The most notable event of the meeting was the recognition of Lorie Sheldon, who was awarded the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for her extensive contributions as a volunteer emergency medical technician. Sheldon joined the EMS squad in 1983 and has since been instrumental in training thousands of individuals in first aid, basic life support, and EMT practices. Mayor Albanese praised Sheldon for her dedication, highlighting her qualifications, including degrees in business administration and public administration and her certifications as an EMT. In her acceptance speech, Sheldon expressed gratitude to her family and colleagues, acknowledging their support throughout her career. She emphasized the importance of community spirit and the sacrifices made by her family due to her commitment to EMS duties. The mayor concluded the recognition by urging the residents of Clark to celebrate Sheldon’s achievements and her exemplary leadership in emergency medical services.

The council meeting also addressed community concerns. During the public comment period, resident Mary Semler voiced her worries about ongoing issues related to police officers under investigation, stressing the need for a swift appointment of a hearing officer to resolve the situation. She highlighted the fiscal implications of the protracted investigation and called for action to alleviate the stress on public employees. Semler’s comments underscored the importance of due process while urging the council to address the lingering scrutiny affecting the town.

John Gre, another resident, raised additional concerns during the public comments. He welcomed the new town attorney and pointed out the absence of a user-friendly budget for 2025 on the town’s website. Gre also criticized the council’s perceived silence regarding racial issues related to police conduct, stressing the necessity for a public condemnation of inappropriate behavior. He suggested that the ongoing issues have tarnished the town’s reputation and called for a commitment to change to foster a more positive community image.

The meeting also included various procedural motions and discussions on routine resolutions, appointments, and proposed ordinances. The council confirmed appointments by the director of law, including John Henry Bar as chief municipal prosecutor, Robert Pansula as alternate prosecutor, and Jared Weiss as public defender, all for one-year terms. The council moved to the consent agenda, excluding item number 15 regarding special counsel for Oprah, which was pulled for separate discussion. The remaining resolutions were passed unanimously.

Several proposed ordinances were introduced, including ordinance 26-01 on salary structures, ordinance 26-02 to establish a human resources department, and ordinance 26-03 addressing municipal budget appropriation limits and establishing a cap bank. Each ordinance passed unanimously, with public hearings scheduled for January 20. The ordinance to establish a human resources department sparked discussion on the potential growth of the department, clarifying that the ordinance allows for progression within civil service titles rather than immediate expansion.

The meeting continued with the announcement of council committees for 2026, detailing the chairs and members for various committees, including finance, legislative, public safety, recreation, and public works.

Former Governor Donald D. Francesco, who was present at the meeting, was acknowledged for his contributions to the community and his long-standing connection to Clark. He shared reflections on his 26-year career in public service, expressing fondness for the community and encouraging the town to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Police Director addressed the council, expressing pride in the police department and its officers despite recent challenges.