The meeting commenced with the nomination and election of the council president and vice president. Frank E. Matthews was nominated and elected as council president without opposition. In his acceptance speech, Matthews expressed gratitude for his colleagues’ trust and highlighted critical ongoing and upcoming projects. He emphasized the financial impact of a borough-wide water filtration system and the multi-year water main replacement project, both of which necessitate a 9% increase in water rates this year, with a similar hike expected next year. These projects, driven by state mandates, aim to improve water quality and infrastructure but pose financial challenges to the borough and its residents.

Matthews also addressed the state’s mandate for lead inspections in rental units, which imposes additional costs on property owners. He expressed concern over the state’s affordable housing obligations, describing them as unrealistic and challenging to meet. The council president noted that these mandates would contribute to a budget increase, emphasizing the difficulty of balancing capital and operational costs while maintaining essential services.

Bruce A. Bennett was elected as vice president following Matthews, also without opposition. Bennett assured residents that rumors of congestion pricing in the central business district were unfounded. He stressed the importance of maintaining infrastructure, emergency services, and recreational facilities.

Mayor John V. Lane provided further updates on the borough’s water utility projects. He reported the completion and operational status of the state-mandated Posos treatment system, noting its success in yielding non-detect results for regulated chemicals. The borough is expected to receive over $2 million from a class-action lawsuit against Posos manufacturers to help mitigate costs, with additional construction expenses financed through low-interest loans. This project includes periodic replacement of treatment media as an ongoing operational cost. Furthermore, the mayor outlined the progress of the water service line replacement program, now in its third phase, with completion anticipated by 2031, despite no current lead issues in the lines.

The mayor also addressed financial implications, highlighting the planned water rate increases. He recognized the challenges posed by inflation, particularly regarding rising employee health insurance costs, which contribute to a tax rate of 4.4%. However, plans for a Lidl store faced setbacks due to corporate decisions in Germany halting construction in several states, including New Jersey.

In addition to water projects, the council discussed ongoing improvements to athletic facilities, such as the installation of new bleachers at Franklin Field, funded by a $70,000 grant. The modernization of the borough’s emergency communication systems, addressing an increase in call volume, was also a focus. The police department reported a slightly reduced number of service calls in 2024 compared to the previous year, while the fire department and ambulance corps saw an uptick in emergency responses.

Traffic safety initiatives were highlighted as a priority, with measures to limit weight on local streets and lower speed limits to 25 mph. Grants totaling $115,000 were secured for distracted driving and pedestrian safety programs. The traffic bureau expanded from three to six officers to enhance community safety efforts.

The council also addressed routine administrative matters, including the approval of the 2025 temporary budget, reestablishment of the petty cash fund, and designation of official depositories and legal newspapers for the year. Appointments to various boards and committees, such as the Shade Tree Commission and Municipal Alliance Committee, were made with unanimous support. The meeting closed with well-wishes for the New Year and a commitment to serve the community with integrity.