The most significant topic of the evening was the council’s decision to approve a settlement agreement with C Sultan LLC. This decision followed a legal complaint filed by C Sultan LLC against the council and the borough in the Superior Court of New Jersey, seeking a reversal of the council’s prior decision to overturn the planning board’s approval of their application. The dispute centered around the approval of an assisted living facility on Old Tappan Road, which had been previously contested by residents Patrick Gamby and Sher Forno.

Initially, the council had voted to reverse the planning board’s approval after a special meeting on May 8, 2023, and a subsequent resolution was adopted on June 20, 2023. However, in light of the legal complaint, settlement discussions were initiated under the Superior Court’s direction. The plaintiff, C Sultan LLC, agreed to comply with the planning board’s approval conditions, including transferring the title of wetlands and relocating a historic structure at no cost to the borough. The settlement was deemed in the best interest of the residents, and a resolution to authorize special counsel to enter the settlement was moved, seconded, and passed following a roll call vote.

Council members engaged in a discussion about the specific acreage of land to be transferred to the borough, confirming that 1.74 acres would be included in the agreement. The resolution did not need to specify this detail, allowing for the motion to pass smoothly. This settlement was a step to resolve ongoing legal disputes and ensure the development could proceed under agreed conditions.

Following this substantial legal matter, the council addressed another significant issue: the authorization to join a lawsuit challenging the implementation of the fourth round of affordable housing legislation. The council discussed the borough’s request to join a coalition of municipalities in this legal action, emphasizing that participation was in the best interest of the residents.

The council also highlighted the successful coordination of Town Day, which involved extensive pre-planning and safety measures. Council members commended the collaboration among various departments, including OEM, planning, DPW, and first responders. The event featured contributions from the historical committee, which hosted a well-received exhibit and began planning for the town’s 130th birthday celebration. Additionally, the recreation report noted positive feedback regarding a new payment process for officials and the success of changes made to food service.

Public safety was another focal point of the meeting. Officer Michael Marcer was permanently appointed to the Old Tappan Police Department after completing over 12 months of service, with commendations from the police chief for exemplary performance. The police report detailed 1,444 calls for service in August, including 209 motor vehicle stops and 133 summonses. Notable incidents included a fraudulent vehicle purchase using a resident’s personal information, leading to an arrest, and fraudulent coupon usage at a local CVS, resulting in a joint investigation with the Montvale Police Department.

Concerns were raised about stolen checks, with a council member sharing a personal experience of check alteration. Additionally, the issue of e-scooter regulations was discussed, with the police chief highlighting challenges related to their operation on sidewalks and the need for rider awareness of safety regulations. Recruitment challenges in the police department were also noted, with a decline in applicants raising concerns about future hiring and potential in-house training programs to address recruitment difficulties.

The council member also acknowledged the fire safety committee’s resumed meetings, coordination of firehouse space usage, and the planning board’s recent discussions on residential reconstruction variances. The environmental commission’s upcoming meetings were mentioned, focusing on open space in the town.

Other community initiatives included a proposal for installing outdoor exercise equipment in local parks, particularly Stone Point, due to its existing recreational facilities. This idea will be considered in future budget discussions as part of the mayor’s wellness program. The council also touched on the upcoming Halloween festival, senior citizen activities, and the Valley Regional High School Board election, urging residents to research candidates and make informed voting decisions.