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Council reviews grants for parks and public-safety expenditures including body‑armor grant and equipment requests
Summary
Staff listed a set of pending and awarded grants — including $153,550 for Memorial Field, an $80,000 Bergen County park award, $182,320 Assistance to Firefighters grant and several smaller awards — while the council debated body‑armor grant revenue, speed‑sign requests and whether rifles should be capitalized.
Council received a multi-item report on grants and reviewed several police‑department budget requests.
Grants reported: A staff member said a 2026 Local Recreation Improvement grant application of $153,550 was filed for Memorial Field improvements (walking path, seating, restrooms). The staff update also notes a 2025 Bergen County open-space/park improvement award for $80,000 to improve Memorial and Clark Fields, and a 2025 Assistance to Firefighters grant of $182,320 to buy a mass notification system. Other filings included a Firehouse Subs grant for $10,370 (training props) and a NJ DCA Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities grant application for $15,000.
Police equipment, accreditation and grants: The chief described ongoing accreditation and its benefits (insurance savings estimated around $4,500 annually) and defense of continued accreditation funding. The department reported a body‑armor grant of $4,914 to offset replacement needs. The council also discussed vehicle-related lines (tires, repairs), IT/software licensing (Microsoft upgrades), training increases and evidence-room audit costs (one‑time $4,500) required under Attorney General guidance when a new chief arrives.
Traffic sign and small capital asks: Council debated purchasing a permanent speed‑board sign for Van Emberg (~$4,500); options included taking the money from surplus, moving items from capital into current funds, or shifting miscellaneous line items to create a zero-sum change. The chief said the speed sign would be permanently mounted with solar panels.
Rifles/ammunition: The chief requested a $15,000 capital ask for replacement rifles; councilors discussed amortizing capital versus charging the current budget to avoid long-term interest costs. The chief argued that replacing older rifles now would reduce maintenance and certification burdens.
Ending: Council approved routine budget line changes where staff and the chief documented needs; several items (speed sign, ammunition/rifle classification, dispatch outsourcing) were tabled for further council consideration.
