0:00The Girl Scouts from Troop 40998 took center stage as they addressed the council regarding pedestrian safety concerns around the high school. The scouts highlighted the absence of designated crosswalks, which poses significant risks to students and other pedestrians. Lily Curry, a high school student, brought forward statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Curry emphasized the dangers students face when crossing busy roads without proper infrastructure and advocated for the installation of a crosswalk to enhance pedestrian safety.

Another troop member, Maddie, underscored this sentiment by sharing survey results showing that 90% of respondents feel unsafe crossing in front of the high school. She recounted challenges experienced during school events and emphasized the need for safety measures such as signage or speed bumps. Tenisi Dudani, another scout, suggested that a crosswalk could help manage traffic during peak periods and proposed additional signage to alert drivers.

Ant Osme highlighted the considerable distance to the nearest crosswalks, arguing that the lack of safe crossing options poses risks not only to pedestrians but also to drivers who might encounter unpredictable situations with children crossing the road. The Girl Scouts collectively stressed that the current situation is an accident waiting to happen, especially with new developments expected to increase traffic in the area.

The Mayor and council members expressed appreciation for the Girl Scouts’ articulate presentations. The Mayor acknowledged the need for a study to assess the feasibility of implementing a crosswalk, taking into account regulatory and budgetary considerations. One council member showed full support for the initiative, promising to collaborate with engineers to explore potential solutions. Despite the positive reception, practical steps such as funding and compliance with state regulations remain necessary hurdles to overcome.

15:41Aside from the Girl Scouts’ proposal, the meeting also addressed several ordinances. Ordinance Number 2795, which amends the Board of Health code, was adopted unanimously following a brief public hearing. The introduction of Ordinance Number 2796 set salary ranges for clerical group employees for the years 2025 to 2029, receiving affirmative votes from all present council members. Ordinance Number 2797, which amends handicap parking regulations for private residences, was also introduced and passed without opposition.

The meeting proceeded with the introduction of Ordinance Number 2798, intended to address salary ranges but initially containing a title error. The council corrected the mistake and proceeded with the ordinance’s introduction. Ordinance Number 2799 established a new Shade Tree Committee, addressing the community’s long-standing interest in improved tree services, especially given the increasing frequency of severe weather events.

47:46Public concerns regarding tree removals and street conditions also featured prominently in the meeting. One resident voiced frustration over the removal of a healthy tree in front of their home, claiming they were only notified about a no-parking sign and not the tree removal. The resident argued that engineers’ actions, seemingly motivated by street repaving needs, were misguided, emphasizing that new trees would not replace the lost canopy. A council member acknowledged these concerns and committed to investigating the notification issue, emphasizing the importance of trees in the community.

Frank Tes, another resident, brought attention to the condition of Raglin Drive, describing it as “The Forgotten Street.” He noted that while one side had been repaved, the other remained in poor condition, despite a promise made three years ago to address it. Tes suggested that the borough reach out to Meridian, a local utility, for contributions towards street repairs.

The council members, in response, promised to consider these issues in the next year’s budget and explore potential contributions from Meridian.

15:41The meeting concluded with a closed session to address personnel matters and contract negotiations, particularly with the Borough of Kenilworth. The council expressed a desire to take further action on a related shared services agreement, noting the productivity of discussions in the closed session.