Englewood City Council Discusses Mutual Aid, Mental Health Crisis Response, and Property Maintenance

Overview: In a recent Englewood City Council meeting, discussions were dominated by the topics of mutual aid and the police department’s response to mental health crises, as well as concerns regarding property maintenance in the city. Council members debated the terms and implications of the mutual aid agreement, which allows for police support from neighboring jurisdictions in emergency situations, with specific worries voiced about the use of long guns and the potential intimidation of residents. The council also addressed the handling of vacant and abandoned properties amid fears of predatory speculation and the necessity for more effective solutions.

Maplewood Township Council Advances Redevelopment Plan and Focuses on Public Health Initiatives

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Maplewood Town Council, discussions centered around the expansion of a redevelopment area on Springfield Avenue and extensive updates on public health initiatives, including the mayor’s wellness campaign and the importance of COVID-19 vigilance. The addition of 8 Vermont Street to the Redevelopment Plan as a non-condemnation area was a point of discussion, with the Council agreeing to move forward with the process. Public health updates provided by Health Officer Candace Davenport covered a wide range of topics from the mayor’s wellness campaign and environmental health to communicable diseases and food security.

Wall School Board Meeting Sparks Concerns Over Attorney Conduct and Construction Contracts

Overview: The recent Wall School Board meeting was marked by public comments addressing the behavior of the board’s attorney, Athena Corell, the district’s handling of COVID-19 vaccinations, discrepancies in the purchasing process for trailers, and the selection of contractors for upcoming construction projects. Residents and local union representatives voiced concerns over transparency, accountability, and local worker participation in district contracts.

Summit School Board Advances Mental Health and STEAM Education

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Summit School Board emphasized their commitment to mental health initiatives and the advancement of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. The board discussed a range of topics from community outreach and new staff approvals to district facilities projects and policy updates, but the primary focus was the comprehensive efforts to support student, staff, and community wellness, as well as enhancing STEAM programming across all grade levels.

Berkeley Heights Resident Calls for Investigation and Resignations

Overview: During the latest Berkeley Heights Town Council meeting, a resident’s call for an investigation into the police department’s handling of certain incidents, along with demands for resignations of town officials, marked one notable issue among various topics discussed. The citizen’s grievances, aired during the citizen hearing, were not directly addressed by the Council at that time.