The council meeting attracted attention from residents, particularly concerning the pervasive litter problem along River Road. A resident, Bal Civil, spoke on behalf of the community, highlighting the severe littering, which she described as “insulting to a taxpayer,” and included serious health hazards such as human feces. Civil’s remarks underscored the distress faced by residents who regularly clean the area yet feel overwhelmed by the quantity of trash. She suggested improved signage and the use of surveillance cameras to combat the problem, noting that littering occurs at all hours.

The council acknowledged the litter issue, referencing a specific incident involving overnight camping that resulted in significant waste. The discussion expanded to consider the effectiveness of existing ordinances and enforcement strategies, including reports of vandalized signs along River Road. One council member compared the litter problem to New York City’s graffiti issues.

Proposals to address the issue included reinforcing ordinances against trespassing on railroad property, potentially involving local law enforcement to address trespassers who might contribute to the littering. A council member suggested that dispatch be informed of specific complaints related to River Road to streamline the process for residents wishing to report issues. The council concluded the discussion by acknowledging the challenges of enforcing accountability among litterers and the need for increased community involvement.

In another significant topic, the council addressed financial issues related to unpaid sewer bills from the American’s Best Value hotel. A mix-up in billing had resulted in incorrect sewer readings assigned to the hotel and another establishment, IHOP. While the municipality collected the correct amounts overall, there remains an outstanding balance of $9,600 owed by the hotel. The council plans to send a letter to pursue this outstanding amount.

Financial discussions also covered the approval of bills, affordable housing deed restrictions, and expected budget improvements by 2026. The council was informed of 298 police department incidents, including traffic stops and arrests, and routine road department maintenance, funded by an additional $50,000 allocation.

The meeting also touched on community development issues, such as delays in the Shimemer Manor project due to notification errors, resulting in a rescheduled meeting to ensure all affected residents are informed. Concerns about River Road’s condition were raised, leading to a decision to procure stone to address safety hazards.

Public works updates included the reconstruction of Snider’s Road, with an emphasis on water flow and drainage issues. The county’s engineering team acknowledged the need for improved water management, but delays were anticipated due to necessary survey work and FEMA grant applications.

The council also deliberated on various community projects, including the status of parks and the timeline for completing facilities like the basketball court at Pangelli Park and a dog park. Concerns were raised about the safety of intersections, with discussions about potential traffic control measures requiring county involvement.

Finally, the council addressed the issue of firearm application fees, deciding to continue collecting a $10 fee to generate revenue. They also discussed a complaint about a deteriorating property near a playground, with plans to clean up the site and place a lien on the property to recover costs. A suggestion was made to expedite the foreclosure process for quicker action.