The council meeting began with the mayor calling the work session to order, followed by a moment of silent prayer for the Appalachian school district and the community in Georgia.

One of the most significant highlights of the meeting was the adoption of two ordinances. The first ordinance, numbered 2024:25, allocated $887,000 for the installation of a sand volleyball court at the Kennedy Field Complex. Funding sources included a $67,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and $20,000 from the borough’s open space trust fund. Despite an open invitation for public comments, no members of the public came forward to speak. The ordinance was subsequently adopted with unanimous support from the council.

The second ordinance, numbered 2024:26, allocated $19,124.61 from a FEMA grant for Grant Management Services related to a residential elevation program. This ordinance also passed unanimously after a public hearing during which no comments were made.

In addition to legislative matters, the mayor presented a proclamation recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of Latino communities to the nation and local areas. According to the 2020 census, 19.5% of New Milford’s population, approximately 334 residents, identified as Hispanic. The proclamation highlighted the diverse history and cultural impact of Latinos, formally recognizing September 15th to October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month in New Milford.

Updates on upcoming events were also provided. A 9/11 Day of Remembrance Proclamation was scheduled for September 11th at New Milford Fire Department Company 2. Other notable events included a mayor’s wellness committee walk on September 14th, the Friends of the Library book sale on September 27th and 28th, and a townwide garage sale on the same dates with maps available for participants. Additionally, a northern New Jersey walk for Praia was set for September 29th at the Milford High School football field.

Further community events included New Milford’s annual Clean Communities Day on October 5th and Fire Awareness Day on October 13th. A domestic violence symposium, co-sponsored by the borough and the New Milford Public School District, was scheduled for October 29th. A tentative second tent tour at the historic French Huguenot cemetery was planned for October 17th, featuring cider and donuts. The mayor also highlighted a “Help Bag for Hunger” day on September 12th at ShopRite, encouraging community involvement.

The administrator’s report covered upcoming paving work on the boulevard, expected to start in the first week of October. This project could impact traffic near the Solomon Shore School and the middle school, prompting discussions on traffic mitigation measures, including the suggestion to station a crossing guard at a specific stop sign due to concerns over traffic behavior.

The council also recognized the retirement of the library director, Terry McCo, after 19 years of service, expressing appreciation for her contributions. The search for a replacement was noted as a priority.

Council committee updates included acknowledgment of the municipal alliance for organizing a successful fishing derby and mention of a local tour. A council member raised the need for two tenants to fill vacancies on the rent leveling board, urging community members to recommend potential candidates.

A motion was made to open the floor to public comments, but no members of the public came forward to speak. The meeting transitioned to resolutions, with a discussion on resolution 2024 col 206. The fire liaison council member provided insights regarding the county’s Hazmat task force, noting that New Milford is one of only four Hazmat teams in the county. Reassurances were given that this would not impose additional stress on the local fire department, as the county would cover physicals and gear maintenance for the Hazmat team.