The centerpiece of the meeting was the recognition of Kevin McDonald, David Griffith, and William Willard Shaw for their remarkable 50 years of service to the Haddonfield Fire Department. Commissioner Troy led the tribute, presenting certificates of appreciation that highlighted the firefighters’ commitment, bravery, and the lasting impact of their service on the community. The attendees, including the commissioners, expressed their gratitude with a round of applause. Commissioner Sidell took the opportunity to commend the fire department’s swift response to a recent incident at Haddonfield Commons, noting an impressive response time of under two minutes. He extended his thanks to the police department and neighboring emergency services for their collaboration in handling emergencies efficiently.

The council then proceeded to introduce three ordinances that would impact the borough’s operations. The first ordinance, 2025-13, aimed to amend Chapter 9 concerning claims payment, facilitating the regulation of direct deposits for borough employees. The second, 2025-14, sought to establish Chapter 58, providing guidelines for utilizing third-party payroll services. Both ordinances garnered unanimous support upon introduction.

The third ordinance, 2025-15, involved a $230,000 bond allocated for various capital improvements. These included a feasibility study for the firehouse, a historic structure, and the procurement of new equipment for the police and public works departments. Clarifications were provided regarding the acquisition of specific equipment, such as police radios and a stake body dump truck. This ordinance also received unanimous approval.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to resolutions that addressed the borough’s purchasing processes. Resolutions 170 through 172 outlined procedures for financial administration and procurement, including the use of co-op contracts to facilitate cost-effective acquisitions of large items. The necessity of these resolutions was underscored by the public works superintendent’s identification of a co-op option for acquiring a new stake body for borough vehicles.

The lighting of the menorah, scheduled for the seventh night of Hanukkah on December 21st, and the Christmas tree lighting on December 14th were highlighted. Adjustments to the menorah lighting timing were made to avoid a scheduling conflict with an Eagles game.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for public engagement. A member of Boy Scout Troop 65 expressed interest in understanding community operations, receiving an encouraging response from the council. Resident Aaron Jones, who resides on Chester Avenue, addressed the council regarding a recent fire incident, expressing gratitude for the fire department’s swift response. As a mental health counselor, Jones offered his support to those affected by the fire and sought guidance on assisting victims. The council responded positively, emphasizing the importance of respecting victims’ privacy and needs.