A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion on the 2025 Garbage Contract. The current contract’s expiration at the end of the year prompted a conversation about shared services with neighboring towns and the necessity to have a new bid prepared by the end of March. The council is considering various options for garbage collection and payment methods, as well as coordinating with surrounding towns to align contract dates for potential shared services in the future.

Parallel to the garbage contract, the council discussed the cell tower bid, which is also set to expire. The importance of timely preparation for this bid was highlighted, given that the current contract ends in July. The bid has attracted interest from several companies, including AT&T and Crown Castle, and the revenue from the cell tower is a notable consideration for the upcoming budget.

Another topic was the proposed Bergen County shared service agreement for limited tree removal services, transitioning from a one-year to a five-year contract. The council agreed that the agreement needed to be reviewed by the attorney before any decisions were made. The council also discussed the 2024 New Jersey Department of Community Affairs local Recreation Improvement grant, deliberating over potential projects that could benefit from such funding. Ideas for the grant’s use were encouraged, with the intention to work closely with the grant committee and the parks and recreation department.

The meeting moved forward with the introduction of ordinance 1684 d24, which would amend traffic regulations, and the adoption of ordinance 1683 d24, concerning stop intersections. Both ordinances were processed with minimal public comment and are set to be further discussed at a public hearing on February 20th.

Mayor Danielle DiPaola provided a comprehensive report covering various topics such as tax deadlines, commuter parking permits, and the introduction of a new American Legion building. The Mayor’s Wellness campaign and improvements funded for traffic lights were among the updates, along with the proposed New Jersey Transit fare increases. Administrator Hermanson contributed with updates on local infrastructure projects, including the Randoff Pump Station and the Bankovic Field lighting project.

The council also took a moment to remember James Iona through a moment of silence, and celebrated Franchesca Ianora, a retired fifth-grade teacher who has greatly contributed to the community, particularly through her work with the Emerson Library Board of Trustees and the public library.