A notable portion of the meeting focused on the traffic issues plaguing North 12 Street, where residents Robert Herbert and others expressed their frustration over the persistent speeding and illegal truck traffic. Herbert highlighted that the traffic conditions had made it unsafe for children to play outside, stating, “My children had never in 15 years rode their bikes in the street ever. It is unsafe.” He further called for a dead-end solution to mitigate the risk and emphasized the need for immediate intervention by the council.

The council acknowledged these concerns and suggested forwarding the complaints to the borough clerk, who would then relay them to the Chief of Police and the traffic sergeant for further investigation. Another resident echoed Herbert’s concerns, pointing out that despite previous police interventions, the problem persisted, particularly with a nearby business allegedly ignoring traffic regulations. This resident had conducted a survey showing that a majority of neighbors supported the idea of converting the street into a dead end to deter through traffic.

Another resident proposed the installation of speed bumps as a potential solution, despite acknowledging possible negative impacts. The resident recounted a specific incident where a truck caused significant damage by striking a grass area.

In addition to traffic issues, construction activities were another focal point of resident complaints. One individual raised concerns about gas line installations that had previously damaged a water pipe and noted construction vehicles blocking sidewalks, posing further safety risks. This resident urged the council to address these issues and coordinate with county contractors to mitigate the impact on the community.

The discussions also touched on the poor condition of crosswalks, with residents calling for repairs to be made in conjunction with ongoing paving work. They argued that addressing these infrastructure issues now could be more cost-effective and would enhance pedestrian safety.

In response to the public’s concerns, the council members reassured attendees that these issues would be taken seriously. However, specific plans or timelines for addressing these issues were not detailed during the open session.

The meeting also included notable administrative activities, such as the administration of oaths to new police officers Michael Cascarano and Quinn Conable, set to begin their roles in January 2025. Chief Campelli expressed pride in their appointments, emphasizing their readiness and the department’s anticipation for the next budget cycle.

In legislative matters, the council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2024-22, which amends Chapter 94 of the municipal code to establish rules and regulations for recreational fires in Kenilworth. Despite opening the floor for public comment, no feedback was provided, leading to a swift adoption of the ordinance.

Financial discussions during the meeting centered on Resolution 2024-271, which dealt with appointing an affordable housing planner. The council deliberated on proposals from various firms, ultimately deciding to maintain Harbor Consultants for the short-term appointment due to their familiarity with the town. Concerns were raised about potential “hyper billing” from firms offering various services, but the council stressed the importance of expertise and familiarity in their decision-making process.

The council also addressed infrastructure updates, including the completion of the municipal building’s roof work and ongoing drainage repairs. However, delays in the installation of handicap ramps and sidewalks were noted due to weather conditions, with hopes to resume work soon.

As the meeting drew to a close, council members and residents paid tribute to John Zimmerman, attending his last meeting as a council member. Praise was given for his dedication and service to the community over the years, with hopes expressed for his potential return to public office in the future.