At the heart of the council’s deliberations was the potential acquisition of a property at 21 Fair Haven Road, which could serve as a site for a new public park. However, concerns regarding the acquisition process were raised, with some council members, notably Kristen Hoey, expressing apprehension about the lack of information available on the property’s assessments and inspections. Despite this, Mayor Joshua Halpern and the borough administrator, Allyson Cinquegrana, maintained that the ordinance was a necessary step toward authorizing the acquisition, insisting that due diligence and inspections would be conducted before finalizing the purchase.

The issue of a proposed park at the property also elicited concerns from residents and council members alike. Traffic increases, potential impacts on the community, and the need for more thorough information were among the issues raised during the meeting. Mayor Halpern assured the community that the governing body would address these concerns appropriately, involving the police department and the Department of Public Works in the planning process. He promised to conduct studies and gather data on traffic patterns over the last 10 years to inform their decisions, highlighting the importance of planning and community input.

The council also addressed the renovation of Bicentennial Hall, specifically the ramps and ADA access. Architect Matt Cronin presented three different concepts, with the council deciding to proceed with a two-bathroom plan while considering future storage options. The council members expressed their commitment to maintaining the Centennial Hall building and suggested using additional funds authorized in a previous bond ordinance for necessary enhancements, such as painting and improved lighting.

Tree removal appeals were another subject of concern brought up during the meeting. One resident appealed for permission to remove an oak tree causing safety concerns due to excessive acorn droppings. After a thorough discussion, the council approved the appeal under the condition that the tree owner would provide updates on the tree’s condition and keep it if possible.

The council also outlined plans to implement a new trash collection system. They considered the possibility of renegotiating trash contracts to have a one-day pickup for the entire town, reducing the number of days cans are on the street. The importance of communication and education to ensure residents understand the new system was also emphasized.

Lastly, the council spent time discussing the condition of the pond and plans for its maintenance. They proposed a plan involving hydro raking to remove organic debris and transport it to a facility for proper disposal. The council also expressed their intention to further research and consider the request of a resident to add a Christmas tree lighting event in addition to the existing holiday celebrations.