The most notable topic was the council’s handling and approval of ordinance 52-24, which amends the Hercules Redevelopment Plan. This ordinance, concerning the realignment of the Connector Road closer to Bordentown Avenue, was a focal point of the meeting. During the public hearing segment, a resident named Jim inquired about the ordinance’s implications, specifically regarding the road realignment. The council confirmed that the plan involved moving the road, a change welcomed by Jim. However, concerns were raised about the phasing of construction and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), which would be contingent upon the road’s completion. The council clarified that while construction could proceed on certain sections, no C of O could be issued until the road was finished.

Another resident expressed concerns about the council’s engagement during public meetings. They described recent amendments to allow mayor and council participation in addressing public questions as a “tiny step in the right direction,” emphasizing the necessity for further improvements. The resident cited feedback from veterans. They criticized the council for retracting several basic rights in previous meetings and proposed amendments to guarantee residents could speak more than once, rather than at the mayor’s discretion. Despite these suggestions, the council moved to close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance on its second and final reading, with one council member voting against it in support of the resident’s suggestions.

The council also tackled ordinance 56-24, which authorizes a financial agreement for constructing a 250,000 square foot cold storage warehouse on borough-owned landfill property. Anthony Inverso from Phoenix Advisors presented details, explaining the project’s financial structure. The property, purchased for around $20 million, currently generates minimal tax revenue. Under the proposed agreement, the new facility is projected to eventually generate approximately $350,000 in revenue for the borough. The payment structure would be determined by the highest value among three calculations: a percentage of facility revenue, an amount per square foot, and statutory minimums. Taxes on the land would continue to be assessed, with an expected increase in land value due to the development.

Public inquiries followed, with Jim Robinson questioning the allocation of the additional $20 million from the property sale. He sought clarity on potential uses such as tax reductions or community projects. The mayor responded that these issues would be addressed by the new governing body in the upcoming year. The council then closed the public hearing and unanimously adopted the ordinance.

Besides these discussions, the meeting featured acknowledgments of several community members for their volunteer service. The Mayor honored Richie Kuski for his 50 years as a volunteer firefighter and commended Sue Paul for her 40 years on the library board. The council also approved various personnel changes within the police department and Department of Public Works, including the appointment of Christina Capasso as a Public Safety Telecommunicator.

The lead paint certification program aims to simplify evaluation processes for residents, while salary adjustment ordinances were passed without public comment.

As the meeting concluded, council members extended holiday wishes and emphasized ongoing environmental initiatives, including lead pipe identification and a survey focused on Bailey’s Park. The council called for public participation in these projects to improve community infrastructure and safety.