The conversation on ranked-choice voting was initiated by Rebecca Shear, a resident who praised the idea of RCV and credited a council member for bringing the topic to the agenda. Shear advocated for an ordinance that would allow a ballot referendum for RCV, contingent on pending state legislation. She emphasized that RCV would enable voters to rank candidates by preference. She cited examples from Jersey City and Hoboken to illustrate successful implementations of RCV.

Barry Bender, representing Voter Choice New Jersey, echoed Shear’s sentiments, highlighting that RCV fosters a more civil electoral environment. He pointed out that the current system sometimes results in candidates winning with a minority of votes, which RCV could rectify by ensuring majority winners. Bender also argued that RCV promotes kinder campaigning as candidates seek broader appeal to secure second-choice votes.

Several other residents, including Zach Kars and Mary Gallagher, also voiced their support for RCV. Gallagher, affiliated with New Jersey Appleseed, expressed frustration with the “lesser of two evils” dilemma in voting, arguing that RCV allows voters to support their true preferences without fear of wasting their votes. She asserted that this system encourages more issue-focused campaigns and could enhance voter engagement.

The council members discussed the potential benefits and challenges of adopting RCV. One member acknowledged the momentum behind a state bill concerning RCV and proposed a resolution to support it. Another council member highlighted the importance of voter education to prevent confusion, referencing issues faced during an earlier implementation in New York City. They suggested that any resolution should include provisions for clarity and voter information.

The logistics of implementing RCV were also debated, with some council members expressing reluctance toward trigger ordinances due to uncertainty about final legislation. The need for an ordinance to be passed by August to place the issue on the November ballot was mentioned.

In addition to RCV, the council addressed several other issues. The appointment of Charles Eelf to the Pool Advisory Committee was unanimously approved. Eelf introduced himself, detailing his long-standing community ties and professional background, including his service as a paratrooper and work in educational leadership.

Health Officer Candace Davenport reported on various health initiatives, including increased participation in health screenings at local farmers markets and a serious listeria outbreak linked to deli meats. Davenport highlighted the health department’s efforts in community outreach and collaboration with local organizations to address public health concerns.

The council also discussed ordinances related to affordable housing and construction regulations. An ordinance was adopted to remove references to garage setbacks, set to take effect on October 1st. Another ordinance granted a tax exemption for two affordable housing units, which received public support from Jeff Shechner of Sierra House. Shechner emphasized the importance of affordable housing for young women and families, noting the challenges of affording market-rate housing despite earning enough to live.

The introduction of a new ordinance to amend the township’s building construction code was also discussed. This ordinance aims to create a better construction environment and minimize disturbances to neighbors and the public. Community Development Director Mr. Palma expressed appreciation for the collaborative review process involved in finalizing the ordinance.

The meeting addressed community events, with discussions on the recent inclement weather affecting event schedules. Deputy Mayor K reminded attendees about the House Music Fest, which continued despite weather challenges, and urged residents to respect community spaces by adhering to park rules and taking their trash home. Upcoming events, including rescheduled concerts and a potential fall event titled “Summer Streets,” were hinted at.

The Porch Fest event was noted for its growth, with the police department advising the need for officers to manage it effectively. Due to budget constraints, a proposal to charge organizers a fee for police services was suggested, with the council covering the remaining costs to ensure adequate safety measures.

The meeting concluded with public comments, including concerns about property tax increases and overpayment of rental registration fees. The council advised residents to reach out to the Chief Financial Officer and appropriate department heads for assistance with these issues.