The meeting began with the appointment of Jane Connor and Lauren Froli as alternates for the Cultural and Art Committee. This decision received unanimous support from the council. The council also officially proclaimed September 8th to 14th, 2024, as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, recognizing the essential services provided by direct support professionals to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A motion to add this proclamation to the legal records passed without opposition.

Three ordinances were introduced and unanimously approved for public hearings scheduled for September 24th. These ordinances included amendments to the bylaws of the Board of Health, regulations concerning junkyards and junk dealers, and updates to property maintenance codes.

A notable point of discussion was the final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the sale of a specific block of property within Middlesex. The public hearing for this ordinance saw no comments, and the council proceeded to unanimously approve the ordinance for adoption.

The mayor’s report acknowledged the efforts of council president Michael Conahan, who filled in during the previous meeting. The mayor discussed an upcoming assessment program and assured that the process would be equitable for residents, noting that the program would be less costly for the borough compared to neighboring areas. The mayor also mentioned an upcoming meeting with a resident and the tax assessor to discuss the program further.

Several upcoming events were highlighted. A ceremony on September 20th will honor Bob and Amelia Sher for their contributions to the community and coincide with a veteran ceremony where medals will be awarded to veterans, including council members Jeremiah Carnes and Martin Quinn. A 9/11 remembrance ceremony was announced for the following evening at Victor Crow Park, with appreciation extended to Shirley Penrose for organizing the event. The mayor also reminded residents to exercise caution as schools reopened, emphasizing the importance of safety.

Concerns about a local railroad crossing were addressed, with plans for a workshop meeting in October to discuss safety issues comprehensively. The council recognized the ongoing concerns regarding the crossing’s condition and stressed the need for thorough preparation before engaging with the state and related parties.

Council president Conahan confirmed that the tax assessor would be present at the next meeting to address any inquiries from residents. He also highlighted a free training opportunity for residents to learn life-saving skills, coordinated by the Office of Emergency Management and the library, which required prior registration.

The fire department provided a detailed report on its activities throughout August, including responses to fires and emergency calls. Specific incidents, such as a fire at Spraytech, a brush fire, and a fire in an apartment where a juvenile sustained burns, were mentioned. The department’s overall response statistics for the year were also shared.

In the realm of public services, the Middlesex Public Library’s offerings in 2023 were detailed. The library provided 152 adult and teen programs and 156 children’s programs, with a total estimated value of about $1.83 million. Council members recognized the importance of these services, which are available at no cost to the public.

The council also discussed updates on the cultural and arts committee, with expectations for several new murals to be presented soon. Environmental initiatives included International Cleanup Day on September 21 and a rain garden construction project. Tree giveaways were scheduled for October 19, and an ordinance to enhance the Green Team’s capabilities was proposed for the next meeting.

The transition from Middlesex County services to Somerset County for the Board of Health was addressed, with concerns about previous communication issues and vaccine storage inadequacies. The administrator reported on the successful completion of various municipal projects, particularly praising the Recreation, Senior Services, and Public Works departments for their efforts over the summer. The development of the Middlesex local history room was progressing, with a grand opening anticipated in mid-October.

Public comments included questions about the reassessment process rollout, with residents expressing confusion about the council’s communication. Assurances were given that efforts would be made to improve clarity and representation of Middlesex Borough’s interests.

An issue arose regarding the role of part-time code enforcer Tyler and the decision to transition the position to full-time. Concerns were raised about his dual employment in Middlesex and Bound Brook, with criticisms about his responsiveness and effectiveness. The council decided to advertise the position for a full-time code enforcer to enhance enforcement efforts and provide better oversight in the construction office.

The council also discussed a shared services agreement with the county. Questions were raised about the cost-effectiveness of these services and the possibility of negotiating better terms.