A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing persisting flooding issues in the borough, specifically related to the condition of local streams and the numerous obstructions affecting them. Council members discussed obstructions such as footbridges, sheds, decks, swimming pools, and fences built too close to stream corridors. It was acknowledged that while cleaning the streams could provide some relief, these efforts would be ineffective unless the obstructions were also addressed. The council explored the idea of sending “friendly letters” to homeowners whose properties were contributing to flooding, informing them of the potential impact of their structures and encouraging cooperation in resolving these issues.

The council emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, involving both the borough and residents, to effectively tackle the flooding challenges. A proactive strategy was proposed, encouraging residents to maintain their properties along the streams. This program could involve scheduled times for the town’s public works department to collect debris and vegetative waste, creating a sense of collective responsibility among residents.

Additional discussions highlighted the complications of drainage easements and the borough’s limited ability to intervene on private property without homeowner consent. It was noted that many streams are on private property, and while drainage easements may exist on tax maps, they do not necessarily grant the borough the right to maintain the streams. Council members speculated on the number of obstructions in the streams, estimating around 50, and discussed the potential use of aerial photographs to determine when these obstructions were added. This could help identify unauthorized constructions or changes made without permits.

The council also tackled the issue of a sealed concrete pipe, raising concerns about its impact on local drainage. While the work appeared professionally done, there were no records of who commissioned it. Discussions focused on the challenges posed by the elevation of the stream relative to the intersection at Brass and Mullshot, which leads to flooding when the stream overflows. A proposed solution involving a flap gate was discussed, but it was acknowledged that this would not address all flooding scenarios.

Traffic issues were another major focus of the meeting, with illegal U-turns and heavy truck traffic being highlighted as ongoing problems. Council members discussed the challenges posed by trucks navigating specific streets and the need for additional signage to mitigate these issues. Concerns about illegal U-turns in residential driveways were raised, with a suggestion to establish a dedicated traffic bureau to address these complaints. Despite increased traffic enforcement efforts, underlying behaviors have not changed.

The effectiveness of existing radar signs in slowing traffic was noted, although the high volume of traffic continues to pose challenges, as many drivers use local streets as shortcuts. Council members acknowledged that heavy traffic issues are not unique to Kenilworth, with neighboring communities experiencing similar challenges. The recent decline in vehicle thefts was attributed in part to the effectiveness of surveillance cameras and the presence of officers monitoring these cameras.

In other matters, the council discussed updates on infrastructure projects, including the advertisement of the road program to extend Monroe Street and ongoing efforts to address flooding issues. The council also highlighted community events such as National Night Out, which was deemed a success with strong public attendance, and various library programs aimed at community engagement.