A significant portion of the meeting focused on the presentation of the 2023-2024 crime statistics by the Chief of Police. The report highlighted a decrease in robberies and aggravated assaults, with incidents dropping from nine to four and thirteen to ten, respectively. However, there was a notable increase in burglary rates, rising from twenty-five to thirty incidents, while thefts surged from one hundred seventy-four to two hundred twenty-three cases. Although auto thefts saw a slight reduction from forty-seven to forty-two, the overall spike in property crimes prompted discussions on preventive measures.

The rise in thefts, particularly package thefts, was attributed to home invasion-style burglaries affecting various areas across the state. In response, the Chief proposed distributing information to the public about available resources for domestic violence, which accounted for many aggravated assault cases. The police department’s use of home surveillance footage, such as Ring cameras, has facilitated arrests related to package thefts.

In the realm of traffic management, the council addressed significant congestion issues at the intersection of Oak and Prospect. Council members expressed frustration over the current traffic flow, with one noting the difficulty of navigating left turns amid bumper-to-bumper traffic. A call for more uniform and larger traffic cones was made to improve management of the area. Additionally, the installation of a four-way stop at Parker and Suffern was discussed, with plans for electronic signboards to inform the public of the upcoming traffic changes. The Chief of Police committed to deploying officers during the initial implementation phase to guide drivers and ensure a smooth transition.

The meeting also addressed ongoing concerns about automobile thefts and the police’s approach to high-speed pursuits. A resident’s inquiry into the department’s response highlighted the Chief’s emphasis on prioritizing public safety over suspect apprehension. The risk-reward factor of pursuits was discussed, taking into account variables such as time of day, traffic conditions, and weather. The Chief reassured the council that burglary incidents had decreased from November to December compared to the summer months, and emphasized continued collaboration with neighboring municipalities to share information about suspects.

Emergency preparedness was another focal point, with reports from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) outlining efforts to update the Hazard Mitigation Plan in collaboration with the county. This update, due in early January, serves as a critical financing tool for federal funding of emergency initiatives. A recent full-scale drill at Winchester Gardens was discussed, involving a scenario where a resident left the premises without notification. The drill offered valuable insights, although some community members raised questions about the potential use of Nixle alerts for public notification during such incidents.

Water restrictions were another topic of discussion, with the Business Administrator confirming that despite recent rainfall, restrictions remained in place. However, the burn ban had been lifted following the first significant rain.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on the use of drones, prompted by community reports of unidentified drones in the area. The Chief acknowledged that various agencies, including the FBI, were investigating these reports, but reassured the public that there was no known threat. Residents were encouraged to report drone sightings and provide photographic evidence when possible, with council members advocating for clear communication through social media and email blasts.