The council meeting, led by Mayor Thomas Randall, started on a high note with Garbo’s Italian Deli & Pizza receiving recognition for 35 years of business in the borough, and the 3rd/4th Grade Recreation Minor League Champions were celebrated.

However, the upbeat mood shifted as residents expressed concerns about ongoing tensions between the Fire Department and the Governing Body during the public discussion segment. Carol Tyler, a long-standing Volunteer Ambulance Corp member, proposed a resolution involving the cessation of alcohol in all municipal buildings, the establishment of an oversight board, and the withdrawal of ongoing lawsuits, aiming to foster a more harmonious relationship between all parties involved.

Another noteworthy highlight from the meeting was Mayor Randall’s announcement regarding a $500,000 funding boost for the borough’s water treatment project. This marked the culmination of a commitment initiated in 2019, bringing the total funding to $1 million. Anticipated to be completed by May 15, 2024, this project is said to provide significant improvements to the community’s water quality.

Moreover, significant progress was made in the borough’s financial management. Five resolutions were proposed, one of which, Resolution #23-82, supports Senate Bill S-3906. If approved, the bill would provide an enormous $1,375.83 million in state funds to repay debt, advance capital projects, and offer property tax relief to Ho-Ho-Kus residents. Resolution #23-86 also made significant strides, greenlighting a $4 million “Water Utility Note” for further water system treatment improvements.

The council also approved salary adjustments for JoAnn Carroll and Dan McEldowney, recognizing their additional roles as the Shade Tree & Beautification Secretary and Lead Base Paint Inspector, respectively.