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Council hears police/fire updates, addresses HVAC, iPads, Main Street funding and DPW pension questions
Summary
Council reviewed monthly police and fire statistics, discussed an HVAC bid for the police office (clarified to about $12,182), considered iPad purchase estimates, heard an engineer update on Main Street grants and DEP closeouts, and debated proposed changes to the DPW pension ordinance.
Councilers reviewed routine operational reports and several procurement and personnel issues during the March 11 workshop.
Police and fire reports: Police reported new vehicles arriving to be placed in service; the fire bureau corrected an earlier exaggerated figure and reported 50 calls in February with average dispatch and response times. Fire and emergency-management staff said they have met to prepare for waterfront events including the NFL Draft.
HVAC bid: Staff presented bids to replace heating and cooling in the police administration area. A large-figure mention ($1,212,000) was clarified to a likely installation cost of about $12,181.97 to install two inverter ductless splits for the chief’s and assistant chief’s offices; council directed staff to seek a second bid before summer.
iPads and software: Council discussed purchasing 11-inch iPad Pros with keyboards for council use and potential AppleCare; rough estimates ranged from about $8,000 to $10,000 for the planned set. Members also noted the need for Office 365 or similar licensing and asked staff to gather standard and pro device quotes.
Main Street and grants: The borough engineer reported Main Street work is ready to proceed pending a new grant analyst’s review; portions of earlier construction were never closed out with DEP and require formal closeout filings. Staff said they will pursue mitigation and multimodal grants as available.
DPW pension discussion: Council discussed options for changing public-works pension eligibility (examples discussed included full benefits after 30 years at age 60 versus age 55) and noted any change will require an ordinance and union negotiations; members raised concerns about medical costs that can affect retiree decisions.
Council asked staff to return with clarified bid documents, comparative procurement information, and follow-up on grant timelines and pension ordinance options.
