The most notable topic was the Charter Study Commission, which received council approval for a $50,000 budget to explore potential changes in the borough’s government structure under the Faulkner Act. The commission, elected in November, has already convened to elect officers and outline its objectives. The initial allocation of $35,000 is earmarked for legal fees, with additional funds reserved for administrative expenses and unforeseen needs. In response to public inquiries, it was clarified that no resolution was required to hire a secretary for the commission, which will facilitate meeting management and minute-taking. The council unanimously supported this financial commitment, emphasizing the importance of budgeting these funds as a safeguard for year-end surplus determination.

Security at council meetings emerged as a issue during the public comments segment. A resident raised concerns about the vulnerability of the current setup, advocating for the deployment of an independent armed security guard. They highlighted the presence of an inactive metal detector and urged the council to prioritize safety measures, especially in light of recent events that have heightened awareness of potential threats in public spaces.

In addition to security concerns, the meeting addressed the borough’s financial administration. The mayor introduced interim hires for key financial roles, highlighting the absence of an operational Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as a critical challenge. Mr. Frederick was brought on board to assist with understanding past financial challenges, while Mr. Barrett assumed the role of interim CFO. The urgency in these appointments was underscored by the need for budgetary oversight and administrative transitions. Council members expressed appreciation for the qualifications of the interim hires and acknowledged the scarcity of candidates for permanent CFO positions.

The meeting also featured the introduction of several ordinances, each receiving unanimous approval. Ordinance 20251 proposed a revised schedule for council meetings. Ordinance 20252 adjusted timelines for internal deadlines due to a shift in meeting days from Wednesday to Tuesday. Ordinance 20253 sought to amend personnel policies to ensure temporary employees receive the same benefits as full-time employees, excluding vacation time. Additionally, Ordinance 2025 D4 aimed to clean up a provision regarding the municipal attorney’s eligibility for a retirement plan, as the attorney had not enrolled despite years of service.

Public comments reflected residents’ concerns about budget transparency and potential financial burdens. A resident emphasized the need for clear communication about costs that could impact the borough’s budget, noting the importance of informing the public about any expenses that might lead to increased taxes. They urged the council to provide updates through newsletters and the borough website, covering both positive initiatives and challenges driving costs. Another resident questioned the effectiveness of current security measures at council meetings.

Additional public comments included expressions of gratitude to the police department for addressing electrical issues at a resident’s home and inquiries about ongoing power problems affecting the community. A resident involved with the local PTA shared a creative fundraising initiative to purchase a school bus, proposing an event where the principal would be duct-taped to a wall. Concerns about the charter study commission were also raised, with a resident promising transparency regarding the allocated budget’s expenditures.

The council further discussed several resolutions, including authorizations for professional engineering services for Main Street improvements and the advertisement of a request for proposals for a charter study commission attorney. The resolutions were aimed at addressing budget approvals and service contracts, ensuring public involvement in community projects, and enhancing communication within the borough.

The meeting concluded with reports from various council members, including updates on the Environmental Commission’s search for a new member, the Arts Council’s activities, and the Shade Tree Commission’s upcoming meeting. A tourism report highlighted the rapid sale of tickets for the first annual jazz festival, and upcoming events such as a blood drive were also mentioned. The mayor provided updates on aligning the borough with fair share housing obligations and adjusting local ordinance fee structures to generate revenue for operational costs.