The council swiftly moved to authorize Bill Hams to solicit proposals for architectural and engineering designs for the Sallyport, emphasizing the urgency of advancing the project as requested by the Department of Corrections. This development follows the prior completion of the holding center station and reflects ongoing enhancements to local law enforcement facilities.

Infrastructure concerns were a prominent topic during the meeting, with specific attention given to the north end of town. A resident from North Main Street raised alarms about the positioning of electrical poles and transformers in close proximity to residential areas, citing potential safety hazards and negative impacts on property values. The resident’s concerns were echoed by a council member, who suggested involving JCP&L to explore solutions for realigning utility lines to mitigate these issues.

The state tree commission is poised to present a draft of a new tree ordinance at the upcoming council meeting, which will undergo review by the environmental commission before reaching the council. This ordinance is part of ongoing efforts to address environmental and aesthetic aspects within the borough.

The council received updates on local housing and commercial developments, with notable progress reported on hotel and apartment projects. The apartments are set to begin leasing by mid-December, while the hotel aims for an opening in late January or February, despite some delays due to negotiations with various companies. A council member expressed enthusiasm about these developments.

Councilman Long presented a draft resolution aimed at addressing housing needs for individuals with special needs. He circulated the draft among council members for feedback, with the intention of placing it on the December 8 agenda.

In library matters, a council member provided updates on significant technological upgrades and the appointment of an acting director following Jane De Haven’s resignation. The library is scheduled for a closure on December 15 for a sewer lateral replacement, part of ongoing infrastructure improvements. The council discussed the favorable position of future library management due to recent progress in addressing maintenance issues, such as the cleaning of the laying room to resolve sewer line problems.

The council also addressed parking concerns, with discussions on resident-only parking initiatives and upcoming committee meetings to further explore solutions. An amendment to an ordinance regarding gas franchise operations was proposed, requiring energy companies to adhere to local road opening permit laws and replace any removed trees at a two-to-one ratio.

The public comment session provided a platform for residents to express concerns, including the state of a mural in the borough. A resident sought feedback on potential replacement or restoration efforts, while the council president noted that the mural is on private property, and community reorganization efforts could influence future decisions. The council president suggested the possibility of involving artists in a contest to generate new mural concepts.

The meeting concluded with the approval of various resolutions, including those concerning accrued pay for employees and grant applications for infrastructure projects. The council also discussed procedural matters, such as scheduling future meetings and the logistics of holding sessions via Zoom to accommodate all members.