GARWOOD — OnTuesday, during a regular meeting of the Garwood governing body, Councilman Sean Foley presented the reports on the 2024 Capital Budget requests made by the Finance Committee.
Councilman Foley stressed that the FinanceCommittee’sprimaryfocusthis year will be enhancing the safety and welfare of Garwood residents and the overall community.
The mayor and council have already approved funds for new radio equipment for first responders and investments. Councilman Foley stated that the Finance Committee believes this to be a critical improvement for the safety and efficiency of Garwood residents and first responders. The newer radios will ensure clear communications, quicker response times and better coordination during emergencies.
Along with the previously-approved funds, the Finance Committee recommends purchasinganewsanitationtruck for the borough’s Department of Public Works (DPW), as the department’s oldest truck is 23 years old and needs to be replaced. The committee believes this new sanitation truck will ensure reliability and efficiency for the DPW’s environmental standards.The committee also recommended new equipment for the fire department, including five sets of turnout gear, Knox Box, PPE, and a 45-foot ladder.
“The Finance Committee believes that the recommended capital items will substantially improve our community safety, information structure and operational capabilities,” said Councilman Foley.
Council President Vincent Kearney pointed out Tuesday that the Finance Committee also should consider looking into updated audio and visual equipment for public meetings, as live recordings of public meetings are valuable to residents who cannot attend in person. Recordings also give people the chance to look back on past meetings that they may have missed.
Councilman Foley agreed that better audio and visual equipment would ensure better communication and transparency for residents. The proposed upgrades have not been discussed as an area of immediate need, Councilman Foley said, but they could certainly be considered as part of future conversations.
Councilman Marc Lazarow agreed that the Finance Committee should consider technological improvements for next year.
“I think that this is something we will certainly look into as the year progresses,” he said.
Councilwoman Karina Boto also stated that the Public Works Committee is working on a T-Mobile Hometown Grant and believes new audio and visual equipment for the municipal building is an option from the grant. She will check further and discuss this at the governing body’s next meeting.
