The meeting commenced with a moment of silent reflection in response to a recent school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, reminding attendees of the ever-present need for vigilance in community safety. Against this backdrop, the council moved to recognize members of the police department for their exemplary service.

Promotions within the New Milford Police Department featured prominently on the agenda. The council approved the promotion of Sergeant Brian Moon to Lieutenant. The mayor praised Moon’s positive attitude and teamwork abilities. In addition, Officer Adam Convoy was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Convoy, who joined the department in January 2014, was noted for his expertise in defensive tactics, with a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, now tasked with training his fellow officers.

Recognition of departmental achievements followed, with awards presented for exceptional police work. A team of officers was lauded for their investigation into a series of shopliftings at a CVS store, successfully identifying a suspect linked to an organized crime ring and recovering stolen goods. Another commendation went to officers who swiftly responded to a burglary at the New Milford Public Library, capturing a suspect before further damage could occur. Additionally, officers who conducted a firearms-related arrest were applauded for their decisive action in removing a loaded assault-style rifle and ammunition from a vehicle, preventing a potential threat.

The council’s recognition extended beyond local police officers. Sergeant Walter Hutchinson from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office received a commendation and a Hometown Hero award for his life-saving actions while assisting an unresponsive child on Route 4. The governing body acknowledged his critical intervention with a certificate of recognition.

Beyond law enforcement, the meeting addressed various community initiatives and updates. The council celebrated the active participation of student poll workers in the 2024 general election, a collaborative effort between the borough, the county, and the New Milford School District. This initiative engaged high school juniors and seniors in the electoral process, fostering civic responsibility among the youth.

Under new business, the council discussed upcoming community events and projects. Notably, the Santa’s mailbox initiative, sponsored by the New Milford Police Department, runs through December 24, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Burger King is set for December 19. The annual menorah lighting event, scheduled for December 26, encourages attendees to donate non-perishable food items to the local pantry.

The council also addressed infrastructure and environmental efforts. Updates on ongoing engineering projects and grant applications were provided. Noteworthy was a resolution to award a project for a sand volleyball court, alongside applications for roadway improvements and lighting enhancements at Williams Field. The Environmental and Energy Commission’s completion of an environmental resource inventory offered valuable insights for the planning board’s master plan, and the green team’s collaboration on recycling efforts earned bronze-level recognition for sustainable practices.

Council members shared personal achievements and community involvement stories, emphasizing the significance of collaboration. Recognition was given to a member’s participation in a policy proposal challenge focused on remediating contamination on military bases, underlining community collaboration’s importance.

In public comments, residents expressed gratitude for the police department’s visible presence, particularly in school safety. Appreciation extended to the fire department for its holiday activities, notably Santa Claus visiting children and spreading joy. A resident voiced concerns about school operations, especially for children with special needs, and sought guidance on advocacy, receiving encouragement from council members to engage with the Board of Education and other accessible resources.