The meeting also included a presentation detailing the pool’s history and current state, eliciting nostalgic references to “Rose the mermaid,” used in original bond promotions. Jim Bernett was credited for his extensive work in assessing the pool’s financial status and reconstructing accounting records. The borough is taking necessary steps to protect the pool’s assets. The Mayor reassured attendees that swim teams and group lessons would continue.

In addition to the pool’s management, the council discussed ongoing budget processes for 2026, with information to be available on Rosenet. Key dates for budget discussions were outlined, with meetings scheduled from December 8 to April 27, when the final budget hearing and potential adoption will occur. The Department of Public Works provided updates on leaf collection, emphasizing the importance of not blocking storm drains and avoiding mixing non-leaf items with collected leaves to prevent equipment damage. The parks department has shut down water sprinkler systems for winter, and the final yard waste collection by an outside contractor is set for December 3.

The Madison Environmental Commission recognized Eagle Scout Ben Engel and his troop for their boardwalk project at the MRC Conservation Forest, which included educational signage. The engineering department reported the completion of repaving and striping at the Madison Recreation Center following a solar carport installation and outlined several road improvement projects funded by New Jersey DOT grants. Construction for Memorial Park Trail phase 3 was awarded to Clark Moyahan Construction, with work anticipated to begin soon. Improvements to the east wing of Hartley Dodge Memorial are set to commence, with temporary relocations of relevant departments during construction.

Public safety updates included the Madison Police Department’s Thanksgiving food basket deliveries in collaboration with St. Vincent’s Church, and the fire department’s response to 140 calls in November. Safety reminders were issued for Thanksgiving cooking, particularly regarding deep frying turkey. In utilities, the electric department prepared for the holiday season with decoration installations and addressed power outages caused by downed wires.

Public comments were dominated by discussions on a proposed ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, with speakers citing health benefits and noise reduction as primary concerns. Alternatives like battery-powered electric blowers were suggested as quieter, more environmentally friendly options. The discussion reflected broader community concerns, echoed by Bridget Daly and an email from Michael Natal, highlighting the health risks associated with gas blower emissions.

Comments also focused on proposed New Jersey legislation S3746, which would permit high-density housing construction without local zoning oversight. Residents expressed alarm over the potential for developments with 40 units per acre, deemed excessively dense. The Mayor announced a town hall meeting on December 4 to discuss development issues and affordable housing obligations, expressing strong opposition to the bill. Concerns were raised that the bill could exacerbate housing density without sufficient local oversight.