The meeting opened with the final approval of Ordinance 1422, aimed at amending the borough’s code to adopt new flood plane management regulations. This ordinance is particularly critical given the borough’s geographical location and susceptibility to flooding.

The council did not stop at these regulations but moved forward with introducing three more ordinances. Ordinance 1424 seeks to regulate parking meters, a step likely taken to improve traffic and parking conditions within the borough. Ordinance 1425 focuses on the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Ordinance 1426 deals with the establishment of a cap bank for the calendar year 2024, which is a financial mechanism that allows the municipality to exceed the state-mandated budget cap when necessary, providing flexibility in fiscal planning.

Alongside legislative progress, the council approved a local budget for fiscal year 2024 and authorized a grant application for the reconstruction of Stockton Road.

The council also authorized major expenditure and work orders, including the purchase and installation of a UV system for the public works department and approved change orders for road resurfacing and public access enhancements. Furthermore, a fiscal year 2024 local Recreation Improvement Grant was acknowledged, coupled with the approval of a proposed plan for improvements to Scoop Taylor Park.

The meeting also featured a presentation on active shooter incident management. Additionally, the “Remember Everyone Deployed” initiative was introduced, highlighting the borough’s support for its service members and veterans.

Public comments revealed residents’ concerns regarding the planning and zoning meeting. One resident voiced disappointment with recent decisions and questioned whether the borough would reassess its master plan in light of new developments. Another resident, a new member of the planning board, expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of a specific application, sparking a discussion on the appeal process and the planning board’s jurisdiction.

Similarly, a resident raised issues with the pool permit process, and another opposed a planning board decision related to a development project, emphasizing its impact on parking and the view corridor. These discussions touched on the need for clearer regulations and more transparent decision-making processes.

Infrastructure was another focal point of the meeting, with discussions on multiple projects, including the New Jersey Avenue project, Sunset Lake Step Channel dredging, bulkhead improvements, and flood mitigation efforts. The council expressed their intent to secure funding from Congressman Vandrew and FEMA for these vital projects. A DCA small cities grant for bathroom improvements and the K County local Road Safety plan were also mentioned.

The potential sale of a lot on Rosemary and C Streets sparked a debate among council members about whether the proceeds should be allocated for a specific purpose, such as open space preservation or capital expenses. The council also deliberated on the method of sale, weighing the merits of sealed bids against open auctions.

During public comments, discussion about the lot’s sale continued, with residents debating development against preserving it as open space. The council members acknowledged the financial implications and the community’s preferences.

In closing, the council members expressed their appreciation for the budgetary work of the finance department and department heads. They also extended condolences to the family of a recently deceased city solicitor before adjourning the meeting.