The council’s strategy to alleviate the financial burden of escalating health insurance costs was a collaborative effort involving the personnel and township committees, various associations, and the employees themselves. To ease the transition, employees were granted an extension, allowing them to continue paying their current rates through December 2025, with a further two-month extension into 2026. This move was seen as essential to maintain employee satisfaction and financial stability amidst the broader economic pressures.

In addition to the discussions on health insurance, the council addressed several legislative items. Ordinance 2055, amending the police department code, included an update to police off-duty fees, raising the billable rate from $135 to $150 in response to increased overtime costs. Ordinances 254 and 256 outlined salary adjustments for township employees, reflecting new contractual agreements. Another ordinance amended the fee schedule for the military tribute banner program.

The council also focused on infrastructure and community development initiatives. The ongoing tax map refresh, a precursor to the town’s revaluation process, was highlighted as a priority, with funding expected to be introduced in January. The council is also evaluating options for a new website platform as the current system nears the end of its lifecycle. Transition plans for payroll systems from Payloity to Prime Point are set for implementation at the start of the new year.

Community engagement was a centerpiece of the meeting, with updates on significant grants and upcoming events. The township secured $215,934 from the Department of Transportation for the Crescent Avenue Phase 1 project, with plans underway for a second phase. A $115,000 grant was also received for police facility improvements. Upcoming community events include a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hope Christian’s Sycamac group home, Santa’s arrival in Wyckoff, and the annual Hanukkah menorah lighting.

In a notable celebration of youth achievements, the council recognized four Girl Scouts who earned the prestigious Gold Award. Each Scout presented her project, which ranged from creating educational resources on dyslexia to facilitating literacy through themed book totes, developing lesson plans to counteract summer learning loss, and raising awareness on organ and tissue donation. The council commended the Scouts’ dedication and leadership.

The council also addressed routine administrative matters, including the approval of budget transfers, cybersecurity policy updates, and the renewal of shared service agreements with Bergen County. Resolutions were passed concerning professional service qualifications for 2026 and a cash performance bond refund for a local property. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of community events, including a groundbreaking ceremony for Christian Health and a gala celebrating the Shire Company’s centennial.