The sale is part of a broader effort to stabilize and improve the city’s financial outlook, as underscored in the state of the city address. This address also touched on the positive impact of the new cannabis sales tax revenue, improvements to municipal finances, and various staffing changes.

Infrastructure received attention during the council meeting. Plans for infrastructure repairs and improvements were outlined, including the replacement of HVAC units at the elementary school, repairs to the library elevator, repointing and repainting of the library, and roof repairs at City Hall. Additionally, the expansion of the Department of Public Works (DPW) garage was discussed, alongside progress on the Green Acres Program at Hulen Park, which includes additional funding and a public design session scheduled for February 22, 2024.

The council also discussed the ongoing renovation of the Lambertville public school and the partnership with the district for repaving the city-owned parking lot. Moreover, the upcoming construction and renovation of the Lambertville New Hope Bridge was mentioned as a notable project.

Another topic that generated considerable discussion was the fire prevention program. Ordinance number 01-2024 proposed the shift of the lead agency for the fire prevention program to the fire district. This sparked debate among council members, evidencing the complexities and importance of local governance in managing public safety services.

The meeting also saw the introduction of ordinance number 02-2024, which aims to prohibit obstruction on the streets without prior notice to the city. This ordinance was proposed in response to issues with sidewalk closures and storage of materials. Questions were raised about the specifics of the ordinance and its intended enforcement, with a motion to introduce the ordinance and schedule a public hearing for February 15, 2024.

In financial matters, the council reported a respectable hotel and motel occupancy tax revenue of $20,750 for December. There was also a discussion on incorporating cannabis sales revenue and meter rates into the monthly reports, which would provide a clearer picture of the city’s financial health.

The amendment to the lease agreement between the city and Wells Fargo Bank was another focal point. The proposed amendment to ordinance number 03-2024 sought to change the lease agreement to a month-to-month arrangement and reduce the termination period to 45 days. This change would offer Wells Fargo greater flexibility, and the council deliberated on the implications for the city, including the impact of a potential property sale and the timeline for the lease changes.

The issue of sidewalk maintenance at the Wells Fargo property emerged as a point of contention. The broker for Wells Fargo was contacted multiple times regarding the sidewalks, and the Department of Public Works was sent to address the issue. Concerns were also raised about excessive lighting at the bank contributing to light pollution.

Furthermore, the council introduced an ordinance for a public hearing concerning the County Board of Commissioners green ACR Jake law grant for completely inclusive playgrounds. Updates were also provided on the National Wildlife Foundation Grant, the Green Acres preservation project, and the stormwater utility feasibility update.

During the public participation period, residents voiced concerns about various community issues, including sidewalk safety, stormwater management, pet registrations, Convenience Center hours, and landlord registrations. One resident called for the enforcement of ordinances related to sidewalk maintenance, while another highlighted the need for better enforcement against basement pumps creating icy sidewalks. A suggestion was made for a focus group to address the town’s flooding problems, with a resident expressing skepticism about its effectiveness and advocating for revisiting the idea of a flooding task force.