In a notable moment, the committee honored Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month by recognizing Grace Eline, the daughter of newly sworn-in committee member Aubrey Reger Eline. The mayor read a proclamation highlighting the severity of childhood cancer, noting it as the leading cause of death by disease among children. The proclamation revealed that one in 257 children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday, spotlighting the financial and emotional burdens placed on affected families. Grace Eline received a plaque commemorating September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Long Hill Township, expressing her gratitude and emphasizing the need for community support.

The meeting also acknowledged the contributions of the “With Grace Initiative,” a local organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. The initiative’s director, Florencia Sque, underscored the importance of community awareness and legislative advocacy, which had resulted in substantial state and federal funding for pediatric cancer research. The mayor commended the advocacy efforts, noting budget allocations from both state and federal levels aimed at improving pediatric cancer survival rates.

Discussions then shifted to the police department, where the committee debated the creation of a third lieutenant position. Concerns were raised about the timing of this promotion, with one member highlighting the ongoing delays in updating promotional policies, which have been in progress for over five years. It was argued that the promotional policy should be finalized before creating new positions. Another member pointed out the existing staffing shortages within the department.

The committee decided to carry the matter over to the first meeting in October for further consideration. This delay allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the department’s strategic direction and the implications of the proposed promotion.

The meeting also addressed public safety concerns, particularly at the intersection of Northfield Avenue and Valley Road. Resident Narice Suarez presented data showing a troubling trend in traffic accidents at the intersection, advocating for a study to explore safety improvements. Suarez suggested that if a traffic light could not be installed, alternative safety measures like pedestrian walkways or signage should be considered. The council expressed support for conducting a traffic study and exploring short-term solutions to address the safety concerns.

Another notable discussion involved the transportation policies affecting single-parent families with shared custody. Resident Henry Anderson criticized the high school transportation policy that allows only one household to benefit from school transportation, arguing that it neglects the needs of families who share custody. Anderson urged the Town Council to discuss this issue with the Board of Education, highlighting the safety risks involved for children who have to walk considerable distances to school.

The meeting also included a public comment session where residents voiced concerns about various issues, including the criteria for road maintenance and the oversight capabilities of the police department. One resident, Charles Renz, criticized the council for proposing ordinances that contradicted expert assessments, urging the council to reconsider their approach and ensure proper mentorship and training opportunities for officers.

Additional discussions included the implementation of fees related to Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests, specifically concerning body camera footage and mobile video recordings. A member highlighted the labor-intensive nature of redacting such materials and suggested exploring a fee structure to offset these costs.

In the announcements segment, the committee highlighted upcoming community events, including a remembrance service for 9/11 and an Oktoberfest event benefiting veterans and disabled children.