The meeting kicked off with a presentation about an innovative project spearheaded by the Historical Commission. The initiative involves placing QR codes on street signs throughout the town, providing residents and visitors access to historical information about the streets. The project, presented by James Eric, aims to add an educational component to the community. The cost of producing the QR code stickers is minimal, and the plan is to pilot the program on a few streets before expanding. Mayor Papaleo and other council members expressed excitement about the project, with some suggestions for improvements, such as using metal signs instead of stickers and placing the QR codes on poles for safety reasons.

Aside from the historical project, the meeting also addressed major traffic and safety issues in the town. The Chief of Police raised concerns about congestion and safety at the intersections of Summit Avenue and Web, and Wayne Avenue and Bogert. He proposed hiring crossing guards at both locations to manage the increased traffic, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. The council unanimously approved hiring a crossing guard for Wayne Avenue and Bogert and modifying the existing ordinance to include a crossing guard at Summit Avenue and Web.

The council also discussed implementing a stop sign on Continental at Elm and restricting U-turns at several locations to address safety concerns. Council members, including Christopher Caslin and Eileen Boland, debated over the specifics, such as the timing restrictions for U-turns and the precise placement of signs. The Chief of Police was tasked with conducting further research to ensure these measures meet regulatory standards and address the community’s needs effectively.

In another development, the council began discussions on issuing a new plenary retail consumption license based on the town’s population. Borough Clerk Miss Dodd explained that the town could have up to four such licenses and suggested conducting an auction via GovDeals, an online vendor. The council agreed to explore this option, taking into account factors like potential locations, competition, and the timeline for completing the process. Councilman Benson highlighted that a license transfer could potentially add an extra $250,000 or more to the operating budget.

As a part of the town’s cultural recognition, Mayor Papaleo read a proclamation for the sixth annual Indian Day celebration, organized by a community member named Pretty. The council expressed appreciation for the event and its cultural significance, encouraging community members to learn about Indian culture. The meeting wrapped up with further discussions on administrative matters, including expenditures, borough hall renovations, and plans for the upcoming Halloween.