The council’s decision to pass Ordinance 1465, which prohibits the use of artificial grass or turf in all zones, sparked considerable discussion. A resident, identified as Lisa, questioned whether existing installations would need to be removed and speculated whether the ordinance was meant to benefit local landscapers. The response clarified that the prohibition stemmed from planning board recommendations, not economic motivations. The ordinance was unanimously passed on its second and final reading.

Another major topic was public safety, with residents voicing concerns about a swimming area near a boating platform. The platform’s proximity to boat traffic raised safety questions, although it was confirmed that swimming there is permitted. Residents expressed a need for increased safety measures due to the area’s popularity during peak hours. Public safety issues extended to traffic concerns, with a resident highlighting a recent traffic incident at Charleston and New Jersey Avenue. The resident criticized police response times and the county’s 911 dispatch system, calling for improved emergency response protocols and better geographical awareness among dispatchers.

Legal and procedural transparency also emerged as a issue. A resident, Lisa Rippo, raised questions about ongoing lawsuits involving the borough, including matters related to OPRA (Open Public Records Act) violations. She expressed frustration over delayed responses to OPRA requests, emphasizing the 45-day window for filing grievances if requests remain unfulfilled. Rippo further inquired about the status of Mr. Ma’s property, which she described as being in disrepair despite having received planning board approval, and called for clarity on the borough’s stance in these legal matters. The council acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions regarding legal challenges and community interests.

The meeting also included discussions on infrastructure and property matters. The council reviewed Ordinance 1467, authorizing the acquisition of real property on West Pittsburgh Avenue, and Ordinance 1468, which appropriates $650,000 for road improvements. Both ordinances passed their first readings, with plans for public hearings. In addition, the New Jersey Avenue streetscape project was clarified as involving sanitary sewer and water main replacements, with additional engineering work required for borough-owned properties.

Public comment further highlighted neighborhood issues, such as over-occupancy and waste management at a local frat house. Claire Pollikin, a resident, noted improvements due to new ordinances but reported ongoing problems with over-occupancy and garbage disposal. She suggested that occupancy certificates should more prominently display capacity limits and recommended reconsidering front yard garbage placement to maintain neighborhood aesthetics. Pollikin also criticized the enforcement of parking regulations, claiming that despite numerous observed violations, few tickets were issued. In response, it was noted that several hundred parking tickets are typically issued each month, particularly during busy holiday periods.

Concerns about the “Cooling” property also surfaced, with residents expressing frustration over delays in cleanup efforts and mosquito control issues. The cleanup was reportedly contingent on a judge’s signature, prompting questions about the judicial process’s timeline. Residents expressed health concerns related to mosquito infestations, particularly as children were being bitten.