16:46The police department has been addressing these challenges through various initiatives. Plans to collaborate with the city engineer to examine local streams for erosion and blockages were mentioned as part of the department’s community engagement efforts. The Chief also emphasized the department’s extensive training programs, which included over 75 classes in 2024, covering diverse topics such as crisis intervention and bias crime investigations. Despite these efforts, the department faces ongoing issues with manpower shortages due to injuries, suspensions, and hiring delays, leading to increased overtime expenses.

0:03In an attempt to mitigate staffing shortages, the department successfully recruited seven new officers, although this was offset by four retirements and additional retirements expected in the first half of 2025. The Chief underscored the importance of filling patrol positions promptly to maintain operational efficiency, noting that the department currently has eight vacancies. The council discussed the need for a deeper analysis of the types of calls that have been increasing and expressed interest in exploring these trends further in future meetings.

16:46The meeting also addressed the police department’s budget adjustments, reflecting increased allocations for Open Public Records Act requests, training, uniforms, and office equipment. Additionally, a pending grant request aimed at upgrading the communication infrastructure and emergency communication center was mentioned, highlighting its potential impact on operations.

50:53In another discussion, the council reviewed the Office of Emergency Management’s (OEM) operations. The OEM representative noted that emergency management materials are currently scattered across various city departments, advocating for a centralized inventory accessible for deployment during emergencies. The council supported the OEM coordinator’s recommendation for designated space in the upgraded Dispatch Center to enhance emergency response capabilities.

The Department of Health also presented its budget, highlighting cost reductions achieved by contracting with the Mid Bergen Regional Health Commission for health officer services. Despite these savings, the department faces revenue challenges due to a decline in income from licenses and certificates. The health department also operates on a seven-day schedule to accommodate inspections during events, emphasizing the need for adequate staffing and resources.

1:11:25The Recreation Department’s budget was discussed, with a focus on upcoming programs and a budget increase due to the addition of two new Park Rangers. The department aims to rebuild the historic gatehouse by Spring 2025 and continues to deliver diverse recreation opportunities for all age groups. Successful programs like the senior aerobics class will expand, while efforts to reduce busing expenses for events are underway. The ongoing success of the Johy Right Ice Arena was noted, with plans to increase participation in junior sports programs.