A prominent topic during the meeting was the ongoing issue of aircraft noise affecting residents’ quality of life in the Pascack Valley area. The council deliberated over a resolution to petition the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address air traffic noise. This resolution faced scrutiny from council members who questioned its redundancy, as it seemed to reiterate points from previous efforts. The council emphasized the importance of municipal support for the community organization Taxpayers for Aircraft Noise Solutions and Safety (TANS), which advocates for noise reduction. Concerns were raised about low-flying planes over residential areas, prompting the council to express a collective desire for a formal stance on mitigating noise while ensuring safe air travel.

Another pressing matter was pedestrian safety, particularly around local schools. Concerns were highlighted regarding the lack of crosswalks on Central Avenue, a busy street frequented by students. Multiple accounts from students expressed feeling unsafe while crossing, prompting Councilwoman Christine Massaro to advocate for immediate action. The council discussed the budgeted installation of flashing lights for crosswalks, although there was skepticism about their effectiveness in controlling driver behavior. The slow response from county officials in addressing these concerns also came under scrutiny, with a commitment from the council to follow up for further information.

The council also reviewed several ordinances aimed at community improvements. Among these was a grant application for the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund to improve Stone Point Park. This initiative, presented by a council member, focused on installing outdoor wellness stations equipped for exercises like pull-ups and crunches. The goal is to promote public health and fitness, with a proposed $40,000 matching grant from the county trust fund. The council displayed unanimous support for this resolution, recognizing the potential benefits for community well-being.

In addition, the council introduced a capital ordinance authorizing $1,941,351 in funding for public improvements, including new equipment and machinery. This was swiftly followed by the adoption of a bond ordinance for $197,000 allocated to sanitary sewer improvements and vehicle acquisition. Each of these proposals passed without opposition.

There was also substantial discussion regarding the local golf course’s capacity issues. The council considered leasing an additional ten golf carts to address shortages during peak times, particularly during corporate events. The financial implications of this decision were debated, noting that funding had not yet been budgeted. The council agreed to revisit the issue with the Chief Financial Officer to explore options for maximizing revenue from the golf course facilities.

Public safety and resource management were recurring themes throughout the meeting. A police report highlighted extensive activity, including over 1,300 calls for service and multiple motor vehicle stops. A specific issue was raised about a police vehicle requiring a costly transmission repair, leading to a debate on whether to repair the vehicle or wait for a new one. The council resolved to proceed with the repair to maintain the vehicle’s utility until a replacement is available.

Concerns about environmental issues also surfaced, particularly regarding lead contamination from tower removals in the borough. The council acknowledged the need for better communication with residents about such activities and suggested engaging the tower company in upcoming environmental commission meetings for clarity on safety measures.

Beyond infrastructure and safety, the council recognized the contributions of veterans in the community. A resolution was adopted to encourage veteran-owned businesses and ensure a workforce comprising a minimum percentage of veterans. This initiative aimed to foster a veteran-friendly environment and support their integration into local government and civic affairs.