In the realm of public safety, the council addressed the uptick in shoplifting and retail theft, particularly at Kohl’s. A collaborative operation with Kohl’s, the Rockbury County Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office resulted in three arrests within four hours, averting nearly $1,700 in losses. This initiative was highlighted to raise awareness as the Black Friday shopping season approached. A council member also touched on a personal initiative to support homeless individuals in Morris County, participating in a night outdoors to empathize with their challenges and raising funds through a $35 donation campaign.

Discussions on community safety extended to the visibility of security measures at local businesses. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of hidden cameras, with suggestions for more visible deterrents, such as round cameras or blue light systems, to combat evolving crime trends. The topic of drone surveillance was also broached, with updates on ongoing investigations and a desire for continuous information on the matter.

The council received updates from the Public Safety committee regarding operational adjustments within the fire department, including a request to modify working hours for better coordination with inspectors. The committee voiced willingness to revisit this issue. Additionally, preparations for year-end reports were underway, and the police department’s role in traffic management during infrastructure work was highlighted, particularly during the holiday season.

On the public works front, updates included seasonal efforts such as winterization and holiday decorations, with notable progress in leaf collection. The fire department’s traditional activities, like the Candy Cane Run and Christmas tree sales in collaboration with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), were also discussed. The council noted the sale of 325 trees, emphasizing the urgency of purchasing due to limited supply.

The meeting also covered various ordinances and resolutions. Council Member Kelly introduced several ordinances, including changes in zoning for a property on Tab Road and salary adjustments for non-union employees. Ordinance Number 11224, amending the fee schedule, and Ordinance Number 12224, setting pay grades for the Department of Public Works, were passed on first reading, with further readings scheduled. These ordinances are part of the annual housekeeping to update fees and compensation structures.

The council reviewed financial matters, including a checklist totaling $2,554.87, and discussed potential cost-saving measures for training new Department of Public Works staff. An agreement with Denville could reduce the cost of commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, with plans to formalize the agreement and align it with union contracts.

The recycling committee reported on community clean-up efforts, and local Girl Scout troops were recognized for their contributions. The council also acknowledged a ribbon-cutting event for a newly renovated office building on Speedo Avenue, praising its potential to attract new tenants.