A major focus of the meeting was the future of the Tenafly Swim Club. Multiple residents spoke about the club’s importance, advocating for its transition from a private entity to a public facility managed by the town. Carol Silverman, a longtime community member, highlighted the club’s role in providing recreational opportunities and fostering community connections. She suggested that transforming the swim club into a public facility would increase accessibility for residents, potentially attract grant funding for maintenance and upgrades, and allow the space to host community events.

Barry Goldman supported Silverman’s proposal by addressing the decline in memberships at the swim club. He attributed this decline to competitive pricing from neighboring pools, which offer lower rates to out-of-town residents compared to the Tenafly Swim Club’s rates for locals. Goldman urged the council to consider measures to ensure the club’s sustainability, emphasizing that the current pricing structure was unsustainable.

Elliot, a senior at Tenafly High School and captain of the varsity swim team, shared his personal experiences at the pool. He spoke about how the swim club had been instrumental in fostering community bonds and providing a safe environment for youth. Elliot described the pool as his second home and urged the community to support the club, recognizing its importance to Tenafly’s recreational landscape.

Another resident, Howie, emphasized the social benefits of the pool, noting that it helps families build relationships and fosters connections among neighbors. Barbara Leflour, a longtime resident, recounted her family’s history with the swim club, expressing a deep emotional connection to the facility and urging the council to take over its operations.

Public comments collectively underscored the challenges faced by the Tenafly Swim Club and the need for community support to transition it into a public facility. The council members were urged to consider measures such as tax forgiveness or transforming the pool into a municipal entity to ensure its survival.

The meeting also included a detailed presentation on a special school board election scheduled for September 17. School Board President Joshan Schwarz outlined plans for a $76.1 million referendum aimed at improving facilities across the district. The proposal includes $16.5 million in state aid, leaving $59.5 million to be covered by local taxpayers. This would translate to an approximate annual tax increase of $881 over 20 years for the average assessed home value of $839,000.

Schwarz emphasized that quality school facilities are a factor in attracting families to Tenafly. The proposed improvements, such as upgrading the high school’s track and field, making restrooms ADA accessible, and enhancing safety and security measures at all schools, are seen as investments in community assets that would benefit all residents. Specific plans include constructing a multi-sport field behind the high school to relieve pressure on municipal fields and installing elevators in multi-story buildings to improve accessibility, particularly at Stillman School.

Concerns about flooding at Smith School were also addressed, with plans to divert water away from the building to prevent future issues. The presentation highlighted a focus on safety, with security upgrades planned for all schools, including improved external doors and window treatments.

The council emphasized the importance of community involvement in the upcoming referendum, with outreach efforts including a public forum scheduled for September 9. Residents were encouraged to vote either in person or by mail, with information provided on a state program that would allow qualifying senior citizens to apply for tax relief.

In addition to these major topics, the meeting addressed several other community issues. There was a discussion about the management of vegetative waste, with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mandating closures of various waste sites statewide. The council highlighted the potential costs and complexities involved in upgrading facilities to handle vegetative waste, including capturing and testing 100% of water runoff.

Stormwater mitigation planning was also on the agenda, with the borough set to receive a federal grant of $1.6 million from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for stormwater improvements. A public information meeting is planned for September 24 to discuss these improvements with residents along Tenac Hill and Overc.

The council also discussed the Fall Festival and approved a request to sell alcohol on borough property during the event. Other event approvals included a Community Night organized by the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and a “Cocktails Under the Stars” event at the Nature Center.

Additionally, the council addressed a request to increase the allowable size of a sign from 10 inches to 15 inches and discussed expanding senior bus service eligibility to include younger individuals with mobility issues.

Finally, the meeting concluded with discussions on ordinances related to employee compensation, tree permit fees, and appropriating funds for various municipal projects, including security cameras and improvements to the skate park.