A major focus of the meeting was the persistent flooding affecting residents, particularly those living on Insley and Carneer streets. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of effective solutions and the council’s perceived inaction. One resident emphasized that the flooding had occurred over 40 times in the past 14 years, leaving “a thick black sludge” on streets and sidewalks, which posed health concerns due to the presence of “sanitary remnants” in the drainage system. The resident called for testing of the substance and criticized the council’s response to the issue as inadequate, urging for more substantial solutions like larger drainage pipes.

Robert Schaffer, another resident, recounted his experiences with severe flooding, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He argued that “you have to get the water out ASAP” and suggested that the community needed larger drainage systems to handle the increasing frequency of flooding events. The borough engineer responded by outlining potential solutions, including the installation of new drainage lines and converting a terminal manhole into a catch basin to facilitate better water management.

The flooding discussion was further intensified by a council member who shared a personal connection to the issue, describing the emotional toll of flooding on families. The council member pledged to work with the borough administrator and the engineer to coordinate efforts and find solutions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the problem urgently.

Ethical concerns were also a significant topic during the meeting. Resident Bonnie Corkran accused a council member of unethical behavior in dealings related to a cannabis business that had presented to the council in February. Corkran cited emails obtained through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request, which suggested that communication regarding the cannabis business was not adequately shared among council members. She demanded accountability and called for the council member’s resignation.

The council member in question countered these claims, arguing that the accusations were based on insufficient evidence and were damaging to the council’s integrity. Other council members echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for concrete evidence before making serious allegations and highlighting the potential harm such accusations could cause to an individual’s political career.

The public comment section of the meeting also saw residents addressing the upcoming affordable housing requirements mandated by state legislation. One resident expressed concern about the lack of publicity surrounding these changes and the potential impact on local municipalities. The resident urged the council to educate the public through newsletters and presentations, noting that Rutherford was already short by 400 housing units following past agreements.

Another issue discussed was the parking regulations on Belford Avenue, which posed fire safety concerns. A resident recounted how emergency responders struggled to access the street during a recent three-alarm fire due to parked vehicles. The fire commissioner detailed the challenges faced by fire services in navigating narrow, one-way streets and emphasized the necessity of adequate space for fire apparatus to operate safely. The council received feedback from residents on two proposed solutions: widening the street or implementing one-sided parking, with the majority favoring the latter.

The meeting also covered the reconstruction of Memorial Field, which will occur in phases. Initial plans involve repaving a portion of the field and reintroducing old workout equipment. The mayor emphasized that efforts to improve Memorial Field had been underway for over a year and were not simply a reaction to recent storm damage.

In closing remarks, council members expressed gratitude for community engagement and reassured residents that their concerns were being taken seriously. The meeting adjourned with a motion, and council members offered well wishes and a happy birthday to a fellow council member.