The meeting began with a presentation by Maria Clemente Moresi, CEO of Re-Imagine Mind Counseling and Consultation, who discussed the importance of mental health in the community. In light of a recent tragedy impacting the police department, Moresi underscored the need for supporting mental health, especially for women and families. She introduced an upcoming event, the West Essex Women’s Wellness Mini Expo, to be held at the Roseland Public Library on August 23rd. This free and family-friendly event aims to connect local wellness vendors with the community, fostering social interaction and support.

Following the focus on mental health, the council turned its attention to Officer Miller’s situation. In a display of community solidarity, the mayor introduced Matt from Jersey Mike’s and members of Officer Miller’s family. Matt presented a check to the Miller family, representing funds raised during a National Night Out event. Patrons contributed $3 donations in exchange for a free sub, a fundraiser which saw community participation and generated substantial financial support for the family.

Further support for Officer Miller came from the Roseland Police Foundation, represented by President Jack Gordon and members from Franklin Steakhouse. Gordon explained how the foundation had gathered donations from various sources, including other police foundations, culminating in a $5,000 check to the Miller family. Additional contributions from Franklin Steakhouse raised this total to $7,000. A family member of Officer Miller expressed gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support, stressing the unity and love shown during such a challenging time.

In legislative actions, the council introduced several ordinances. Ordinance 26-2025, aimed at updating flood hazard maps and appointing a floodplain administrator, was introduced and approved unanimously. Ordinance 27-2025, which proposed removing the requirement for fire extinguishers in one- and two-family dwellings to align with state statutes, also received unanimous approval. A public hearing for this ordinance is scheduled for September 16, 2025.

Financial matters were addressed with the introduction of Ordinance 28-2025, a bond ordinance allocating $400,000 for acquiring water meters and related equipment. Ordinance 29-2025, which proposed the acquisition of vehicles and equipment with a $105,000 appropriation, was also introduced. Both ordinances passed without opposition, as did Ordinance 30-2025, concerning improvements to the water and sewer utility with an appropriation of $2,467,600.

Ordinance 31-2025, which amends the outfield banner sponsorship fee, and Ordinance 32-2025, revising the police department’s composition, were also introduced and approved unanimously. The council held a public hearing on Ordinance 24-2025, which aimed to repeal a 2022 ordinance outlining salaries for non-union employees, replacing it with new salary provisions for 2025. With no public comments, the ordinance was adopted unanimously. Similarly, Ordinance 25-2025, establishing salaries for the mayor and council, passed following a public hearing without comments.

The meeting continued with the approval of resolution 269-2025, concerning the August 27th bill list. This was followed by the adoption of resolutions 270-2025 through 297-2025, which faced no opposition.

A consent agenda approved raffle licenses for the HSA and St. Nicholas Church. The mayor expressed gratitude towards the Roseland Police Foundation and all those involved in the National Night Out, highlighting upcoming fall events and the mayor’s ball, a fundraiser for community organizations.

During committee reports, one council member reported on engineering and DPW updates, mentioning ongoing concrete work, paving projects, and the Cooper AB water main project. The meeting concluded with the approval of the minutes from the July 17th council meeting and a second round of public comments.