The meeting began with a recognition ceremony for Corporal Steve Retto, who was applauded for his quick response during a boating accident on June 20th at Greenwood Lake. Corporal Retto used a makeshift tourniquet to control the bleeding of a man who suffered a severe leg injury from a boat propeller. The injured man’s father, Mr. Rosenbaum, emotionally thanked Retto and the council, sharing how the incident had deeply affected their family and praising the exceptional care his son received at Hackensack Medical Center.

Following the recognition, the council discussed the proposed Legends project, led by Mr. Charles Everhart and Mr. Eddie Dubing. The project aims to revitalize an abandoned property by developing a four-star hotel, banquet facility, residential condominiums, and spa amenities. The principals presented their plans, highlighting the preservation of the building’s architectural aesthetics while addressing safety and quality improvements. Construction is set to begin early next year, focusing on enhancing the property’s outdoor pool area and overall attractiveness. The council expressed support for the project, recognizing its potential to boost local tourism and economy.

The council then shifted its focus to a proposed ordinance regulating food trucks. The ordinance aims to streamline the process for food trucks to obtain licenses and operate legally within the town. Discussions included the necessity of background checks, the potential addition of an “activities fee,” and the operational duration of food trucks at local businesses and events. Members debated whether food trucks should be allowed in residential areas and emphasized the need for clear guidelines to ensure compliance with existing regulations. The council acknowledged the importance of supporting local businesses, such as a brewery interested in hosting food trucks, while also addressing community concerns.

Further discussions on the food truck ordinance highlighted the need for specific zoning regulations to prevent trucks from operating permanently in public streets or residential areas. Enforcement of the proposed regulations was also a point of contention, with some members skeptical about the feasibility of monitoring food truck operations, particularly on weekends. The council stressed the importance of establishing clear consequences for violations and referenced existing health and safety codes to ensure food trucks meet necessary standards. The goal is to provide safe and healthy food options while supporting local businesses.

The meeting also revisited the town’s signage ordinance, with new businesses requesting flexibility in displaying signs to promote themselves. The council considered permitting additional signage for 60 days to help new businesses gain visibility. The mayor supported this proposal, emphasizing the importance of informing the community about new establishments. Discussions included the possibility of allowing roof signs in specific circumstances and extending the duration for grand opening signs to 60 or 90 days. The council aimed to balance the needs of businesses with maintaining community standards.

In more somber news, the mayor announced the passing of Fire Marshal Lou Hast, who served the town for over a decade. The mayor paid tribute to Hast’s extensive career and contributions to the community, and a moment of silence was observed in his honor.

Updates on various initiatives included a remembrance ceremony for September 11, the progress of the Historical Preservation Commission, and the installation of security cameras in municipal buildings. Staffing changes within the Department of Public Works were also noted, with part-time summer staff members, who are volunteer firefighters, being hired to enhance emergency response capabilities.

During the public comment section, residents raised concerns about business signage, utility costs, and the installation of new utility meters by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). One resident highlighted discrepancies in billing and the lack of action from the Board of Utilities, while another supported the need for accountability from JCP&L. The council discussed the limitations of local authority over utilities but suggested leveraging political channels to address community concerns.

The council then moved to close the public comment portion of the meeting and proceeded to consider the minutes from the previous meeting. Several resolutions were presented, including one authorizing the sale of specific equipment and another urging Congress to allow the expiration of the SALT deduction cap. Discussions on a proposed telecommunications system highlighted concerns about the long-term implications of a lease arrangement and the reliability of the current internet provider.