The meeting began with Mayor Peter Guindi celebrating the achievements of the South River Knights Pop Warner football team, who were honored for winning the Central Jersey Championship. Certificates were distributed to players and coaches.

A substantial portion of the council meeting was dedicated to discussing code enforcement practices, which residents described as overly aggressive and bordering on harassment. Many residents conveyed their unease with the enforcement officer’s approach, citing examples of alleged intimidation and unfounded citations. One resident recounted an experience where they felt targeted for minor infractions, with the officer allegedly documenting non-existent structures on their property to justify enforcement actions. Another resident, Jennifer, shared a similar experience, describing an inspection notice she received while on vacation, which she felt was biased due to a prior personal relationship with the inspector.

The council also faced criticism over proposed amendments related to traffic control, specifically regarding the installation of stop signs as speed control measures. A resident identified as JD H strongly opposed these measures, arguing that they contradicted the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards, which require a traffic engineering study before implementing stop signs. JD H emphasized that the recent additions of stop signs at several intersections lacked the necessary studies and instead advocated for alternative speed control methods like speed tables and radar speed feedback signs. The resident warned that relying on stop signs for speed control could undermine public trust in government decisions. The council acknowledged the need for further deliberations on the stop sign ordinance.

Public comments extended to water quality concerns, where a representative from the water treatment department outlined significant improvements to the South River water system. The upgrades included replacing lime with sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment and enhancing the chlorine injection process. Zinc phosphate was introduced to reduce complaints about dirty water. The representative assured the council and residents that these changes resulted in water quality exceeding both EPA and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection standards. Despite these assurances, some residents remained skeptical, referencing past notices of noncompliance concerning chlorine levels and expressing confusion over recent advisories.

Amendments to the redevelopment plan for a property on Main Street were also discussed, with a council member questioning their necessity following a recent update to the master plan. A representative clarified that each lot was designated as a distinct sub-area in the Lower Main Street Redevelopment plan, allowing for amendments as projects progressed. The council also addressed environmental concerns following tree removal in F Park to accommodate a battery storage project. A council member stressed the importance of replanting every tree removed.

Financial aspects of the battery storage project were reviewed, detailing a monthly charge of $59,000 and a profit-sharing agreement, where the borough retains 75% of profits. Other discussions included the amendment of the special events permit, introducing fees for parades organized by non-profits, which sparked debate over its implications for churches and community events. Additionally, the council highlighted improvements in local parks, such as the installation of a new basketball court, amid concerns about ongoing vandalism and the potential need for surveillance measures.