On Monday, April 13th, the Mayor and Borough Council held their meeting. The last several meetings have been uneventful as they have focused on Borough business as usual. Until this week, attendance at the events had been consistent; however, during this meeting there were more people in the audience, which was a nice change.

This meeting started with a proclamation honoring Manville's newest Eagle Scout which we covered and reported here.

The rest of the meeting was business as usual. During Committee Reports, Councilman Basista, who is Chair of Progress and Development, laid out a robust list of actions his committee is working on.

These included working with the Tax Assessor on educating residents on the assessment program, reinstituting the Economic Development Committee, and working closely with Councilwoman Camacho on Land Use Board updates.

He also said that Kettleman's Bagels had received their final certificate and could proceed with final steps to open their location on South Main Street, which made those in attendance visibly happy.

Councilwoman Zamorski provided an update on the budget process that the Finance Committee is working on. They are looking to build a budget that is "fiscally responsible and sustainable for the long term".

She indicated: "As we move through the budget process, we are facing several significant challenges. We continue to see substantial increases in fixed costs including contractually obligations, rising health insurance premiums and higher liability insurance costs."

As these are not discretionary expenses, they must be funded. She continued that "we are experiencing declines in certain revenue streams which further hinders our ability to absorb these increases without impact".

"Beginning with the 26 budget, the committee is focused on gradually reducing the reliance on surplus and rebuilding financial stability over time. This is an important step to ensure that the Borough maintains adequate reserves to respond to emergencies, economic downturns, and unforeseeable expenses and to ensure that we do not place ourselves in a position where we risk falling back under state oversite or a reliance on transitional aid."

Despite these challenges, Councilwoman Zamorski stated: "The finance committee remains committed to developing a budget that is structurally balanced and forward looking. Our goal is not to apply short term fixes or a band aid solution but rather to put forward a financial plan that protects the Borough’s long term fiscal health while continuing to bide essential services to our residents".

Councilwoman Camacho shared that Policy, Planning and Personnel met to discuss and review several key topics including the possibility of a designated truck route through town which the Borough Engineer will be working with the County to discuss further, discussions with the School on shared service agreements, and the need to repost a job opening.

She also shared that after a thorough review of the current rental registration schedule; it has been determined there will be an increase in fees for all rental units and rental properties will move to a yearly inspection schedule to better coincide with the required yearly fire safety inspections. These changes will take effect January 2027.

Councilwoman Sanchez indicated Public Safety had not met but that police department received a $7000 distracted driving grant for the month of April and that the 5th Grade D.A.R.E. graduation will take place on April 20th at the High School.

Council President Lukac gave an update on potholes and that DPW crews are getting to them as fast as they can. DPW has also started cutting grass on all Borough and Blue Acres properties. He also shared that Community Clean Up Day is Saturday April 25th from 9am to 12pm and residents can check in at Memorial, Dukes, Papawick, and Lincoln Parks. Gloves and supplies will be provided to all volunteers.

Councilwoman Puia gave an update from the Building and Grounds Committee. She is working with the Blue Acres program and is waiting on information she has requested including any remaining funding for future buyouts. She is also researching options for using the open spaces. Apparently, municipalities can enhance these spaces to include native plantings and green infrastructure.

Mayor Richard Onderko spoke next. He reminded residents there is a free rabies clinic this Saturday at Firehouse #3 from 10am to 12pm, and that the annual Arbor Day tree planting is taking place on Monday April 27th at the schools.

Part two of April 13th's Council Meeting recap will focus on the Public Portion.