The discussion on sign ordinances took center stage as council members and local business representatives debated the implications of current regulations and the proposed changes. Heidi L., representing the Economic Development Advisory Committee, emphasized the importance of effective signage for local businesses, pointing out that many signs around Vernon fail to clearly display business information. She advocated for clearer guidelines and designated areas for service advertisements. Heidi noted the success of similar initiatives in Sussex County, where over 14,000 signs were inspected and outdated ones replaced.

The council discussed the potential for directional signs to guide traffic to off-main-road shops and restaurants. Heidi proposed a one-page recommendation outlining prohibited signs and objectives for business signage. A poll revealed strong support for allowing feather flags, currently prohibited, with 187 votes in favor and only 24 against. The council acknowledged the need to balance business interests with aesthetic and safety considerations.

Concerns about the safety and visibility of signs were prominent. There was apprehension about potential accidents caused by obstructive signage, particularly in already challenging parking lots. The council considered designating specific areas for multiple sign structures, recognizing the complexities of land ownership and zoning regulations. They emphasized that any new signage initiatives would require careful planning to avoid favoritism and ensure equitable treatment of all businesses.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the topic of food truck licenses. Tom Troncone, owner of Alias Brew Works, voiced concerns about the current ordinance requiring fingerprinting and background checks for food truck operators. Troncone argued that these requirements could deter food trucks from operating in Vernon, noting that other municipalities do not impose such measures. He highlighted the importance of food trucks in boosting business and urged the council to reconsider these requirements.

The council acknowledged that the fingerprinting requirement stemmed from classifying food truck licenses under Peddler’s licenses due to the absence of a specific food truck license. There was a consensus on the need to differentiate between Peddler’s licenses and food truck licenses moving forward, with one council member expressing a desire to treat them as separate entities.

Public safety issues on county roads also garnered attention. A council member raised concerns about vehicle safety on County Route 515 following a recent incident where a truck lost its brakes. The member speculated about whether the county had passed an ordinance to enforce prohibitions on that route and emphasized the ongoing risks on a road with a history of dangerous incidents. Another council member reiterated the need for traffic studies at the intersection of County Route 517 and Vernon Crossing Road, citing previous discussions with the police chief about improving traffic management in that area. The urgency of the situation was underscored by recounting personal experiences and the high frequency of accidents, including one that had directly affected a council member’s family.

The meeting also addressed the organizational structure of local sports teams, which has led to confusion among parents. Concerns were raised about the management of field usage, budgets, and coaching volunteers for different teams, such as travel teams and in-town teams. The council agreed to have the recreation director provide an overview of the situation in the future, possibly with a chart to illustrate the organizational structure and points of contact for parents.

Additionally, the council discussed recent bills, including a payment to the Vernon Police Athletic League (PAL), clarifying the distinction between the PAL and the recreation committee. The PAL operates its own events and activities, while the recreation committee manages overall park and recreational activities. This clarification aimed to address confusion about the roles and responsibilities of each organization, particularly regarding the scheduling and usage of fields.

The meeting concluded with discussions about rising utility costs associated with JCP&L, with a council member describing the situation as urgent due to increases in electrical rates. A meeting with neighboring municipalities was scheduled to address these collective concerns, emphasizing a collaborative approach to countering the financial burden imposed by rising utility costs.