In an effort to comply with a court mandate, the council discussed the importance of passing ordinances 2025-18 and 2025-9, which are essential to restore borough rights and ensure compliance with future affordable housing obligations. The borough attorney underscored the legal implications of failing to pass these ordinances, noting potential repercussions such as court sanctions and additional obligations if abstentions continued. With four abstentions recorded initially for ordinance 2025-18, the attorney emphasized that the mayor could not break the deadlock since no tie existed, necessitating four affirmative votes for passage.

Confusion arose over discrepancies in the ordinance packets, with council members expressing concern about the accuracy of the information provided. The discussion revealed that the packet for ordinance 2025-15 had undergone revisions, while the packet for 2025-21 was not correctly prepared for the previous session. This led to uncertainty about whether the council could rely on the latest draft of the redevelopment plan. To address these concerns, it was proposed that the ordinance should be contingent upon referring to the latest approved redevelopment plan.

The council acknowledged the critical nature of these ordinances in shaping future policies and compliance with legal obligations. A motion was eventually made to proceed with the ordinances, contingent on incorporating accurate details as discussed. This move aimed to mitigate confusion and ensure that all council members were adequately informed. The attorney assured the council that the plan referenced in the ordinance would reflect the correct approved plan, addressing members’ concerns about conflicting information.

Beyond the ordinances, the Borough Administrator reported on several infrastructure and community engagement projects. Notably, a new building featuring a green parking lot and electric vehicle charging stations equipped with LED solar panels opened. However, ongoing issues with the malfunctioning pool phone system were highlighted, with efforts underway to resolve the problem through coordination with the county and communication with the public via Google messages.

Infrastructure discussions also included preparations for improvements on First, Second, and Fourth Streets, emphasizing the urgency of installing drainage systems to address long-neglected flooding issues. The council also reviewed the status of the Broad Avenue revitalization project, which received a $1.44 million grant to enhance its appearance, drawing inspiration from Fort Lee’s main streets.

The police department’s report detailed extensive community engagement and reform efforts. The department awarded scholarships in memory of two fallen officers, an initiative well-received by the community. The hiring of a Cantonese-speaking officer was particularly significant for the largely Chinese community, improving communication and connection.

The junior police academy program, spanning from June 26 to June 27, aimed to engage youth in policing, with a graduation ceremony scheduled for the following week. The program was deemed a valuable experience for participants. Additionally, the state police planned a helicopter landing demonstration at Lindberg Field to further engage the youth in policing activities.

Public comments included appreciation for last year’s Fourth of July activities and concerns about the financial sustainability of the community pool. Residents questioned the pool’s operational model. The council acknowledged the need to revisit the pool’s financial model in future discussions.