Adam Michaels announces Tenafly 9/11 memorial plans
The borough will mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks at Peace Plaza at 8:45, one minute before the first plane struck at 8:46.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — council president report, senior transportation service expansion and planning, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
Mark Zinna is expected to speak at the morning memorial, with a fire company event planned later that evening.
A date and a minute still carry their own weight. Adam Michaels used his council report to announce Tenafly's upcoming 9/11 memorial, set for Peace Plaza at 8:45 as the borough marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks. He pointed to the next minute, too: 8:46, when many people remember the first plane hitting the tower. Mark Zinna is expected to speak at the ceremony.
Adam Michaels said the governing body was asked to help publicize the event. He tied that request to the fire department as well, saying officers wanted the information shared and wanted the department kept informed and recognized. He added that the fire company plans something later that evening.
The announcement did not require a vote. It was a scheduling item, but a specific one, with a place, a time, and a public invitation attached. For residents, the immediate next step is simple: the memorial is planned for Peace Plaza at 8:45, with remarks from Mark Zinna and another fire company event to follow later in the day.
Senior transportation service expansion and planning for wheelchair-accessible vehicle
Senior rides are growing fast enough to force a bigger plan. David Fanslau told the council that Tenafly's senior transportation program provided 2,894 trips from January through August 2026, a 50% increase from the same period in 2025. He said the service now runs with three to four part-time employees and needs more driver capacity.
He asked the council to start planning for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle in the 2027 capital process. David Fanslau said the borough is looking at a wheelchair-lift vehicle that would not require a CDL driver. He laid out two paths: buy one for $89,000 or examine an Enterprise Fleet leasing and equity program that could rotate vehicles more often.
Council members backed the idea and asked practical questions about mileage, travel range, grants, and whether a lease could count as a capital expense or be bondable. David Fanslau said he was still checking the New Jersey rules and expected a proposal around the September 22 meeting. No formal vote was recorded.
No one speaks at agenda comment
Mark Zinna opened public comment on agenda items, set a three-minute limit, and asked large groups to choose a spokesperson. No one spoke in person or on Zoom, so the comment period closed without any public testimony.
Public comment opened and closed with no speakers, so no substantive resident concerns were aired.
Council weighs tougher road opening rules
The council discussed rewriting the road opening moratorium and Chapter 20-4 to collect more money up front and tighten restoration rules after street cuts. The draft under review would consider a longer moratorium, higher fees, and stronger bonding or escrow requirements, with possible action later this fall.
Council discussed tougher road-cut fees, bonding, restoration rules, and moratorium changes affecting street conditions townwide.
Julie O Connor promotes new residents event
Julie O Connor reminded residents about a new residents event scheduled for Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Peace Plaza. She invited the Mayor and Council to attend, and the announcement did not involve a vote.
Announced a new residents event the next day at Peace Plaza that people could attend.
Mark Zinna previews Community Night closures
Mark Zinna reminded residents that Community Night is set for September 15 and said Borough Hall will close at 3:00 that day. He added that the library will close because its parking lot is needed for the event, and he promoted a US Open-themed amphitheater program the following weekend.
Residents need the schedule and closure details to attend events and avoid disruptions to borough services.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Tenafly had 10 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEAdministrator’s report: health benefits section referenced; Mahan Street project update and savings. The administrator referenced a health benefits section in the resolutions and provided an update on Mahan Street, including accelerated completion timing, a planned ribbon cutting, and reported savings of $74,000 after rebidding and negotiation.
- GOVERNANCEApproval of resolutions R26-299 through R26-315 (including change order question). Council approved resolutions R26-299 through R26-315 as a block. A council member asked for clarification on a change order described as $3,600 related to quantities and additional aggregate/sod installation for synthetic turf. The block passed unanimously.
- GOVERNANCECorrespondence: block party request and Hanukkah menorah request. Council reviewed correspondence including a block party request and a request from Rabbi Shane regarding a Hanukkah menorah. Council indicated no issues, and Omar stated correspondence would be emailed the next day.
- GOVERNANCECommittee report: DPW appreciation. Councilman Roleri thanked the Department of Public Works for its work across multiple aspects of town operations and events, stating there has been a marked difference and praising their performance.
- GOVERNANCEResolution R26-316: Enter closed executive session (collective bargaining, litigation updates, attorney-client privilege, and property acquisition). Council adopted Resolution R26-316 to enter closed executive session to discuss collective bargaining (PBA contract), attorney-client privileged matters, litigation updates, and property acquisition. Property acquisition was added to the closed session topics.
- GOVERNANCEOrdinance 26-22: Complete Streets policy (public hearing/final action as recorded). Council considered Ordinance 26-22 establishing a Complete Streets/context-sensitive streets policy. No public comments were offered, and Council approved the ordinance unanimously by roll call.
- GOVERNANCEAudio/microphone reminder for meeting participants. The Mayor noted that most speakers were audible but indicated difficulty hearing Wendy and asked speakers to use the microphone.
- GOVERNANCETown weighs stronger construction-site enforcement rules. Council discussed long-open UCCC and zoning permits, including 52 Burlington Road, and possible enforcement tools for unfinished construction. It also introduced Ordinance 26-23 to require construction-site maintenance, dust containment, fencing, and joint liability for contractors and property owners.
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No resident comments recorded this week.