During the public comment period, a resident expressed apprehension over the council’s involvement with a referendum concerning the local school board’s decisions. This referendum could lead to the sale of a school property, and there were concerns about how this sale and future developments might affect the community. The resident noted previous council statements that seemed to separate the council’s responsibilities from those of the school board. They argued there was a contradiction in the council’s statements, given the council’s expressed willingness to support the board, possibly through public outreach efforts like press releases or information dissemination via tax bills.

A council member acknowledged the council’s supportive stance on the referendum, highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements at the school, specifically citing the deteriorating conditions at the Donald school. The decision on the sale itself, the council member clarified, rested with the board of education. Once the property was on the market, the council’s involvement would be necessary, but until then, the council had no control over the bidding process.

Another resident voiced concern about the implications of the property sale, particularly the potential for the property to be converted into housing. They were worried this change could lead to increased traffic, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times, and feared that the community might not be fully aware of the potential developments resulting from the referendum. The council members reiterated the uncertainty of the property’s future use.

A participant in the discussion emphasized the need for transparency and urged voters to consider the broader implications of selling a school for commercial development, highlighting the significant change such a decision could bring to the town. They expressed a desire for clarity on the referendum’s ramifications, encapsulating the community’s sentiment.

Following the discussion on the referendum and property sale, the council introduced a new ordinance related to recreation fees. The specifics of the program associated with these fees remained unclear, but the ordinance marked a notable agenda item for the evening.

In other business, the council approved a resolution for the payment of bills and awarded a solid waste disposal contract to a company identified as G. The contract represented an increase in costs from the previous year but was the lowest bid among four submitted.

Earlier in the meeting, committee reports detailed upcoming community activities. These included a pancake breakfast by the Tri-Borough First Aid Squad and various events at the Bloomingdale Public Library, such as a paint-and-sip event and a designer handbag bingo. The library encouraged residents to acquire library cards, and activities at the senior center included an art class and an adult craft night. The council also mentioned that dog and cat licenses were due, with a rabies clinic scheduled soon.

An open position for an alternate member of the Board of Health was announced, inviting interested individuals to apply via the borough’s website.