The financial implications of the upcoming 2025-2026 budget were a focal point. The Finance Committee reported an anticipated 3.42% increase in the tax levy, driven primarily by rising health insurance costs. While a slight increase in state aid is expected, it will not fully offset these expenses. The budget earmarks $1.6 million for capital projects, including the replacement of a rooftop unit at the media center. Additionally, the township received a $75,000 AI grant, one of only nine in the state, aimed at fostering artificial intelligence media literacy through technological upgrades. These fiscal matters underscore the balancing act the council faces in managing community needs and financial constraints.

The council also delved into the ongoing development of the community center. Highlighted features include a large room that can be divided into two conference areas, an office, storage spaces, and a light kitchen. The main room’s capacity will accommodate 50 to 75 people, and the recreation director intends to implement a scheduling system for events like senior lunches and after-school activities. With the concrete floor already set, the next steps involve selecting colors and determining outlet placements. The project anticipates completion before Christmas 2025, contingent on obtaining the certificate of occupancy for the entire building. Concerns about accessibility and the facility’s capacity to host larger gatherings were discussed, with assurances given that the setup would meet current senior activity needs.

The engineering reports presented updates on multiple projects. Notably, the bid for the Riverside Co-op project came in lower than expected at $32,365, compared to an initial estimate of $344,000. This favorable outcome highlights positive pricing trends in paving projects. However, concerns about future cost exposure from tariffs were raised. The engineer confirmed that while the current bid is secure, fluctuating material costs could impact future projects.

The Hillsdale Fire Department reported a year-to-date total of 28 calls. Coordination efforts between the fire department, police, EMS, and the Office of Emergency Management are in place to ensure safety during emergencies, particularly concerning the arrival of modular trailers and asbestos abatement at George White School. Additionally, the fire department plans to conduct drills in homes slated for demolition in the flood zone, as identified in resolution 5087 related to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Blue Acres Program.

In other council activities, the introduction of ordinance 2513 proposed amendments to chapter 138 of the borough code concerning fees for soil movement. The council acknowledged that the previous fee structure was outdated and complicated application processing. The proposed changes aim to simplify the fee structure based on construction type rather than the volume of soil moved, alleviating administrative burdens by reducing repeated escrow requests. This ordinance passed its first reading unanimously, noting the absence of one council member.

The meeting also addressed several community initiatives. The Environmental Commission is working with the Hillsdale Board of Education and St. John’s Academy to organize Arbor Day celebrations and is amending the borough’s tree ordinance for clarity. A beautification project outside Borough Hall is underway, focusing on landscaping enhancements. The council also discussed Memorial Field improvements, considering two types of turf and prioritizing Beachwood field enhancements with $300,000 earmarked for these upgrades.

The meeting concluded with the council addressing procedural concerns raised by a council member about adherence to public comment rules. A union representative had spoken outside the usual comment periods at a previous meeting, prompting calls for consistency in procedural rule application. The council emphasized maintaining fairness and order in its proceedings.