The meeting’s most discussion centered around the ongoing construction on Kings Highway, which has been a point of contention for local business owners. A business owner voiced his concerns about the year-long project, emphasizing the negative impact it has had on customer traffic. He noted that the client base, primarily seniors, has been deterred by convoluted detour routes, stating, “We have seniors. That’s 90% of our business. They follow detour signs. And when they get detoured three times, they don’t come in.” The absence of clear signage further complicated matters, with the speaker describing the confusing paths customers must navigate to reach his business.

The business owner also raised issues regarding a stop sign placement that he believed hindered access to his parking lot. Despite his requests for police to adjust the sign to facilitate customer access, his appeals were rejected due to safety concerns. A police representative explained that moving the stop sign could create traffic hazards, as it would increase vehicular movement in the parking lot and potentially endanger pedestrians. “If we move back 20 feet, we’re going to have a thousand cars going into your driveway, turning around, coming back out,” the police representative stated.

In response to the business owner’s grievances, a council member acknowledged the issues and suggested directing them to the appropriate authorities. Another council member highlighted recent improvements in communication with the county, mentioning efforts to minimize disruptions during the business owner’s days off. However, the business owner remained skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures, pointing out the unfulfilled promise of parking access signage.

The business owner emphasized his long-standing investment in the community, expressing a desire for cooperative solutions, stating, “I’ve been in this town since 1975. I’ve invested a lot in this town. And like I said, I’d like a little cooperation coming back.”

Addressing other agenda items, the Borough Engineer provided updates on the fiscal year 2024 road program, detailing paving delays on Maple Avenue and East High Street due to issues with clay marl in the base material. Completion of these repairs was projected within six weeks. For fiscal year 2025, surveys for Second Avenue and 7th Avenue were complete, with construction plans set to commence before the school year to minimize disruption.

In legislative matters, the council adopted Ordinance 2025-1570, concerning salaries for non-contractual employees, following a public hearing with no comments. Ordinance 2025-1571, which aimed to exceed the municipal budget cost of living allowance, was also passed unanimously. However, the introduction of Ordinance 2025-1572 regarding a long-term tax exemption for certain properties saw dissent from Council President Morgan, who cited insufficient details as his reason for voting against it.

The meeting also addressed various resolutions, including authorizing contracts for engineering services and refunding planning board escrow balances. In addition, a closed session was held to discuss attorney-client privileged matters relating to pending litigation.

During the public comment session, a resident raised concerns about lighting along Kings Highway, noting that while the county had approved most project aspects, communication delays persisted. The Borough Engineer confirmed that the project was progressing, with only a signature pending to move forward.