The council approved a bond ordinance allocating a substantial $5 million towards improvements, acquisitions, and installations at Russell Golden Park. In tandem, another bond ordinance was introduced for the 11th Street Oval Park, securing an additional $2.5 million for its own set of improvements. Both ordinances were approved.

In addition to park improvements, the council addressed various redevelopment plans and amendments to financial agreements. One such discussion centered on the approval of a redevelopment plan for a multi-unit residential building on the corner of 20th Street and Avenue C. The council also tackled the amendment of a previous ordinance to correct an error regarding the names of entities involved in a financial agreement for a property on Avenue. Furthermore, public hearings led to the passage of ordinances amending chapters on Property Maintenance and Streets and Sidewalks.

A resident raised concerns during the public comments section, drawing attention to the presence of a toxic chemical in the city and a lack of satisfactory answers from the council. The resident also highlighted other issues around the town, including bricks and metal debris, and expressed feeling unwell. Despite the council’s assertion that these questions had been previously addressed, the conversation ended with a sense of unresolved concerns.

The meeting also delved into discussions around the city’s infrastructure and administrative appointments. A contract was awarded to Matrix New World Engineering for approximately $400,000 to provide professional engineering services in connection with developers and redevelopers. Additionally, the council confirmed the appointment of Jessica Connors as the city’s tax assessor, appointed individuals to the library board, and discussed extending an agreement for animal control services with the New Jersey Humane Society Corp due to a lack of response to a previous request for proposal (RFP).

A debate arose regarding the criteria for declaring a property at 657-663 Broadway as a redevelopment area. Amid concerns about the property’s historical use and potential radiation, the council authorized a preliminary investigation to determine whether the property qualified as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment. The motion passed with the understanding that it was merely a study, and the council would reserve judgment for future votes.

Another topic was the proposed study on rent stabilization, with some council members expressing reservations. Although there were concerns about the scope of the study, whether it was limited to rent control or included a broader look at housing affordability, the directive ultimately passed. The study was recognized as an essential step towards addressing the needs of working people and exploring options for affordable housing.

The council also debated the implications of vacating certain lands and premises, considering the potential for generating tax revenue from these areas. Additionally, they moved through resolutions involving the purchase of firefighter protective gear and entering into agreements for legal services. Furthermore, the council expressed the need to submit a letter of intent before the March 29th deadline for the city’s application for Hudson County open space trust funds.