The downtown parking ordinance was a prominent subject, with council members debating the idea of granting variances to property owners instead of licenses for parking spaces. The goal was to simplify the process and ensure that property owners pay fees for parking spaces. A tiered fee system based on the number of parking spots required was proposed by some members of the council. The impact of these fees on property taxes and the availability of parking spots for public use was also discussed. Considerations included the effect on property managers and the potential need for wayfinder signs to guide the public to available parking spots.

In addition to the parking ordinance, the council discussed a proposal to grant parking permissions to residents for overnight parking in certain lots. The proposal raised questions about its impact on parking availability, the rights of residents and developers, and the potential financial implications for the town. Specifics of the proposal, such as whether permissions would be linked to specific renters’ cars or to particular lots, were scrutinized. Concerns about the responsibility for clearing snow from the lots, the possibility of revisiting permissions granted to developers, and the fairness of any associated fees were also topics of public comment.

The potential acquisition of lots from CSX brought about questions concerning the future of these spaces should CSX opt to sell the line. The council was introduced to a new plan that would replace the previous concept and involve an annual parking fee. Alongside these discussions, the Chief of Police presented a rationale for installing cameras in the downtown area, emphasizing their benefits for investigative purposes and public safety. A member of the public expressed support for this technology.

The council explored various fee structures and their potential impact on public access to parking spaces. They looked at purchasing efficiency and process improvements, proposing to engage a Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) to streamline the e-procurement process, especially for projects authorized in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding or bond ordinances. The topic of cannabis was briefly mentioned, with no update available at the time.

Infrastructure and community facilities were also on the agenda. The train station painting was postponed due to unforeseen issues and weather conditions. An infrared electric scan led to immediate repairs and future recommendations for improvements. The council discussed grants submitted for ADA improvements and considered applying for additional funding for storm drain systems.

Cybersecurity coverage was another critical item, with plans to achieve intermediate level coverage to reduce deductibles. Public comments included concerns about the pavement conditions on Sherwood Drive and a resident’s appeal for a hardship exception to the tree removal statute for solar panel installation. The council liaison to the environmental commission provided insight into the commission’s split views, and there was support for the resident’s hardship appeal.

The replacement of benches outside Borough Hall was a point of interest. The council considered the conditions of the benches and discussed the possibility of replacing or resurfacing them, along with the use of open space funds for this purpose. The expansion of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations was debated, with discussions on doubling the number of stations, the impact on parking spaces, and the potential need for designated charging spots. The council introduced several ordinances related to municipal budget appropriation limits, public improvements, and traffic regulations.

The meeting concluded with the appointment of Dr. Natasha LaVine to the Board of Health and a motion to go into a closed executive session to discuss various confidential matters.