One notable issue discussed was the significant flooding on Edgewood Road, brought to the attention of the council by a resident who detailed the financial and infrastructural impacts of the problem. Since the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the resident has spent approximately $60,000 on repairs to mitigate flooding risks. The flooding resulted in severe damage, with basements inundated by up to four feet of water, affecting appliances and vehicles. The resident emphasized the inadequacies of the current catch basins and the unsuitability of the combined sewer system (CSO) in handling excessive water volume, leading to sewer backups into homes and creating health hazards for the community. The resident presented a map to illustrate the problem and urged the council to ensure catch basins remain unobstructed and consider a dedicated stormwater line to manage flooding more effectively. Furthermore, the resident requested clearer enforcement of parking regulations to prevent obstructions during street sweeping.

Traffic safety on Sunset Avenue was another major concern, with residents skeptical of the proposed installation of flashing stop signs and speed bumps. Residents expressed apprehension about the proximity of the stop signs to their homes, potential disruption from flashing lights, and the ineffectiveness of such measures in addressing the speeding problem. Suggestions included making Sunset Avenue a one-way street and increasing police presence as an alternative to infrastructural changes. A resident recounted how past police intervention had effectively reduced speeding, advocating for this approach over new traffic measures.

The council also addressed the introduction of a gas leaf blower ordinance, which sparked considerable community engagement. The ordinance proposes seasonal and time-of-day restrictions for gas-powered leaf blowers and similar regulations for turbo blowers. A resident acknowledged the council’s efforts in drafting the ordinance and highlighted the environmental benefits of leaf litter. Another resident, representing a local country club, noted the ordinance’s impact on their operations and requested exceptions for specific activities. The discussion reflected ongoing community dialogue regarding environmental sustainability and the practical aspects of implementing such regulations.

In other business, the council introduced a significant infrastructure project with ordinance 1815, detailing a $2.2 million investment for water main replacement work around Carteret Street. This project, financed through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, includes provisions for potential loan forgiveness. Additionally, the council approved resolutions for educational programs to combat substance abuse and drunk driving, and for new police department radios, reflecting continued support for public safety initiatives.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of Veterans Day and expressions of gratitude towards veterans within the borough’s workforce. A resident also raised an issue about a dead tree on neighboring property, requesting council intervention to ensure proper documentation for future reference. Another resident offered to share local artwork for broadcast on the community television channel, highlighting the council’s encouragement of community engagement and cultural contributions.