At the forefront of the meeting, the Council moved forward with the adoption of the 2024 Municipal budget. This decision came after a public hearing period that opened and closed without any public comments. The approval of the budget sets the financial course for the township for the upcoming year.

Another topic was the discussion surrounding Ordinance 2007, which deals with the special assessment of costs related to lead service line replacements. A resident, Kathy Peterson, took the opportunity during the public hearing to express concern about the potential costs involved in the replacement of lead service lines. Yolanda McCull, representing Ridgewood Water, responded to the concerns by assuring residents that cost estimates would be provided before any decisions were made. McCull also outlined the financing options available to residents.

The adoption of Ordinance 2007 concluded following the reassurances provided to the public, with the Council approving the closure of the public hearing and the adoption of the ordinance. The lack of public comment on Ordinance 2008, which pertained to adjustments in speed limits, led to its swift public hearing closure and subsequent adoption.

The Council also delved into matters affecting the day-to-day lives of Wyckoff residents, including an issue with the depth of a gas main on Grand View Avenue. This situation necessitated a full closure of the roadway for approximately two weeks, a significant disruption that was deemed necessary for safety reasons. In a related infrastructure update, Ridgewood Water began installing a raw water line near Coolidge School, with work scheduled to pause on Friday in consideration of the school schedule.

This grant would fund the construction of a lacrosse practice area at Polis Field.

Community health and safety were addressed in the announcement of the Bergen County Department of Public Works mosquito control program, scheduled to run from April 30 through October 31. Additionally, the Council highlighted the completion of the LEAD program at Eisenhower school, a program that has taken the place of the DARE program and is set to continue.

Municipal facility upgrades were not overlooked, with the installation of new gas pumps and computerized access control behind the DPW garage mentioned as part of the administrator’s report. These upgrades are expected to improve efficiency and security for the township’s fueling needs.

In a respectful acknowledgment, the meeting included a moment of silence for Kim McWilliams, the court administrator who had passed away the previous week. The Reverend Fred Pringer from Cornerstone Church led the invocation, offering condolences and seeking comfort for Kim’s family and wisdom for the community’s leaders.

Furthermore, the Council dealt with the planning board meeting outcomes, granting various approvals and extensions for local businesses and organizations.

As the meeting concluded, the Council approved the submission of the 2024 Bergen County Trust Fund Grant application, which would potentially allocate funds for the construction of a concrete wall for the proposed lacrosse practice area.

Finally, the Council discussed the possibility of setting a rain date for the fireworks scheduled for September 29th, with the fireworks committee planning to meet on May 1st to deliberate further. This consideration highlights the Council’s efforts to ensure community events are successful and enjoyed by all residents.