The council focused on a capital bond ordinance totaling $2,298,500, which secured $820,000 in grants from sources including the Department of Transportation and Union County. These funds will support road resurfacing, park improvements, and projects at the police department and senior center. The ordinance, introduced by a council member, was part of the consent agenda and was approved unanimously after a public hearing where no comments were received.

Shared services agreements also took center stage, particularly the collaboration between Kenilworth and Roselle Park for Department of Public Works (DPW) services. Positive feedback from Roselle Park residents highlighted the agreement’s success, although discussions on overtime costs revealed concerns about budget management. The borough had not filled nine anticipated positions, leading to cost offsets through overtime. The financial implications of these staffing decisions were discussed, emphasizing the need for careful resource management.

Financial matters were further highlighted by the completion and submission of the audit report for the year ending December 31, 2024. A recommendation from the auditor called for the Board of Health receipts to be turned over to the treasurer within 48 hours of receipt, a measure that was included in the consent agenda for voting. The Chief Financial Officer reiterated these points.

The meeting also addressed the police department’s monthly report, noting 1,139 calls, including 210 emergency 911 calls. The department issued 210 traffic summonses and made 11 arrests in July. A council member praised the department’s response to severe flooding on July 14, where military vehicles acquired through the Law Enforcement Support Office program were used to sustain operations in flooded areas. The council member expressed a desire to expand this program to bolster emergency response capabilities.

Discussions on infrastructure improvements included updates on ongoing projects, such as drainage enhancements and a walking path out for bidding. An issue discovered during inspections—cement blocking a pipe—was confirmed to be addressed by the Borough Engineer. Meanwhile, plans to replace the borough’s over 20-year-old HVAC system through the PSG direct install program were reinstated, with potential cost savings anticipated.

In terms of community engagement, the administrative officer highlighted the United Way’s summer youth employment program, which provided work opportunities for three youths in the borough. The program concluded on July 29, and appreciation was expressed for its benefits. The council also announced upcoming events, including a mobile unit from the Motor Vehicle Commission at Borough Hall and collaborative efforts with the superintendent on greening initiatives and a grant application for the kids’ recreation trust.

Ordinances related to employment title salary ranges and personnel policies, as well as amendments to the municipal code on garbage, rubbish, refuse, and recycling, were also adopted. Public hearings were held for each, but no comments were received from the public. The adoption of these ordinances followed standard procedures, with roll call votes confirming their passage.

The meeting concluded with public comments, where the superintendent of schools for the Kenilworth School District thanked the mayor and council for their support of recent construction projects. The superintendent emphasized the community’s role in fostering an excellent educational environment and invited community participation in an upcoming strategic planning process for the district’s goals over the next five years.