To mitigate the construction of oversized homes, proposals were introduced to implement varying impervious coverage limits. Properties targeted for teardown would face stricter limitations to discourage demolitions, preserving the architectural character and managing stormwater issues. The council also debated measures to restrict the size of additions to existing homes. A member highlighted the risk of losing architectural diversity, emphasizing the importance of preserving historically significant homes through incentives like tax breaks, pending planning board approval.

Another focus was on housing adaptability, with discussions about converting larger homes, particularly in the Mount Vernon area, into duplexes or triplexes. This conversion would aim to retain the external character of homes while providing additional housing options. However, parking concerns associated with such changes were noted, as increased density could strain existing infrastructure. The council acknowledged the need to amend zoning ordinances to facilitate these adaptations.

The debate extended to the introduction of ADUs as a way to support multi-generational living and provide affordable housing. The council recognized potential zoning obstacles, especially concerning impervious coverage and height restrictions. Proposals included allowing second stories on existing structures to accommodate ADUs without altering property footprints. The council also acknowledged the need for ordinances that address the community’s desire for residents to “age in place” and provide housing for younger generations.

Turning to infrastructure, the council reviewed the borough’s road maintenance strategy, which included an analysis of road conditions using an AI-driven assessment vehicle. Despite efforts to improve road quality, challenges such as harsh weather conditions and increased salting have accelerated decay, complicating maintenance efforts. Roads like Lincoln Road, prioritized for repairs due to high traffic, exemplified the council’s strategy to address heavily trafficked areas despite their relative condition. Funding shortfalls were identified, with projects like Roads Avenue requiring additional financial resources beyond state aid.

The council also debated the selection of professional services for historic architecture projects, emphasizing the importance of hiring qualified experts. Concerns were raised about selecting contractors based solely on lowest bids, as this could compromise service quality. The council compared proposals from HMR Architects and Historic Building Architects, considering cost and experience in working with the State Historic Preservation Office and historic structures. Ultimately, the lower bid from Historic Building Architects, coupled with their expertise, was favored, highlighting the council’s emphasis on cost-effectiveness and quality.

The meeting also covered administrative matters, including changes to banking and payroll services to streamline operations. The council discussed implementing a third-party payroll service and a P-card system to improve financial management. Additionally, the planning of the road program for 2026 to 2028 was reviewed, with a focus on prioritizing road repairs based on conditions and traffic patterns.

In other business, the council considered requests for borough property use for upcoming events, including a New Year’s Eve party that required street closures and police staffing. The potential impact of granting permits for private business events was debated, with concerns about setting precedents for future closures. The council also discussed capital improvements, noting delays in developing capital ordinances due to pricing issues for necessary projects like public works vehicles and firehouse upgrades.