The meeting commenced with a detailed report from the borough’s engineer, who highlighted progress on multiple infrastructure projects. Among the most updates was the Beach Street project, where curb installations and tree removals were nearing completion, with paving scheduled for the following week. The engineer also updated the council on the status of the north part of Memorial Field, noting that construction could begin pending a final signature from the Pake Valley Sewage Commission. Additionally, preparations for the 2025 road program were advancing, with a pre-construction meeting scheduled with the contractor, DS Meyer.

In parallel, the council considered several ordinances during the meeting. Councilwoman Christie Del Rey-Cone introduced an ordinance amending the flood damage prevention code, which passed on first reading without opposition. This ordinance is intended to enhance the borough’s resilience to flooding, a measure likely prompted by past weather events. Following this, the council approved an ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space on Santiago Avenue, reflecting ongoing efforts to accommodate residents with disabilities.

Another ordinance that gained approval concerned amendments to the fire department uniform allowance. Councilwoman Susan Quatrone led the discussion, and the ordinance passed without public comment. In addition, the council addressed salary amendments for several borough officials, with Council President Stephanie McGowan introducing the relevant ordinance, which quickly gained unanimous approval.

Public comments during the meeting were limited but notable. Resident Inatio Valente raised concerns about a neighbor’s garden, describing it as a potential fire hazard and a nuisance due to attracting unwanted animals. The Mayor acknowledged the issue and assured Valente that the borough administrator would investigate, highlighting the council’s responsiveness to community complaints.

The council also passed several resolutions, including one that amended a shared services agreement with the Rutherford Board of Education, and another that established an extended property tax grace period for qualifying taxpayers during a federal government shutdown. These measures received unanimous support.

Community support was a prominent theme, with Councilwoman Del Rey-Cone reporting on successful Halloween contributions to local food pantries. The council collected approximately $1,500 in gift cards and 46 bags of food, encouraging continued donations as the holiday season approached. These efforts underscored the community’s generosity and the growing need for assistance due to rising costs.

Veterans Day was another focal point, with several council members expressing deep appreciation for veterans’ sacrifices. The Mayor, alongside other members, encouraged residents to honor veterans daily, not just on the designated holiday. Personal connections to military service were shared. The conversation also touched on the challenges veterans face, particularly due to funding cuts at VA hospitals, with calls for bipartisan support to address these issues.

The meeting concluded with administrative appointments, including the approval of Mark Slam for a labor position and Sean Benson for a temporary part-time role in the Fire Safety Bureau. Both appointments received unanimous consent.