Little Falls Town Council Highlights: Proclamations and Initiatives Unfold
- Meeting Overview:
In a meeting filled with recognitions and future plans, the Little Falls Town Council addressed several proclamations, discussed initiatives, and tackled community concerns. Proclamations celebrating cultural and historical observances, recognition for local cheer squads, a major traffic signal issue, and Real ID appointments were among the topics covered.
0:27The meeting kicked off with a series of proclamations. Mayor James Damiano proclaimed March as National Women’s History Month, emphasizing the historical contributions of women from diverse backgrounds and the continuing journey towards gender equality. The mayor encouraged residents to participate in events and activities celebrating women’s achievements throughout the month.
Ramadan, a sacred month in the Islamic calendar marked by fasting and reflection, received recognition as well. The mayor highlighted the significance of community gatherings and charitable acts during this period, urging the community to support those observing Ramadan. March was also declared Irish American Heritage Month, acknowledging the historical impact of Irish Americans on the nation and reinforcing ties between Ireland and the United States.
Noteworthy among the proclamations was the recognition of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, celebrating the achievements and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome. The mayor’s proclamation aimed to increase awareness and appreciation for this vibrant community. Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, was also recognized, with March 14 designated as the day to celebrate the festival in Little Falls.
In addition to cultural and historical proclamations, local cheerleading squads were acknowledged for their achievements. The Junior Gems 10U Squad and the 14U Senior Diamonds squad received recognition for their outstanding competitive seasons, each earning multiple accolades. The teams, led by dedicated coaches, were celebrated in a ceremony attended by team members and their families. The mayor also acknowledged Amber Baraco for her decade of dedication as a cheer commissioner and coach.
33:36Shifting focus, the council addressed the ongoing issues with a traffic light at the intersection of Francisco and Cedar Grove Road. Despite being installed two months prior, the light remains non-operational, raising safety concerns due to multiple accidents at the location. The council expressed frustration and committed to maintaining contact with the utility company for updates, emphasizing the priority of resolving this issue swiftly.
A significant logistical update involved the Real ID requirement set to take effect on May 7. The council announced that a mobile unit would be available at the Little Falls Civic Center on April 29 for residents to obtain their Real ID. With a limited number of appointments accessible, the council urged residents to act quickly when the online booking system goes live on April 1. The motor vehicles department aims to expand the number of weekly appointments, recognizing the demand as the deadline approaches.
Other community-focused initiatives included plans for additional handicapped parking spaces at Wilmer Road Park. Discussions with Commissioner Orlando Cruz are ongoing, with a site visit planned to assess and implement necessary signage.
Public safety was also a topic of discussion, with the Chief of Police addressing a recent tragic event involving a Newark police officer killed in the line of duty. The Chief expressed condolences and highlighted the risks inherent in police work, urging community support for law enforcement personnel during such challenging times.
The council also heard about a successful accreditation hearing for the police department, with plans to present the re-accreditation certificate at a future meeting. A senior lunch event featuring traditional Irish fare was announced, with council members invited to participate in serving the community.
During the public comment segment, a resident raised concerns about changes to the town’s website and email notifications. The mayor responded by explaining the transition to a more secure site and acknowledged the challenges faced in ensuring residents receive timely communications. The mayor committed to working with the IT Department to resolve these issues.
James Damiano
City Council Officials:
JAMES DAMIANO (Mayor), ANTHONY SGOBBA (President, Councilman), JAYNA PATEL (Councilwoman), CHRISTOPHER VANCHERI (Councilman), CHRISTINE HABLITZ (Councilwoman), MICHAEL MURPHY (Councilman)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
03/10/2025
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Recording Published:
03/11/2025
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Duration:
45 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Passaic County
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Towns:
Little Falls
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