Leading the agenda, Mayor John P. Labrosse Jr. proclaimed support for Small Business Saturday, urging residents to patronize local businesses not just on November 25th, but year-round. This proclamation comes at a crucial time as Hackensack undergoes a period of revitalization with the emergence of new small restaurants and businesses. The Mayor underscored the significance of supporting local enterprises, particularly in this phase of community reinvention.

Following the proclamation, the City Manager announced some schedule changes concerning garbage pickup due to the Thanksgiving holiday, and reminded residents of the upcoming holiday Tree Lighting Event on December 4th. The city administration further showcased the success of the Slam Dunk the Junk cleanup initiative, which involved over 380 participants from 33 groups, and promoted the forthcoming Gingerbread House contest and an offer of free parking on Main Street and Anderson streets for the holiday season.

The council then turned its attention to several ordinances. Ordinance number 44-2023, proposing an alternate process for hiring qualified police officers, passed its final reading after a public hearing. Ordinance number 45-2023, adjusting non-life hazard use fees in the fire prevention code, passed its first reading, and is scheduled for final passage on December 5th. Additionally, ordinances 46-2023, 47-2023, and 48-2023, which aim to modify various redevelopment plans and traffic restrictions, respectively, all passed their first readings and are set for final passage in December.

The meeting also saw discussions on several resolutions. Council members Kathy Canestrino and Stephanie Von Rudenborg engaged in a debate about an ordinance concerning Main Street and Summit Avenue, particularly questioning whether the phrase “at the Maywood border” should be included. The council ultimately decided to remove the phrase. Several other resolutions, including those related to tax refunds, tax cancellations, budget appropriations, and awarding of contracts were passed with majority support from council members Leonardo Battaglia, Gerard Carroll, Mayor Labrosse, and others.

Resolution 429-23, pertaining to the reappointment of special Law Enforcement Officers class one for the 2024 calendar year, was approved with Council Member Gerard Carroll abstaining due to potential conflicts of interest.

Traffic concerns were a key topic in the public comment section of the meeting. Several individuals voiced their apprehensions about heavy truck traffic on Spring Valley Avenue. In response, Mayor Labrosse thanked the City Attorney and the police department for their efforts in addressing these concerns and commended the resolution aimed at alleviating the issue.

Council members also took turns sharing updates and expressing gratitude. They highlighted the success of the CSO project, the city’s commitment to infrastructure improvements, the successful turkey giveaway event, and the work of the Department of Public Works in leaf cleanup and holiday lighting on Main Street.