The most discussion of the meeting centered around ongoing issues with electrical outages affecting local residents. Committee member R. Colin Hickey reported multiple incidents over the summer, including one caused by a downed tree limb that resulted in a fire on a power line. The council expressed dissatisfaction with JCP&L’s reliability, particularly since some outages occurred on clear days without adverse weather conditions. The committee had requested a reliability engineering study from JCP&L, which is expected to be presented at an upcoming meeting in September.

In addition to the pressing matter of electrical outages, the council introduced Ordinance Number 2024-017, which aims to establish a no stopping, standing, or parking policy along Ccus Brook due to increased traffic leading to noise and disruptions in the neighborhood. A public hearing for the ordinance was scheduled for August 19, allowing for community input and questions regarding the proposed changes. The introduction of the ordinance received unanimous support during the roll call vote.

Mayor Lawrence F. Jacobs commented on the recent Farmers Market attendance, noting that the previous week had seen 1,164 attendees, with the most recent market attracting just under 800 participants. He attributed the success to favorable weather conditions and announced an upcoming Land Use Board meeting to review two residential projects and a Dunkin Donuts application on Route 206.

Committee member Douglas A. Stevinson reported on various ongoing projects, including efforts to remove dead ash trees at Miller Lane and around the art center. He also discussed the recent engagement of an HVAC company to inspect infrastructure, revealing that some units at the police station and Town Hall required repairs. Stevinson mentioned the installation of a new Town Hall sign on Miller Lane and emphasized the importance of community engagement regarding the community garden project, announcing that a survey would be distributed to gather public input. He also provided updates on preparations for a community night out event and a GPS initiative to locate street lights, stating that 830 street lights had been identified. Stevinson concluded his report with a mention of a Historic Preservation Commission meeting scheduled for later in the month.

Further updates from the Board of Health were provided by another committee member, who announced scheduled healthy eating programs in collaboration with Rutgers. These programs, aimed at promoting healthy meal planning and resourcefulness, included specific dates for in-person and virtual workshops. Additionally, the member mentioned that Dance for C, a local organization, would be present at the Farmers Market on October 25, distributing breast cancer awareness information. They acknowledged the assistance provided by the DPW during a recent power outage affecting Camp Bedminster, thanking Jason and his crew for their prompt action, which helped alleviate concerns among parents and staff.

The meeting also highlighted collaborative efforts in local developments. The committee members celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for a new corporate headquarters facility on Route 206, noting the presence of several county and state officials. This investment was emphasized as significant to the local economy and community.

The conversation also touched on the National Night Out event, scheduled for the following day at River Road Park. Organized in collaboration with the recreation director and the police chief, the event was set to feature various activities, including face painting, balloon twisting, dunk tanks, inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and a whiffle ball home run derby. The chief of police noted the involvement of first responder vehicles from all three agencies, along with a SWAT team presence, emphasizing the event’s role in reintroducing the police department to the community.

Additionally, the council addressed the bill list, pending individual invoice reviews. In the “new business” section, ongoing matters with New Jersey American Water and PSEG were mentioned, though no updates were provided. The status of gas line work at the Old Stonehouse was also discussed, with indications that the completion of the main line was not yet finalized.