The council meeting’s public comment section was dominated by a resident’s concerns about housing for J1 visa students. The resident highlighted inconsistencies in the reported number of students requiring housing and detailed a prior meeting with an individual named Mr. MAA, who allegedly promised to address the housing issue. However, the resident expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of resolution, emphasizing that many students were still without adequate housing and faced financial barriers preventing their return to their home countries. The resident urged the council to investigate the number of occupied apartments and to enhance oversight on these housing issues, stating, “It’s like an open nobody’s watching.”

In response to the resident’s concerns, council members recognized the limitations of their jurisdiction, particularly when the complications arise with business owners in other municipalities. A council member noted, “I’m not aware that the borough can involve itself into a situation of a business owner in another municipality,” highlighting the complexity and potential jurisdictional boundaries of the issue. Despite these limitations, there was acknowledgment that the borough had enacted enforcement measures concerning housing ordinances. The resident insisted on exploring state statutes for housing violations to prevent similar situations from recurring, urging the borough to encourage Mr. MAA to ensure financial reimbursement for the affected students.

Parallel to the discussion of housing issues, the council addressed a comprehensive legislative agenda. Among the topics was the unanimous passing of Ordinance 1444, amending fence permit fees. This ordinance moved swiftly through its second reading and final passage, despite the absence of public commentary during the hearing. Ordinance 1445, concerning restricted parking zones for persons with disabilities, Ordinance 1446, amending loading zone regulations, and Ordinance 1447, addressing time limit parking spaces, were all introduced and passed on first readings, setting the stage for further public hearings scheduled for February 5, 2025.

In addition to ordinance discussions, the council passed several resolutions, including participation in the 2025 ACM JIF safety incentive program and approval of change order number six for the Beach Patrol headquarters renovations. The resolutions accepted obligations from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and increased contracts for network support services. Refunds for EMS overpayments to Marilyn Petite and Linda Ying were authorized, and expenditures for a Vacon sewer cleaner and a computerized maintenance management system for the Public Works department were approved.

Further resolutions authorized sealed bid openings for leasing part of the Nesbit Center, granted a street opening permit on East Syracuse Avenue, and increased a contract for traffic signal improvement services. The council also established salaries for 2025, extended budget introduction and adoption dates, and approved advertising for landscaping services.

Infrastructure updates provided by the engineer included the ongoing replacement of the stormwater system and bulkhead from Primrose to Cresy Avenue. Updates on the fiscal year 2023 NJDCA small cities program noted progress in bathroom improvements at the Municipal Building, with rough plumbing and electrical work completed and drywall installation nearing completion. The fiscal year 2024 NJDOT Municipal Aid program for Toledo Avenue’s reconstruction was also discussed, noting completed work on the sanitary sewer and water systems for two blocks.

The NJI Bank sanitary sewer and roadway improvements are in the design phase, with expectations to bid for the project by April or May.

Public recognition was given to the Public Works department for their effective management during a recent snowstorm. A council member expressed gratitude, remarking, “People don’t understand that we don’t deal with this very often,” while another member advised residents to stay indoors during severe weather.