Chatham Borough's council worked through 26 resolutions Monday night, but two items in particular reflect the kind of quiet care a small town shows its own people.

Among the routine business was a resolution authorizing gold ribbons to be displayed around town in memory of Callum Thomas McGookin, an 11-year-old Chatham resident who died earlier this year. Callum had been named Grand Marshal of the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department's 72nd Fourth of July Parade — a role that made him, for a moment, the town's guest of honor. The ribbons are a small, visible way of carrying his memory forward.

The council also moved to formally establish a compensation program for volunteer firefighters, something Chatham residents voted to approve back in November. Under the plan, up to 30 qualifying volunteers could receive as much as $1,150 a year in deferred compensation — a modest but meaningful nod to the people who show up, unpaid, when something goes wrong.

Before the public session, council members met privately to discuss the borough's library project and its pending affordable housing litigation, both protected under attorney-client privilege. The housing case has been working through Superior Court since at least last fall, with the borough's Fair Share Plan approved by the court in February.

The council also authorized two grant applications to the state Department of Transportation for road improvements along Washington Avenue, and recognized Jeff Davis with a mayoral commendation.

Meeting minutes confirming final votes haven't been published yet. Residents can find agendas and full recordings on the borough's Granicus page.