0:01The council’s discussion on noise disturbances was prompted by a resident’s detailed account of ongoing issues with loud music from a neighbor. The resident, Dan L. Sagorski, expressed frustration over the inadequate response to noise levels that reached up to 110 decibels at times, well above the state’s legal limit of 65 decibels. The council acknowledged the difficulty in enforcing the noise ordinance due to the need for certified personnel and specialized equipment, and it was noted that the borough’s police chief and attorney were reviewing the ordinance for potential adjustments. The council recognized the longstanding nature of the issue and committed to a plan to address not only Sagorski’s concerns but also those of other residents who may face similar disturbances.

17:40In addition to noise complaints, the council debated a resolution to designate Old Tappan as a veteran-friendly municipality. This initiative aimed to notify veteran-owned businesses of public bidding opportunities and allocate a portion of municipal contracts to these businesses. The proposal sparked discussions on the potential challenges, such as setting a precedent for other groups seeking similar recognition and managing fair bidding practices. The council considered establishing objective criteria to ensure that veteran-owned businesses remain competitive, such as requiring their bids to fall within a certain percentage of the lowest bid. The council expressed varying levels of support, acknowledging veterans’ unique challenges in the business world while emphasizing the need for transparency in the bidding process.

Further discussions included the potential for discounts on licenses and fees for veterans, aimed at bolstering support for the veteran community. The council acknowledged existing tax breaks and free licenses for veterans at the state level, noting the need for further exploration of local opportunities to enhance veteran support.

47:58The meeting also covered a range of community updates and initiatives. A new police vehicle, a Dodge Charger, was reported to be in the process of being outfitted and registered, with the hiring process for new officers underway to address recent staffing changes. The council acknowledged the challenges in recruiting candidates, referencing other towns’ adjustments to hiring standards to expand the applicant pool.

Community outreach efforts included a collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Commission to provide local access to services, particularly benefiting seniors. Additionally, the council discussed a potential supermarket in the area. The library reported a decrease in patron numbers due to temporary closures, with plans for a fundraiser and improvements to the facility.

1:03:48The council also addressed updates on fire department funding applications, affordable housing concerns, and anticipated energy cost increases. The meeting concluded with a motion to open the floor to public comments, though no further discussions occurred before adjournment.