One notable discussion of the meeting centered on the Fair Haven Fields Natural Area and the committee’s plans for the upcoming year. The committee, funded largely by community donations, outlined its goals for 2025, which include enhancing evergreen buffers to reduce traffic noise and visibility, increasing resident awareness through educational activities, and reclaiming the northeast section of the natural area. These efforts are supported by approximately $5,000 in annual community donations, which this year facilitated the planting of 29 trees and shrubs. The committee urged the Borough Council to explore additional funding avenues to support these initiatives, such as grants and open space tax allocations.

The committee emphasized the role of volunteers in maintaining the natural area. They highlighted the need for continued collaboration with the Department of Public Works (DPW) to maximize volunteer efforts. Additionally, they addressed ongoing challenges such as deer management and stormwater erosion, particularly on Buttonwood Drive, urging these issues remain on the council’s agenda until resolved.

Following the environmental discussions, the council shifted focus to the 2025 budget. The finance committee, which had been working on the budget since fall 2024, outlined a proposal that would result in a tax reduction of $125 for an average assessed household valued at $1.2 million. Despite a decrease in state aid and the loss of approximately $250,000 in American Rescue Plan funding from the previous year, the proposed budget of approximately $12.4 million aims to maintain a healthy surplus to uphold the borough’s bond rating amidst upcoming debt obligations.

The meeting also covered amendments to the stormwater ordinance to close a loophole allowing additions to bypass runoff management requirements. This update, developed over four months with the aid of a stormwater engineer, aims to balance effective stormwater management with practical costs for residents. The council discussed refining the ordinance further with input from the zoning and planning boards before finalizing.

Safety concerns were raised regarding outdoor dining areas, particularly the lack of protective barriers, like bollards, to safeguard diners. This discussion was prompted by incidents where vehicles had entered public spaces. With the expiration of COVID-era legislation that permitted sidewalk cafes, the council considered measures to enhance safety without adversely affecting businesses. Suggestions included using planters or bollards as barriers and ensuring outdoor dining areas do not obstruct pedestrian pathways.

In community engagement, the council recognized a proposal from a local youth named Connor for a “Friend Appreciation Day” on March 29. This initiative was appreciated by the council, with the Mayor presenting Connor with a letter acknowledging his idea and a piece of friendship-themed artwork signed by the governing body.

Additionally, the council acknowledged the need for a volunteer code of conduct, prompted by an influx of new members on various boards. The existing volunteer handbook was deemed insufficient in guiding ethical conduct, and collaboration with a labor attorney was underway to draft a comprehensive code. The aim is to ensure volunteers understand their responsibilities, especially regarding conflicts of interest.

The meeting concluded with updates on various facilities projects, including the upcoming commemoration of the new police department site and progress on the Department of Public Works (DPW) and other building projects. The council praised the staff’s efforts in managing these projects and economically, noting significant cost savings.