Mary Ellen McSherry

The committee discussed updates on environmental outreach efforts, including bird strike awareness, school sustainability events, and reporting formats. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the single-use plastic initiative and the implementation of signage and toolkits for local businesses. Additionally, the committee engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the 'Ready for 100' renewable energy resolution and the potential for installing solar panels on municipal buildings, noting the need for further research and internal discussion. Finally, the committee evaluated the attendance and future of sustainability education classes.

The committee meeting addressed several key topics including public concern regarding proposed intersection improvements, specifically regarding traffic flow, parking, and pedestrian safety. Operational reports were reviewed from the Fire, Police, Public Works, and Engineering departments. Actions were taken to advertise for public bids for a road paving project and to apply for a CDBG grant for accessibility improvements at Borough Hall. The council also reviewed progress on the LSA grant for Borough Hall rehabilitation, the development of a plastic bag ordinance, and updates on planning commission activities and local construction projects. Additionally, the committee discussed the relocation of the JCA Night Market to Monday evenings and the resolution of a fire incident on West Avenue.

The council discussed various public works initiatives, including storm water management and the maintenance of sanitary sewers. Key topics included the Cedar Street storm water improvement project, the use of street sweepers, and seasonal leaf collection. The discussion also covered the borough's sewer lateral inspection ordinance, the acquisition of a small water grant for equipment upgrades, and the issue of grease accumulation in the sewer system. There was further deliberation regarding the potential extension of sewer inspection requirements to commercial properties.

The Planning Commission discussed zoning ordinances, specifically regarding distance regulations for commercial properties from residences to protect neighboring properties from nuisances. The committee reviewed sign ordinances, including regulations on message sequencing and billboard location, and analyzed a zoning map. Additionally, updates were provided on town center rezoning, a bike and pedestrian safety initiative, and street tree assessment planning.

The council approved payroll and invoice payments and opened the agenda to add appointments to the Human Relations Commission. A presentation was held regarding a proposed single-use plastic ordinance, which includes regulations on plastic bags, straws, and stirrers. Department reports included updates on FEMA annual report submissions, snow removal efforts and sidewalk clearing enforcement, and the implementation of electronic file transfers and grant-funded pedestrian safety projects. Additional actions included authorizing a letter of support for a transportation grant, adopting an emergency operation plan, approving police department equipment purchases, authorizing the destruction of public records, and initiating public advertisement for zoning map revisions.