A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the introduction and discussion of Ordinance 2025-25, which centered on landlord registration. This ordinance, effective January 1, 2026, will increase the annual landlord registration fee from $125 to $225. The ordinance also stipulates updates to registration forms, annual inspections, and new fire safety inspection requirements. Landlords or their representatives must be present for these inspections, and non-compliance could lead to fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, with additional daily penalties for delayed inspections. The ordinance has been in development for over a year and a half, with council members emphasizing its importance in curbing illegal rentals and overcrowding, thereby protecting residents’ quality of life.

Another topic was the discussion about the challenges faced by the Department of Public Works. With staffing reduced by 20 employees, the department struggles to meet the town’s growing demands. The council engaged in a dialogue about the need to hire additional personnel to improve service delivery. It was suggested that hiring 20 more employees would enhance operations, particularly regarding bulk waste collection and snow removal. The department has been outsourcing snow removal, incurring substantial costs, which could be mitigated by increasing internal staffing. The council was urged to consider a comprehensive five-year plan to address infrastructure and service capacity needs, including staff training and equipment upgrades.

The public comment session provided a platform for residents to voice concerns about various issues, including the food pantry’s relocation due to a rat infestation in its previous location. A resident advocated for a permanent solution to the food pantry’s situation, emphasizing the importance of consistent access to food assistance for those in need. However, residents expressed frustration with the perceived lack of transparency and communication from the council regarding this matter.

Concerns were also raised about local roads and community division. One resident described dangerous driving conditions between Jackson and Lakewood, attributing the chaos to a lack of unity among residents. The council highlighted the existence of a multicultural committee aimed at fostering community understanding and expressed a commitment to improving communication and collaboration among different cultural groups within the town.

Throughout the discussions, there was a consistent theme of accountability and transparency. Residents sought clarity on various ordinances and committee activities.

In addition to these major topics, the council recognized several police officers for their promotions and service. The meeting also included the introduction of Ordinance 2025-24, which aims to amend parking regulations on Pittney Lane, and a presentation on the new SDL portal, designed to provide residents with access to property information and enhance transparency regarding property maintenance and landlord registrations.