At the Council meeting that took place on Monday, September 28th, a total of 5 ordinances were presented for first read. A first read is the council's formal introduction of an ordinance which is a procedural step that places it on the agenda and sets up the required public hearing before any final vote.

The four ordinances in question, totaling $2,232,500, were all related to funding for a variety of projects and efforts. Full descriptions and details for each can be found on the official agenda here.

The following ordinances passed first reading, with a public hearing and adoption scheduled for the October 12th council meeting. The ordinance for a $1,025,000 bond to acquire Rustic Mall through purchase or eminent domain failed the vote. This is covered separately here. The total amount of the bond ordinances that passed first reading and introduction total $1,207,500.

Ordinance 2026-1348 - Authorizes $549,000 in bonding for various public improvements and new equipment and vehicles for the Borough.

$144,000: "New additional or replacement equipment and machinery and new automotive vehicles, including original apparatus and equipment, for the use of the Police Department consisting of (i) firearms and related equipment and (ii) SUVs."

$100,000: "Undertaking of the following public improvements: (i) resurfacing of the Police Department and Public Library parking lots; (ii) upgrading doors and locks at various public buildings; and (iii) construction of ADA ramps at various locations."

$95,000: "Acquisition of a new automotive vehicle, including original apparatus and equipment, consisting of a pickup truck for the use of the Department of Public Works"

$150,000: "Acquisition of new additional or replacement equipment and machinery consisting of a leaf vacuum machine for the use of the DPW."

$60,000: "Resurfacing of various roads."

Ordinance 2026-1349 - Authorizes $1,025,000 in bonding to acquire real property for municipal purposes, either by purchase or eminent domain.

This ordinance failed the vote by Council. Additional coverage of this topic can be found here.

Ordinance 2026-1350 - Authorizes $260,000 in bonding for streambank stabilization and related repairs along Royce Brook due to Tropical Storm Ida damage.

This ordinance is related to FEMA grants to complete work along Colorado Avenue and South 19th Avenue areas, as well as at the American Legion.

Ordinance 2026-1351 - Authorizes $398,500 in bonding for additional public improvements throughout the Borough.

$37,500: "Undertaking of the engineering phase for the construction of ADA ramps at Vermont Avenue."

$261,000: "Undertaking of pedestrian safety and drainage improvements at 13th Avenue (from Knopf Street to the bridge over Royce Brook)."

$100,000: "Undertaking of traffic and pedestrian safety improvements consisting of the installation of speed humps and radar speed signs at various locations."

Ordinance 2026-1352 - Appropriates $280,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to support the Borough's 2026 Capital Plan.

This ordinance uses existing capital in the Borough's budget, and the funding is already allocated. It does not create any additional bonds or debts.

$15,000: "A. Police Equipment including tasers, vests, radar and related equipment"

$60,000: "B. Buildings & Grounds Annual Major Building Repairs"

$30,000: "C. Department of Public Works Equipment and supplies"

$150,000: "D. Engineering Engineering work related to various road projects"

$25,000: "E. Recreation Memorial pool bathroom/ roof repairs; Lincoln Park baseball field lighting, other park improvements"

In addition, ordinances #2026-1345 (Authorizing The Acquisition By Purchase Or Condemnation of Rustic Mall) and #2026-1346 (Rental Housing Registration Fees), which were introduced at the September 14th meeting, were expected for public hearing and final adoption.

However, due to an error, they were not publicly posted to allow sufficient public review. They were moved to the October 12th meeting.