SPRING LAKE — The Spring Lake Board of Aldermen will discuss legislative priorities at its meeting Monday night.
The seven priorities are infrastructure, business development, public safety, public transportation, environmental regulations, access to housing and resident access to services and programs.
Alderman Marvin Lackman said the priorities are a compilation from the board members’ discussion with Cumberland County state legislators on Feb. 3 and at the board retreat on Feb. 18.
“We are trying to move and shape Spring Lake going forward,” said Lackman.
Investing in infrastructure and public works projects to maintain and improve roads, bridges and public parks is one of the top priorities. That also touched on a municipal software overhaul, water treatment facility repair, Main Street revitalization, streetlights and equipment upgrades such as mowers and street sweepers.
Infrastructure is the No. 1 priority, according to Alderwoman Sona Cooper.
“Infrastructure is a priority for us along with other town and cities across the nation. It’s costly and hard to keep up, but it’s necessary,” said Cooper.
Funding from the federal inflation reduction act was mentioned as a possibility to help finance the projects.
Another top priority of the board is business development with grants for businesses and economic growth with tax credits for developers.
Three other priorities have been consistent conversations for several years including increased funding and resources for public safety, developing and expanding public transportation, and increasing access to affordable housing.
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Protecting the environment and natural resources would include funding for the Mutzburg Park Project and additional maintenance and development for Veterans Park.
In other business, the board is scheduled to hear a presentation on programs of Cumberland County Community Development and amend bylaws for the Spring Lake Community Appearance and Sustainability Committee in order to increase the number of committee members.
The board also is expected to pass ordinances to address donation boxes within town limits and restrict semitractor vehicles on residential roads. Past discussion focused on donation boxes that produce unsightly litter and clutter and residential streets that were not constructed to support heavy vehicle traffic.
The board also is expected to go into closed session citing for discussions involving attorney-client privilege and personnel.
The board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at Spring Lake Town Hall, 300 Ruth St.
