The meeting also marked the last gathering in the current venue before moving back to the council chambers on Park Avenue, which have been renovated. A signing and swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for January 2nd at the new location. The mayor thanked the police department for their hospitality in hosting meetings during this transitional period.

Another highlight of the meeting was the council’s discussion on streamlining the application process for residents interested in joining boards and committees. The council proposed posting available positions on the borough’s website and social media platforms, allowing interested individuals to email their interest to the borough clerk. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accessibility. The revised process will involve the council liaison appointed on January 2 engaging in conversations with candidates, leading to recommendations forwarded to the mayor. An evaluation of the process’s effectiveness is planned at the year’s end.

Outgoing Councilwoman Susan Quatrone’s contributions were acknowledged, emphasizing her role in securing grants for community improvements, including enhancements to Memorial Field with a dedicated stadium for girls’ softball. Quatrone advocated for thoughtful development aligned with residents’ long-term interests, promoting community spaces that foster well-being. She expressed pride in amplifying women’s voices within the council and community, highlighting a past female majority in the council. Quatrone’s personal journey in public service was shared, underscoring her dedication to advocacy and community engagement beyond her term.

The council also addressed multiple ordinances and resolutions during the meeting. These included amendments to police extra duty fees, repealing a handicap parking space on Windsor Place, and adopting a redevelopment plan for the Kip Avenue area. The redevelopment plan involved increasing affordable housing percentages in rental buildings and addressing parking configurations for supportive housing residents. All ordinances were unanimously approved.

Resolutions authorizing employment agreements for the borough chief financial officer and borough clerk were passed unanimously. Additionally, the reappointment of Bernett Penelli as the borough tax collector was confirmed, alongside other routine resolutions within a consent agenda. New appointments included Robert Eubanks as plumbing sub-code inspector and Thomas Staffer as a laborer, both of which received unanimous approval.

The council president introduced a new pedestrian safety committee, to be organized with input from the mayor, police chief, and council members. More information on this initiative will be shared in the new year. The council also expressed gratitude to the green team for their dedication to environmental causes and urged community support for the local food pantry, highlighting current shortages.