Residents living near Crystal Lake and Mirror Lake took center stage during the public comments section, voicing their fears over the possible sale of the lakes to developers. They stressed the critical role these bodies of water play in stormwater management and the protection of local wildlife, including bald eagles. The emotional and environmental significance of the lakes was underscored, with residents calling for the council to make preservation a priority. The deteriorating condition of the Crystal Lake Dam was a particular point of concern, with community members urging the council to engage in a productive dialogue and potentially partner with them to find solutions.

The issue of the lakes was further elaborated upon by various speakers, including the president of Crystal Lake Community Beach, who noted that the lake has been open for the enjoyment of the town and sought partnership in tackling the decade-long runoff issues. A community member put forth ideas, such as enacting laws for the benefit of all town lakes and securing public funds for the repair of the Crystal Lake Dam. These issues were not only framed as environmental concerns but also as matters of community welfare, with one resident sharing a personal story to illustrate the direct impact of water runoff on their property.

The council and Lake Front homeowners expressed a collective desire to purchase Mirror Lake and establish a new ownership structure for the lakes. Concerns were also raised about the insurance costs associated with the lakes and the potential for cost savings should the lakes transfer to a separate corporation. The Ringwood Manor Lakes Association (RML) was mentioned in the context of the relationship with the local lakes, with the council emphasizing the need for a middle-ground solution to the frustration experienced under the current situation.

Beyond the lakes, the meeting encompassed a variety of administrative actions. The council approved minutes of previous meetings, raffle licenses for community events, and appointments to local boards and committees. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a budget presentation, which detailed funding for the current fund budget, tax levy, and appropriations for capital investments and development activities. The council reviewed a capital ordinance to implement the capital plan, which included adjustments to proposed projects and purchases.

Noteworthy was the approval of several resolutions, among them the authorization of a grant submittal for park improvements, contracts for tax appeals and road programs, and a submission for fiscal year 25’s request for Congressional directed spending for PFOA treatment at Sonn Field. The capital ordinance discussion centered on fully funded items, with the annual road repair program slated for later consideration.

A potential error in the agenda regarding a second public comment was addressed, leading to the mayor motioning to open a second public comment for the Bergen County open space park ordinance. This allowed a resident to express interest in speaking about open space for the rec field. Additionally, a representative of a cannabis cultivation company updated the council on their progress, referencing the federal government’s rescheduling of cannabis to schedule 3.

The council moved on to new business topics, including the forward planning committee and the implementation of fobs for tennis court access. Reports from various committees and organizations were presented, covering areas such as Shade Tree, OCC, Green Team, Public Safety, Library, Flood Commission, and Arts Committee. The meeting concluded with the approval of bills to be paid and the scheduling of the next borough council meeting for May 14th.