The meeting revisited an intriguing chapter in Lake Como’s history. A letter from a former mayor revealed that in 1984, a ballot initiative proposed changing the town’s name to Lake Como, inspired by the lake that shares its name with a popular Italian vacation spot. Despite the proposition, only 35% of voters supported the change, and the name remained South Belmar until it was officially changed to Lake Como in 2006. This historical insight provided residents with a deeper understanding of local heritage.

The council also recognized the efforts of community members and borough employees in organizing a successful Santa event. This event, which involved collaboration between the police department, public works, and volunteers, was praised for its seamless execution despite challenging weather conditions. The council extended gratitude to all involved, highlighting the spirit of community cooperation.

A request from an organization called Community Options to host a 5K race was approved. The race, scheduled for February 8, aims to raise funds to support individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. Adjustments to the race setup time were discussed to optimize coordination with local authorities.

Financial matters were addressed with the approval of a resolution to transfer appropriations totaling $53,555 across various accounts. This routine financial housekeeping ensures that the borough’s budget remains balanced and responsive to current needs.

Additionally, the council approved contracts for stormwater drainage and parking lot improvements at Berman Park, funded through a grant from the American Rescue Plan. These infrastructure projects reflect ongoing efforts to enhance local facilities and address environmental management within the borough.