During the council meeting, members unanimously confirmed the appointment of Katherine Weaver as the chief of police. Councilman Boyce introduced the resolution, supported by a recommendation from the mayor and a thorough assessment by the police committee. Weaver’s impressive career progression from sergeant to officer in charge preceded this appointment. Following the council’s approval, Weaver took her oath, committing to uphold the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and to perform her duties impartially. After the ceremony, Weaver expressed gratitude to her family and community for their support, acknowledging the trust placed in her by the mayor and council. She emphasized her dedication to the police department and the community, inviting attendees to a celebratory event at the Old Golf Course.

The council continued with other appointments, including Taylor Rabbino as a patrol officer. This resolution was approved without discussion, and Rabbino was sworn in. Additionally, the mayor appointed Patrick Amboodi to a five-year term on the Shade Tree Advisory Committee. Following these appointments, the mayor suggested a brief recess for attendees to enjoy the celebratory cake and cocktails.

The council addressed ordinance number 1300-26, allocating $29,000 from the general capital surplus for fire department equipment. After opening the floor for public comments and receiving none, the ordinance was read again and adopted. The borough clerk was authorized to proceed with the necessary documentation.

In community matters, the council discussed the Girl Scouts’ Gold Star project, which involves creating a pollinator garden. Coordination with the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be crucial, as they will assist with digging and providing soil and mulch. The mayor expressed optimism about this initiative, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

The meeting also included a discussion on Memorial Day events, with the mayor encouraging residents to support veterans and acknowledging the contributions of local emergency services. The mayor highlighted the structural progress within the police department, following the appointment of a new chief and two officers, expressing confidence in its future.

The council addressed ongoing zoning and land-use issues concerning the property known as Purple Bush. An outside attorney, John Lamb from BD Kadavano, was hired to review applications and ensure proper oversight. The council assured the public that updates would be communicated as they became available, particularly regarding concerns over a rental certificate containing incorrect information.

The meeting proceeded to council committee reports. Statistics from the fire department were shared, noting 16 calls for service in May, totaling 75 man-hours. A significant incident in Norwood required assistance during a third alarm, with no firefighter injuries reported. Anticipation of new apparatus delivery by May 20 was also mentioned. Another report highlighted the upcoming National EMS Week and the start of the TBD Elementary School expansion project in June. Additionally, a recent planning board meeting approved a proposal to split a lot into three homes, focusing on maintaining neighborhood consistency.

Councilwoman Costello shared updates from the recreation commission, including a newsletter release and Camp Serendipity registration. She noted a 7% rise in library circulation and discussed upcoming events such as trivia night and a summer reading program kickoff.

The council engaged in a light-hearted exchange about fundraising for the town’s 250th celebration, considering selling apparel or spirited items. This dialogue underscored the importance of community engagement and planning for future events.

In new business, several ordinances were introduced for further consideration. Ordinance 1301-26 aims to amend recreation fees, while Ordinance 1302-26 addresses police officers’ salaries and wages from 2026 to 2029. Ordinance 1303-26 seeks to clarify organizational discrepancies within the DPW, particularly regarding the golf course and sewer divisions. Ordinance 1304-26 aims to amend the police department’s contracted off-duty employment rates. All ordinances were approved on first reading.