The council gave attention to the proposed Public Safety Complex, a project aiming to consolidate the police, fire, and rescue departments into a single facility. Deputy Mayor Jack McEvoy highlighted the deficiencies of the current facilities, citing inadequate space, deteriorating conditions, and the lack of provisions for future growth. Frank M., the principal and founder of Solutions Architecture, presented an overview of the project. The proposal includes a plan for a new two-story complex with a 35,000 square foot footprint on a 91,000 square foot site, featuring police, fire, and rescue bays, parking, and a public lobby.

In discussions about the project, specific deficiencies were brought to light. The police department was noted to lack adequate space for dispatch, gear storage, and office crowding, and was also plagued by major leaking. The fire department’s 74-year-old building was described as non-compliant with present-day standards, suffering from major roofing and flashing issues, inadequate parking spaces, and various structural and plumbing problems. The rescue squad’s facilities were noted as lacking adequate program space, clearances for apparatus, and efficiency and safety protocols.

The council also focused on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application, which aimed to address various ADA-compliant improvements in the Verona Community Center, town hall, and Everett field. The council reviewed the final version of Project 2.4, which includes improvements to the Baseball Field Complex, and clarified that the $2.4 million budget does not cover the playground, as it will be part of a separate funding application to the NJ DP Green Acres.

Mr. Craig E. La presented on upcoming events and initiatives in the area, which included a Food Distribution Drive at Cody Arena and a Kip’s Castle open event. La also announced the upcoming deer management program at the hilltop and congratulated a Verona resident on his appointment to the superior court of Essex County.

The meeting continued with discussions on various agenda items, including updates on the Water and Sewer rate study, wastewater treatment plant assessment, residential escrow fees, well projects, and stormwater control ordinance. The Deputy Township Manager provided details on these topics, highlighting the progress made in finalizing new procedures for the construction zoning department and assessing zoning fees of surrounding towns.

The council opened the floor for public comment on numerous occasions, particularly focusing on the Community Development Block Grant application and a resolution regarding its submission. Councilwoman Christine McGrath expressed her concern about the lack of action on aging infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of addressing long-standing issues. Councilwoman Cynthia Holland echoed McGrath’s concerns, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the longstanding issues with the current facilities.