One item at the meeting was the approval of two volunteers, Sean Costell and Anthony Chuck, to join the town’s firefighting team. This decision was met with gratitude for their anticipated contributions to the community’s safety. A member expressed appreciation for all volunteers, emphasizing their important role in maintaining the town’s readiness in emergencies. The discussion then pivoted to serious local safety concerns, particularly the impact of a current drought. Residents were advised against using open fires or fire pits due to heightened fire risks. Concerns were raised about dust from landscaping and leaf collection, urging residents to keep windows closed and avoid blocking streets with leaves, a reminder of the importance of community vigilance during dry conditions.

Another portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Kiera Duffy, a senior at Ramapo High School, about her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Her project focused on promoting safe driving among new drivers. Citing statistics from New Jersey Safe Roads, she highlighted motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of death for those aged 16 to 20. Duffy provided insights into the graduated licensing program in New Jersey, stressing the importance of patience and understanding from experienced drivers. She shared personal experiences and offered practical tips, such as minimizing distractions and practicing defensive driving. The presentation was well-received, with attendees expressing gratitude for her informative approach.

In other updates, the Administrator reported the town’s successful submission of the annual best practices checklist, achieving 45 points, surpassing the state-mandated minimum required to secure full state aid. However, it was noted that this does not increase funding. The Administrator also detailed several resolutions on the consent agenda, including the renewal of a contract for CDL drug testing and shared services agreements for sewer inspections and cleaning.

Important community projects were also addressed. The construction of new restrooms is nearing completion, pending inspections, and amendments to the tree ordinance were proposed to ease insurance requirements for contractors. The meeting outlined upcoming deadlines, such as applications for the state’s anchor property tax relief program and the submission of a letter of intent to the Bergen County Historic Trust for funding the Zabrisky House projects.

The council also received updates on recreational activities and community events. A recent “Dancing with the Stars” event, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, was highlighted for its community engagement and fundraising success. The event was praised for its joyful atmosphere, with amusing anecdotes shared about the Mayor’s unexpected agility. Additionally, a new field dedication at Eastern Christian School was noted, celebrated for its state-of-the-art lighting designed to minimize light pollution.

Concerns about communication within the township were discussed, with incidents cited at the fire department involving misunderstandings about event approvals and mutual aid responses. These highlighted the necessity for improved coordination and communication among township committees and departments to prevent similar issues in the future.