The most newsworthy topic was the recognition of the adult and youth recipients of the 2024 Matthew Feldman Awards, a highlight of the council meeting. The awards, which recognize humanitarian efforts within the community, were presented to Dean Kaczynski, the former Township Manager, and youth recipients Leora Pelivan and R. Elba Trish. Kaczynski, who has served the township for over 40 years, expressed his deep connection to Teaneck, stating, “There is no greater achievement for me than working in the town that I was born and raised in.” His remarks were met with applause, and several council members acknowledged his dedication and contributions to the community.

Leora Pelivan and R. Elba Trish were recognized for their leadership in uniting a divided community, efforts that garnered national attention, including coverage in major news outlets like The Washington Post. Leora, speaking on behalf of both recipients, emphasized their commitment to ongoing advocacy for students in Teaneck through involvement in the Board of Education and student council. Their work was praised for fostering a positive atmosphere and reducing tensions within the town.

The meeting also focused on pressing flooding and drainage issues in the community. Detailed updates were provided on the progress of flood mitigation projects, particularly the installation of a 30,000-gallon culvert at the intersection of Bell Avenue and Beverly Road, completed in February 2023 at a cost of approximately $500,000. This installation has improved the flooding situation in the area. Additionally, a minor diversion application was initiated with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to facilitate the installation of a 990,000-gallon detention system in Sagamore Park. This project is supported by a $1.06 million grant and is progressing through various stages of approval.

Residents expressed their thoughts on the flooding situation during the public comment section. Philip Yuck of Bell Avenue thanked councilwoman Hillary Goldberg for securing funding for the drainage projects, noting that the flooding issue has persisted for 45 years. He emphasized community frustration, saying, “People have experienced flooding this summer several times,” and expressed hope that the new management would expedite the project. Daryl Green suggested the possible installation of a roller rink in Volti Park, reflecting on community activities from the past. Chris Brown shared his frustration over personal damages due to flooding and extended gratitude to council members for their efforts in supporting the drainage project. He highlighted the importance of the larger improvements outlined in the drainage study, specifically the need for a detention tank in the Beverly lot.

The council also discussed zoning matters. A resident named Am Ramat Too Close raised concerns about current regulations regarding fences and retaining walls, particularly on corner lots. The resident argued that the requirement for fences facing the street to be “50% open” was illogical and emphasized the need for privacy and security for families. Mr. Schwartz expressed support for these concerns and suggested drafting a resolution to address the issues. He noted humorously that matters related to chickens often received attention.

Council members acknowledged the efforts of staff and task forces working to secure funding and address flooding concerns. Councilwoman Karen Orgen highlighted the importance of maintaining communication and transparency throughout the project, while Councilwoman Goldberg thanked residents for their appreciation and acknowledged the collaborative effort in securing the grant from the EPA. She expressed concern about the extended timeline that had previously resulted in lost funding and urged measures to prevent similar issues in the future.

The meeting also included updates on various community initiatives and events, such as the installation of additional electric car charging stations in municipal lots, preparations for an upcoming Halloween event, and the completion of the Vot Park shed and shelter project. The council highlighted ongoing efforts to improve community resources and infrastructure, addressing resident needs and concerns effectively.