The meeting’s most contentious moment arose during discussions concerning the Harrison Avenue development project, central to the town’s future planning. A council member questioned the mayor’s decision to recuse himself from these discussions, which play a critical role in shaping the borough’s development landscape. The inquiry focused on the appropriateness of his recusal and the mayor’s previous involvement in recommending a referendum for the project. Despite pressing questions from council members about transparency and accountability, the mayor maintained that discussing the reasons for his recusal could complicate matters further. The council’s attorney clarified that the mayor was not legally obliged to disclose his reasons for recusal, intensifying the debate over the issue and highlighting tensions within the council regarding transparency.

The public comment section further underscored community discontent. Resident Nadia Lepino confronted the mayor over allegations of election misconduct, accusing him of publicly discrediting her through email and social media rather than addressing her directly. Lepino’s confrontation with the mayor centered on his alleged hypocrisy in urging residents to communicate directly while reportedly doing the opposite himself. The mayor denied making any social media statements about Lepino, leading to a prolonged and heated exchange. Another resident joined the fray, criticizing the mayor’s conduct and suggesting he had lost the public’s trust. These interactions characterized the meeting as a forum for airing grievances about local governance and leadership.

The council meeting also addressed several community issues. Resident Frank Gerno raised concerns about the town’s water quality, describing it as brown and undrinkable, even for pets. He highlighted the need for improvements to the town’s appearance and livability, comparing it unfavorably to neighboring areas. His call for action resonated with those seeking a more appealing and sustainable community environment.

In addition to water quality, safety concerns were brought to the council’s attention by another resident, Robert, who highlighted the dangers posed by speeding vehicles on West Prospect Street, particularly near playgrounds. Robert urged the council to consider installing speed bumps or conducting a traffic study to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the potential threat to children playing near the road.

Beyond these immediate concerns, the meeting also covered local election turnout and community initiatives. The police department’s management of election logistics resulted in a turnout of 60.15% in Waldwick, with 4,671 votes cast. The mayor acknowledged the community’s participation in a food drive on November 8, which required three loads of donations to be delivered to Families for Families. This initiative demonstrated community engagement, with volunteers, including students, involved in preparing and delivering donations.

Looking ahead, preparations for the 2026 calendar were discussed, with a target completion date by Thanksgiving. The mayor outlined upcoming holiday events, including a Christmas tree lighting on December 5 and a menorah lighting on December 14, encouraging community participation. The council also addressed administrative matters, such as the introduction of an ordinance to require dogs to be leashed in parks, following complaints about unrestrained dogs posing risks to children.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session, signaling the continuation of discussions on various topics, including the hydraulic study conducted by H2M. The study, aimed at ensuring efficient water service, is in its final stages of calibration, with a draft report expected by December 1. A public presentation of the findings will follow, reflecting ongoing efforts to address water management issues in the borough.