A significant portion of the council meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed memorial bench and tree dedication program. Initiated by the mayor, the program aims to honor loved ones through dedicated benches and trees within the borough. The idea was prompted by community interest in having a formal way to create lasting memorials. The plan includes six-foot benches available for $2,000, and trees costing $700, each accompanied by a plaque. These dedicated items are intended to enhance the borough’s public spaces while providing residents a meaningful way to remember loved ones.

Council members expressed that the program should maintain a connection between the honoree and the borough. This approach aims to preserve local integrity and avoid commercialization. A notable discussion point was the aesthetic and practical placement of the benches and trees, emphasizing the need for careful planning to balance community needs and available space. It was agreed that the program would transition from a policy to an ordinance. The council plans to consult with codification experts to draft the ordinance.

Further deliberations on the program’s logistics included guarantees and responsibilities related to the maintenance of trees and benches. Trees would come with a one-year guarantee from the borough, while benches, expected to last ten years, would be replaced on a “reasonable effort” basis if damaged beyond repair. This led to questions about the borough’s obligations and what constitutes a “reasonable effort.” There was also a suggestion for renewal options for bench placements after their lifespan expires, but it was clarified that benches would remain until they were no longer viable.

Alongside these discussions, the meeting covered several updates on ongoing municipal projects. The Main Street improvement project is currently underway, and ADA renovations to Borough Hall’s bathrooms are progressing. A critical development was the announcement of a favorable ruling that allows the borough to start work on a French restoration project simultaneously with a minor technical application to expand the project’s scope. A resolution was passed to authorize engineering for both the current and expanded projects.

In addition to infrastructure updates, the council also highlighted upcoming community events. The annual Veterans Day ceremony is scheduled for November 11 at 11:00 a.m. on the Borough Hall lawn. The Veterans Week will conclude with the Stand Up for Veterans Comedy Night on November 15 at the New Milford VFW, aimed at raising funds for the VFW. The holiday season events include a series of lighting ceremonies in December, encouraging attendees to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the local food pantry. Reports from recent food drives were positive, with strong community support evidenced by impressive turnout, particularly during a recent football game.

The meeting concluded with a period for public comments, although no attendees chose to speak. The council moved forward with voting on several resolutions, all adopted without dissent. In a show of camaraderie, congratulations were extended to council members for recent election victories, and local high school athletic achievements were celebrated, with teams reaching playoffs and an upcoming high school musical being noted.