A significant portion of the meeting addressed the ongoing recruitment for police officers. A new patrolman candidate recently signed a letter of intent, and the council is moving forward with scheduling psychological and medical evaluations. An existing officer is also set to undergo a psychological evaluation, with hopes that he will be ready to serve by January.

Public safety was further underscored by a police report detailing 1,345 calls for service, including traffic stops, summonses, and security awareness cards distributed to residents. Notably, there was a focus on a burglary case on Walter Street, which involved a collaborative investigation with neighboring towns. The Chief of Police expressed optimism about a potential arrest.

In addition to public safety efforts, the council celebrated significant achievements by local sports teams. Council members expressed congratulations to the NVOT girls’ varsity volleyball team for their undefeated 25-0 season, which included victories in multiple championships, such as the Bergen County championship. The NVOT football team’s state sectional championship win was also highlighted, as they prepare for the group semi-final. Furthermore, the NVOT marching band secured eighth place at the US Bands New Jersey state championship, and the NVOT Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the New Jersey music educators conference in February. These accomplishments were met with enthusiasm from the council, who emphasized the rarity and significance of such achievements.

The council also explored potential changes within local youth sports programs. A proposal is under consideration for local baseball teams to join the Little League Baseball organization, alongside Norwood, Northvale, and Harrington Park. This transition would involve shifting from a grade-based to an age-based cutoff system, with discussions focusing on the potential implications for children born between May and September. The recreation commission is awaiting a written proposal from the baseball association to better understand the structure of the league.

Community events were another focal point of the meeting. The Board of Health announced plans for a Mayor’s Wellness speaker event on November 21 at the library, as part of ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness. The recreation basketball season has commenced, and the Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for December 6, promising to bring together residents in celebration.

The council also addressed infrastructural concerns, notably the drainage and paving issues on Perry Street. A resident named Lisa voiced concerns about the poor condition of the road. The paving project’s timeline remains uncertain, as residents had the option to opt out of phase two of the drainage project. The Mayor committed to clarifying whether the paving could be included in next year’s list of projects.

In committee reports, there was an update from the library’s board meeting, where the ongoing search for a new librarian continued with two top candidates being considered. The board approved new carpet flooring for the library at a cost of $71,000 and discussed plans to install hotspots to improve Wi-Fi capabilities, addressing current inadequacies for streaming services. This initiative aligns with a broader effort by Bergen County to enhance internet service across libraries and municipal buildings.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of old business, such as street dedications and the Oaks Park House, where architectural proposals are being considered in collaboration with Green Acres. The potential for the Wilbur Road property to be returned to the town for park use was also discussed, with a request for updates from councilwoman Masaro.