The promotion of Lieutenant Doug Haberman and Lieutenant JP Califano to the rank of Captain was a significant highlight of the meeting. Mayor Robert D. White expressed pride in the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of these promotions in strengthening the police department’s command staff. The ceremony focused on community trust, transparency, and accountability, with the officers expressing gratitude to their colleagues and the community for their support. “I look out and I see officers of our Police Department many I’ve worked with for a long time…you have helped to shape me and prepare me for my position,” one officer remarked.

In addition to the promotions, the council recognized the achievements of the local Little League team, which recently won back-to-back district championships. Keith Vermilia, the Little League president, acknowledged the dedication and teamwork that led to their success, emphasizing the significance of their victory. The council also expressed condolences to the Dickman family for a recent loss, balancing the meeting’s celebratory aspects with community support.

A major topic of discussion was the proposed parking ordinance on Sterling Place. Residents voiced differing opinions on the potential changes, which would introduce parking restrictions to address safety concerns. Chief Atalo noted the need for restrictions on one side of the street, particularly given its status as a dead-end street. However, residents expressed concerns about the potential impact on parking availability, with some arguing that the current one-sided parking arrangement was effective.

Richard Lowski, a resident, presented a sketch illustrating the parking situation and emphasized that the current arrangement allowed for unobstructed school bus navigation, which was critical for a disabled autistic child in the neighborhood. Other residents echoed Lowski’s sentiments, asserting that the current parking setup facilitated smoother traffic flow. Maria, another resident, argued against the proposal for one-sided parking, stating that it would eliminate necessary spaces and negatively impact the neighborhood.

The council acknowledged the divide among residents regarding the proposed changes, with some favoring the current arrangement while others advocated for restrictions to improve safety. The discussion revealed a need for clear documentation detailing the proposed no-parking zones, with Engineer Bob Klein agreeing to provide a sketch for the ordinance revision. The council emphasized the importance of managing parking effectively and considered the potential for striping spaces to maximize utility and prevent space hogging.

Amidst the parking debate, the council also addressed the logistics of holiday trash collection and community events. The mayor thanked local organizations and community members for their contributions to events such as the holiday tree lighting and announced a home decorating contest, with winners to be revealed on Christmas Day. The council also reviewed several ordinances, including those related to noise, pedaling and soliciting, sanitation, handicap parking, and police escorts, all of which passed unanimously.

A resolution concerning a cannabis distributor’s request for an extension on fee payments was also discussed. The council denied the extension but approved a payment schedule allowing the distributor to pay in two installments, aligning with the business’s state permit timeline and anticipated opening.