Waldwick Council Grapples with Protest Concerns and Chief’s Retirement Celebration

Overview: The Waldwick Borough Council addressed the retirement of Police Chief Mark Mesnner after 36 years of service and grappled with public concerns about a recent protest. Discussions ranged from the logistics of the protest and its impact on the community to the implementation of local governance practices and the retirement of a long-serving police chief.

Hackensack City Addresses Traffic Safety and Community Engagement in Council Meeting

Overview: The Hackensack City Council meeting delved into community concerns, including significant traffic safety issues, infrastructure projects, and community engagement initiatives. Residents voiced concerns over speed limits, pedestrian safety, and a variety of infrastructure improvements while the council outlined plans for upcoming projects and addressed public comments on transparency and local support programs.

Rutherford Borough Council Discusses Housing Proposal and SNAP Benefit Cuts

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Rutherford Borough Council deliberated on a housing proposal that aims to increase residential density and address parking shortages, while also confronting the issue of cuts to SNAP benefits affecting local families.

Palisades Park Council Meeting Tackles Pedestrian Safety and Affordable Housing Concerns

Overview: The recent Palisades Park Borough Council meeting, held on October 27, 2025, saw discussions on enhancing pedestrian safety and addressing affordable housing development, alongside deliberations on various resolutions and community concerns. State Senator Gordon Johnson announced new maintenance work orders for crosswalks, and the council debated an ordinance related to signage and residential address plate illumination. Concurrently, the council considered modifications to an affordable housing district ordinance, highlighting the complex interplay of safety, development requirements, and community engagement.

Ridgewood School Board Considers Exiting State Health Plan Amid Financial Concerns

Overview: During the recent Ridgewood School Board meeting, the most pressing topic was the discussion about potentially terminating participation in the state employee health benefit plan. This decision, driven by anticipated financial implications, could save the district approximately $1.7 million. However, the board must act quickly, issuing a 60-day notice before December 1st, or risk being unable to leave the plan until February. The urgency of this decision was underscored by concerns that if the new broker does not provide a better option, the board would need to rescind the resolution to re-enter the state plan.