Chief of Police Mark Cino presented a case for the purchase of a drone, priced at $14,623, to enhance policing capabilities. The drone is intended to assist in investigations, crime scene evaluations, and locating missing persons. During the meeting, concerns about public perception were addressed, with assurances that the drone would be used strictly for specific scenarios and in compliance with FAA guidelines. The Chief cited a recent incident involving a barricaded subject, where a drone enabled SWAT to assess the situation safely. The council discussed the minimal costs associated with training officers to operate the drone, emphasizing the importance of having multiple trained personnel to ensure constant availability. Data storage protocols were also outlined, with a 20-terabyte system already in place for video retention, adhering to attorney general guidelines.

In parallel, the DPW Superintendent, Perry Salamandanda, raised issues regarding the department’s infrastructure needs. The council was informed of the critical state of the salt bin’s back wall, which is at risk of collapsing. Salamandanda stressed the immediate need for repairs to prevent potential hazards. Discussions also touched on the department’s roof, which suffered damage from recent storms, necessitating a new roof at an estimated cost of $100,000. The council acknowledged the need for funding to address these infrastructure challenges.

Additionally, Salamandanda highlighted the importance of upgrading the DPW’s fuel storage to above-ground piping to reduce liability. However, this project may be pending a grant application with the school for a comprehensive fuel system replacement. The council also considered the sidewalk safety budget, maintaining its $20,000 allocation, while addressing the need for further repairs on the handicap ramp at the borough hall.

Fire Chief JD Mara presented the fire department’s budgetary needs, emphasizing the necessity of acquiring new communication equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). The department aims to purchase trunked paging devices to improve emergency response communication, with each device costing approximately $1,000. Chief Mara underscored the importance of timely information for firefighter safety and efficiency. The department currently possesses 16 pagers, but requires more to adequately equip all 34 members. Furthermore, $15,000 was requested for PPE, which must be replaced every ten years to comply with safety standards. The council discussed the financial implications of these requests, considering the high costs associated with maintaining essential fire service equipment.

The meeting also tackled the need to modernize record-keeping through digitization. A proposal was made to allocate $30,000 for the scanning and digitization of permanent documents. The council considered the benefits of freeing up physical space in the borough hall and improving document accessibility. The project received $44,000 for scanning 150 boxes, with a suggestion to adjust the request to $30,000 for practicality.

In other discussions, the council considered the purchase of a Ford Maverick pickup truck for the police department to aid in traffic management. The current fleet is aging, with several vehicles frequently out of service. The new vehicle, estimated at $34,000, is anticipated to pay for itself within a year through revenue generated from traffic details. The council also discussed the potential impact of the upcoming FIFA World Cup on local law enforcement, with expectations of state-provided financial assistance.

The meeting concluded with routine approvals and a closed executive session to discuss confidential matters. A motion was passed to authorize legal representation in a settlement with the Armenian Home Foundation concerning back taxes. The next council meeting is scheduled for March 16, deviating from the usual meeting schedule.