The Charter Study Commission’s budget was a point of discussion. The commission, elected to evaluate governance structures under the Faulkner Act, requested funding to facilitate their operations. The council approved a resolution authorizing an expenditure of up to $35,000, with a total appropriation of $50,000, allowing for flexibility should additional funds be necessary. Rett Kaplan, Chair of the Charter Study Commission, provided insight into the budget’s breakdown, indicating that around $25,000 would likely be allocated for legal fees and administrative costs. The mayor emphasized that any further funding requests would require council approval.

The appointment of financial consultants was another topic, given the borough’s current lack of a permanent CFO. The council awarded a contract to PM Consultants LLC to serve as the interim CFO, with a maximum annual cost of $125,000. This appointment is seen as a temporary measure while the borough seeks a permanent solution. The interim CFO’s duties include managing financial operations and preparing for the upcoming budget year. The billing structure was clarified, with the principal billing at $185 an hour and the assistant at varying rates.

The council introduced several ordinance amendments. Ordinance 2025 D1 proposed modifying the council meeting schedule to two meetings per month from January to October and one meeting in November and December. Ordinance 2025 D2 addressed internal deadline adjustments due to a change in meeting days. Ordinance 2025 D3 sought to align benefits for interim employees with those of full-time employees, while Ordinance 2025 D4 involved removing a provision regarding the municipal attorney’s retirement plan eligibility. These amendments were introduced and approved unanimously, reflecting ongoing efforts to streamline governance practices.

Public safety and transparency were prominent themes during the public comment period. Residents raised concerns about budget transparency, urging the council to provide clear information on potential tax impacts and legal expenses from past administrations. A suggestion was made to hire an independent armed security guard for meetings, citing vulnerabilities in public spaces and the non-functional state of the current metal detector. The need for improved security measures was emphasized, with residents expressing a desire for steps to ensure safety.

Community initiatives were also discussed, with updates from various commissions and departments. The Environmental Commission is seeking to fill a vacant position, and the Arts Council aims to rejuvenate its activities following the loss of a key member. The tourism commission announced an upcoming jazz festival and a blood drive, underscoring efforts to engage residents in cultural and health-related events. The council also discussed aligning municipal fees with market standards to alleviate taxpayer burdens, considering adjustments to parking and permitting fees.

The mayor discussed revisiting a strategic plan from 2019, seeking public volunteers for task forces to address community improvement. Efforts are underway to reconstitute the land use board for compliance with state statutes, and the mayor is engaging with the library board of trustees to address facility issues. The continuation of the mayor’s Wellness campaign was affirmed.

Public comments addressed various community concerns, including transparency in borough expenditures and security measures. Residents emphasized the importance of clear communication about budget impacts and advocated for stronger safety protocols at public meetings. Issues related to power outages and environmental assessments of properties were also raised.