In a notable achievement for the town, the council adopted the municipal budget with a 0% tax increase for the second year in a row, and the third instance since 2018. This budget will utilize a portion of a $14 million surplus, leaving a remaining balance of $7.2 million. Investments have been earmarked for areas such as public safety, parks and recreation, road paving, and drainage. The budget details are available on the town’s website, and appreciation was voiced for the efforts of town officials and administrators in its preparation. The sentiment of the evening was captured with comments on the successful adoption of the budget.

The council also recognized the Westfield High School Blue Devils boys swim team for their accomplishments during the 2024-2025 season. The team secured their third consecutive NJIAA Group A title and their 29th state championship. The team’s perfect season concluded with a 45-win streak, an achievement acknowledged through a proclamation that praised the leadership of Coach Jeff Knight and the dedication of all team members across various grade levels.

Councilwoman Habgood provided updates on local infrastructure projects, noting the completion of the Clover and Francis Terrace paving project. She detailed that additional road paving contracts would be awarded in the coming months, covering approximately eight miles, with another three miles to be completed by a utility company. In support of local businesses, Habgood highlighted the opening of new establishments including Glow, Westfield Tecaria, Westfield Liquor Loft, and Masalmex, urging community support for these ventures. The Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) secured a $150,000 Main Street New Jersey District transformation grant to enhance public spaces downtown with new banners, outdoor lighting, and festive decor.

In terms of community engagement, the council extended the deadline for the Tomquist Park usage and visioning survey, encouraging resident participation in shaping the park’s future. The upcoming Memorial Day parade, organized by the Martin Wahberg American Legion Post 3, was announced to honor fallen heroes. On sustainability efforts, appreciation was extended to the green team and absent Councilman David Contract for organizing Earth Day events and park cleanups in Brightwood, Tomas, and Clark Park.

Legislative discussions included a resolution authorizing the Chief Financial Officer to issue a payment and cancel authorized debt related to the former Mr. Good Lube site, facilitated by a grant from the Economic Development Authority. This aims to reduce the town’s debt service. A proposed ordinance to establish salary step guides for 2024-2028 in line with the new PBA collective bargaining agreement was introduced, with specific salaries for 2024 and 2025 to be addressed in future meetings.

The council reviewed and passed several ordinances and resolutions, including the authorization of a yield sign at Davis Court and Carroll Road, a five-year lease agreement with Motorola Solutions for an upgraded 911 system for the police department, and adjustments to the not to exceed prices at the conservation center. Additionally, they amended a contract with HL Petroleum for the removal of an underground storage tank, acknowledging additional costs due to environmental issues.

During open discussion, no public comments were made, and a motion to approve bills and claims amounting to $2,846,561 was passed unanimously. The finance policy committee presented resolutions as a package, including authorizations for recreation department fee refunds and payments for risk management consultant fees, which were also passed unanimously.

The council concluded the meeting with the adoption of the 2025 special improvement district budget, emphasizing its positive impact on property values and dismissing initial controversies surrounding its establishment. The final adoption of the 2025 municipal budget passed with unanimous support, accompanied by the introduction of a new ordinance to amend salary structures for police and fire department employees to remain competitive with neighboring towns.