described as essential for upcoming projects in the 2026 calendar year. This resolution, along with others addressing municipal aid and infrastructure projects, received unanimous approval from the council.

Council reports provided updates on various community activities and municipal operations. The approval of fire inspections for the borough’s fieldhouse and senior center was highlighted, alongside ongoing maintenance activities such as plumbing repairs in the library. The council also acknowledged volunteers who contributed to recent community events and the efforts of the Department of Public Works in maintaining parks and properties.

Mayor Cilento provided updates on several infrastructure projects, including the Jackson Avenue mill and pave project, which faced weather-related delays but was rescheduled for completion. He detailed the scope of work for the Second Street Phase 2 project and the Morcraft Park playground installation, funded by community donations.