One item at the meeting was the proclamation celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department. Established on September 8, 1925, the department has a storied history, including the construction of the River Road Firehouse in 1926 and a substation in 1952, facilitated by a land donation from the Colony Association. The proclamation honored the dedication of the department’s volunteers, who have responded to emergencies for a century. September 8, 2025, was officially declared as Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department Centennial Day, recognizing the department’s commitment to community safety. Plans for a celebratory event at the firehouse on October 11 were also announced, with transportation from the municipal building provided for attendees.

The council also turned its attention to a pressing social issue: period poverty. A proclamation was issued to advocate for women’s health, specifically addressing the need for access to menstrual products. This initiative aims to combat the negative impact of period poverty on the dignity, education, and health of girls and young women. The council acknowledged the efforts of local organizations in addressing this issue and pledged to collaborate with groups like the Chatham Girl Scouts. Asher Robson, a young resident working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award, presented her project to provide free menstrual products at the Chatham library. She expressed gratitude for the township’s support and shared her ongoing collaboration with a New Jersey assemblywoman to expand access to these products in public libraries statewide. Her presentation was met with applause from the audience.

In recognition of individual contributions to community safety, the council honored Sergeant Michael Bloom from the Chatham Township Police Department. His commendable service in the United States Army and extensive law enforcement experience since joining the department in 2011 were highlighted. The ceremony, attended by his family, received a warm response with applause from those present.

The meeting also addressed administrative and community updates. An ordinance, 2025-16, was introduced to update fire prevention fees, aligning them with best practices observed in neighboring municipalities. This measure aims to ensure the sustainability of the fire prevention program and equity in service fees for residents. The ordinance was unanimously approved, with plans for a public hearing set for October 28.

Additionally, the council discussed several community events and initiatives. These included the successful sustainability fair co-hosted by the Environmental Commission, the upcoming fall Tritown yard sale, and the modifications under review for the tree ordinance to make it more user-friendly. The council also encouraged community participation in the “adopt a drain” program, aimed at keeping storm drains clear.

Updates from various committees were shared, including plans for a pickleball tournament at the senior center on September 27 and the opening of the Red Brick Schoolhouse on October 5 by the historical society. The society also received a plaque for the school’s addition to the National Register of Historic Sites and announced the Hometown Heroes project to honor local veterans from World War II and earlier.

The meeting concluded with routine housekeeping items, such as a scheduled information session on township re-evaluation on September 25 and a discussion on a shared service agreement with Harding Township.