The council expressed concerns about an $880,000 funding cut from the State Board of Education to the Hawthorne Board of Ed budget. The mayor has taken the initiative to contact Governor Murphy directly to discuss the negative implications of the budget cuts for students and teachers, hoping for a response by the end of the week.

Additionally, the members engaged in a discussion about New Jersey’s new affordable housing law. There was apprehension about the law’s potential conflict with existing environmental regulations and its impact on municipal self-determination, as well as the decision-making process for housing developments. The council debated the issue, voicing concerns about the lack of oversight and the broader implications on the community’s development.

Infrastructure was another focal point of the meeting, with reports on various projects underway. The engineer informed the council about the water service line replacement, field and facility upgrades, and traffic studies, while an update was provided on a lawsuit regarding the return of garbage. The situation at Grand View at Horizon was also discussed, with an acknowledgment of the need for further action.

The council discussed the ongoing work on the 2024 budget and the 2024 County open space Grant application for the Wag Two and Three bleachers. A resident’s concerns about galvanized replacements prompted a discussion on ensuring that streets are correctly identified as galvanized or copper before replacement work commences.

The anniversary celebration of Hawthorne’s 125th year was another topic of discussion, with the council thanking committee members for their efforts and discussing sponsorship for the event. A recap of the anniversary event held at the high school was presented, including various community activities and the dedication of Legion Place to Cavalier Way in honor of a local organization. The council praised the high school theater department’s contribution to the celebration and estimated attendance of 3,500 to 4,000 people, concluding with fireworks.

The meeting also included a review of Hawthorne Day, which experienced some disruption due to rain, and planning for a Gala to conclude the anniversary year. Details of a time capsule from the 100th anniversary and plans for a new one were also discussed, emphasizing the town’s history and anticipation for the future.

Further, the council addressed local issues such as the approval of a Mexican restaurant’s request to enclose their outdoor patio, the Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Fling program to support local businesses, and a resident’s frustration over a property issue concerning the process for obtaining a building permit. The council provided clarifications and assured that the resident’s concerns would be addressed.

The meeting concluded with the approval of several resolutions, including a low SAP benefit for fire department members, a change order for Franklin Field lighting, and authorization for an online auction. The council’s handling of diverse and concerns reflects its active role in overseeing the town’s affairs and responding to the needs of Hawthorne’s residents.