The council’s discussion on the delayed tree planting project on Lafayette Avenue revealed significant frustration among members regarding the timeline and management by Boswell Engineering, the contractor responsible for the streetscape project. Concerns were raised about the health of the trees, which reportedly died due to neglect during the summer heat. The council demanded accountability, seeking clarity on the contractor’s responsibilities. It was confirmed that Boswell Engineering would replace the dead trees at their own expense and maintain them under a two-year maintenance bond. Additionally, there was discussion on the potential abundance of shade trees, with property owners expressing concerns about multiple trees on their properties and questioning whether they could refuse the new plantings.

In a related infrastructure issue, a council member raised concerns about the lack of progress on the paving project for North 13th Street. While the contractor was reportedly working elsewhere in the borough, assurances were provided that North 13th Street would be paved as planned, a confirmation the council member sought to ensure the project’s completion.

Parking concerns also took center stage, particularly at the baseball and softball fields, where the overflow lot at Wagfield had become crowded due to overnight parking by employees from B&B and PSEG. The council debated whether these companies had permission to use the parking space, with one member expressing dissatisfaction over the arrangement, emphasizing that work vehicles could impede parking availability for parents attending sports events.

The meeting also addressed public safety concerns, with the Mayor announcing an investigation into local businesses selling illegal items. This investigation led to the relocation of one such business out of town. The Mayor underscored the commitment to public safety, urging local businesses to comply with regulations. In the same vein, the Mayor addressed the illegality of basement or attic apartments, citing an uptick in complaints and emphasizing enforcement efforts by inspectors.

Significant concern was voiced over the discontinuation of passport services previously offered by the county at the borough, effective October 1st. Council members expressed disappointment, highlighting the service’s value to residents. The Mayor promised to investigate the reasons behind the service’s discontinuation and provide an update to the council.

Resident grievances also dominated the meeting, with one resident expressing frustration over a neighboring property with “14 people living in one house” and excessive street parking. The resident described discomfort and concern over the situation, demanding relief and referencing previous documentation provided to the Mayor. The Mayor attempted to clarify that the issues related to permits and construction were established before his election. However, the resident appeared frustrated by this suggestion, reiterating that the matter had already been brought to the council’s attention.

This dialogue escalated when the resident questioned the Mayor about a previous conversation where it was claimed that the neighbor had followed all procedures. The resident highlighted negative impacts on his property, particularly concerning water drainage and runoff. The discussion turned technical as the resident referenced specific zoning ordinances and construction codes, arguing non-compliance by the neighbor. Despite the heated exchange, the Mayor encouraged the resident to explore other avenues for resolution.

Throughout these discussions, the council also focused on municipal affairs, with updates on various public works projects, including a water main replacement on Gal Road and improvements to the Hawthorne hockey rink. Additionally, there was mention of a new shared service for bulk fuel by the county, with the Mayor agreeing to explore its potential benefits.