A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to a debate over the proposed ordinance designed to regulate short-term rentals within the borough. Council members expressed doubts about the enforceability of the ordinance, which aims to limit the duration of stays and ensure that residents match their guests’ identities. The ambiguity around the role of the zoning officer in enforcing these new regulations was a focal point, with council members questioning the practicality of the current framework. One council member articulated the concern succinctly, pointing out the ordinance’s lack of specific guidelines for identifying potential violations, which would create enforcement challenges. The part-time status of the zoning officer was highlighted as a significant hurdle, with the phrase, “we have a part-time zoning officer… if we enact something and it’s his day off,” underscoring the inconsistency this might create in enforcement efforts.

The conversation also explored the potential for involving multiple agencies, such as the fire marshal and building code officials, in enforcement. However, skepticism remained, as past instances were cited where officials were unable to take action despite being called to the scene. The shared sentiment was that without clearer guidelines and sufficient resources, the ordinance might not achieve its intended purpose. The council also considered the feasibility of shared services with neighboring municipalities as a possible solution to enforcement limitations, acknowledging the constraints of being a small town.

In a related discussion, historical context was provided regarding past regulatory attempts, which had devolved into “a legal mess,” prompting a cautious approach to ensure new regulations do not repeat these past challenges.

The council also addressed public safety concerns, notably the rise in e-bike usage and the associated hazards. Recent incidents in the state had raised awareness about the need for proactive measures. Discussions included a proposed ordinance to ensure e-bike safety and compliance with traffic laws. The police chief emphasized the importance of parental involvement in discussing safety with children, particularly given the high speeds at which these bikes can travel.

Traffic and accessibility improvements were another focal point, with updates on ongoing projects aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility in the borough. Council members reiterated the importance of addressing the needs of residents with disabilities.

Additional agenda items included procedural matters such as the approval of minutes, resolutions related to municipal operations, and updates on the hiring process for new police officers, with a target date for final selections set for November 1st. The council’s efforts to maintain adequate police staffing levels were part of broader public safety initiatives.

Verizon’s service issues near Community Park were discussed, with council members expressing frustration over poor cell service impacting residents and emergency personnel. A contact at Verizon was mentioned as providing non-definitive responses, prompting continued follow-ups to address the worsening situation. This issue, coupled with public comments about the lack of enforcement of construction and housing regulations, highlighted ongoing infrastructure and service challenges in the borough.

Public comments revealed significant resident frustration regarding enforcement of existing regulations, particularly concerning construction demolition rules and rooming house ordinances. Residents expressed concerns about the accountability of property owners and the need for improvements in local infrastructure and services. The absence of continuous enforcement at construction sites and the perceived lack of response from the council to longstanding safety and housing issues were notable points of contention.