A key highlight was the Deputy Mayor’s commendation of the fire department for their swift action in extinguishing a diesel truck fire on Route 36. The truck, carrying 4,000 gallons of fuel, caught fire, posing a severe risk to public safety. The Deputy Mayor remarked, “Had the fire department not gotten there within another two minutes, probably we would have been looking at a much different circumstance.” This incident underscored the importance of the fire department’s quick response, which likely prevented a catastrophic event and saved lives.

In addition to the fire department’s efforts, the meeting included a significant presentation on the Ocean Mammoth Multi-Jurisdictional Program for Public Information. Stace Krauss, the town’s floodplain manager and CRS coordinator, delivered an annual update on Middletown’s participation in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS). Krauss explained that Middletown’s current CRS rating of six allows residents in special flood hazard areas to receive a 15% discount on flood insurance. The aim is to improve this rating, potentially increasing the discount to 25%. Krauss detailed the town’s collaborative efforts with neighboring towns and public sector partners to promote flood insurance awareness and risk reduction. The update included stakeholder meetings, public events, and the development of a new floodplain management website.

The council also addressed several ordinances and resolutions. Ordinance 2024-3423, which amends Chapter 465-9543 to include modifications along the south side of Prospect Avenue from Central Avenue, was adopted unanimously on its second and final reading. Two new ordinances were introduced: Ordinance 2024-3424, adopting the 325 Highway 36 Redevelopment Plan, and Ordinance 2024-3425, authorizing the 2024-2025 salary ordinance. Both ordinances passed unanimously on their first readings, with public hearings scheduled for September 3, 2024.

Public safety concerns were further highlighted during the public comment portion of the meeting. Melanie Eler of the Lincroft Village Green Association raised several issues, including missing road signs and non-compliant property conditions along Newman Springs Road. Eler emphasized the chaos at Dunkin Donuts due to unclear signage and a spike in accidents near the Navy Road overpass and Garden State Parkway exit 109. She praised the swift actions of traffic safety Lieutenant Antonio Saone, who installed speed boxes and a 40 mph speed limit sign to improve safety. Eler expressed concern over the behavior of speeding vehicles, particularly sports cars and motorcycles, stating, “The sports car and motorcycle speeding is out of control.” She highlighted the risks posed to young drivers and the unsettling trend of racing in the past year.

Don Watson also addressed the council, raising concerns about parking issues at the corner of Collinson Drive. He pointed out that a “no parking from here to corner” sign had become blank, leading to safety concerns about construction workers parking inappropriately. Watson recounted an interaction with township employees who justified their parking despite the sign’s indication. He also commented on the long-standing issue of racing in Belford and sought clarification on a soil excavation restoration site in the area, specifically regarding the timing of contamination discovery and testing.

The council’s meeting also included the approval of the consent agenda, which encompassed resolutions 24-28 through 24-230. Committee comments followed, with acknowledgments of community contributions and recent events. Committee Man Clark congratulated Linro First Aid on its 70th anniversary and recognized founding member George Richdale for his 70 years of service. The Deputy Mayor expressed gratitude for Richdale’s contributions, while Committee Woman Katz commended the police department for a successful National Night Out event, despite weather conditions necessitating an indoor venue.

Additionally, the council celebrated the grand opening of new local businesses, such as the Bagel Nook, which is now selling an impressive 5,000 bagels weekly. The Deputy Mayor remarked on the excitement surrounding the new establishment’s presence in the community.