A focal point of the meeting was the acknowledgment of a local Girl Scout, Sinan, who presented her project aimed at enhancing the borough’s aesthetics by replacing existing blue barrels with 15 wooden trash can enclosures. Sinan detailed her extensive work from March to June, which involved a substantial 180 hours of her own time and 520 hours of volunteer contributions. Through her initiative, Sinan not only beautified the borough but also demonstrated significant leadership and collaboration with local businesses and volunteers. The council praised her efforts, with particular commendation from Mayor Amy Wilczynski, who highlighted the project’s positive impact on the community.

The meeting also featured a proclamation for Veterans Day, where Mayor Wilczynski expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions of U.S. veterans. She urged residents to reflect on these sacrifices and support veterans within the community. Mayor Wilczynski shared a personal experience of attending a flag dedication ceremony at Brookside School with Councilwoman Susanne Lovisolo, noting the eagerness of veterans to participate in future Memorial Day events. This acknowledgment not only celebrated veterans but also strengthened community ties and highlighted the importance of ongoing support for those who have served.

In addition to these acknowledgments, the council discussed the borough’s 2025 best practices inventory, a state-mandated assessment to ensure municipal compliance with laws and operational best practices. Notable issues raised included the implementation of electric vehicle charging stations and lead paint inspections, with plans to address the latter in 2026 to improve future assessments. The completion of this year’s inventory was noted as smooth, with no additional information requests or complications.

Celebrating local heritage, the council issued a proclamation for the 90th anniversary of the Allendale Bar and Grill, a cornerstone of the community since 1935. The proclamation honored the establishment’s history and its operators from the Connelly and Kunish families, recognizing its role in shaping Allendale’s social and cultural life. Despite a minor logistical issue with a missing celebratory sign, the event maintained a lighthearted tone.

Turning to infrastructure updates, the meeting addressed various public safety and utility concerns. Discussions covered the installation of electronic speed signs and automatic traffic enforcement devices to deter illegal parking, with warnings that violations would result in tickets. The council also provided updates on the STOP (Student Teacher Officer Partnership) program, aimed at promoting safe driving among young drivers. Additionally, ongoing sewer and water system litigations were discussed, particularly regarding potential overburdens from neighboring town developments and a lawsuit with Violia concerning bulk meters, not residential ones. The council assured residents of proactive measures to address PFAS contamination in the water supply.

Further updates included the borough’s preparations for winter, with the Department of Public Works (DPW) focusing on road maintenance, debris clearance, and collaboration with the county DPW for catch basin cleaning to prevent flooding. Residents were reminded of their responsibilities to inspect and maintain trees to avoid hazards, with specific emphasis on addressing dead trees that could impact public property.

Community engagement initiatives were also highlighted, with announcements of a pumpkin and mum collection and a warm clothing drive for the homeless. The council encouraged resident participation.

In budgetary matters, CFO and Borough Administrator Alison Altano reported a 35% increase in health insurance costs for the upcoming 2026 budget but expressed optimism about potential savings through a new employee health insurance program. The council also explored new revenue opportunities by opening bids for new tenants on the borough’s cell tower.

Legal matters were addressed, including ongoing litigation concerning well 17 and affordable housing. The council acknowledged the challenges of meeting state mandates while preserving community character and announced an upcoming town hall meeting on December 2nd to engage residents further.

Public comments raised concerns about PFAS in the water supply and tree maintenance along Crescent Avenue due to deer damage. In response, the borough attorney offered to discuss tree maintenance issues with the responsible company.