A prominent topic of debate was a proposed grant-funded initiative for a drone survey to assess the deer population in Montclair. Residents Suzanne Atman and Annette Batson voiced strong opposition to the plan, arguing that a single drone count would be insufficient for accurate population estimates. They emphasized the importance of comprehensive, non-lethal approaches to wildlife management and expressed concerns that data from a one-time survey could lead to misinformed decisions. Atman cautioned against potential conflicts of interest due to funding from the Fish and Wildlife Department, which she noted has historically supported lethal control methods. Batson supported this viewpoint, advocating for an ordinance to limit lethal wildlife management methods in Montclair.

Jen Cypek, another resident, underscored the need for non-lethal measures. She warned that the grant, funded by an agency inclined towards culling, could misalign with community values. In response to these concerns, council members discussed amendments to ensure that any recommendations from the survey would exclude hunting activities and require council approval for any changes.

Traffic safety also emerged as a issue, with residents like Claire Silata and Kaylin Kinsla highlighting the dangers posed by high-speed traffic and poor visibility at certain intersections. Silata recounted witnessing vehicles traveling at alarming speeds on Park Street, exacerbated by new businesses that could increase traffic flow. She called for the council to prioritize pedestrian safety, particularly for children and parents with strollers. Kinsla echoed these concerns, pointing out the risk at the Redeye Cafe parking lot and the congested conditions during events at MKA Elementary School, advocating for stricter enforcement of parking regulations to alleviate these issues.

Another focal point of the meeting was the proposal to appoint Councilor Aminah Toller as deputy mayor, a decision supported by several residents who praised her commitment to community involvement. However, the discussion revealed underlying tensions within the council regarding communication and procedural transparency. Concerns were raised about the lack of clear communication among council members and the need for structured processes for agenda creation. The mayor and council members debated the merit of immediate changes versus waiting until the next annual reorganization meeting.

Fiscal challenges within Montclair’s school district were also discussed, with residents urging the council to consider reallocating pilot funds to address budget shortfalls. Wyatt Foster, a high school senior, emphasized the importance of maintaining the district’s educational standards and warned against the negative consequences of budget cuts, such as increased class sizes and declining test scores. He advocated for allocating a portion of the pilot funds to support critical positions and perform a forensic audit.