A significant portion of the council meeting was dedicated to addressing residents’ frustrations with the town’s new trash collection policy. Joe Bono, a resident, expressed dissatisfaction with the requirement that homeowners purchase additional trash cans, which many found burdensome. Bono highlighted that while the new policy reportedly saved the town $500,000 monthly, residents had not seen corresponding benefits, noting continued tax increases. He shared his experience with the collection process, describing instances of missed pickups and the noise caused by banging cans, which added to the community’s frustration.

Bono also raised concerns about the operational practices of a nearby helicopter landing service, citing frequent flights over residential areas and potential safety risks. These flights, he argued, jeopardized the safety and peace of families living in proximity to the landing zone. In response to Bono’s points, a council member acknowledged the issues with trash collection and promised a follow-up meeting to discuss the specifics of the trash contract and address the community’s communication preferences.

Furthermore, Bono lamented the absence of a local newspaper, which he believed left residents in the dark about important community matters. He advocated for a return to printed communication, as opposed to relying solely on digital and social media platforms. The council member responded by noting that the previous local newspaper had transitioned to a digital format, which might have contributed to the reduction in print communication. Bono was invited to attend a follow-up meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, to delve deeper into these issues and explore possible solutions.

In a lighter segment of the meeting, the council celebrated the success of recent community engagement activities. A council member shared that an event featuring “Rex the kangaroo” received 5,000 views online. Such initiatives, the speaker noted, served as a significant source of amusement and engagement for residents.

The meeting also acknowledged Barb Moore’s departure for a new role at the park. Her contributions and mentorship within the council were lauded. The council expressed gratitude for her work and wished her success in her new position.

Additionally, the council addressed administrative matters, including the announcement of the municipal complex’s closure in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 19. A significant artifact, a Bible signed by Dr. King, was displayed for attendees, adding a historical touch to the council’s proceedings.

In a structured and ceremonial part of the meeting, Peter Delarello was nominated and unanimously approved as the new council president. Following his swearing-in, Delarello took over the meeting, initiating the process for nominating a council vice president. The council also approved a series of resolutions, including adopting a temporary budget for 2026 and appointing individuals to various administrative positions.

The mayor took the opportunity to congratulate Delarello and Don Brown on their new roles and expressed optimism for the coming year, emphasizing a collaborative approach to achieving success for all residents in 2026. He highlighted upcoming events at the library, including a Holocaust memorial speaker event and a session on understanding social security, both scheduled for late January.

Council President Delarello acknowledged notable guests and mentioned the podcast initiative, which aimed to engage residents and reflect on the past year. The podcast’s third episode was released, with an invitation for residents to share ideas for future episodes, further promoting community involvement.

As the meeting transitioned to public participation, a speaker named Steve Alamuro congratulated a council member on their re-election and suggested more flexibility in the public speaking time limit, advocating for a more inclusive dialogue. Alamuro’s prior experience on the council and local boards informed his desire to become more involved in the community’s governance.