The council took a step by promoting Sergeant John Fitzgerald to the rank of lieutenant. The resolution was unanimously adopted, after which Fitzgerald took the oath of office, pledging to uphold the Constitution and perform his duties diligently. The mayor, along with Chief Reno, praised Fitzgerald for his contributions to the department and community, noting his role as a firearms instructor and leader of the drone program. Fitzgerald’s journey from joining the department in 2012 to his recent promotion was marked by commendations for life-saving actions and leadership. He expressed gratitude to the council, his mentors, and his family for their support.

A issue addressed during the meeting was the ongoing concern of speeding on Walnut Street. Residents have reported speeding problems in the 100 and 200 blocks, despite previous installations of speed humps. The Chief of Police acknowledged these concerns and suggested conducting a traffic study to assess the situation before implementing further measures. The council expressed a willingness to collaborate with the police department to explore potential traffic calming solutions.

The meeting also touched on a proposed data center development, which raised transparency concerns among residents. During discussions, a resolution related to intermunicipal coordination for the data center was highlighted. Some council members expressed the need for more information, leading to the decision to table the resolution until further details could be gathered. Residents voiced dissatisfaction with the lack of communication, particularly those living within a 200-foot radius of the proposed site. The council recognized the importance of addressing these transparency issues to ensure that residents are informed and involved in decision-making processes.

In addition to these discussions, the council highlighted the importance of participation in the upcoming elections. With primary elections scheduled for June 2nd and early voting beginning on May 26th, the council emphasized the significance of voter engagement. Voter registration assistance was made available, and a reminder was issued about the polling places designated for each ward. The importance of every vote was stressed, with offers of transportation to the polls extended to ensure maximum participation.

Community involvement was further demonstrated through various events and initiatives. The council reported on recent activities, including the Arbor Day celebration and the arts festival, which faced challenges due to inclement weather. Despite this, council members expressed pride in the “Hometown Hero” banners honoring veterans and recognized local businesses during National Small Business Week.

Reports from various departments provided updates on ongoing projects and future plans. The Department of Public Works detailed their efforts in storm basin cleaning and tree maintenance, while the Fire Department announced progress on station construction and recruitment. The Recreation Department highlighted their extensive program offerings, with over 431 members enrolled across 41 programs.

The meeting concluded with public comments. Residents urged the council to consider the potential environmental and health impacts of the data center, advocating for a more transparent and inclusive approach. The council acknowledged these concerns and expressed a commitment to addressing them in future discussions.