The meeting commenced with a presentation by Deputy Commissioner Jeff Anderson and Deputy Chief James Roberto from Company One, who detailed the impact of the LOSAP program on the Vernon volunteer fire department. The program has notably boosted the department’s membership, reporting a total of 486 fire calls in 2024, which is an 11% increase from the previous year. The presentation underscored that 59 members qualified for LOSAP points, with ages ranging from 18 to over 80, showing a robust cross-generational engagement. Furthermore, 19 members completed training through the Sussex County Fire Academy, representing a portion of trained volunteers. The department’s community engagement was emphasized, with members dedicating over 500 hours to community service and mandatory training. Events like car shows, Trunk or Treat, and tree lighting were cited as prime opportunities for involvement.

The growth within the fire service brought improvements in response times and enhanced relationships with surrounding towns, as mutual aid efforts saw a positive impact. The council members acknowledged the department’s progress, with comments expressing gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts. The subject of retention was also discussed, particularly regarding former recruits who pursued career opportunities in fire departments across various states. This prompted questions about how many new recruits were high school students, with estimates suggesting four or five of the 13 new recruits hailed from the local high school.

The meeting also centered on the community’s tribute to Ellen Mixner, a prominent and beloved Vernon resident who recently passed away. A moment of silence was observed in her honor, with numerous speakers during public comments praising her dedication to community service. Mixner was recognized as a Senior of the Year and a Hometown Hero for her work, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she delivered meals to seniors and supported various community initiatives. Her legacy as a founding member of Vernon Cares and her involvement in the Project Elf and church pantry programs were also highlighted. Multiple speakers shared personal anecdotes, underscoring her kindness and positive spirit, leaving a lasting impact on those she encountered.

The council meeting further delved into discussions on various resolutions, particularly a proposed resolution regarding snow plowing. The council debated the financial aspects of snow removal operations, with suggestions to analyze expenses on a per-storm basis to understand better the town’s strategy’s financial implications. It was noted that while the current contractor arrangement might be effective, exploring future options could lead to potential cost savings.

Another notable resolution involved hiring an energy audit consultant for a proposed solar power purchase agreement. This sparked debate over potential conflicts of interest and the audit’s purpose, with some suggesting that local utility provider JCP&L should perform the audit at no cost. The council agreed that an energy audit was essential before committing to solar options.

Several resolutions were passed with minimal opposition, including approving a solicitor’s permit for Renewal by Anderson and authorizing fireworks displays in 2025, which was well-received as a response to community feedback. The council also approved the renewal of a life and accidental death policy for eligible employees, with a clarification on the contract’s duration.

The meeting addressed the appointment of a municipal housing liaison, a state-mandated position, and discussed resolutions related to refunds for disabled veterans. Concerns were raised about the financial impact of state laws on the town, particularly regarding tax exemptions for veterans. A council member questioned if the state would reimburse these costs, with a recent bill potentially addressing reimbursement issues.

The council also tackled the approval of a charitable solicitors permit for Vernon Emergency Medical Service Inc. and discussed Ordinance 25-4, which sets salaries for township officers and employees. A resident named Carl raised questions about the criteria used to determine salary ranges, prompting a discussion about the role of performance evaluations and comparisons to surrounding areas. The conversation highlighted Vernon’s unique economic context and the challenges in comparing it to other towns.