A significant portion of the meeting focused on the urgent staffing needs within the DPW. The council debated the necessity of hiring a full-time employee as proposed in resolution 2024-263, based on the recommendations from the DPW superintendent. A shortage in staffing, exacerbated by the seasonal demands of fall cleanup, prompted a proposal to hire more part-time labor, with the potential for some part-time workers to transition to full-time roles.

In addition to staffing concerns, the meeting also highlighted necessary updates to borough ordinances. The council stressed the importance of revising outdated provisions, particularly within the governance structure. One ordinance under review was related to the DPW director’s term limit, currently set at five years, which was considered excessive by some members. They suggested a comparison with other towns to ensure fairness and compliance with state statutes. Furthermore, the council discussed removing residency restrictions for the DPW director position to widen the pool of eligible candidates.

The meeting also touched upon ordinances concerning advertisements on utility poles, with suggestions to establish fines for violations. There was a call for the borough attorney to propose a schedule of fines, addressing a gap in the current regulations. Other ordinance-related discussions included clarifying the authority of the police committee, reviewing the appointment process for police officers, and updating the ordinance regarding hours of alcoholic sales to address public intoxication concerns.

In terms of financial governance, the council reviewed the borough’s 2023 audit and corrective action plan. The audit was described as “very good,” with only minor issues identified for correction. A focus was placed on spending down appropriated grant reserves and ensuring revenue collection from the health and construction department by year-end. The introduction of an outside company to manage police officer employment aimed to streamline payment processes and improve financial management.

The council also discussed operational challenges, such as difficulties in procuring police vehicles due to specific equipment requirements. They explored options beyond local dealerships, considering out-of-state alternatives to meet compliance standards. Additionally, the transition of gas card handling for police and DPW to Fleet Enterprise was reported, which was expected to enhance operational efficiency.

The governance committee’s role in reviewing ordinances for necessary housekeeping updates was highlighted. This included clarifying various roles and responsibilities within the borough’s administrative framework, such as the designation of an approval officer for payroll and the proper transfer of court enforcement responsibilities.

Public engagement was encouraged throughout the meeting, with an emphasis on community involvement in borough governance. Despite the council’s invitation for public participation, no questions were raised during the session, prompting a hope for more active involvement in future meetings.