A resident recounted a harrowing break-in at her home, detailing how three individuals attempted to enter her house at 4:30 a.m. on August 23rd. The intruders, one wielding a crowbar and another breaking a glass door with a rock, targeted her luxury vehicles parked in the driveway. The resident expressed gratitude that her husband was home and lamented the lack of police communication about prior break-ins in her neighborhood. She criticized the police’s advice, which included getting a dog, as inadequate given the severity of the threat. She called for more proactive measures from the police department to enhance community safety.

In response, a council member acknowledged the resident’s concerns, emphasizing that the council would rely on the police department for guidance on safety measures. There were efforts to improve lighting on Hilltop, a particularly dark area, and maintain shrubbery to enhance visibility. The importance of a neighborhood watch was highlighted, although there were concerns about its sustainability due to residents’ work commitments.

Another resident shared his frustration over a suspicious car parked outside his home, adding to the narrative of community safety concerns. He criticized the police’s delayed response and pointed out that the culprits of recent break-ins seemed to be youths from outside Montclair, complicating local youth outreach efforts.

Financial oversight was another significant topic, with the presentation of the 2023 audit report by Greg Cser from Supply Cloning Company. The audit highlighted Montclair’s healthy fiscal condition as of December 31, 2023, with surpluses across various funds. However, concerns were raised about a reference error in the report and the independence of the audit process. Cser confirmed the audit’s independence from the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and clarified surplus definitions.

Discussions shifted to the allocation and utilization of federal funds post-COVID-19. Approximately $800,000 was designated for the parking utility, and $1.2 million was used to replace lost revenues following federal guidelines. The audit confirmed the proper use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) and Section 8 funds, issuing an unmodified opinion on compliance and internal controls. However, there were five primary recommendations, including the need for council approval for all vendors exceeding the bid threshold and timely disbursements by the court to the appropriate agency.

Public comments also addressed the handling of allegations and investigations within the township. A resident highlighted the issue of police and fire department payroll audits. Calls for a forensic audit were made to uncover the extent of such practices. Another resident raised concerns about the transparency of recent meetings and the need for clear communication, especially regarding legal matters.

Further, the council discussed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) recommended in a previous report. A corrective action plan was emphasized, focusing on adherence to New Jersey statutes. Technical inquiries about the balance sheet and discussions on refinancing school and municipal debt were also addressed, highlighting the township’s financial obligations and debt management.

The meeting also tackled issues related to employee sick leave policies, particularly for those hired before and after 2010. It was clarified that employees hired before 2010 could accumulate sick leave with a cap of 130 days, and terminal leave practices were eliminated. A motion was made to change the public comment period, allowing comments on any topic with unanimous support.

Residents expressed their concerns and proposals on various issues, including the formation of a Mobility subcommittee, the adoption of ranked-choice voting, and the raising of the Pan-African flag. The council addressed these topics, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the need for structured processes in local governance.