The meeting’s standout moment was a presentation by Jordan Schwarz, a sophomore at West Regional High School, who advocated for cardiac screenings for students. Motivated by a personal story of a young athlete’s sudden death from an undiagnosed heart condition, Jordan emphasized the need for proactive health measures. He highlighted that cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among student athletes and cited statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending biennial cardiac screenings for children. Jordan shared his fundraising progress, having raised $2,300 towards his $3,200 goal, and mentioned ongoing discussions with Hackensack UMC hospitals for potential support.

Jordan’s initiative struck a chord with the council, who expressed their support and considered ways to help, such as promoting the cause to local businesses and on the township’s website. A council member even committed to exploring a potential matching donation. The initiative, initially for juniors and seniors, expanded to include all high school grades due to increased interest.

The ordinance aimed to regulate the parking and screening of recreational vehicles (RVs), trailers, and commercial vehicles in residential areas. Residents voiced concerns about the ordinance’s practicality, particularly the requirement for screening with fencing or dense landscaping. One resident highlighted the lack of parking options, stating, “there is literally nowhere for us to go,” and emphasized that existing regulations often force residents to park far away, resulting in fines.

A council member clarified that the ordinance sought to address feedback from a master plan re-examination. However, skepticism remained about the ordinance’s necessity, especially given the absence of significant complaints regarding RVs and boats. Some residents felt the regulations would impose undue hardships, particularly on longtime residents like Irwin Simon, who faced pressure to relocate his boat.

The council acknowledged the need for further deliberation on the ordinance, questioning whether it truly addressed a issue or was a solution in search of a problem. Financial implications for residents, such as fines and parking fees, were also a concern, with discussions about the feasibility of screening requirements considering property setbacks and fence height limitations.

The meeting also covered a range of administrative updates and community projects. The Mayor announced the acquisition of a property on Pasc Road for $750,000, largely funded by a Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund grant. Plans for the property include a nature trail, exercise area, and parking, with immediate cleanup efforts underway. In the realm of recreation, registration for the 2025 summer camp was highlighted, with a limit of 600 registrants. Feedback on the lacrosse program was positive, and new initiatives like the men’s over-33 softball program and an introduction to cheer program were launched.

The Police and Fire Departments reported on training completions and community events, respectively, while the Department of Public Works updated on debris collection and cleanup operations. The council discussed upcoming infrastructure projects, such as the resurfacing of Ridgewood Boulevard North and the Coolidge Avenue project.

In budgetary matters, the council adopted the 2025 township budget following a public hearing, which saw no public commentary. Ordinance discussions included employee compensation, a bond ordinance, and flood hazard area regulations.

Environmental initiatives, such as brook cleanups and efforts to reduce electric bills, were also discussed.