The council’s deliberation over the senior center project was a focal point of the meeting. Current facilities, described as outdated and inadequate, have prompted the council to explore the potential of developing a new center on the post office property. The proposed plan involves a 99-year lease arrangement, where a developer would build and maintain the facility, while the borough retains land ownership. This approach aims to provide a modernized space for the senior community, offering improved amenities and additional parking spaces. Discussions emphasized ensuring the new center would be larger than the existing trailers and include ADA-compliant parking upgrades. The council also considered issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to attract developers with innovative ideas, while retaining the flexibility to explore other options if initial proposals are unsatisfactory. The necessity of community engagement was underscored, with residents and council members alike stressing the importance of aligning the project with community expectations.

Parallel to the senior center discussion, the future of the Tenakill Pool was brought to the forefront during the public comment period. Residents expressed their desire for the pool to become a municipally operated facility, highlighting its role as a social and recreational hub. A resident emphasized the pool’s importance for fostering community well-being and intergenerational connections, presenting arguments for the council to consider municipal management. They cited public health benefits, such as promoting cardiovascular fitness and reducing obesity, particularly among children and seniors. The economic impact was also noted, with pool visits driving business for local eateries. Moreover, the speaker highlighted the pool’s role in improving water safety, advocating for swimming lessons as essential life skills.

Community members echoed these sentiments, with one resident, identified as Don, sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the pool’s centrality to summer activities. Another resident, Janet Kim, offered to assist in promoting the pool and engaging the community. Concerns about pricing and maintenance were raised, with suggestions to improve affordability and address safety hazards. A seventh grader, Dave Singh, shared his appreciation for the pool, underscoring its value for social interaction and personal development. The council announced plans to discuss pool-related issues further in a closed session, with financial aspects to be addressed at the next meeting.

In addition to these major topics, the council addressed several infrastructural issues. Discussions on sidewalk installations on Leroy and Elkwood Streets highlighted safety and connectivity concerns. Recommendations included narrowing roads to accommodate sidewalks and conducting further analysis to address potential challenges, such as steep drop-offs and landscaping encroachments. The need for community meetings to involve residents in the planning process was emphasized. The council also reviewed traffic light operations in downtown Tenafly, planning a follow-up evaluation early next year to assess the effectiveness of recent changes.

Budgetary considerations were another key aspect of the meeting. The council discussed the 2025 budget, focusing on strategic planning and prioritizing capital and operating expenses. Rising health insurance costs and pension contributions were identified as financial drivers, prompting discussions on sustainable plan options and potential retirement incentives. The need to freeze spending ahead of the new budget cycle was highlighted, with departments required to justify expenditures beyond mid-November.

The council also reviewed the police department’s staffing situation, noting potential retirements and the necessity of maintaining adequate road personnel. Plans to hire additional officers were discussed, alongside recommendations for surveillance camera funding and equipment upgrades. The importance of adapting to staffing shifts while ensuring public safety was a recurring theme.

These included budget amendments for attorney and engineering contracts, with discussions on managing rising engineering costs. The council also addressed sign regulations, debating the number and placement of signs within the borough. The meeting concluded with a closed executive session to discuss litigation, personnel policy updates, and contract negotiations.