The highlight of this meeting was undoubtedly the celebration of the Clark Girls Field Hockey Team’s exceptional achievements during the fall 2024 season. The team concluded the season with an impressive record of 11 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie, the latter occurring against Garwood. Mayor Sal Bonaccorso praised the team for outscoring their opponents 46 goals to 3 and starting their season with six consecutive shutouts. The team faced formidable competitors like Montclair Kimberly Academy and Summit Township, making their record even more commendable. The mayor emphasized the team’s dedication and hard work, as well as the importance of teamwork in sports and life. Coaches expressed pride in the players’ commitment during long practice sessions, and the event concluded with a group photo to commemorate the team’s outstanding performance.

Following the commendation of the field hockey team, the council resumed its business agenda, focusing on several updates and ordinances. One crucial item discussed was Ordinance 24-15, which proposed amendments to Chapter 195 concerning land use and development. This ordinance aimed to streamline processes and clarify regulations, particularly in areas like zoning, floodplain waivers, and stormwater management. The ordinance, which took over a year and a half to develop, involved contributions from planners, attorneys, and engineers. The council expressed that the changes would eliminate gray areas in regulations, facilitating smoother interactions for applicants.

Additionally, the council considered Ordinance 24-16, which proposed an exemption from fees for filing annual registration of Certificates of Insurance for certain businesses and nonprofit organizations. This measure was a response to concerns raised by nonprofit organizations about the financial burden of these fees. Ordinance 24-17 addressed the standard housekeeping task of fixing minimum and maximum salaries following union contract finalizations. Ordinance 24-18 sought to alleviate parking issues for residents of Old Ren Road by allowing them to park on nearby streets with permit-only parking, addressing concerns about limited driveway space.

The meeting also touched on legal matters, particularly involving a lawsuit concerning a police officer. The council explained the need for special counsel due to the complexities surrounding the litigation, which involved criminal charges against the officer from years prior. This necessitated acquiring separate legal representation to avoid conflicts of interest in defending both the town and the officer.

Public comments during the meeting were varied, with residents expressing concerns about the timing of agenda releases and the involvement of township representatives in an upcoming New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) meeting. One resident, Nancy Tasus, highlighted the impressive voter turnout during the recent election and emphasized the engagement of first-time and young voters. Another resident, Claire Le Bruno, inquired about a letter sent by the mayor to the NJTA and the potential involvement of Senator Scutari in related matters. The council confirmed outreach efforts at the county level.

The council also discussed community events, including the upcoming Breakfast with Santa on December 1, the annual tree lighting ceremony on November 30, and a holiday festival. The senior holiday lunch was scheduled for December 5, and registration for winter classes and recreation programs was set to open on December 1. The council encouraged residents to participate in these events and take precautions during the holiday season, such as securing package deliveries to prevent theft.