The council’s deliberations were driven by input from residents who expressed differing opinions on the best course of action. Three options were considered for managing traffic during Halloween in the neighborhoods of Birwood and Country Squire. The primary proposal involved the complete closure of Country Squire using soft barricades and police presence. This option garnered support due to concerns over the safety risks posed by children darting across streets during peak trick-or-treating hours, from 3:45 PM to 5:15 PM. Supporters of this measure underscored the importance of prioritizing safety over convenience, citing personal experiences of near-miss incidents involving children.

However, there were also reservations about the potential inconveniences of closing roads entirely. Some council members and residents questioned whether such measures aligned with the traditional spirit of Halloween, advocating instead for a more conservative approach that would maintain access for local residents. A suggestion was made to restrict parking to one side of the street as a compromise, allowing more space for children and families to navigate safely without fully closing roads.

The discussion opened to public comments, where residents voiced their opinions. A resident from Windsor Place highlighted the continuous growth of Halloween festivities in the area, noting concerns that decision-makers might not fully understand the neighborhood dynamics. Another resident expressed frustration over the influx of non-resident families, arguing that it placed an undue burden on locals to ensure children’s safety. Suggestions included an early road closure at 3:15 PM to alleviate congestion and parking issues later in the day.

Concerns about parking restrictions leading to safety hazards were also debated. Some residents worried that prohibiting parking on certain streets could force families to park in other neighborhoods, potentially creating additional dangers as children walked along unfamiliar roads. Despite these concerns, many residents acknowledged the necessity of ensuring children’s safety and supported measures that would facilitate a safe trick-or-treating experience.

The council’s decision-making process involved considering the recommendations of the police department, which had proposed specific options for road management. There was a suggestion to use a golf cart for faster movement in the area, although this raised questions about safety and insurance implications. Council members aimed to strike a balance between implementing effective safety measures and respecting the needs of residents, with a focus on clear communication and planning.

In addition to the Halloween safety measures, the council addressed other community matters. Councilwoman Costello was introduced and welcomed, sharing her background in finance and community involvement. She highlighted the upcoming Old Tappan Town Day, which would feature a live wrestling event among other activities.

The council also approved the appointment of Mr. Sean Smith as the Deputy OEM Coordinator for a three-year term. Two staff appointments were made in the Department of Public Works, with discussions on the qualifications and transitions of the appointees.

A resolution recognizing National First Responders Day was separately read and adopted. The council emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions of first responders in the community. Additionally, updates were provided on the library’s increased visitor numbers, upcoming events, and policy review cycles.

The council also considered road closures and parking restrictions for New Year’s Eve, addressing potential congestion and safety concerns. Suggestions included implementing soft closures and no parking zones, with a consensus forming around the importance of maintaining both safety and accessibility.