One notable matter discussed was the pervasive issue of speeding within the borough. The council emphasized the need for smart speed indicator signs, which are solar-powered and require no wiring, making installation more straightforward. These signs are set to provide critical data on traffic patterns, enabling law enforcement to pinpoint peak times for speeding violations and address them more effectively. The Chief of Police highlighted that such data would allow for focused enforcement, particularly during times when speeding is more prevalent, such as during the evening rush hour.

In particular, streets such as North 19th Street and 20th Street were identified as problem areas due to frequent complaints from residents regarding speeding. The police chief acknowledged the challenges posed by narrow streets and the perception of speed, explaining that even vehicles clocked at legal speeds might appear to be moving faster due to the confined spaces. Additionally, the council discussed the potential for using portable radar trailers in conjunction with the smart signs to gather more comprehensive speed data without impacting driver behavior immediately.

Furthermore, the council explored the possibility of installing smaller, less obtrusive radar signs in strategic locations to help reduce traffic speeds while maintaining the aesthetic of residential areas.

Beyond traffic safety, the council celebrated a $300,000 grant awarded by the Union County Board of Commissioners for capital projects. This funding will be allocated towards essential infrastructure improvements, and the council expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing its importance in maintaining and enhancing the borough’s facilities. The administrator also announced a collaboration with the United Way of Greater Union County, launching a summer youth employment program to engage local youth in workforce skills development by allowing them to shadow municipal employees across various departments.

Waste management was a point of contention, as residents expressed confusion over the borough’s recycling and bulk waste collection policies. The council deliberated on the need to differentiate between recyclable and non-recyclable items within the bulk pick-up schedule to prevent residents from using their bulk collection allotment on items that could be recycled for free. A new flyer was proposed to clarify waste disposal rules, incorporating QR codes linking to detailed online information. The council agreed on the necessity of educating the community on proper disposal methods, particularly for items like small appliances and scrap metal, which require specific handling due to regulatory and cost considerations.

In other updates, the council touched on the redevelopment of the Onyx Nest property, noting positive progress while withholding specific details. Additionally, there were discussions concerning the status of roadwork projects, including the postponement of paving on the boulevard and considerations around utility work on Market Street, emphasizing the need to coordinate repaving efforts with gas company upgrades to avoid unnecessary disruption.

Community engagement was further highlighted by reports from council members on various activities, including library events, fire and recreation updates, and an Eagle Scout project that improved storage areas in the senior center.