A key highlight was the induction of Officer Andrew Kola into the Old Bridge Police Department. Having previously served as a special law enforcement officer in Seaside Heights and holding a Bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Officer Kola was welcomed with congratulations and well-wishes for his safety and success in his new role.

The council also delved into several shared services agreements with Middlesex County, emphasizing the community’s recycling initiatives. Councilwoman DeAro drew attention to these programs, including a chlorofluorocarbon recycling initiative, paint recycling, and cooking oil recycling agreements. These programs, funded by the county, are designed to enhance waste disposal efficiency and environmental sustainability. The monthly paint collection service, held every second Saturday, was particularly noted for its unique offering, allowing residents to dispose of unwanted paint and fluorescent light bulbs. The township’s Public Works department announced the creation of a Facebook group aimed at providing residents with timely recycling information and updates.

Affordable housing was another major topic, with the Department of Community Affairs outlining the township’s requirements for the next decade. Old Bridge was assigned a present need of 318 units and a prospective need of 685 units, necessitating a detailed vacant land analysis to identify potential development sites. The council must adopt a resolution by January 30, 2025, with a completed housing element by June 2025. This strategic planning is important for accommodating future growth and ensuring that housing needs are met.

Election-related updates included details on the township’s updated elections page, which consolidates voter information and polling locations. This move aims to streamline the electoral process for residents. The meeting also addressed the opt-out process for vote-by-mail ballots, a concern for many who prefer in-person voting post-pandemic. Residents were informed that while it was too late to change mail-in ballot preferences for the current election, provisional voting remained an option. Clarity on this issue was deemed essential for avoiding future confusion.

Community events and cultural acknowledgments featured prominently, with the council highlighting the success of the recent “Pink Out” event and extending greetings for upcoming holidays like Halloween and Diwali. The council members emphasized safety during Halloween, urging drivers to remain vigilant as children partake in trick-or-treating.

The council also tackled the topic of school tax increases, clarifying their lack of control over these changes, which stem from state-level decisions and budget cuts. A council member urged residents to verify information and refrain from relying on social media narratives, stressing the importance of understanding the facts regarding local taxes and the ongoing pilot programs.

The council concluded with discussions on community engagement, including the town’s Asian Cultural Arts Festival, which celebrated the area’s rich diversity, and the need for pet adoptions at the local animal shelter, which is currently over capacity. An upcoming adoption event was announced to encourage community involvement.