A significant portion of the meeting celebrated the achievements of the 2025 Gly Bears, who won the NJSIA North Jersey Section 2 Group 1 state sectional championship. The mayor praised the team for their impressive record of 12 wins and 2 losses. The proclamation underscored the importance of hard work and discipline, values that the team exemplified. The coaching staff, led by head coach David Kaplau, was applauded for their commitment to fostering a competitive yet respectful team environment. The community was encouraged to celebrate these accomplishments.

In addition to the Gly Bears, four Eagle Scouts were recognized for their outstanding service projects. Each scout received a proclamation acknowledging their contributions to the community. Christopher Boick was commended for restoring fireboxes. Another scout improved storage facilities at the senior center, benefiting local residents. A third scout repurposed space at the recreation center to promote family bonding through board games, while the final scout optimized administrative office space to improve operations at the center.

The council then turned its focus to legislative matters, approving several ordinances aimed at enhancing public safety and infrastructure. A new ordinance established a four-way stop at the intersection of Sheridan and 11th Street, a move designed to improve traffic safety. This ordinance was adopted without public comment. Additionally, an ordinance amending uniform construction code fees was introduced and adopted, streamlining the regulatory process for construction projects in the borough.

A bond ordinance was also introduced, proposing $2,298,500 in funding for various public improvements. This included infrastructure upgrades and the acquisition of new equipment to support essential services. The ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing and adoption at the upcoming August 20th meeting.

Public safety was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. The police department reported on a successful junior police academy, which provided local youth with insights into law enforcement through various training exercises. The program received positive feedback from participants and officers alike. The department also addressed community concerns about local crime and speeding, urging residents to secure their properties and adhere to traffic laws. The police emphasized the importance of community engagement in maintaining safety and reported increased traffic enforcement efforts across the borough.

The finance report highlighted the borough’s financial health, with Councilman Marorrow detailing the capital budget allocations for public safety and infrastructure. The council is set to receive over $822,000 in grants, which will fund these initiatives. Notable projects include new radar signal signs, vehicles for police and fire departments, and the installation of security cameras in parks. Infrastructure improvements also encompass ongoing paving projects, sidewalk replacements, and enhancements to recreation facilities. Despite these positive developments, concerns were raised about the reduced tree budget, which has decreased from $75,000 to $35,000 over the years. The council acknowledged the community’s need for increased funding for tree maintenance, recognizing the importance of proactive inspection and hazard management.

The planning and zoning report provided updates on ongoing property modifications and violations, including requests for additional loading docks and residential additions. The council addressed various applications, denying a proposed conversion of a single-family home to a two-family unit on 15th Street, while other projects, such as fence installations and generator permits, were discussed.