14:45The most pressing topic discussed at the meeting was the fate of the century-old Donald School. The council revealed that the school, which has been a central educational institution in Bloomingdale, has recently experienced maintenance challenges, including fire alarms caused by a blower motor issue. This incident, which filled the gym with light smoke, necessitated a brief evacuation of students. The council member expressed concerns about the school’s condition, noting its age and the estimated $21 million cost to refurbish the building. This has led to discussions about whether to invest in a new school facility or to renovate the existing one.

The council emphasized the importance of public participation, encouraging residents to attend public hearings and voice their opinions. A council member stated, “if it’s not voted through, we’re back to square one,” underscoring the importance of the community’s input in shaping the future of the school.

0:07The referendum’s outcome will also impact zoning discussions, as the council outlined a detailed process for reviewing and potentially changing the zoning of the property. The mayor addressed concerns about the possibility of high-density developments, explaining that any zoning changes would adhere to legal requirements and avoid illegal spot zoning. Current zoning restricts the property’s use to public facilities, but there is potential for reclassification to fit within the borough’s business district or for senior housing, pending recommendations from the ordinance review committee.

14:45In addition to the school and zoning debates, the council tackled several ordinances and resolutions. An amendment to Chapter 5 concerning Animal Control was presented, based on recommendations from the Animal Control Officer. Another ordinance involved acquiring a small parcel of land on Union Avenue from MNT for police operations, particularly for speed control purposes. The council described the land as “smaller than this room,” yet necessary for operational efficiency.

Furthermore, the council considered a resident’s request to acquire part of Poer Court to expand their driveway. Support was expressed for the request, noting that the residents have maintained the property and would retain access to borough-owned land behind it.

The council also approved a resolution regarding True Green landscaping and fertilizing services, tasked with maintaining borough parks and schools, with an emphasis on controlling geese populations. Additionally, an ordinance amending Chapter 2 related to recreation fees for hiking groups and geocaching was introduced, with a final reading and adoption scheduled for February 18. This introduction marks the beginning of a process allowing for community feedback during the next meeting.

Community engagement was a recurring theme throughout the meeting, as the council invited public comment on various issues. They stressed the importance of open dialogue, with one member stating, “we’re all residents here, and we all should be able to ask questions and get answers.”

0:07Beyond these discussions, the council provided updates on community services and events. The first aid squad reported 168 calls in January and highlighted upcoming fundraisers, including one at Wendy’s and a craft fair at St. Anthony’s. The library announced a “Paint and Sip” fundraiser, offering creative community engagement opportunities.

Updates from the Board of Health included free eye and hearing screenings, children’s wellness clinics, and vaccinations for uninsured residents. There was also a reminder about tax payments due by February 10th. Additionally, the mayor announced the installation of new welcome signs around the borough, acknowledging the contributions from those involved in the project after two decades without updates.