Christine Dunbar’s presentation on behalf of the Food Shed Alliance was a notable item of discussion. She outlined the organization’s achievements in 2024, particularly the River Friendly Farms program, which saw the successful certification of local farms. Dunbar expressed gratitude to council members who attended the certification presentation. The organization collaborated with NJDEP-certified volunteers for water quality sampling in the Paulinskill Watershed, yielding positive results indicating healthy conditions. Dunbar emphasized the importance of ongoing environmental education, mentioning the annual field trip for fifth graders from Stillwater Elementary and the cleanup efforts at the former Poina Dam.

A noteworthy initiative introduced at the meeting was the “Floodplain Friday” events, starting January 3. These events invite volunteers to remove plastic shelters and stakes from riverfront forests, a project of environmental significance supported by local Scouts. Dunbar also proposed the idea of sharing a series of videos documenting the Paulinskill Watershed, funded by a grant from the Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic River Program. The council expressed interest in viewing these videos via email rather than during the meeting, to facilitate better time management.

In other business, the council discussed and approved the purchase of a stainless steel dump body from the City of Hawthorne for $5,000—a significant saving compared to its original price of $70,000. This decision was part of a broader strategy to save taxpayer money on future expenditures. The deputy mayor highlighted the importance of making informed financial decisions, underscoring previous cost-saving efforts like acquiring brine tanks at half their original price.

The meeting also covered a range of other topics, including the resolution to support an amendment to the Fair Housing Act and the approval of a contract for the 2025 Municipal Alliance Grant. A specific focus was placed on the contract for professional services regarding the Animal Control Officer. Concerns were raised about the timing of the contract approval, given the potential lapse in insurance coverage on January 1. Clarifications were provided on the officer’s responsibilities and charges for additional services, with suggestions to increase public awareness through the town’s newsletter.

Discussions on the ongoing management of Jones Farm highlighted the collaborative effort between local residents and council members, emphasizing community involvement in restoration efforts. Affordable housing was another point of concern, with references to a memo discussing the town’s participation in upcoming housing resolutions. The council acknowledged the challenges of accommodating the required number of units and expressed the need for further exploration.

The council also addressed school district consolidation, focusing on financial implications and declining school census. Members discussed exploring various consolidation methods and grant opportunities to mitigate the trend. A recent trip to the League of Municipalities in Atlantic City revealed additional funding opportunities.

Safety concerns on Route 80 were brought to attention, particularly a new sinkhole, prompting an advisory for residents to drive carefully. The graduation of Corporal Herer and his K9 partner from the Union County Sheriff’s Department marked another milestone, with the unit now certified for narcotics detection and tracking.

Additional updates included suspicious drone activity in the township, with local law enforcement engaged with state and federal agencies, and the police department’s acquisition of a new Alpha test machine for drug-driving testing. Road closures and alternate-side parking regulations were announced, emphasizing the need for resident compliance.

In a gesture of appreciation, council members and municipal staff exchanged expressions of gratitude for their collaboration over the years. The meeting concluded with lighthearted remarks and a motion to suspend further action on recording council sessions until clearer guidelines were established.