Alison Altano

The combined work and regular session meeting agenda was light, featuring the second reading of an ordinance to amend fees for cat and dog licenses. Key discussions centered on consent agenda items. Council reports covered coordination for the West Allenale Street Skate Project, winter preparations including leaf pickup procedures and equipment servicing by the DPW, and the nearing completion of cleaning out the old water building. Councilwoman Lovaso reported on extensive Land Use and Finance committee meetings, addressing residential property issues, clearing outstanding permits, and plans to clarify signage rules regarding neon and illuminated signs. Furthermore, long-term planning for sidewalks and streets, revisiting the sump pump program, and budget projections including coordination for the 250th celebration were discussed. Legal matters dominated much of the discussion, focusing on litigation concerning sewer service obligations to adjacent communities (Avalon matter) and another ongoing issue with homeowners regarding resource protection against Saddle River utilization. The Public Safety Committee report mentioned consensus on a new officer candidate. There was also mention of a highly successful 5K run memorializing Sharon Duran and ongoing efforts regarding fair share housing challenges, which require strategic meetings with legal counsel and adjudicators.

The combined meeting included a presentation establishing a local 'Hometown Hero' award to recognize residents who demonstrate commitment and service to the town, with Walter Whitmer named as the inaugural recipient. Key discussions involved the approval of the PBA Contract Number 217, reflecting positive dialogue and mutual commitment between the governing body and police officers. Authorization was given for landscape improvements at the island pocket park and contract awarding for improvements at Veterans Park, funded through a grant. The agenda also included the approval of the December 4th, 2025 minutes, council reports highlighting yearly accomplishments like capital projects related to fields, recreation, and the new concession stand at Crest Lake, and updates on water/sewer initiatives and affordable housing efforts. The meeting concluded with the swearing-in ceremony for new police officer Christopher Locks.

The session included presentations and proclamations. A proclamation honoring United States veterans for Veterans Day was read, proclaiming November 11, 2025, as Veterans Day in Allenale, New Jersey. A Girl Scout presentation highlighted a project involving the construction of 15 wooden trash receptacles to replace existing blue barrels, focusing on leadership development and community aesthetics. The council reviewed the results of the 2025 Best Practices Inventory, confirming full state aid payment eligibility despite zero scores for electric vehicle charging stations and lead paint inspections (which will be addressed in 2026). A proclamation was also issued celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Allenale Bar and Grill, recognizing its multi-generational family legacy and recent hospitality award. Agenda items included approval of an interlocal court agreement, authorization to bid for snow plowing services, and approval related to a Bergen County Community Development Block Grant for ADA senior housing.

This End of Year Report for Allendale details the accomplishments of 2025 and outlines the strategic goals for 2026, focusing on continuous improvement, fiscal responsibility, and transparent governance to enhance the quality of life for residents. Key areas of focus include public safety, land use planning, facilities and parks development, public works and utility improvements, and finance and administration efficiency.

The meeting included the reading and proclamation of resolutions honoring the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking and calling for the rededication of a section of Franklin Turnpike to Benjamin Franklin. Fire Department Officers were sworn into office. The Council reviewed and approved numerous resolutions via the Consent Agenda, covering topics such as budget transfers, approval of the 2026 Allendale Festival Day and Holiday Walk, opposition to state legislation (S-4736) bypassing local zoning laws, approving Ramadan Crescent Lighting, authorizing shared services for recycling with Ridgewood, establishing 2026 rental fees for the Community Center, submitting a grant for recreation improvement, awarding contracts for records digitization and police firing range use, approving a sewer connection agreement with Saddle River, approving a settlement term sheet with AvalonBay Communities, Inc., and authorizing the execution of a mediation agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center to resolve Fourth Round issues. Committee reports covered public safety matters including an E-Bike ordinance review and the success of the Gary Letizia Memorial Blood Drive. Reports also addressed the status of the permanent PFAS facility construction and ongoing lead/galvanized line replacement mandated by the lead copper rule. Significant discussion centered on the complex Fair Share Housing settlement, which secured the preservation of the downtown area from high-density overlays in exchange for an agreement concerning sewer usage for developments in neighboring Saddle River and a $500,000 payment from the Avalon Bay developer. Public comment addressed issues at the Celery Farm, including patrolling for excessive skating and littering, the shrinking lake, and questions regarding future land use of church properties and the inclusion of co-ops in future housing considerations.