A major highlight of the meeting was the appointment of two new police officers, Jack L. Larson and Dennis Padilla. Chief Gil Feather provided the background for each candidate, detailing their qualifications and experiences. Larson, a 20-year-old from Whip, New Jersey, is pursuing a degree in criminal justice and has experience as an intern within the police department and as a volunteer EMT. Padilla, 22, resides in Morristown, boasts a bilingual background in English and Spanish, and has a service history with the United States Marine Corps. Both candidates will attend the Morris County Police Academy in July. The mayor administered the oath of office to Larson and Padilla.

The meeting continued with a ceremony recognizing police department achievements in 2025. Various officers were awarded for their commendable actions, including Officer Galadian, who was recognized for apprehending a suspect in a stolen vehicle case, and Officers Ford and Jaki, acknowledged for their role in a credit card fraud incident that led to multiple arrests. The police department’s efforts in addressing fraud against an elderly resident were particularly commended.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed ordinance to regulate data centers within Millburn. Community feedback and environmental considerations drove this discussion. The ordinance seeks to explicitly categorize data centers as prohibited uses under existing zoning laws, although they are already not permitted. Council members debated whether this explicit prohibition was necessary, with some raising concerns that it could unintentionally impact local businesses with large server rooms. The conversation emphasized the importance of distinguishing between data centers and server rooms supporting business operations. The council expressed a desire for more public input, recognizing the potential tax revenue data centers could bring, balanced against environmental considerations.

Public comments were a focal point, touching on campaign conduct during public events and transparency in governance. Residents voiced concerns about alleged misinformation during election campaigns, particularly around financial implications for taxpayers. Accusations were made against specific council members for participating in what was described as “propaganda,” suggesting that the financial impact of certain measures was exaggerated. The council members acknowledged the regular occurrence of tax appeals and assured the public that the township maintains a reserve for such instances.

The issue of campaign activities at public events sparked debate. Concerns were raised about individuals campaigning at events where it could disturb the atmosphere, with calls for stronger ordinances to prevent misappropriation of public resources for political purposes. Some council members noted their own experiences with campaign-related activities and the challenges in regulating political activity in public spaces.

The council also addressed the ongoing town hall renovation project, with bids due by July 23rd, and updates on the Taylor Park entrance improvement project, which had undergone cost adjustments to reduce expenses. Deputy Mayor David R. Cosgrove acknowledged the importance of adhering to budgets and ensuring proper approvals for projects.

Additional topics included updates from various committees and boards, such as the Flood Mitigation Committee working on a Request for Proposals related to dredging upstream ponds, and planning board activities concerning historic designations and the Canoe Country Club’s proposal for pool area improvements.