In a moment of pride and community spirit, the Rockaway Township 11U all-star baseball team was honored for their back-to-back championships in Division 7. The mayor presented a proclamation acknowledging the team’s impressive journey, which included victories over several formidable opponents and a near-miss at the state tournament semi-finals.

The tradition of tying protective threads was highlighted as a gesture of gratitude towards civic officials and first responders. An invitation was extended to all attendees to participate in a thread-tying ceremony and enjoy sweets, fostering a sense of community cohesion and mutual respect.

The council proceeded with legislative business, introducing an ordinance to amend the general licensing regulations for peddlers, canvassers, solicitors, and mobile food vendors. Additionally, two new fire department appointments were approved, with Kevin Wells joining Fire Company 4 as a full member and Nathan Power welcomed as a junior member of Fire Company 1.

Public comment revealed community concerns about infrastructure, particularly the deteriorating condition of Lennox Road, as highlighted by a resident from Lux Road. They urged the council to prioritize repairs, noting the road’s neglect compared to others in the area. The council also addressed inquiries about upcoming events, including a political candidates night and progress on local projects such as the Lane project and the condition of stairs at the gazebo.

The council members provided updates on various community initiatives and projects. One member noted the success of the National Night Out event, attributing its improvement over previous years to increased community engagement and effective leadership. The event featured strong participation from police officers and volunteers.

Another council member discussed a $2,000 grant from the county commissioners for substance abuse prevention, as well as funding from the Mars County Historic Preservation Trust for the Hiburnia Library Project. Concerns were raised about the use of open space trust funds for sinkhole and road damage repairs, prompting discussions about the alignment of these expenditures with the fund’s original intent.

The mayor provided updates on community services, acknowledging gratitude expressed by residents for the township’s senior transportation services. The mayor also highlighted recent community events, such as multiple weddings and a substance abuse awareness event that raised nearly $1,000. Future events, including a dinner for firefighters and a senior picnic, were announced.

Public safety and infrastructure were recurring themes throughout the meeting. The director of public works reported on completed roadway projects, including Richard Street, and outlined plans for trenching related to underground storage tanks. Concerns about the charging safety of e-bikes, particularly with third-party products, were discussed, emphasizing the potential hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.

The council concluded with an update on Tel Park, where challenges with securing a striping company for the basketball and hockey areas were addressed. A new local business had agreed to undertake the job, promising improvements to the park’s facilities.