During the Tuesday, September 19, 2023 meeting, which saw the presence of Mayor Scott A. Luna, council members Emil Carafa Jr., Joseph P. Leto IV, and Bruce T. Masopust, while Deputy Mayor Vincent Martin was absent, two ordinances were unanimously passed. The first pertained to a closure on a segment of Richmond Street and the other addressed amendments to the fee schedule for car lots in the borough. The council members also voiced their commitment to install historical markers to commemorate significant individuals and landmarks in Lodi. This initiative, inspired by the passing of Vincent Benson-Cartison, a well-known figure with deep family roots in the borough, was warmly received as members shared fond personal memories of Cartison and his contributions to the community.

Safety was a dominant theme in the council’s discussions, with two ordinances having hearings and adoptions focusing on this theme. The first, ordinance 2023-20, concerned designating additional full stop streets to curb speeding issues at various intersections, including St. Joseph Boulevard with Pine Street and Savoy Street. The second, ordinance 2023-21, involved amendments around truck exclusions to enhance safety, particularly for school-going children. During this segment, a local resident acknowledged the positive effects this has brought in reducing hazards in the vicinity. The council also introduced two new ordinances: one proposing a four-way stop at Long Valley Road and Redstone Lane, and another regarding a right-of-way vacation, the details of which were not mentioned in the transcript.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing traffic safety around school areas, with a consensus emerging on the necessity of discussing the implementation of speed tables to counteract speeding issues, especially around the high school. Councilman Carafa underscored the importance of considering speed tables as a potentially more effective solution compared to stop signs, suggesting the inclusion of this item in the next executive session’s agenda. Moreover, the council assured the residents that concerns about speeding and the absence of a crucial stop sign near St. Joseph’s School would be looked into, noting the gravity of the situation and promising swift rectification.

Besides the prominent topics of safety and historical markers, the council discussed other community concerns such as the uncontrolled growth of a Weeping Willow tree threatening a resident’s property, and the obstruction caused by overgrown wild plants in several areas of the borough. The council members assured the public that these issues would be promptly addressed.