The council’s debate over financial management began with Resolution 24-302, which authorized payments from August 8 to August 29, 2024. A significant portion of the discussion focused on ongoing expenses related to the firehouse, despite its construction phase being complete. Questions were raised about professional service fees, particularly those associated with addressing pitting found in the concrete at the front of the firehouse. Boswell Engineering is representing the township in assessing whether the contractor will be liable for the repairs.

Further financial scrutiny involved the use of funds from old ordinances for current projects. A council member voiced concerns about using remaining money from a 2013 and a 2016 ordinance for road improvements, arguing that this approach could lead to over-capitalization. The member stressed the need for a comprehensive understanding of unencumbered balances in old ordinances and advocated for a review and potential zeroing out of those funds.

The council also discussed the upcoming community events, including the first annual Washington Wicked 5K kids fund run scheduled for October 20, a 9/11 ceremony at the township memorial monument, and an annual flu clinic on September 25. However, a notable topic was the appointment of Sasha Lopez as the new Director of Public Affairs and Information, expiring December 31, 2025.

The appointment of Sasha Lopez sparked a debate. One council member supported her appointment, emphasizing the need for leadership in town events and expressing gratitude for her willingness to step up after the position had been vacant for over a year. The member stated, “let’s treat her with the respect she deserves for wanting to step up and make our town a better place.” However, concerns were raised about Lopez retaining her previous roles while taking on the new director position, which led to a debate about the appropriateness of one individual holding multiple positions simultaneously.

The conversation revealed confusion regarding the legality and practicality of one individual serving as both director and assistant. One council member expressed bafflement, stating, “I mean, I thought she was taking on the director position and she can’t be an assistant to herself.” In response, another member referenced a precedent in the tax assessor’s office where a new tax assessor also took on the role of their own assistant.

The debate also touched on volunteer contributions and their impact on community events. Some members argued that volunteers contribute to the success of events, while others noted that the absence of a director had led to the cancellation or diminishment of activities such as Halloween events and summer concerts. The council acknowledged the need for a collaborative approach to reinvigorate community involvement and considered conducting a survey to assess community interest and willingness to volunteer.

Financial considerations were also raised regarding the director’s salary, with questions about whether increased responsibilities would necessitate higher compensation. A council member emphasized, “if a department grows then you just need more employees,” highlighting the importance of appropriate staffing solutions to manage the growing workload.

Public comments during the meeting included a resident’s concern about a $25 fee and the potential acquisition of a property on Pascack. The resident questioned the rationale behind acquiring the property, given zoning restrictions that limit development to a single house. The Mayor responded by emphasizing the importance of preserving the land in its natural state and noted that Bergen County would fund two-thirds of the purchase price, making it a strategic long-term investment.

Another resident, Keith Jensen, voiced skepticism about the financial wisdom of the acquisition, arguing that the property would not yield significant tax revenue and could burden taxpayers with ongoing maintenance costs. The Mayor and a council member countered by highlighting the environmental benefits and potential future uses for the property, such as creating an environmental area for local schools.

The meeting also addressed the appointment of special law enforcement officers and school crossing guards for the upcoming school year, with the Mayor expressing appreciation for the council members’ dedication and the importance of their decisions for the town and its volunteers.