A council member presented a detailed proposal advocating the legalization of basement apartments as ADUs. The member argued that this measure would create affordable housing options without the need for extensive new developments. The council member emphasized the issue of illegal rentals and the exploitation of tenants living in basements. By legalizing these units, homeowners could legally report rental income, thereby increasing property values and providing financial benefits to the community.

The council member explained, “If we allow that to happen, it’s a simple fix; you don’t have to change anything for the duplexes.” They highlighted the potential for ADUs to serve as a solution for affordable housing issues, noting that regulating existing illegal rentals would reduce the demand for new large-scale apartment complexes. The council member also raised concerns about the consequences of large developments, such as increased traffic and potential strain on emergency services, advocating for a more controlled approach to resolving the housing crisis.

The discussion on ADUs extended to the broader implications for the community, including school demographics and occupancy limits. The council member suggested that tracking legal rentals would provide better insight into the number of people registered in local schools. They highlighted the importance of controlling occupancy limits to address overcrowding issues.

The meeting also addressed financial matters, particularly the introduction of Ordinance 2024-15, which mandates lead paint inspections for rental properties constructed after 1978. The ordinance aims to ensure rental property safety, given that owners are not required to disclose lead paint presence unless they misrepresent the situation during a sale. The council members did not express concerns about this initial ordinance.

Another topic was the second public hearing on Ordinance 2024-13, which amends the residency requirement for municipal officers and employees. This change aims to attract the best candidates for municipal positions by expanding the application pool beyond borough residents. One council member emphasized the need to advertise these positions effectively across various platforms, including LinkedIn and municipal websites.

Financial transparency and budgeting were also key points of discussion. The council debated Resolution 2024-D243, which proposed immediate processing of certain bills to streamline financial operations ahead of the upcoming fiscal period. Concerns were raised about an Amazon corporate credit account, specifically regarding staff access and the nature of purchases made.

Discussions on shared service agreements, particularly with the Richfield Health Department, highlighted frustrations over the budgeting process and the necessity for clear departmental budgets. The council scrutinized invoices from various departments, questioning whether charges were within budgetary limits and seeking transparency in financial dealings. Specific expenditures, such as a request to purchase firearms by the police department, were examined to ensure they fit within the approved budget.

Infrastructure concerns were also prominent during the meeting. A resident raised issues about flooding on Second Street due to the absence of a drain. The mayor acknowledged the problem and mentioned that an engineer had been hired to review the situation. Additionally, the possibility of installing a speed bump to manage traffic on local streets was discussed, with the mayor noting that an engineer’s opinion would be necessary to proceed.

The meeting concluded with public comments addressing various local issues. One resident expressed frustration over shared services and property lease management, specifically highlighting the need for library renovations. Another resident raised concerns about a flooding issue and requested an engineer’s assessment. The mayor assured residents that their concerns would be taken seriously and appropriate actions would be pursued.