A key topic of discussion was the downtown revitalization efforts, which aim to preserve and enhance the unique character of the area. A newly introduced facade style guide is set to provide guidance to businesses and property owners on aesthetic improvements. This guide is intended to be a dynamic document that evolves as the area develops. A council member underscored the importance of this initiative, recognizing the committee’s efforts as instrumental in beautifying the town.

Safety concerns in the business district also took center stage during the meeting. Lorraine Thalman of Liberty Avenue raised issues regarding drivers making U-turns and ignoring stop signs, which pose significant dangers to pedestrians, particularly children. She also highlighted the poor condition of Liberty Avenue near Beachwood Park, describing it as a “washboard” and urging for more substantial repairs beyond the patching efforts by the Department of Public Works (DPW).

Community engagement and public safety were further emphasized through reports from the police department and emergency services. Chief Woods presented the police department’s report, which detailed their community engagement activities and highlighted the department’s responsiveness, having answered 736 calls for service in July. The report was well-received, with commendations for the department’s efforts during recent events.

Emergency services also provided an update, noting the successful sale of 10,000 tickets for their annual Super 50/50 fundraiser, scheduled for a drawing on Sunday. The department’s efficiency was highlighted, with a consistent response time of five to six minutes from dispatch, and full staffing achieved in July for the first time in 17 years, although this was not expected to continue into August due to staffing changes.

Environmental and recreational projects were also a point of focus. Councilman Kleti reported on a successful collaboration with the Hillsdale Board of Education on a New Jersey Department of Education grant, resulting in an award of $66,000 for new trees at Smith School and Metobrook. The environmental commission has also been active in producing educational content on trapping invasive spotted lanternflies, which will be shared with residents.

The council discussed ongoing work at Centennial Field, where a new contractor, Go Organic, has been engaged for pest control efforts. This contractor has begun fertilizing the field and is scheduled to perform additional preparations for the upcoming soccer season. The maintenance of local brooks was also a concern, with a resident urging the council to address silt build-up to prevent future flooding issues.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming fall festival scheduled for September 13th at Beachwood Park and a movie night featuring a Karate Kid film on August 26th. The summer camp concluded successfully, generating a positive financial outcome for the WCK commission.

The council has also been involved in planning for future community facilities, such as a new community center. A proposal was made to create a committee to personalize the center, with input from various community groups on aesthetic elements like wall decorations and furniture styles. This initiative aims to ensure the new space reflects the community’s diverse needs and preferences.

In terms of legislative action, two ordinances were introduced. Ordinance 25-22 concerns lead-based paint inspections, while Ordinance 25-23 authorizes $50,000 for improvements to the Stony Brook Swim Club. Both ordinances are set for final passage hearings in September 2025 and received unanimous support upon introduction.