The council’s deliberations on the NJ DEP grant application were marked by division over the process of its approval. Some members expressed frustration over not having seen the application before it was considered for the consent calendar. Concerns about the need for transparency and proper review were voiced, with one member insisting on seeing the application prior to voting, stating, “I want to see something before I’m voting on it.” The urgency to secure funding clashed with calls for due diligence, resulting in a debate. Ultimately, a motion was made to bring the grant proposal back for further consideration at the upcoming December 4 meeting, though support for this decision was mixed.

Simultaneously, the ethics of tree removal processes were scrutinized. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest within the tree commission’s operations, specifically regarding the relationship between the consulting arborist and the work being performed. A participant pointed out that the same arborist was compensating for recommendations as well as the subsequent work, stating, “the issue isn’t with Greenwood Tree. The issue is with the process.” This sparked a suggestion to consult the local finance board for guidance on potential conflicts, although some members felt confident in the existing procedures, maintaining that the town attorney had ensured ethical compliance.

The council also tackled budget-related matters, with a report shared for 2025 indicating a largely flat budget with slight increases. The Arbor Day initiative was a focal point, as issues with saplings received in poor condition were discussed. A commemorative plaque and plans for plantings at both the park and the school were proposed to celebrate the borough’s 100th anniversary. Concerns were voiced about public perception of budget allocations, with a misconception that the budget was overly focused on tree planting. In reality, only 17% was allocated for this purpose, with the remainder needed for maintenance and regulatory compliance regarding tree health and safety.

The council acknowledged the hard work of the Department of Public Works (DPW) in minimizing external costs through internal efforts. Specific locations for tree maintenance were identified, and the need to address deadwood in mature pin oak trees along Brier Cliff Road was added to next year’s considerations. Fertilization efforts along Speedwell Avenue were also mentioned, with a financial allocation of $5,357 for the treatment of 64 trees.

In a separate discussion, concerns were raised about the safety of a resident due to electrical wires and insulators installed by JCPNL on Silvin Street. The urgency to follow up with JCPNL was stressed, particularly considering the resident’s past experiences with electrical fires.

Additionally, the council addressed the scheduling of future meetings, including potential changes to meeting times and dates. Adjustments were proposed for the 2026 calendar, with a focus on avoiding meetings near holidays and ensuring convenient scheduling for all members. A voice vote confirmed the acceptance of these proposed changes.