Resident Robert McLean of 206 Manor Avenue addressed council during the public comment period on Aug. 26 to dispute a $100 property‑maintenance citation he said stemmed from weeds in his sidewalk and yard.

McLean said weather and high humidity prevented him from completing cleanup earlier and that the fine was burdensome for someone on Social Security. “But, otherwise, I think this $100 is a little bit outrageous and should be modified for older people so we can work on it,” he said. He asked whether fines could be smaller or imposed in seasonal installments to give older residents more time.

Council members advised McLean to discuss the matter with borough staff. Council President said the council would not act on fines at the meeting and encouraged McLean to speak with the code officer and the borough manager. A council member added that it would be inappropriate for council to adjust an individual fine at the meeting because doing so could set a precedent.

Borough Manager Rebecca described the borough’s formal complaint and enforcement process and recent adjustments to code‑enforcement staffing. She said the borough prefers in‑person complaint forms or website submissions that include an address and contact information so staff can investigate; she reiterated the borough’s policy not to investigate anonymous code complaints. Rebecca said staff will route reports to the appropriate person (manager, code officer, or police) and that the borough tracks actions taken, but that staff does not routinely follow up with complainants unless the circumstances warrant it.

Rebecca also described resources for residents who need help with property maintenance: the County Office of Aging, Habitat for Humanity (which operates some maintenance programs in addition to home building), and local Meals on Wheels, which can connect residents to people who do lawn mowing and similar tasks. She noted the borough has reallocated code‑officer time so the part‑time code officer spends two hours per day focused on code enforcement (on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) while rental inspections are scheduled primarily later in the day.

Council Member Phil emphasized that complainant confidentiality must be protected and urged staff to ensure complainants’ names remain private in enforcement cases where appropriate.

No action was taken by council at the meeting on McLean’s citation; staff advised him to follow up with the code officer and borough manager to pursue any adjustment or appeal permitted under borough procedures.