21:29The appointment of Travis Woods as the new chief of police was a prominent topic, as the council moved forward with approving his contract. This decision came after deliberations where some council members expressed a desire to review the final contract document before approval. However, others stressed the urgency of the matter, noting that the changes to the contract were minor and primarily clarifications rather than major adjustments. Following the unanimous approval, it was anticipated that Chief Woods would be sworn in promptly, allowing him to assume his duties immediately. His appointment was met with congratulations and confidence from the council.

18:35Ordinance 25/19, which targets the amendment of Chapter 220 of the borough code, aims to prohibit dogs from municipal fields, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain clean and safe public spaces. The ordinance passed its first reading and is slated for final consideration on June 17, 2025. Meanwhile, Ordinance 25-20 was brought forward to address floodplain management, involving the repeal and adoption of new sections concerning flood hazard maps and the appointment of a floodplain administrator. Like the previous ordinance, it also passed its first reading and will be revisited at the next council meeting.

16:57The council’s discussions extended to the affordable housing plan, which is under a tight deadline with a submission due by June 30. The council underscored the importance of this plan, as it outlines how the borough aims to address housing needs and compliance with state regulations.

24:58Public engagement during the meeting was marked by various comments and acknowledgments. Jerry Bey, chair of the Hillsdale 125th anniversary committee, reminded attendees of a dedication event for a new pathway scheduled for May 17. Bey also expressed gratitude towards the Department of Public Works for their support in preparing for this event.

27:46The meeting also featured reflections on recent community events and initiatives. Council members shared their experiences from a local carnival that involved multiple departments, including the fire department’s commendable response to a fire incident at the high school. The quick and effective action of the fire department was praised for preventing what could have been a significant disaster. The upcoming Memorial Day parade was highlighted, with a focus on honoring fallen soldiers during the memorial service organized by the local American Legion.

01:25Additionally, Chief Woods provided an update on the police department’s activities, noting a community policing initiative that involved taking fifth graders from George White Middle School to Medieval Times. The initiative received positive feedback and was part of broader efforts to foster community engagement and safety. Chief Woods also addressed resident concerns about groups of boys on bikes in neighborhoods, emphasizing a collaborative approach with neighboring police departments to educate youth about bicycle laws. He further clarified regulations surrounding electric bikes with the help of a new state-issued pamphlet, addressing previously unclear guidelines regarding speed limits and registration requirements.

08:19Lastly, the council received updates from the Department of Public Works, with the interim superintendent detailing seasonal activities such as plantings in parks and preparation for Memorial Day with the installation of banners and flags. The council also acknowledged the fire department’s statistics, which showed an increase in calls compared to the previous year.