Residents press Lawnside council to fix website and fund volunteer firefighter training; council praises DPW after snowstorm

During the March 4 meeting residents raised website and service concerns and asked the council to support volunteer firefighter training.

Thelma Tutt of 110 Williams Ave. told the council the borough website is not user-friendly: photos do not match councilperson names, committee responsibilities are not listed, zoning‑board materials on the site run only through 2024, and she said she has not received a written response from the mayor about previously raised issues.

Franklin Harper Jr. of 17 W. Phoenix Ave. asked why other meetings cannot be held in person if the borough can host the 100th Centennial meeting in person, and he urged the governing body to allocate funds to help volunteer firefighters attend training so they can better serve the community.

In council remarks, Mayor Wardlow thanked the Department of Public Works for snow removal that focused on the bridge and cleared pathways to get children to school, and reminded residents that clearing sidewalks of snow and ice is required by law. Councilman Eric Wilcox thanked the police and fire departments and said, "Teamwork makes the Dreamwork." Chief Jay acknowledged that volunteer firefighters remained at the station for more than 48 hours during the storm and thanked community groups and donors for providing food and drink to volunteers. Borough Engineer Sean Smith Sr. said he and staff are preparing documents for a New Jersey American Water FD EMS grant application to fund helmets, gloves and training; the grant application is due April 10, 2026.

The meeting record shows these items were raised during the public-comment and remark portions and that follow-up materials, committee reports and procurement/grant documents are on file in the clerk's office.