During the public comments section, multiple residents emphasized the need for greater transparency in council operations. Mike Guenino expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of open dialogue regarding appointments and fiscal decisions, including a recent raise for the borough attorney. Guenino advocated for public discussions to prevent rumors and ensure community involvement. Another resident, Le Carlson, raised legal concerns about privacy violations and overnight parking issues, which could have legal ramifications for the borough. Moren Merlane also called for transparency in the borough’s garbage and waste removal contract decisions, requesting detailed evaluations and cost analyses to justify any changes.

The council addressed these transparency concerns by discussing several resolutions, including labor agreements with the white collar and blue collar units. Councilman McCann and Councilman Saliani noted potential abstentions in the voting process, with Saliani abstaining from a resolution concerning non-union salary resolutions for 2025. The council moved forward with a roll call vote, passing most resolutions unanimously despite Saliani’s abstention.

Another issue was the proposed state bill related to affordable housing, which mandates municipal planning boards approve redevelopment applications for inclusionary developments, bypassing local zoning regulations. The bill allows for increased densities and building heights, raising concerns about its potential negative impact on the community and local governance. The council discussed preparing a resolution opposing the bill, aligning with the League of Municipalities’ efforts to preserve local zoning authority.

In addition to legislative concerns, the council tackled ongoing discussions about the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) contract. Residents highlighted the financial implications of providing free benefits to retirees, which could lead to significant tax increases. One resident provided a analysis of the current cost of retiree benefits and urged the council to negotiate a fair deal with the PBA to avoid escalating costs and legal fees.

The council also reviewed adjustments to pet licensing fees in an effort to improve compliance. The proposal to raise the late fee from $5 to $15 aims to address the burden on staff caused by residents failing to license their pets on time. This change aligns with neighboring towns and emphasizes the importance of pet licensing for ensuring animal vaccinations against rabies.

Water fees were another topic, as the council considered raising the water rate from $62.50 to $64.50 per quarter, along with a 3% increase on the variable rate. These adjustments are necessary to maintain the water system’s infrastructure and comply with state mandates, particularly the Water Quality Accountability Act. The CFO explained the need for these increases to meet the requirements and sustain the utility budget.

The council’s agenda included discussions about the recreation budget, with proposed fee changes to accommodate rising program operation costs. The recreation department encouraged parents to sign their children up for sports and emphasized the importance of coaching certifications and background checks.

Community engagement was a recurring theme, with the council acknowledging the critical role of volunteers in maintaining services, such as the first aid squad and fire department. The introduction of the Blue Envelope Program by the police department aims to enhance safety and communication during traffic stops for individuals on the autism spectrum. This initiative involves providing blue envelopes with essential documents and instructions for both drivers and officers to reduce stress during interactions.