A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Month Parade, set to celebrate its 42nd annual festivities on October 13, 2024. The council passed a resolution recognizing several honorees for their contributions to the Italian-American culture within the community. Mari Elena Marzulo was named Grand Marshal, while Danielle Manganello received the title of Nutley Italian Woman of the Year. These recognitions were intended to honor community members who have had a notable impact on the town. The resolution was moved, seconded, and received unanimous approval from all commissioners.

Public comments revealed issues, particularly concerns raised by senior residents about rent increases. Janice Rubel, a resident, expressed her worry over a recent rent hike that exceeded the 2.5% cap she advocated for senior tenants. “It’s our golden years, and we would like to see something positive for senior tenants in Nutley,” Rubel stated. She inquired about the possibility of a referendum to address this issue. This initiated a discussion about the necessity of a meeting with the rent leveling board attorney to gain clarity on the matter before the next council meeting. The town attorney had recently returned from vacation, and a meeting was scheduled to address these concerns.

In addition to the Columbus Day Parade and public comments, the council approved several financial resolutions. These included a funding allocation for the Rise and Shine program amounting to $160, an $85 donation for the cross-country team, and $100 designated for the Fall Festival. All these resolutions passed with unanimous approval from the commissioners present.

The council also approved a proposal for a Ruck March event scheduled for November 9 and November 11, 2024. The march will begin at the WWII Monument, proceed through Memorial Park, and return along the same route. The motion to approve the event was seconded and passed without any objections. Additionally, an application for a “Movie Night Under the Stars” event on October 10, 2024, at Ganal Park was discussed and approved unanimously.

During the meeting, the council moved into an executive session to discuss potential litigation. The public was excluded from this discussion, and the session was confirmed to last only a short while. Upon returning from the executive session at 8:35 PM, the council continued with reports from the commissioners. One commissioner presented a report for the months of July and August, and another submitted a public safety report for August.

The council reviewed the bill list for September 17, 2024, detailing expenses across various departments, including public affairs, public safety, and public works, amounting to a total payroll of $974,000. A motion to approve the bills was made, seconded, and passed without dissent.

In the public comment portion, a commissioner announced the results of the annual tax sale. Five properties were sold regarding property taxes, and 13 related to water, totaling a property tax value of $34,320 and a water value of $5,600. The costs associated with the sale and the bid premiums received were noted. Another commissioner reminded attendees about the Nutley Fall Festival scheduled for September 29, 2024, which would include the farmers market. Additionally, an upcoming Esports competition at the high school was mentioned.

During this meeting, no new ordinances were introduced, though there was a public hearing for Ordinance Number 3561, related to salary fixes for certain township officers and employees effective January 1, 2024. With no public interest in speaking on the ordinance, the hearing was closed, and the ordinance was moved for approval, passing unanimously.

Several resolutions were presented and approved. One authorized the treasurer to refund overpayment of tax charges for specific properties. Another granted full tax exemption for a property owned by veterans deemed 100% disabled, along with authorizing a refund for property taxes paid. The council also resolved to refund a performance bond deposit from NBC Universal for filming in the township, with $5,000 approved for reimbursement.

Further resolutions included a change order for professional services in the parks and public property department and a decision to refund families who had to cancel their participation in recreation programs due to unforeseen circumstances. All resolutions were moved, seconded, and unanimously approved by the commissioners in attendance.