The most issue brought before the council revolved around the proposed residential sewer fee plan. Michelle Capabianco, a resident of Garwood, voiced her concerns about the lack of transparency and the timeline for implementing these fees. Capabianco stressed the importance of public discussion and urged the council not to delay communication until after the upcoming November election, particularly in light of recent municipal tax increases. She emphasized, “The mayor and Council should not remain silent,” highlighting a sense of urgency in addressing these financial issues and the potential negative impact on residents.

Following Capabianco’s comments, the council acknowledged the need for more clarity and committed to further investigation and discussion before moving forward. Council members explained that the council was researching the issue and that the administrative systems necessary to handle the fees, including hiring a sewer clerk, were still being put in place. The debate underscored differing priorities and the complexities involved in managing municipal infrastructure, with some council members advocating for immediate action and others calling for a more measured approach.

In addition to the sewer fee discussion, the council addressed updates on several key infrastructure projects as reported by the borough engineer, Mike Disco. Disco provided updates on the South Avenue pedestrian crossing project, including plans for the installation of handicap ramps, striping, flashing beacons, and advance warning signage. He also mentioned that quotes would be sent out to contractors Riverview Paving and DLS for the project.

Disco also discussed the Beach Avenue project, noting that contractor surveyors were laying out plans and that curb work would begin soon, followed by the removal of five trees and subsequent construction. He assured residents that the new curbs would not require extensive settling, allowing for a more streamlined process. Questions about the typical wait time between curb installation and milling and paving were addressed, with Disco expressing optimism about the imminent project start.

Further updates included future Municipal Aid projects on New Street, East Street, and Walnut, with Disco reporting that a grant secured for the upcoming year would cover approximately 90 to 95% of the project costs. This financial efficiency was attributed to the finance committee’s efforts in reducing roadwork expenses through aggressive paving initiatives.

The meeting also covered the successful recertification of Garwood as a sustainable municipality by Sustainable Jersey. The recertification process took six months, and the official certification placard is expected to be received at an event in November. Council members highlighted the positive progress in sustainability initiatives.

Public safety and community engagement were also topics of discussion. The council bid farewell to Officer Klein Soran, who is retiring, and introduced new Patrolman Aku Care, who will have a ceremonial swearing-in in October. Council members discussed the street sweeping schedule for 2025, with the DPW superintendent suggesting a reduction in frequency due to a noticeable decline in the amount of material collected during operations. Varied opinions were expressed, with some council members advocating for maintaining a clean town and others supporting the proposed reduction, provided negative feedback was addressed promptly.

Parking regulations on streets like Willow, Second, and Third were another point of concern, with council members agreeing on the need for a consistent parking schedule. The introduction of several ordinances aimed at adjusting parking regulations received unanimous support from the police committee, highlighting the council’s efforts to address ongoing parking issues.

Committee reports provided further insights into various community activities and initiatives. Councilman Sean Foley reported on the finance committee meeting, focusing on funding for necessary sewer system maintenance and the impact of yearly increases from the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority. Councilwoman Kimberly Salmon discussed the planning board meeting, where the long-range facility plan for Lincoln and Washington schools was reviewed and made available for public viewing on the school’s website.

Public comments during the meeting reflected community concerns on a range of topics, from crime and public safety to street sweeping and financial transparency. John Pit emphasized the importance of strong police and fire departments, while Jo Paul highlighted issues related to street sweeping and the management of drains. Bruce Patterson raised financial concerns regarding a $3 million joint sewage utility miscalculation with Roselle Park, stressing the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency.