The council’s resolution for restoring the environmental program funding was a response to the funds being removed from the 2024 budget. Mayor Mark Zinna explained that the resolution was developed to reinstate funding for Environmental Education programs and cleanups. The discussion included comments from Councilman Adam Michaels, who questioned the small amount of funding, and Councilwoman Julie O’Connor, who clarified that it was a corporate business tax and not an individual’s burden.

The council also expressed concerns about Assembly Bill 569 and its potential impact on municipalities. Despite apprehensions, the council viewed the resolution as a call for more research and review, thereby supporting more time for consultation with the community.

The meeting also addressed the outsourcing of document creation and fillable forms for various departments. Council members Lauren Dayton and Venugopal Menon discussed the progress of this project and the need for follow-up on the status of the documents.

During the public comments segment, no individuals were present in person or online to speak. The council then moved on to discuss a letter from the Recreation Board requesting permission for a coffee truck at events. This proposal sparked differing opinions among council members, with some supporting the idea and others expressing concerns about potential negative effects on local businesses.

In the realm of community events, the council discussed the upcoming visit of Santa Claus and the recent holiday fair organized by the Downtown Committee and Chamber of Commerce. The upcoming Christmas tree lighting event was also a point of discussion, with members seeking clarification on the plans for the event.

The meeting also delved into the status of various projects. These included traffic engineering for the downtown REM modernization plan, the finalization of the purchase of a senior bus for the agency, and plans for roof and electrical panel replacements at the train station. The council also discussed leveraging the Sustainable New Jersey complete streets technical assistance program for the traffic engineering project.

The Environmental Commission’s efforts to reinstate funding for environmental programs and a composting pilot program were also highlighted. The Council members encouraged residents to participate in the composting pilot program, emphasizing the positive impact of diverting food waste from landfills.

The meeting concluded with a motion to pass and adopt an ordinance authorizing the execution of a lease amendment agreement between the borough and the Tenafly Nature Center Association, aimed at complying with Green Acres grant requirements for environmental education. The council engaged in conversations about the implications of the decisions on existing ordinances and the impact on the community.