The council provided assurances that the public had been duly informed about the ordinance discussions and that the matter had been thoroughly reviewed by the planning board. The emphasis was placed on the taxation of Cannabis establishments and how these funds would contribute to the municipal budget. The council detailed the process of taxation and underscored its authority to revoke licenses if businesses failed to meet their tax obligations.

Further topics of interest included the approval of two ordinances targeting fees and traffic regulations. These ordinances, particularly those relating to the Cannabis overlay zone, sparked debate and prompted further public comment. The council clarified questions on tax revenue sharing and reaffirmed the municipality’s role in tax collection and license revocation.

Another discussion revolved around the appointment of a new volunteer firefighter related to a councilwoman.

Financial matters were also addressed with the approval of payments for various municipal funds, including the general capital fund and payroll. The council managed routine fiscal responsibilities while also deliberating on a request by the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service to display a 75th Anniversary Banner. After evaluating potential locations and considering the timeframe for the banners, conditional approval was granted for all proposed sites.

Updates on local construction projects were provided. The council approved a motion to go out to bid for the Community Development block grant project, with a completion deadline set by the federal government for June 30th. Additionally, it was noted that state legislators had been instrumental in securing $900,000 for improvements to B Hall, the exterior walkway, and parks within the borough.

Public engagement continued with a resident raising concerns about the economic vitality of the town, pointing out vacant stores and questioning the borough’s efforts to attract new businesses. The council responded by discussing the constraints they face legally and jurisdictionally in this area but also spotlighted new businesses that had recently opened in River Edge.

The issue of public safety and order surfaced as the council responded to comments about police tape at a specific property and the enforcement of parking violations.