The council’s decision to raise fees for lead inspections in rental properties emerged as a critical resolution during the meeting. The ordinance proposed fee adjustments ranging from $350 for a one-bedroom unit to $600 for units with five or more bedrooms, with additional fees for reinspections and lead-safe certifications. Rising costs necessitated these changes, as the city sought to align its fees with the market and ensure adequate resources for managing inspections.

Council members debated the ordinance’s implications, noting that it could drive many landlords to seek private inspections, thus reducing the city’s workload. The ordinance also clarified inspection frequency, aligning with state law mandates for inspections every three years or at tenant turnover. The council expressed agreement with the need to explicitly outline these requirements in the ordinance’s language to improve public understanding.

The council also devoted attention to infrastructure improvements, particularly through a memorandum of understanding with the county for upgrades along South Broad Street. Council members highlighted the need for addressing problematic intersections, such as Route 129 and Cass Street, and improving pedestrian safety. Proposed enhancements included installing safety bollards on bridges and upgrading traffic signaling to accommodate all-pedestrian crossings.

The County Executive assured the council that community feedback would be integral to the design work, which includes compliance with ADA standards and considerations for bike lanes and lighting.

Parking issues dominated public comments, with residents voicing frustrations over limited parking availability and street cleaning inconsistencies. A resident from Bismar Avenue described the parking situation as “unbearable,” citing homeowners and renters with driveways occupying street spaces. Another resident from Franklin Street reported irregular street cleaning schedules, resulting in parking tickets despite the absence of cleaning services.

Council members acknowledged these challenges, discussing potential solutions such as parking permits or space markers to alleviate parking congestion. They also called for halting ticketing until street cleaning services could reliably operate. The council’s focus on parking extended to redevelopment projects, emphasizing the need for comprehensive parking strategies as part of broader urban revitalization efforts.

The meeting also touched on the city’s engagement with historical preservation and redevelopment, particularly concerning the Eagle Tavern renovation project. The council discussed a shared services agreement with the county to manage funding applications for the project, acknowledging the importance of restoring the Tavern’s historical significance while considering its future use.

In public safety discussions, the council addressed equipment purchases funded by a Justice Assistance Grant, including vehicle-mounted license plate readers and overt cameras. These enhancements aim to bolster the city’s crime-fighting capabilities without redundancy. The council also approved a resolution supporting the Immigration Trust Act.

Members proposed amendments to streamline committee processes, including reducing the timeframe for report submission and clarifying committee formation guidelines.