The meeting began with a moment of silence requested by Mayor Cilento to honor Betty Ditter and Councilman Hal VanDermark. Ditter, remembered for her dedication as a volunteer with the Dunellen Rescue Squad, was praised for her lifelong commitments as a nurse and parent. Councilman VanDermark was celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as a Navy veteran, business owner, and community coach. His residence in Dunellen since 1987 saw him deeply involved in local activities, leaving a lasting legacy. In recognition of his service, borough flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast until the end of the week. The mayor concluded this segment of the meeting with applause in memory of VanDermark’s extensive service.

The council advanced to the appointment of Lori Welsh to the library board of trustees, filling an unexpired term. Welsh, a former employee of the Dunellen Library, affirmed her commitment to support both the United States and New Jersey constitutions as she took her oath of office. This appointment ensures that the library board continues to have experienced leadership guiding its operations.

Attention then shifted to several October proclamations. One proclamation declared October as Substance Abuse Prevention Month, underlining the borough’s focus on raising awareness and preventing substance abuse within the community. Another proclamation highlighted Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sharing important statistics and encouraging residents to engage in regular screenings. Italian Heritage Month was also recognized, with the mayor emphasizing the contributions of Italian-Americans and announcing a planned visit to sister cities in Italy, scheduled for June 2026, with participants covering their own expenses.

A series of resolutions were reviewed and passed by the council, covering a wide range of municipal matters. Resolution 341 authorized the payment of bills, while Resolution 342 approved the hiring of Kevin Cook as a school crossing guard. The resignation of Travis Lambertson from his position as fire sub-code official was accepted under Resolution 343, with the mayor expressing gratitude for Lambertson’s service. Dana Downing was hired as a yoga instructor for the winter season through Resolution 344, signaling support for community wellness initiatives.

The council also passed Resolution 345, which authorized a contract with CMA Associates to develop a local safety action plan funded by a grant from the “Safe Routes for All” program. This plan aims to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety by evaluating sidewalks and implementing improvements throughout Dunellen.

Resolution 346 saw Jonathan Jimenez appointed to the Dunellen Fire Department. Jimenez’s dedication as a volunteer firefighter was acknowledged, although two council members abstained from voting on this appointment. Meanwhile, Resolution 347 allowed the Chief Financial Officer to invest in the New Jersey Asset and Rebate Management Program, receiving unanimous support. Resolution 348 amended borough depositories, also passing unanimously. Phil Langan’s appointment as a fire sub-code official was confirmed under Resolution 349, with Langan bringing significant experience from his previous roles in Jersey City.

The council reports provided further updates on community affairs. The successful training of probationary members David Argentine and Jackson Rios was noted, with both now applying for certification approval. Council members discussed developments at the Dunellen Public Library, with a focus on community programs and the recent decision by the Board of Education to eliminate honors classes at Lincoln Middle School, a move intended to promote equity. This decision prompted discussions about forming a parent task force to assess the impact of the change.

Infrastructure updates were provided, detailing completed and ongoing projects. The Second Street project saw enhancements with new striping and safety features installed, while Jackson Avenue underwent recent milling and paving. New Jersey American Water is set to continue water service installations, with repaving scheduled for the following spring. The council highlighted the ongoing lead pipe inspections, part of a statewide initiative requiring residential access unless replacements are already scheduled.

The meeting also featured community event announcements, including a Haunted Trail, Harvest Fest, and a car show, which aim to foster community engagement. Updates on the environmental investigations at the former strip joint site were shared, as the location is prepared for future use by the rescue squad.