One notable issues discussed was the growing feral cat population in South River. Regina Sweeney, representing Loving Hands Cat Rescue, addressed the council and highlighted the challenges her nonprofit faces in managing the situation, citing limited resources and the need for greater community education on spaying and neutering. Sweeney emphasized, “I cannot address it on my own,” and pointed out that many residents are unaware of their responsibilities towards the cats they feed. The council acknowledged the problem and discussed the limited funds available from the Board of Health for trap-neuter-return (TNR) initiatives. A suggestion was made to create educational pamphlets to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership. Additionally, a council member invited Sweeney to attend a Board of Health meeting to explore potential collaboration and solutions.

In a related incident, Sweeney recounted an encounter with a resident who demanded the removal of ear-tipped feral cats from his property, leading her to file a complaint with the police. The council recognized the need for increased volunteer involvement and resources to effectively manage the feral cat population.

Traffic safety was another significant topic, with the council introducing and approving several ordinances aimed at enhancing road safety. Ordinance 2024-440 proposed the establishment of a handicap parking spot on Will Avenue. Ordinance 2024-441 included recommendations from the chief of police regarding no left turns and speed limit reductions on specified streets. Additionally, Ordinance 2024-442 aimed to adopt amendments to the redevelopment plan for the PNC property. The council also focused on the implementation of four-way stop signs at Virginia Street and lower Main Street, although specific details were not elaborated upon.

Public comments included praise from Ronald Luke, a resident, who expressed gratitude for the council’s work on traffic safety, noting the positive impact of a recently installed stop sign. “If I count 100 cars, 95 of them have stopped for that stop sign,” he stated, adding that there had been no speeding incidents since its installation.

The council discussed resolutions, including the renewal of prescription coverage, which had seen a significant increase of nearly 100%. Despite concerns about the cost hike, it was noted that this option was still less expensive than other available alternatives. Another resolution involved amending the lease for a battery project at the substation, and a Green Acres Grant resolution aimed at developing an all-inclusive playground at C Park, with the borough’s share noted as $105,000.

Updates on local infrastructure projects were provided, particularly by the borough engineer, who discussed the commencement of the 2023-2024 Road Program and ongoing substation work. The mayor also provided updates on the water treatment plant and meter reading issues, assuring residents that delays in bills would not result in penalties. A temporary certificate of occupancy was granted to the Early Learning Center, with some outdoor work still pending.

A representative from the Economic Development Committee (EDC) announced that meetings would resume on September 18th, inviting community input on improvements for Main Street. Concerns were raised about an impending increase in electric costs due to the adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Truck Act, which mandates that all new trucks sold must be electric starting January 1, 2025. The council expressed apprehension over the high cost of electric trucks and the potential lack of charging infrastructure, predicting that these changes could lead to increased pricing for goods and services.

Other discussions included the potential financial benefits of medical marijuana usage for the borough, with a participant highlighting both medicinal needs and positive tax revenue impacts. The council also contemplated the merging of the planning board and zoning board to streamline processes for homeowners and developers, with concerns about reducing opportunities for community member involvement.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of several consent resolutions, authorizing payments to schools, renewing prescription plan coverage, and submitting grant applications for age-friendly projects and mental health initiatives. The council also promoted local events such as free concerts, the Frost on the Pumpkin race, and a memorial service for September 11 at DA’s Pond.