Conducted on June 26, the meeting was attended by Councilman Kanigo, Council President Kaufman, Councilwoman Casella, Councilwoman Mala Larry, and Councilman Benson. Notably absent, but with prior notice, were Councilwoman Monticello Cohen and Mayor Papaleo.

At the crux of the meeting was the borough’s intent to apply for a significant municipal aid grant from the DOT. Council members conveyed the hope that the grant would cover extensive civic upgrades, with a particular spotlight on Bogert Road. As part of this hopeful plan, the council cited the need for new curbs, sidewalks, and road repaving, mirroring the concerns raised by resident Frank Longo. However, no explicit timeline was given for these improvements due to the uncertainty surrounding state funding.

“The [grant application] is part of the overall improvement program, but like I just said, I do not know when we’ll receive state funding to get to that area,” a council member commented, underlining the contingency of these upgrades on external funds.

In addition to this, parking and street cleaning issues emerged as topics of heated discussion. One attendee noted the sparse appearances of the street sweeper on Bogert Road, especially outside of the school term. This led to suggestions about implementing alternate side of the street parking, which could potentially facilitate street cleaning and alleviate leaf collection problems during the fall season.

“The question is, is there a possibility to get alternate side of the street parking even twice during the month?” the attendee proposed, sparking a dialogue about the friction between residents and the school due to parking and cleaning issues.

Attendees with such concerns were advised to liaise with the Department of Public Works’ superintendent and the traffic and safety commission to discuss parking regulations and the street sweeper’s schedule, respectively.

In a rather amusing mix-up, an attendee named Jane found herself at the council meeting instead of the Board of Health meeting she intended to attend. Her concerns about a neighbor’s poultry situation reminded those present to double-check their meeting details, ensuring they appear at the right forum for their issues.

As the meeting concluded, council members expressed their gratitude to Councilman Kaufman for his leadership in the mayor’s absence. All wished each other a pleasant Fourth of July, leaving the floor open for the next round of civic discourse.