The council convened a workshop to discuss stones and gravel in the Verge, the area between the sidewalk and the curb. This topic, brought forward by the planning board, highlighted concerns about the safety hazards posed by dislodged stones during lawn maintenance or street sweeping, which can lead to property damage like broken windows. The planning board advocated for a ban on stones in this area due to their potential to become projectiles.

Council members expressed varying views on the necessity of this regulation. Some questioned the severity of the stone problem, recalling past discussions focused on other plantings like flowers and shrubs obstructing vehicle access. Others supported a ban, emphasizing issues during snow removal and street maintenance. The discussion suggested a preference for maintaining a uniform height in the Verge, permitting only grass or similar low-maintenance plantings. The possibility of including brick and paver stones was also considered, provided they aligned with the sidewalk’s level.

The issue of existing stones on private properties prompted questions about grandfathering current homeowners and enforcing new regulations. Suggestions included a transition period for compliance and considerations for properties with pebble driveways. Public input came from Steven Peto, a zoning board member, who supported the stone ban, citing safety risks and messiness, particularly during snow removal.

In financial matters, the council approved an ordinance involving a county grant of $200,000, which included issuing $261,500 in bonds and notes. These funds are earmarked for various infrastructure improvements, notably the construction of a dog park and pickleball courts. The Chief Financial Officer clarified that the borough could self-fund the project over five to ten years, resulting in a minimal tax rate increase, which seemed to satisfy the council’s inquiries, leading to the ordinance’s passage.

Another ordinance approved during the meeting concerned improvements and repairs to Marginal Avenue, with a grant of $288,800 and a bond issuance of $2,850. This ordinance also passed without significant opposition.

The council introduced ordinance 2024-9, aiming to amend parking and one-way street regulations, with notable changes such as prohibiting parking on certain sides of 18th Avenue and establishing Greenwood Terrace and Bradley Terrace as one-way streets. The amendment also removed summer weekend parking restrictions on 18th Avenue.

The engineer present at the meeting explained the challenges of accommodating two-way traffic alongside parking on narrow streets, presenting options for one-way streets with parking on both sides, maintaining two-way traffic with limited parking, or widening the roads. These considerations led to the passage of the parking ordinance.

Community events also featured prominently in the meeting, with the council celebrating the success of Lake Como Day. The event included a 5K run and a fishing contest, drawing positive feedback from attendees. Council members expressed gratitude to various volunteers and local entities for their contributions to the event’s success.