The meeting’s most issue was the unforeseen financial burden surrounding the Grove Street Park skate park project. Originally estimated to cost less than $500,000, the project faced bids exceeding a million dollars, leading to negotiations that settled on a base contract of approximately $490,000. However, a further change order for $82,000, primarily for fencing and asphalt curbing, came as a surprise to many council members. A member emphasized frustration over the lack of transparency, stating, “We were never told about this $82,000,” highlighting the need for better communication with the insurance carrier that required the fencing.

This unexpected cost breakdown included $42,000 for mandated fencing to comply with insurance requirements and $40,000 for asphalt and curbing. Council members questioned why these costs were not anticipated earlier. The project was further complicated by changes to the skate park design due to budget limitations, with members noting discrepancies between the original plans and the current, scaled-down installation.

The council considered a “post-mortem” review to understand how the project reached this point and prevent similar issues in future initiatives. A comprehensive review of all change orders was also proposed to ensure alignment with the original budget. In response, the borough administrator recommended policy changes, including capping professional engineering services at 10% of a project’s total cost to avoid excessive charges, mirroring practices of the Department of Transportation.

Adding to the urgency of the meeting was the discussion of an imminent grant opportunity from Congressman Gottheimer, with a submission deadline of March 25th. The potential $1.6 million grant could be used to address persistent flooding issues by purchasing frequently flooded properties along the overpay. The council discussed acquiring these homes at fair market value from willing sellers to create a mini estuary, thus managing floodwaters more effectively. Two specific houses on Downey and Maple streets were identified as potential acquisitions due to their recurrent flooding problems.

The council recognized the need to explore this grant proposal further, given its significant potential impact on local flood mitigation efforts. The short timeframe for submission was noted as a challenge, with one member pointing out that only nine days remained to finalize the grant request.

In addition to these major topics, the council introduced several ordinances, including those for the municipal budget, public improvements, and park enhancements. Ordinance 25-10, related to municipal budget appropriations, and Ordinance 25-11, a multi-purpose bond ordinance, were among those introduced, with hearings set for April 8. Ordinance 25-12, concerning reappropriating unneeded funds, and Ordinance 25-13, aimed at funding playground equipment and park improvements, were also scheduled for discussion on the same date. Ordinance 25-14 addressed amendments to land development regulations.

The council also approved the temporary capital budget through resolution R25-162, while noting that resolution R24-195 required further discussion offline. Committee reports included updates on community events and initiatives, with mentions of a successful trash cleanup and upcoming activities such as a townwide trashathon and a welcome event for new residents.

One council member reported the resignation of the head of the Department of Public Works, describing it as a significant loss for the municipality. Another member, attending online, provided an update from the planning board, noting an application for a new apartment building with commercial space.

In a lighter moment, the mayor shared news about Sam Williams, a recent graduate of Tenafly High School, who has been offered a professional soccer contract with the Chicago Fire. The mayor suggested naming the soccer cage where Williams trained after him, a proposal set for future discussion.