The meeting featured a presentation by the police chief and an architectural firm, who outlined the inadequacies of the current police department facilities and proposed several renovation and relocation options. The firm assessed existing conditions and spatial requirements, eventually narrowing down seven initial schemes to two primary options for consideration. The first option involved adding a one-story extension at the front and a two-story addition at the rear of the existing building. This plan projected construction costs between $6.17 million and $7.14 million, with total costs estimated between $7.48 million and $8.66 million. The anticipated timeline for this option was approximately 18 to 24 months.

An alternative location on Cable Road was also considered, offering the advantage of constructing without disrupting current municipal operations. This proposal included demolishing an existing teen center to optimize space, although concerns about potential flooding were noted. The need for a dual-purpose parking area for both police operations and visitors to the 9/11 memorial was also discussed, alongside the benefits of housing a fire engine and ambulance at the new site to mitigate delays caused by flooding during storms.

The financial implications of the proposed schemes were discussed, with estimates suggesting that financing a project could result in an additional cost of approximately $230 to $240 per year for residents. The council emphasized the need for facilities that meet current regulations, particularly concerning juvenile detainment, and highlighted the importance of future-proofing the police department’s infrastructure to accommodate growth and evolving operational capacities.

In addition to the police headquarters discussion, the council tackled other issues. A resolution to submit a grant application for a community tree project was proposed for removal due to a lack of coordination with the Shade Tree Commission. Concerns were raised about procedural adherence, emphasizing the importance of consulting relevant committees before making decisions affecting community projects. Despite these issues, the council ultimately decided to move forward with a vote on the grant, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring proper communication and consultation.

The meeting also recognized the achievements of the police department and its officers. Chief Ross announced revisions to the awards and recognition policy to acknowledge a broader range of commendable actions by officers. The third annual awards ceremony would recognize various officers for their contributions, including new recruits and those recognized for their service in the military and their efforts in public safety initiatives.

Additionally, the council addressed ongoing community concerns such as procedural matters regarding email communications, with recommendations for residents to send individual emails to council members due to Sunshine Laws. They also acknowledged community contributions, like Carol How’s 40-year service as the Board of Health secretary and Larry Ripley’s involvement in the Morris Plains drug blood drive, which achieved a milestone of 15,000 pints donated.

A contentious discussion emerged regarding conflicts of interest in board appointments, particularly involving Mr. Kelly and Secretary D. Legal complexities were highlighted, with the council’s attorney unable to provide definitive answers due to ongoing litigation.

Other topics included updates on community events, safety measures, and ongoing construction projects. The fire department’s 5050 fundraiser aimed to sell 20,000 tickets, with the drawing scheduled for August 30th. The department also received approval for training drills at a future McDonald’s site. Public works updates highlighted efforts in managing invasive species and maintaining town aesthetics, while construction projects faced delays due to weather conditions.

The council also considered a new “complete and green streets” policy to enhance public safety and accessibility for various transportation modes. They discussed forming a policy advisory committee to develop recommendations for implementing this initiative, aligning it with the borough’s master plan and addressing community needs.