One notable issue discussed was the air quality within the DPW facilities. Concerns had been raised in previous meetings, leading to an investigation that identified benzene—a common byproduct in environments such as mechanic garages—and elevated fungal spore levels in office areas. The findings prompted the borough to implement an action plan focusing on ventilation improvements, including the installation of fresh air intakes, thorough cleaning, and retesting the air quality. Visual inspections also noted water damage in the building’s insulation, which would be addressed through comprehensive testing and cleaning, with necessary repairs following evaluations.

The council received assurances that the borough had been monitoring these environmental concerns and adhering to state regulations. A licensed site remediation professional (LSRP) had been involved in tracking historical issues related to environmental safety at the DPW site.

Moving on to legislative matters, the council adopted Ordinance Number 2800, focused on local licensing requirements, and Ordinance Number 2801, which fixed salaries for police supervisory officers for the years 2025 through 2029. Both ordinances passed without public comment and received unanimous support from the council members present.

Ordinance Number 2802, which set salary ranges for non-union employees and officials, was also a key topic. Again, there were no public comments, and the ordinance was passed unanimously. These ordinances reflect the council’s ongoing efforts to manage personnel costs and ensure that salary structures align with fiscal planning.

In addition to the ordinances, the council addressed a series of resolutions on the consent agenda. These included routine appointments, authorizations for service contracts, and adjustments in financial agreements. Notably, Resolution 30324 authorized a non-fair and open contract for 2025 animal control services, while other resolutions involved the appointment of new personnel and the submission of a Community Development Block Grant application.

One resolution that sparked discussion among council members was a shared services agreement with the Borough of Kenworth for the position of certified municipal finance officer. The agreement formalized prior practices into a shared service model, and there was debate over the financial terms, which some council members felt were not favorable to Roselle Park. Despite concerns about the allocation of funds, the agreement passed with a majority vote.

The council also addressed resolutions that required corrections due to typographical errors and financial discrepancies. Resolution 315 involved an increase in a professional services contract, while Resolution 319 needed a minor correction regarding a misidentified contractor. Both resolutions were adopted with the necessary corrections.

During the council reports, members shared their thoughts on community events and developments. Discussions included reflections on the recent Christmas parade, community engagement opportunities, and updates on local infrastructure improvements. Concerns about shared services agreements and their impact on the borough’s finances were also echoed during these reports.

The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss contract negotiations with Wells Fargo Bank. No formal actions were taken during this session, and the council reconvened to adjourn the meeting, collectively wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and wrapping up the final meeting of the year.