The meeting opened with congratulations for the Jackson Thunder youth football team, which completed an undefeated 9-0 season. The Council also presented a proclamation to the Jackson Little League 8U All-Star team for winning two championship titles for the first time in over 20 years. Each player and coach was individually recognized and received applause from the community, with photographs taken to commemorate the occasion.

After these ceremonial acknowledgments, the Council President introduced the topic of traffic safety. A report from Officer Alasco highlighted recent traffic readings at various locations, including Patterson Road and Bryant Road. Surprisingly, traffic violations were low on East Connecticut Concourse, with an average speed of 31 miles per hour in this busy area. The Council discussed the effectiveness of a traffic safety initiative launched via email, which reportedly led to a 30 to 40 percent reduction in violations. This initiative involved increased police presence in response to community reports, allowing officers to address specific traffic concerns as they arose.

The need for ongoing traffic safety education was emphasized, especially around school bus stops where confusion regarding parking laws was noted. Plans were discussed to mark hot spots for parking restrictions with red paint to serve as a visual cue to drivers. Concerns about the safety of children during school bus pickups prompted discussions about potential changes to bus stop locations to improve safety for students in grades K-8.

Staffing issues within the police department were also addressed. With 13 officers eligible to retire in 2025, the Council discussed hiring additional officers, including class one and class two officers, to maintain adequate staffing levels. The financial benefits of employing class two officers, who could transition into full-time positions, were noted. The Council also mentioned a commitment from the county to cooperate on traffic safety issues, with plans to meet quarterly with county engineers to discuss concerns, particularly given Jackson’s growing population and increasing traffic volumes.

An email update summarized recent actions taken by the traffic safety unit, including direct enforcement patrols in response to community complaints. The report underscored the rising volume of traffic and the associated increase in pedestrian traffic and complaints. The Council encouraged residents to continue submitting traffic concerns via the newly established email channel.

Expressions of gratitude from residents were noted, particularly for the local government’s responsiveness to their concerns. The Council President praised the collaborative efforts of various officials, including the public safety director and police chief, in addressing safety issues. A specific example involved a resident who had difficulty seeing while driving due to street conditions, which was quickly addressed by the Department of Public Works.

Councilman Borrelli thanked the Council President for addressing traffic problems and congratulated the local youth baseball team for their successful season. He recounted a joyful experience at Jackson Day held in Johnson Park, which featured a drone show and the release of white doves. Borrelli announced that starting January 5, 2025, the Jackson Library would open on Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 PM to better serve families and working professionals.

Councilman Burnstein echoed Borrelli’s sentiments about Jackson Day, noting that it attracted thousands of attendees and acknowledged the efforts of key individuals who contributed to the event’s organization. He expressed hope for continued utilization of the library’s new Sunday hours. Councilman Chisholm added to the congratulations for the youth sports teams and praised the overall success of Jackson Day.

Chisholm also addressed ongoing issues, specifically mentioning sinking manhole covers that have become a safety hazard. He warned that the condition of certain roads, like Cedar Swamp Road, could lead to dangerous situations if not addressed before adverse weather conditions arise. In a more contentious discussion, Chisholm raised concerns about a state Senate Bill (S 3156) related to school-based health care centers, stating that it would allow schools to provide health services without parental notification.

The Council proceeded to the approval of several ordinances. Ordinance 28-24 aimed at amending township code to reduce the points required for the Length of Service Awards Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic was unanimously adopted. Ordinance 29-24, which sought to prohibit parking along a portion of Brewers Bridge Road, and Ordinance 30-24, which sought to amend existing trespassing laws, were also passed unanimously.

Public comments included Eric Jones from 722 Heis Road, who expressed frustration about noise and speeding on County Road Heis. He raised concerns about vehicles backfiring and speeding late at night, noting the lack of police action regarding these disturbances. Jones suggested stricter enforcement of the noise ordinance and the “no Jake brake” law. Another resident, Jim Sluy from 6 Field Drive, raised questions about accessibility standards in recent planning and zoning board meetings, particularly concerning a two-story office building without an elevator. He urged the council to enhance safety measures in building regulations.