At a time when every penny counts, Point Borough has been making strides in energy efficiency that not only have cost the town and its taxpayers nothing, but are projected to save the town nearly $12,000 per year, according to one councilman.

Councilman Christopher Leitner said efforts of the Climate Action Committee have helped bring in grants to do energy efficiency projects at the public works department, at Borough Hall and at the recreation department that are expected to save the town $11,737 in energy costs.

Even better, he said, the improvements, worth $89,838, have cost the borough and its taxpayers nothing.

“The parts of this group are each so hard-working, so exceptional, so committed to this borough,” Leitner said. They are the ones to praise for the efforts that resulted in the grants, he said, singling out Laura Malta.

“Laura Malta did 99 percent of the work” in finding these grants, Leitner said.

The greatest energy conservation is at the public works building, where consumption is expected to be reduced 84.5 percent, Leitner said.

He noted that while the actual final costs of the projects may change slightly – “I’d be surprised if it was more than 5 percent,” Leitner said – the bottom line is they are costing the town nothing.

And if energy costs keep rising, the amount the town is saving will go up, he said.

In other council business:

 -- The council will hold a budget workshop meeting on May 10 at 7 p.m. Business administrator David Maffei said state officials have reported they are behind on reviewing municipal budgets so even if the borough introduces its budget at its next council meeting, on May 15, it will be a while before it is finalized.

 --  The council unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance that would ban the sale of puppies and kittens through pet shops.

The ordinance, written in response to the pet shop in Brick that was shut down after its owner was accused of selling ill puppies, would apply to any new businesses that tried to establish themselves in town.

It would not apply to adoption services provided through stores such as PetSmart, which works in concert with shelters to find good homes for cats and dogs, the council said.

--  Mayor William Schroeder encouraged the audience to attend Saturday’s Mayor’s Wellness Day at Riverfront Park. The wellness day is dedicated to pets and is expected to have a significant turnout.

--  Parents are reminded that children are supposed to be wearing helmets when they are riding their bicycles around town, Councilmember Robert Sabosik said. Borough police will be enforcing the ordinance, he said.