A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the controversy surrounding the tree removal ordinance. Council members debated the penalty structure for illegal tree removal, with the attorney reporting on a draft ordinance aligning penalties with state statutes. The existing penalties, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, exceeded the state maximum of $2,000. The attorney suggested adjusting penalties to a maximum of $2,000, with a range based on the tree’s caliber. Concerns were raised about the potential encouragement of clear-cutting if penalties were lowered. One member pointed out that the previous penalties were a deterrent and helped fund tree replacements, essential for maintaining the borough’s green spaces.

The ordinance included two penalty schedules, one with tree replacement and a smaller penalty, and another with monetary penalties alone for those not replacing trees. The council debated whether to eliminate the second schedule, weighing the benefits of simplification against the risk of reducing incentives for tree replacement. The urgency to revise the penalty schedule was underscored by recent violations under the new enforcement regime. The council agreed to finalize the penalties for introduction at the upcoming meeting, with a follow-up scheduled for further review.

In addition to tree-related issues, the council discussed various municipal projects, focusing on paving needs exacerbated by New Jersey American Water’s infrastructure work. A council member expressed frustration with the water company’s mandated water line replacements causing numerous street cuts and paving needs. A collaborative approach was suggested to address these issues, with a focus on assessing and prioritizing street repairs. The water company’s 10-year program, already six years in, was noted for creating additional complications alongside recent gas company projects.

Financial oversight and transparency on ongoing projects were emphasized, with members calling for a comprehensive understanding of current expenses, including change orders and total costs. There was a proposal for a special meeting to thoroughly review financial details, with the possibility of using funds from the facilities ordinance to finance specific jobs.

Paving projects were another key topic, with the engineer presenting details on new contracts for paving four specific sites: in front of the police station, the baseball concession stand, industrial paving sections, and the firehouse. The borough’s co-op membership was noted as an opportunity for cost-effective project bundling. The estimated cost for paving work at the firehouse was reported at just under $53,000, with multiple quotes obtained. Concerns were raised about erosion and safety at Fair Haven fields, particularly impacting joggers. Discussions included the implications of switching from gravel to hardscape surfaces and exploring natural solutions for erosion control.

Drainage issues were addressed, notably on Fish Street, where improvements were proposed to replace curbs and redo the street for better water flow. The need to upgrade sidewalks to meet ADA requirements was also highlighted, emphasizing broader accessibility concerns.

Public comments brought additional concerns to the forefront, including a recent serious accident at the Bridge Road intersection. A community member expressed gratitude for the quick council response and emphasized the need for safety improvements, such as signage adjustments and visibility enhancements. Another resident raised concerns about debris disposal following a storm, calling for accommodations for seniors and those with disabilities. The council acknowledged the importance of being a good neighbor and considered reviewing policies for future incidents.