A significant portion of the meeting focused on addressing the challenges posed by the burgeoning deer population in Bloomingdale. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of current measures, such as spraying plants to deter deer, which many view as a temporary fix. This led some attendees to suggest consulting with local garden centers, like Glenwell Gardens, known for their success with alternative plant treatments. The discussion acknowledged past failures in deer management, citing a county initiative that did not effectively curb the population.

The council considered more structured approaches endorsed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which includes potentially controversial methods like employing sharpshooters and baiting areas to manage deer numbers. One participant noted, “I just think we’re going to have a huge outbreak of people that will be against it.”

Some attendees argued for the use of professional sharpshooters to ensure a humane and controlled approach. Additionally, the practicalities of estimating deer populations were discussed, with references to an infrared drone survey by a local college, raising the prospect of securing grant funding for such initiatives.

The meeting also touched upon the emotional aspects of wildlife management. An analogy was drawn between managing deer and rats, questioning societal attitudes toward different species. This sparked a dialogue on the safety implications of using sharpshooters, with strong opposition from both council members and residents. A resident during public comment shared personal experiences with deer in their yard and expressed a preference for non-lethal management strategies.

The council discussed the possibility of conducting a town survey to gauge public opinion on deer management, emphasizing the need for community engagement in any decision-making process. A member noted, “If I was to put the survey up there to say a deer problem, you’re going to get a thousand yeses.” However, a referendum on this issue was deemed costly and time-consuming, with logistical challenges highlighted.

Aside from the deer management issue, updates on municipal projects were also shared. The Main Street improvement project was nearing completion, with significant enhancements to crosswalk designs and safety features. One council member reported that the striping was almost complete, and future upgrades were planned to replace unattractive metal posts with more decorative options.

The council proceeded with routine resolutions, including the appointment of a chief financial officer and awarding roadway improvement projects to Mike Fitzpatrick Contractors, all passed with minimal debate. During public comments, concerns about traffic signal malfunctions on Main Street were raised, prompting the council to acknowledge the need for further investigation and resolution.

The topic of deer management resurfaced during public comments, with residents expressing empathy for deer suffering from health issues and questioning the appropriate channels for reporting such situations. Suggestions to contact animal control were made, though uncertainty remained about the likelihood of action being taken.