The council dove into discussions regarding operational changes within the police department. Chief Clancy’s proposal to adjust promotional timeframes for sergeant and lieutenant ranks found general support. But the real tension arose when the topic shifted to the challenge of obtaining police vehicles. The council disclosed that a police car approved for purchase in March will now not be available until the following year, without a confirmed date. The police department’s request for two cars annually faced budgeting constraints. A potential lifeline appeared when the possibility of using a $50,000 donation from the Milford ambulance Corps was raised. This solution could facilitate the immediate order of police SUVs.

Councilman Grovsky commented on the donation, acknowledging its potential immediate assistance, but he voiced uncertainties about future provisions. An essential backdrop to this discussion was the delayed retirement of old police cars due to unavailability of newer models. A list from the Chief highlighted at least six police vehicles with such high mileage that their replacement became imperative.

Mayor Michael Putrino introduced an initiative by the flood advisory committee, expressing an intent to collaborate with Westwood representatives to implement flood-prevention strategies in New Milford. Domestic violence was another focal point, with the mayor announcing an upcoming symposium on teen dating violence at Milford High School.

The town’s rich history also earned the spotlight, with the council aiming to secure a grant for the identification and acknowledgment of historic locations within the town. They aim to display QR codes at historic sites, directing viewers to old photographs and additional information about the place. Ray Levine’s upcoming book on New Milford’s history was eagerly anticipated, with Levine collaborating with the historic preservation commission.

Environmental matters also surfaced, with the announcement of the Clean Communities Day and the Environmental Commission’s work on the environmental resource inventory. The Green Team is ambitiously targeting silver certification for their sustainable Jersey status. They expressed an interest in initiating a recycling challenge to tackle non-conventional recyclable items.

The meeting commenced with recognition of the U14 girls softball team for their impressive 11-1 summer season. Particularly noteworthy were the performances of players like Isabella Alvarez and Jane Collins. A heartwarming reflection about the significance of a hometown championship resonated amongst attendees.