Council Backs Pedestrian Signals at Three Intersections, Approves Emergency HVAC Fix

With Mayor Patrick, Councilor Morrow, and Councilor Meyer absent, Council President Mans led the meeting. The council approved a hold-harmless agreement with Essex County to install solar-powered pedestrian crossing signals at three locations — Bay Avenue and Forest Avenue, Belleville Avenue and High Street, and Ridgewood Avenue and Carteret Street — with the borough taking on responsibility for installation, maintenance, and liability. Deputy Administrator Erik DeLine said the work is planned as a two-year installation funded through capital improvement funds.

Members also approved the $76,194 purchase of another new Ford Utility Interceptor police vehicle, gave first reading to Ordinance No. 1766 amending school drop-off and time-limited parking rules, and retroactively approved a $15,361.50 emergency, non-bid contract with AME Incorporated to replace leaking HVAC condensers that had created a health and safety hazard for staff and the public.

In committee and department updates, Councilor Law announced the borough's newly installed clay tennis court would open that Friday, and Chief Quinn invited residents to Community Night Out at the town pool on August 4 and highlighted the department's "Operation Chill" partnership with 7-Eleven. No members of the public spoke during either comment period.

What to watch

• Ordinance No. 1766 (school drop-off/parking amendment) up for final reading and adoption
• Two-year installation of solar-powered pedestrian signals at Bay/Forest, Belleville/High, and Ridgewood/Carteret to proceed