The council dedicated considerable attention to the parking meter system, which has been a long-standing issue due to an expired contract with IPS Group. The current vendor was criticized for its poor service and the borough’s financial losses, amounting to $200,000 over five years with marginal profits from the parking spaces. The council emphasized the urgency of selecting a new vendor, as many parking kiosks were malfunctioning, causing public dissatisfaction and revenue loss. Specific problems with the kiosks included non-operational credit card readers and defective coin mechanisms, compounded by inadequate customer service from IPS Group. The borough’s leadership stressed the necessity of concluding the contract with IPS Group and securing a reliable vendor to restore public trust and improve revenue generation.

The council evaluated three potential vendors for the new parking meter contract. McC was dismissed due to concerns about outdated systems and support. Flober, another contender, faced scrutiny due to its impending acquisition by Park Mobile, raising concerns about stability. The council emphasized the need for rigorous analysis of the financial aspects of any new contract to prevent repeating past mistakes.

In another discussion, the council addressed the hiring of three new police officers. The consent agenda included resolutions for their employment, but financial concerns were raised regarding the borough’s budgetary capacity to support these new hires. A representative from the financial office clarified that initial concerns about the budget were resolved, allowing for the hiring of the officers. Each candidate was presented with their qualifications, including Travis Bennett, known for his community involvement and background in psychology, Jasper Chow, recognized for academic achievements, and Andy Kim, with a degree in hotel and restaurant management.

The meeting also reviewed several resolutions removed from the consent agenda due to financial analysis concerns. Resolution 2025-1-171 regarding parking meters required further scrutiny, as critical information was received too late for thorough discussion. Other resolutions, such as those involving amendments to petty cash funds and purchasing procedures, prompted debates about legality and cost-effectiveness. The council ultimately decided to maintain a requirement for three quotes in procurement processes to ensure competitive pricing.

Additionally, discussions on a potential new residential parking permit system were marked by hesitations about vendor fees and the transition from a three-year to a one-year permit system. Council members voiced concerns about the financial impact on residents and highlighted the need for further consultations before proceeding.

The meeting also covered payroll issues related to the swimming pool operations. Questions arose about payments made to lifeguards and maintenance staff before the pool’s opening, with members seeking clarity on the justification for these expenses. The council resolved to address the inconsistencies in salary authorizations.

The session concluded with public comments that brought attention to community concerns. A resident highlighted an unresolved claim for damages caused by an uncovered manhole and suggested using a contingency fund for such incidents. Another resident raised issues about unfinished roadwork on Sal Boulevard, prompting council members to acknowledge the need for continued road maintenance efforts.