A primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing concern regarding property maintenance in the borough. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of several properties, citing issues such as disrepair and neglect. One resident, Barbara, highlighted a particularly problematic township-owned property on Holland Avenue, describing it as “falling down” with holes in the roof and walls, allowing animals to enter. She pressed the council for a timeline on its demolition due to health hazards it posed. A council member acknowledged the issue, noting efforts to secure funding for demolition, and assured that they were working towards a resolution.

The discussion on property maintenance extended to broader issues of communication and action, with residents urging the council to take decisive steps to improve conditions. Concerns were raised about properties becoming dumping grounds, persisting for years without satisfactory action. The council was encouraged to implement more proactive measures and improve communication channels to address community concerns effectively.

In response to these concerns, a council member shared updates on the borough’s efforts to revamp its website. The new site is expected to be more user-friendly and provide better access to information, including ways for residents to report issues and stay informed about borough activities. Residents were also encouraged to sign up for email notifications to enhance communication.

The meeting saw the adoption of several ordinances following their second readings. Among these was Ordinance 2025115, concerning townhouse sheds. Similarly, Ordinance 2025160, addressing multifamily shed regulations, was adopted after a public inquiry about grandfathering properties under the new regulations. The council also adopted Ordinance 2025 regarding road maintenance, with no public dissent.

The fire department responded to 64 calls, conducted 19 inspections, and continued repairs on fire vehicles. The construction of a new firehouse was underway, with smoke alarms readily available for residents. The police department reported 1,957 service calls, including 40 traffic accidents, and planned participation in holiday events and fundraising activities, such as “No Shave November” for cancer research.

Public works provided updates on trash and recycling collection, emphasizing proper recycling practices to prevent non-compliance issues. The construction office reported proactive measures in code enforcement, utilizing iPads for inspections to streamline operations. However, a resident named George expressed concerns about delayed inspections for new installations, which he felt compromised safety standards. The construction official clarified that permits were required, and inspections should be scheduled to ensure compliance.

The council also addressed community engagement, with a resident named Terry suggesting a change in meeting times from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM to accommodate working individuals. The suggestion sparked a discussion on the frequency of council meetings and the need for increased community participation.

Inquiries about the borough’s pilot program, which had been tabled, led to discussions on tax breaks for companies and the ongoing construction of a firehouse. Concerns about parking regulations and management company practices in residential complexes were raised by a resident, Lander Garris, who called for council intervention. The council member explained the limitations of their authority over homeowner associations, emphasizing the need for internal elections to address management issues.

Lastly, there was a call for local services to be represented in the county guide for senior activities, following the removal of the borough’s calendar from the website. This request underscored the importance of ensuring accessible and relevant information for residents.