The council was divided on the issue of ADUs, which became the most contentious topic of the meeting. Councilmembers deliberated whether to integrate the ADU ordinance into the ongoing master plan or consider it separately. Councilmember Elie Y. Katz proposed tabling the ordinance until the planning board had ample time to review it in the context of the master plan. Councilmember Denise Belcher argued against delaying the ordinance, citing the potential benefits of ADUs for residents during an ongoing tax revaluation and emphasizing private property rights and the need for additional living space for families. Councilmember Karen Orgen seconded the motion to table the ordinance until the next meeting, recognizing the uncertainty surrounding the planning board’s decision. Mayor Michael Pagan and other council members voiced concerns about the impact of tabling the ordinance indefinitely. Ultimately, the council clarified the motion to table the ordinance until the next meeting, with the option for further tabling based on the planning board’s actions.

Public hearings also provided a platform for residents and organizational representatives to express their support or concerns regarding ADUs. EJ Vizy from the Bright Side Family and Zoe Baldwin from the Regional Plan Association spoke in favor of ADUs, noting their potential to provide affordable housing and support multigenerational living. Conversely, residents like Howard Rose emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to land use matters before proceeding with the master plan.

Another discussion focused on the master plan. Councilmember Karen Orgen stressed its importance to the community, and the need for all community members to feel heard and seen. Councilmember Schwartz highlighted the need for security at houses of worship and the pursuit of security grants. The council also addressed the recent COVID-19 case surge, with Councilmember Belcher informing attendees about the availability of tests and the need to take precautions.

Park improvements were also on the agenda, with Mayor Pagan and Councilmember Schwartz discussing upgrades to local parks, including new basketball courts, a splash pad, playground, and restroom facilities. The council plans to award contracts for these projects and apply for an AARP Grant to fund a walking path around one of the parks. The meeting further covered stormwater infiltration issues at a specific address, with plans to replace existing fencing with a water barrier wall and a decorative fence.

Moreover, the council addressed concerns raised by residents during the public hearing about concrete pouring restrictions, clarifying that changes to the ordinance aim to allow pouring during colder months, updating outdated restrictions.

The meeting also featured discussions about empathy training for the Senior Citizens Advisory Board, updates from the Patriotic Observance Advisory Board on hanging banners of veterans, and the Historic Preservation Commission’s grant infrastructure efforts. Township Manager Kazinski reported on recent snow events and missing tax bills while mentioning attendance at a local business community alliance meeting.

The council’s handling of resolutions and statements related to foreign politics and community relations sparked debate. Residents addressed the council’s response to the situation in Gaza and the need for transparency in subcommittee activities. Additionally, Mayor Pagan announced the appointment of new police officer Tyler Seals and the receipt of county funds for park renovations.

Controversy arose during the public comment section, with some residents making inflammatory remarks, prompting Mayor Pagan to intervene. Other residents, including long-standing community members, called for unity and understanding among diverse cultural and religious groups in Teaneck.

The meeting concluded with the introduction of an ordinance to amend parking laws, which was unanimously approved for introduction, and discussions on specific resolutions, including the need to pull one for further review and correct a misprinted phone number in another.