01:14:11A major point of concern during the meeting was the announcement that the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office would be taking over the internal affairs unit of the Palisades Park Police Department. This development was met with dissatisfaction by some council members due to the lack of prior communication. The sensitive nature of this change was emphasized by the mayor, who assured the council that they would be informed when appropriate. Nevertheless, the council’s frustration at not being directly informed about such an important matter prompted a motion for an executive session to discuss the issue further, highlighting the need for transparency in handling sensitive police department operations.

32:15In a more celebratory segment, the council swore in two new police officers, Fernando St. Hiller and Hosam Morsy, and promoted Lieutenant Shaw Catrell. Lieutenant Catrell’s promotion was particularly noteworthy, given his long-standing history with the department, with 30 years of service beginning as a special police officer in 1993. His family’s legacy in law enforcement added to the significance of his promotion. Officer St. Hiller, with prior experience in the Patterson Police Department and bilingual capabilities, was introduced as a valuable addition to the team. Officer Morsy, with a decade in the private sector and a degree in engineering, was also highlighted for his educational background and bilingual skills.

01:04:38Infrastructure improvements also dominated discussions, particularly regarding Ordinance 2024-12. This ordinance, addressing the condition of Boulevard from Bergen Boulevard to Grand Avenue, was introduced to rectify potential misunderstandings about the scope of work, especially concerning necessary drainage construction. The ordinance was passed on the first reading, with plans for final adoption set for a future meeting, inviting public input to ensure thorough community engagement.

21:23The council also focused on staffing challenges within the borough, notably in the borough clerk’s office. The debate centered around whether to hire a full-time clerk to support the borough clerk, with some arguing that the current structure was insufficient for effective operations. This discussion reflects ongoing concerns about staffing adequacy and efficiency within borough offices.

08:51In another significant resolution, the council addressed the shortage of crossing guards, a issue due to the number of shifts covered by police officers in the absence of sufficient personnel. With 219 shifts filled by police in the past year, the council emphasized the importance of hiring local residents for these roles. However, due to the need, they contracted an outside service to fill the positions. Financial implications were also discussed, as last year’s spending on crossing guards was approximately $197,000, with projections indicating a possible increase to $350,000 under the new contract. This prompted suggestions to raise the pay rate from $17.50 to $18.50 per hour to attract more local applicants.

47:14A notable ordinance introduced during the meeting was Ordinance 2025-9, which amends vehicle and parking regulations related to handicap parking. The council focused on ensuring clarity in the ordinance, particularly about the responsibilities of the officer in charge in the absence of the police chief.

53:10The council also introduced Ordinance 2025-11, proposing increased escrow amounts for planning or zoning applications. The increase was justified by the current escrow amounts being depleted too quickly, necessitating frequent replenishments. This adjustment aims to ensure sufficient funds are available for necessary technical reviews and professional inputs.

Additional discussions included a proposal to enhance the appearance of local infrastructure, specifically the roof 46 underpass tunnel. The idea to involve local students in painting the tunnel walls, pending proper preparations, reflects a community-driven approach to borough beautification projects.