The council meeting opened with a moment of recognition for the 11U and 8U Blue Diamond baseball teams, celebrating their recent championship wins. The council members applauded the efforts of the players, coaches, and supporters and announced plans to honor the 9U and 12U Championship teams in the upcoming meeting.

The focus of the meeting then shifted to the future of the By Centennial Hall. Councilwoman Tracy Cole and Councilman Andrew “Drew” LaBarbera presented a draft plan for the hall’s maintenance and improvement, proposing to engage preservation architect Alexander Pavo for professional advice. The council emphasized the need to address ADA compliance issues and other outstanding maintenance items, suggesting a concurrent approach to address these tasks. The council also discussed the potential to reassess the hall’s needs and the funding available for the project.

A key point of discussion during the public comment section was the proposed restrictions on the public dock. Residents Brian Rice and Tom Bran voiced concerns about potential discrimination and the impact on recreational activities, such as night fishing. The council members acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the need to balance community impact and noise concerns. They proposed setting specific time restrictions for dock usage, with times ranging from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM or 6:00 AM to sunset, and committed to monitoring the situation and adjusting as needed.

The council also discussed the importance of clear communication and guidelines for borough programs, notably the leaf and brush program. The council members underlined the significance of proper communication for the program’s success and considered allocating dedicated time for communications work.

The workload of public engagement officer Bettyanne was also scrutinized. The council recognized her effectiveness in her role but raised concerns about the distractions she faces. A suggestion was put forth to recruit community volunteers to assist with special projects.

The council meeting also saw discussions about the drafting of an ordinance related to recreational activities, such as fishing and crabbing. The council members expressed concerns about the extent of their regulatory authority and the potential for lawsuits. However, Administrator Allyson Cinquegrana assured the council that the ordinance had been thoroughly reviewed. The council agreed to move forward with the ordinance, acknowledging the need for balance and the potential for future revisions based on community reactions.