The presentation of the $25,000 grant by Commissioner Cruz was a focal point of the meeting. The funds are allocated for replacing bleachers at Ragwall Field, an effort to improve the community’s recreational facilities. Cruz emphasized that this project is part of a broader county initiative, which has invested over $2 million in open space grants across all 16 municipalities this year. The commissioner highlighted the importance of the partnership between the borough and the county, contributing to creating safe and accessible recreational spaces for residents. The council members expressed their interest in the project, particularly regarding its timeline and the integration of other improvements planned for Gothalbrook Park, including a new playground, community garden, and pond dredging.

Another highlight of the meeting was the swearing-in of four police officers. Officers Cameron V. Bruffy and Adam Zindaki were sworn in, among others. The mayor acknowledged the occasion, noting that it was the first time four officers were sworn in on the same evening, signaling growth in the department. The officers took an oath to support the Constitution and perform their duties with integrity. Following the ceremony, the mayor expressed gratitude for the successful Hawthorne Day event, applauding the hard work of committees and volunteers who contributed to its success and announced that next year’s event is planned for September 26th.

The council also addressed infrastructure concerns. Discussions included ongoing road, sidewalk, and curb installations, along with ADA ramp constructions and new gas mains being installed by PSEG. These upgrades are part of a series of improvements aimed at enhancing the borough’s infrastructure, with notifications sent to residents about scheduled milling and paving. Concerns were raised about coordinating these projects with PSEG to avoid disruption of recently repaired roads, a recurring issue in the past. The borough is managing the situation effectively to prevent unnecessary expenses and disruptions.

Affordable housing challenges were also a topic of discussion. The borough attorney, Michael Pasqual, reported on recent developments, noting that two challenges had been filed against Hawthorne’s housing element plan. The Fair Share Housing Center and Dugan Development, the current owner of the Pan Chemical site, are involved. The borough is required to develop 200 new affordable housing units over the next decade, with a current plan providing only 23 units. Pasqual emphasized the borough’s stance against overdevelopment while acknowledging ongoing legal proceedings, including a civil case against a resident for maintaining an unsightly property that has drawn community complaints.

Further discussions on waterline replacements emphasized the importance of water reliability, particularly in the context of fire safety. A discrepancy in the initial estimate of 3,000 feet of replacement versus the current indication of nearly 4,000 feet was clarified. The council acknowledged the need to replace approximately 4,000 feet of waterline, with assurances that immediate actions taken to address low water flow were effective, though not ideal. The ongoing evaluation by the engineer and the water department was mentioned.

The financial implications of a 36% increase in state health insurance rates drew significant criticism, with expressions of frustration about the inability to manage such hikes despite budget implications. Additionally, the council discussed transitioning to a hosted telephone system for municipal buildings and the Department of Public Works due to aging hardware.

In administrative updates, the upcoming 2025 general election was outlined, with important deadlines for voter registration and early voting specified. The clerk’s office extended hours to accommodate voters, and various methods for voter registration were provided.