A prominent focus of the meeting was the Hackensack Shade Tree Advisory Committee’s update on urban forestry initiatives. The chairperson detailed the committee’s efforts to enhance the city’s tree canopy, citing a $20,000 grant from TD Bank and the Arbor Day Foundation that facilitated tree planting at a local school and the establishment of an outdoor classroom. The committee highlighted the importance of trees in improving air quality, cooling urban areas, and increasing property values. They emphasized the need for better budget allocation to address tree loss and underscored the environmental justice aspect of their work.

The committee announced plans for the Second Street Grant Project, which targets areas historically affected by redlining. This project includes a $5,000 green communities grant for a community forestry management plan and a $15,000 stewardship grant for a street tree inventory. A $200,000 Trees for Schools grant will fund tree planting in schools, parks, and streets frequented by students. The committee plans to plant trees in the spring of 2026, with a grant supporting the planting of 100 trees in the Second Street neighborhood, an area undergoing sewer separation.

Financial matters were also addressed during the meeting. The Chief Financial Officer presented the annual audit results and introduced a bond ordinance for $1,320,000. The audit, a requirement for all New Jersey municipalities, revealed seven recommendations for improvement, with four already resolved. The bond ordinance aims to fund vehicles for the police and public works departments, highlighting the urgency due to long order times. The introduction of this ordinance sets the stage for a public hearing and adoption in December.

The meeting also featured a comprehensive presentation from the director of the Johnson Public Library. She recounted the library’s history and detailed recent updates, including the transformation of an underutilized stack room into a gallery and the installation of an ADA-compliant family restroom. A renovation project, with a budget of $769,000, commenced on the day of the meeting. The director emphasized the library’s role as the largest in Bergen County.

Public comments brought attention to ongoing community issues, including parking challenges and waste management services. Residents voiced concerns about insufficient parking on High Street and the impact on individuals with mobility issues, particularly during winter. Issues with the city’s waste management were also raised, with complaints about uncollected tree branches and a perceived need for better organic waste collection during the fall season.

The meeting concluded with updates from various committee members and the Deputy Mayor, who reflected on recent community events and emphasized the importance of continued community engagement. The council acknowledged the upcoming Veterans Day celebrations and the ongoing emergency food drive in response to families losing SNAP benefits.