The most notable focus of the meeting was the proposed drone program for the Garwood Police Department. A local company, Noxero, presented a plan to introduce drones for emergency situations, promising enhanced safety and operational efficiency. The initiative, which would incur no costs for the borough, proposes to utilize drones for real-time aerial surveillance, integrating with the 911 system and enhancing response times. The drones would be equipped with advanced technology such as thermal imaging for search and rescue operations and would be operated by FAA Part 107 certified pilots.

Council members expressed both interest and concern, focusing on the need for robust policies to govern the drone’s use. Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring data security, with assurances given that footage would be encrypted and accessible only to authorized personnel, mirroring protocols used for police body cameras. The council emphasized the necessity of human oversight during drone operations, rejecting the notion of autonomous flights without a pilot.

Concerns were also raised about the potential for misuse and privacy violations. Council members sought clarification on the program’s practical applications in Garwood, a smaller community, compared to larger cities where drone technology has been successfully deployed. Instead, it was emphasized that drones would be reserved for specific emergency situations requiring aerial support.

As the council weighed the benefits of the program against privacy and security concerns, a commitment was made to further examine standard operating procedures to align with the borough’s requirements. The council recognized the potential for drones to aid in public safety but stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in their deployment.

Another issue was the ongoing negotiations with Garwood Garden Homes regarding a development plan for affordable housing. The council expressed frustration over the lack of progress, citing increased complexity in the developer’s requests concerning density, setbacks, and parking.

The meeting also marked the farewell of Councilman Sean Foley, who is moving away from Garwood. Foley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community, highlighting the honor it had been to work alongside fellow council members and municipal staff. His departure was met with appreciation and well-wishes from colleagues, recognizing his contributions and the void his absence will create.

Public comments during the meeting revealed community concerns about local governance, particularly regarding transparency and fairness in zoning processes. Residents voiced frustrations over the handling of applications for body art establishments, citing conflicts of interest and lack of communication. Calls for greater transparency were echoed, with residents urging the council to address these issues to prevent similar experiences in the future.

Additionally, the council discussed a legislative proposal to amend borough bylaws. This change would clarify the origins of proposed legislation, improving public engagement and accountability. While some concerns about the potential administrative burden were raised, the council agreed to refine the proposal collaboratively before presenting it for a vote.