One item at the meeting was the discussion surrounding parking enforcement, particularly Ordinance 50549, which prohibits vehicles from remaining parked on the street for more than 24 hours. Justina Bman shared her personal experience with the ordinance, detailing how her vehicle received a ticket and was subsequently towed while she was preoccupied with her husband’s hospitalization. This incident resulted in nearly $500 in towing and storage fees, which she described as a financial burden compounded by medical expenses. Bman requested more proactive notification methods for parking violations. The Mayor explained the current protocol necessitates tickets be placed on vehicles directly. He acknowledged the need for better communication and suggested reviewing the fee structure to ensure charges remain within borough limits.

Apart from parking issues, traffic congestion on D Avenue was another focal point of the meeting. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a right turn lane and suggested removing “no turn on red” restrictions to alleviate traffic delays. The council noted that these concerns, particularly the synchronization of traffic lights affecting left turns onto Harris Town Road, fall under Bergen County’s jurisdiction. The council agreed to reach out to the county for possible adjustments to improve traffic flow.

The meeting also delved into Hawthorne’s affordable housing obligations, highlighting concerns over outdated aerial maps that inaccurately represent available land, consequently skewing housing needs assessments. The council discussed the implications of the Jacobson methodology, which relies on outdated data, affecting housing responsibilities. The upcoming housing element and fair share plan were noted, with adoption anticipated by June’s end. Concerns were raised about state plans to eliminate local zoning regulations, potentially placing housing in industrial areas and disrupting the borough’s character.

Progress on municipal projects was also reported. Additionally, preparations for the Franklin Field bleacher improvements were delayed due to snow, with completion expected shortly. The council reviewed final assessments for the 2023 Road Improvements program and discussed a rescheduled preconstruction meeting for the Lafayette Avenue Streetscape Phase 3 project.

The borough’s attorney provided updates on ongoing litigation related to posos and 3M settlements, with potential initial payments expected by March’s end. A notable increase in the borough’s tax base was reported, credited to effective fiscal policies and resolved tax appeals. The attorney highlighted concerns over outdated maps inflating housing obligations and mentioned forthcoming resolutions to address these issues.

Administrative matters were also addressed, including a revised salary ordinance introducing new salaries for a part-time water system operator and a zoning officer. A significant pay increase for public defenders was proposed, doubling their compensation per court session. Efforts to fill vacancies in the revenue and finance department were discussed, with applications encouraged via the borough’s website.

Lastly, the council touched on community engagement and public safety, with the ambulance corps planning a dinner event and the Board of Recreation emphasizing the need for coaches to renew background checks. The Public Works Committee reported prompt management of a gas main issue, underscoring emergency responders’ effectiveness.