A $57,000 federal grant, secured by Congresswoman Cheryl for Verona and other West Essex towns, earmarked for license plate readers, took center stage during the meeting. This initiative, aimed at enhancing local law enforcement capabilities, particularly in combating auto theft, was met with gratitude and acknowledgment by the council. The council’s response to this development was to vote on multiple resolutions, with a specific resolution related to the purchase of fixed automated License Plate Reader cameras undergoing a minor amendment to ensure clarity regarding their use.

Infrastructure was another key focus of the meeting, with reports on the township’s new initiatives and ongoing construction projects. The council discussed the implementation of a smoke testing program for the sewer system to identify leaks and unauthorized connections. A pre-construction meeting was scheduled for June 24th to further this initiative. Additionally, updates were provided on the progress of the Derwent Avenue trunk line cleanup and the primary clarifier pumping station project. Road paving was also reviewed, with the Derwent Avenue project reported as complete and the reconstruction of Douglas Place set to commence.

The council also tackled the Lakeside Avenue parking lot sale, discussing the acquisition cost and the application for grant funding. Bonding for the purchase and construction costs, as well as the timing of the grant award announcement, were addressed. The restoration of trees and property following road work was a concern, with the council indicating that tree planting and seeding would be weather-dependent. They also confirmed the resolution of staffing for the pool and the availability of lifeguards.

The council’s discussions extended to the community, with updates on the construction of the community center playground and the pickleball courts project. The ongoing energy audit and solar feasibility study were mentioned as well as the upcoming meeting with Comcast to assess the technology needs for the council chambers and the community center. Strategic planning for water and sewer infrastructure in conjunction with road assessments was emphasized.

A resident, Ms. Vincent, raised issues regarding the promotion of events by religious organizations on public property, fearing the endorsement of specific religious views and the importance of church-state separation. In response, the council affirmed that public spaces are open to any organization and encouraged Ms. Vincent to communicate further with the appropriate channels. Mr. Good, another resident, reiterated concerns about the integration of the Police Department, fire department, and ambulance services.

The council expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Verona Lions Club and encouraged community support for their initiatives. Additionally, the council tackled the cleaning of catch basins, authorizing a contract with Montana Construction for this purpose, and debated the possibility of moving municipal election dates to increase voter turnout.

Another item of discussion was the appointment process for boards and committees. The mayor referenced an unfilled position on the zoning board requiring engineering expertise and the ongoing search for suitable candidates. The council discussed the transparency and fairness of the selection process, with suggestions for an attendance policy to ensure commitment from committee members.