The council recognized the Northern Valley Eagles 2023 Juniors football team with Mayor Gallagher praising the team for their poise, mental toughness, and teamwork. The team’s coaches and players were congratulated, and a photo session with the trophy followed.

Moving on from the celebrations, Councilwoman Christine Massaro nominated Gina Park for the Board of Health and Brian Davidson for the historical committee; both nominations were approved. The consent resolution, encompassing various routine items, was adopted unanimously.

A critical discussion unfolded as the council considered a resolution opposing A450 affordable housing revisions initially proposed by Westwood. The resolution’s language prompted concerns due to its specificity to Westwood, leading to the suggestion of revisiting the issue after consulting the League of Municipalities’ stance.

The council then touched upon infrastructure and environmental concerns in an executive session. The Wolf Road drainage project and the potential impact of a new bridge near Bonville Park were discussed. The stability and potential cleanup of soil and sediment control measures at The Enclave before final approvals were also reviewed. Additionally, the council assessed the environmental impact of filled wetlands behind the Exxon station, expressing worries about possible flooding.

Committee reports revealed the formation of a new Youth Council, driven by high school students’ strong interest in volunteerism and their eagerness to engage in town activities. This included summer employment and spreading awareness of town events on social media. The Board of Health discussed ongoing initiatives like a mental health book club and the mayor’s Wellness Campaign. Park’s appointment to the Board of Health was noted, with her keenness to join Civil Service as a recent graduate.

The council addressed traffic safety, with Councilman Ron Binaghi Jr. proposing a three-way stop sign on Howard Drive to combat speeding. He also discussed using radar-equipped speed limit signs to gather traffic data and advised residents on security measures to prevent car thefts.

Councilman Guy Carnazza provided an update on construction activities, while Councilman William Boyce reported on the Veterans Committee and the need for reappointments to the Environmental Commission. The examination of the town’s master plan was a focal point, with Councilman Cort Gwon emphasizing the importance of this review. Mayor Gallagher inquired about any development plans for the PNG building, with Boyce confirming that no plans had been submitted.

In addition to the various updates, the council delved into the challenges faced by emergency services. The fire department responded to 26 calls, including a grill and car fire, while the ambulance team handled 49 calls in January. The council members engaged in a thorough discussion about the financial and logistical implications of hiring EMTs, the difficulty in finding new staff, and the importance of maintaining quality EMS services. They also paid tribute to Chester Pelowski, a life member of the fire department, and provided updates on a development project and budget session.