06:36The library was a focal point of the meeting, with an in-depth presentation from the Library Board of Trustees on recent improvements and future plans. Following structural changes initiated in 2023, the library saw a 40% increase in checkouts and attendance, attributed to hiring three part-time librarians and enhancing community engagement through social media, book clubs, and children’s activities. The board highlighted the need for further renovations, indicating plans to update furniture and improve the library’s ambiance to accommodate increased patron usage, especially after school. Renovation costs are estimated between $70,000 and $150,000, with funding expected from existing library funds and a newly formed “Friends of the Fair Haven Library” group, designed to accept community donations.

The board discussed the timeline, speculating that the library might close for the summer to facilitate renovations, contingent on fundraising success. They emphasized the necessity of community involvement, encouraging residents with expertise in design, architecture, and library operations to contribute to planning. Fundraising initiatives, such as a children’s book exchange and community events, were proposed to enhance community engagement and support.

The council deliberated on who would be responsible for design decisions regarding the library and expressed a desire for the library board to recommend design and associated costs. The potential for utilizing high school volunteers and community residents for book handling tasks was acknowledged, and the revitalization efforts were praised for turning the library into a social center for the community.

27:12Infrastructure improvements were another major topic, with a focus on road resurfacing and enhancements. Engineer Rich Gardella reported on the borough’s grant applications for local road infrastructure programs, proposing Lynon Drive and Poplar Avenue for resurfacing. Estimated project costs were approximately $485,000 for Lynon Drive and $450,000 for Poplar Avenue. The engineer emphasized the importance of addressing infrastructure needs, particularly near Nullwood School and Broadway, and noted that while pedestrian safety projects were discussed, current grant funding primarily supports road resurfacing.

31:58Utility upgrades were also considered, with confirmation that major infrastructure upgrades had been completed in the area, meaning no further utility work was slated for the two streets. The engineer recommended prioritizing Poplar Avenue due to its proximity to the school and existing sidewalks requiring repair, reflecting community feedback about safety concerns for children walking to school.

Further discussions centered on financial responsibilities and funding strategies for these projects. The council noted that bond orders for road jobs would necessitate financial responsibility from the borough in fiscal years 2026 or 2027, with part of the funding coming from a Department of Transportation grant. The need for authorizing funds before bidding was highlighted, and the importance of fully defining the current capital by the end of the year was emphasized. Interest payments on these funds were discussed, noting that the borough would be liable for interest payments until full funding was established.

44:58The council also addressed renovations to Borough Hall’s bathrooms, described as original to 1963 and in need of compliance modifications. The proposed project includes both interior and exterior upgrades, with a budget of up to $200,000. The council discussed securing funding for these renovations through competitive grant opportunities and confirmed modifications to ensure compliance with ADA standards.

51:41A public hearing was required for a grant application to the Mon County municipal space program, aiming for a $1 million grant with a $500,000 borough match. The project could encompass shoreline protection, beach access, and passive recreation areas, with a focus on soliciting extensive public input and engaging environmental engineers and planners.

01:30:35The council also reviewed facilities updates, particularly concerning the Department of Public Works, Centennial Hall, and the Police Department and Community Center. The completion of ADA-compliant bathrooms at Centennial Hall was noted, alongside plans for maintenance tasks in preparation for its 250th anniversary celebration. The Community Center’s programming was operationalized after extensive planning, and site work challenges at the PD were addressed, including the discovery of remnants from a previous building.