A standout moment was the presentation by Sarah McClure, the co-founder and executive director of Flow Forward New Jersey, addressing period poverty in the state. She described how inadequate access to menstrual products and insufficient menstrual education and facilities create substantial challenges, particularly for those without financial means. McClure shared her personal experiences with period poverty during her time at Rowan University. She drew a parallel to the absence of toilet paper in public places to highlight the significant barriers people encounter when period products are unavailable.

Flow Forward’s collaboration with Collingswood marks their first municipal partnership. McClure announced that baskets of menstrual products have been prepared for several municipal buildings, relying on community donations to maintain these supplies. She expressed gratitude to the council for their support in providing these essential resources, especially in the face of recent public assistance cuts.

In response, a council member expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the importance of making these products available across various municipal buildings. The council’s support reflects a broader commitment to addressing issues that impact vulnerable community members.

The meeting also featured considerable discussion on ranked choice voting, with several residents advocating for the council’s support of a resolution endorsing the voting method. Philip Welsh, a resident, explained that ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates by preference. He mentioned that several New Jersey municipalities have passed similar resolutions, highlighting the potential for improved electoral outcomes.

Robin Brownfield, a Green Party candidate for the New Jersey State Assembly, also supported the initiative, stating that ranked choice voting could mitigate the “spoiler effect” experienced by third-party candidates. Brownfield framed the initiative as a means to enhance local democracy. However, it was clarified that implementing ranked choice voting requires broader support at the state level and from other municipalities.

Traffic safety was another key issue raised during the meeting. A resident expressed concerns about safety on London High Avenue, prompting the council to discuss previous assessments conducted with engineers and officials. The intersection of Route 130 was identified as a focal point for these assessments, with the council reporting that a safety recommendation report is expected by late October or early November. The report will provide evidence-based insights from both qualitative observations and quantitative data, informing future actions to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Another resident inquired about the timeline for renovations at the Presbyterian Church and housing applications for the new apartment complex, reflecting broader community interest in ongoing development projects. The meeting also addressed potential upgrades to the water treatment system, with a resident questioning whether costs would be shared by other municipalities that receive water from Collingswood’s department.

The council reviewed several ordinances, including ordinance 1813, which pertains to the subdivision of property on Hannah Adam. The plan involves retaining half of the parking lot behind the First Bank for public use while allocating the remainder for nine condominiums and businesses. Ordinance 1814 proposed amendments to streamline the escrow account process, and ordinance 1815 aimed to clarify the police department’s organizational structure. Ordinance 1816 focused on flood damage prevention, emphasizing the need for environmental studies before constructing in flood zones.

Ordinance 1817 appropriated $625,000 for a vacuum generator to enhance the borough’s ability to address clogged sewer drains. Ordinance 1818 proposed guidelines for commercial and educational filming in Collingswood, and ordinance 1819 established grooming standards within the police department. A bond ordinance, 1820, allocates $46,500 to complete new water treatment facilities, complying with federal standards.

In personnel matters, Derek Mohler was appointed as a full-time firefighter and EMT, and Javons Roman was sworn in as a full-time police officer. The meeting concluded with public comments and the introduction of upcoming community events, including a flu shot clinic and a fire prevention open house.