02:08A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the safety of pedestrians at the Central Avenue crosswalk, particularly during school hours. A resident named Miles Kim voiced his concerns over vehicles speeding through the crosswalk, endangering pedestrians, especially students. He praised the council for its efforts in advocating for safety measures but emphasized the immediate need for police enforcement. Kim recounted his own experience of nearly being unable to cross due to speeding cars. The council acknowledged the absence of a crossing guard, which had been removed due to low usage previously, and deliberated on the necessity of increasing police monitoring in the area. Suggestions were made regarding the use of cones or signs to remind drivers to stop for pedestrians. The council acknowledged the limited number of available officers during the day but recognized the importance of enhancing safety measures.

Councilman Ron Binaghi Jr., serving as the liaison to the police department, committed to discussing potential solutions with the police chief. The topic of adult drivers failing to yield to pedestrians was also discussed, with council members considering a sting operation to catch offenders. This dialogue highlighted a growing concern for pedestrian safety, particularly near schools, and the need for more effective enforcement strategies.

08:15Another topic was the appointment of two new staff members to manage the increased workload in the borough. Councilman Juan Marti recommended the hiring of Narita Rodriguez as an accounts payable clerk and Laura Banano as the DPW vehicle maintenance billing assistant. The council affirmed that both appointments were essential due to the rising volume of work and confirmed they were within budget constraints.

12:41The council also addressed the contentious issue of energy taxes. Historically, municipalities assessed and collected taxes from utility companies for the use of public land, but the state has since taken over this responsibility, rebranding these revenues as state aid or replacement programs. This shift has resulted in municipalities, including Old Tappan, receiving less than the full amount of taxes collected, forcing them to rely more heavily on property taxes. A council member emphasized the urgency of reclaiming these tax credits, recalling the last reception of these funds two to three years ago and lamenting the state’s lack of cooperation. The member stated, “They never gave it back,” underscoring the financial strain on local governments.

24:33As the meeting progressed, the council discussed the upcoming Memorial Day parade, which will feature local veterans and involve a 1942 Willys Jeep. Participants discussed logistics with light-hearted banter, including the use of a golf cart for veterans if necessary. The parade schedule was set for a high school service on Tuesday, with Mayor Thomas Gallagher confirming his attendance. The council planned a special presentation following the ceremony to recognize individual contributions.

Council members took the opportunity to recognize the contributions of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel during EMS week. The mayor expressed gratitude for their invaluable volunteer work in the community.

34:36Further discussions included the housing element plan due to the Department of Community Affairs by June 30. The council clarified that public comments would be welcomed during the planning board’s hearings after the council’s review. Additionally, the council revisited a proposed nuisance ordinance, reflecting on past resident complaints about noise disturbances. The need for clarity in the ordinance was discussed, with suggestions to hire an expert for assessment. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with residents regarding ongoing discussions, particularly those related to noise issues.