The ongoing challenge of poor cell service in Hillsdale took center stage as council members and residents expressed concerns over the lack of reliable communication, particularly for emergency responders. The council discussed past rejections of contracts for new cell towers and explored alternatives, including land swaps and potential tower locations. However, many options were deemed unviable due to regulatory restrictions or unsuitable conditions.

A council member highlighted the recent examination of potential sites for tower installations, noting that properties like the Hillsdale House and certain church properties were unsuitable due to land constraints and regulatory limitations. The proposal of installing a macro tower was revisited, with Verizon’s communication suggesting that the town’s topography necessitated such a solution. However, the council acknowledged the complexities involved in erecting a macro tower, including public reception and feasibility concerns.

The council also addressed the introduction of booster systems by AT&T within the high school to improve coverage, though this proposal was met with skepticism regarding its limited benefit to those outside the immediate area. The council expressed a desire to engage with companies like Aryium Networks, which are looking to expand small cell tower infrastructure, as a potential avenue for improvement. This approach could offer a more comprehensive solution by identifying coverage gaps and marketing them to carriers.

Discussions highlighted a fundamental disagreement on the approach to attract carrier interest and enhance service quality, with some members feeling that the current framework was inadequate. A call was made for a meeting with Munisite and various carriers to address these concerns directly, leveraging existing contracts to facilitate discussions and explore viable solutions.

Public safety concerns were further amplified during the public comment section, where a former ambulance worker recounted incidents where poor cell service hindered communication with hospitals during emergencies. This testimony reinforced the need for a resolution, emphasizing the potential risks posed by the current state of connectivity in the borough.

In addition to cell service issues, the meeting covered several other topics of community interest. The council recognized National Public Works Week and celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Hillsdale United Methodist Church. The mayor commended the church for its longstanding contributions to the community, including hosting Boy Scout troops and serving as a cooling center during emergencies.

The council also discussed environmental initiatives, such as a proposed community greenhouse and efforts to plant butterfly-attracting flora to support the struggling monarch butterfly population. These initiatives aim to enhance the borough’s ecological and aesthetic value, though logistical and cost considerations remain.

Further updates were provided on committee activities, including a police committee report on an officer on loan program that has proven beneficial for community policing efforts. The council discussed a development project involving residential apartments, highlighting its potential impact on affordable housing quotas and community beautification.

Memorial Day events were another focal point, with plans outlined for a series of ceremonies and a parade to honor those who have served. The council encouraged community participation, emphasizing the importance of these events in recognizing military service and sacrifice.