The council focused on the shared service agreement with Bergen County, which involves connecting municipal buildings to a high-speed fiber optic internet service. This agreement promises to reduce the municipality’s internet costs and eliminate the need for a secondary internet provider. Despite the council passing the resolution, the town attorney highlighted that some technical aspects required further review before the agreement could be finalized. It was noted that the contract signing might be delayed for a few weeks while these details are resolved. The attorney expressed confidence in the finalization of the agreement, which is expected to bring substantial savings to the town.

During the meeting, attention also turned to Wyckoff’s involvement in a lawsuit related to the Mount Laurel Doctrine, which addresses affordable housing obligations. Wyckoff, along with Montville and over 20 other municipalities, seeks a declaratory judgment that the fourth round of Mount Laurel requirements constitutes an unfunded mandate. The council was briefed on the court’s frustration with the state’s slow response to the lawsuit. An oral argument in the case is scheduled for December 20, with the town’s attorney planning to observe the proceedings via Zoom to keep the council informed of developments.

Public safety concerns also took center stage following a resident’s report of a near accident involving young boys crossing the street near Harder’s Jewelry Store. The resident emphasized the danger posed by high-speed traffic in the area, particularly vehicles coming from Ramsey, and urged the council to reduce the speed limit. In response, a council member acknowledged the issue and mentioned that a grant had been received for a speed study from the county. This study aims to provide data that could support potential changes to traffic regulations in the area to enhance pedestrian safety.

The meeting also encompassed routine municipal business and community updates. The administrator’s report, read in the absence of a member, covered several key areas, including the extension of a shared service agreement with Oakland and Franklin Lakes for vehicle and equipment sharing. Also noted was the introduction of the 2024 salary ordinance for unrepresented employees, proposing a 2.75% salary increase for 2025 to prevent retroactive pay issues.

The council discussed a revised fire prevention code to ensure compliance with state regulations and alignment with neighboring municipalities. Ordinance number 2024, which repeals existing chapters related to fire prevention and establishes new regulations, was presented for a public hearing. With no public comments, the ordinance was adopted.

Additional updates included the extension of the application deadline for the state’s anchor property relief program to December 6, as well as ongoing municipal projects like the upcoming construction for the roof of the municipal building and the Birchwood Drive sewer extension. An online auction of surplus equipment was reported to have generated substantial revenue, with significant sales such as a dump truck for $9,000 and a loader for $28,000. The council also announced a grant of $209,055 for improvements to Lawland Road and the submission of applications for various other grants, including those for firefighter assistance and community development.

Community events were also highlighted, with a visit from Santa scheduled for December 6, the annual Toys for Tots orientation, and a menorah lighting set for December 29. The 100th anniversary of the township was noted as a significant upcoming milestone, influencing the council’s preference to defer a proposed township revaluation to 2026-2027 rather than 2025-2026 due to associated costs.

The council expressed gratitude for the Interfaith Thanksgiving service, which several members attended, underscoring community unity. Personal well-wishes for Thanksgiving were shared, and a special mention was made of an anniversary for the township attorney.