During the public comment segment, residents voiced strong objections to the termination of Eric T. Kennedy, expressing fear of retaliatory motives linked to his efforts in highlighting health issues at his workplace. Joshua Regan, a resident, questioned the timing of Kennedy’s termination. Regan stated, “It seems very suspicious that magically…he’s trying to highlight an issue we have…now you’re magically going to fire him,” indicating the potential for a lawsuit against the town. James Smith echoed these concerns, describing the termination as unjust and emphasizing Kennedy’s role in improving workplace safety.

Melissa Kennedy further supported these claims, outlining Eric Kennedy’s contributions to the town and disputing the validity of the allegations against him. She criticized the timing and documentation of disciplinary actions. The public’s concerns underscored a shared apprehension about the potential financial impact of legal challenges stemming from the termination.

Council members were limited in their ability to address these concerns publicly due to confidentiality protocols surrounding personnel issues. The mayor reiterated the council’s obligation to maintain privacy, noting that the matter would be discussed in a closed session. Despite the constraints on public discourse, the comments highlighted a community deeply concerned about employee welfare and the implications of the council’s decisions.

In addition to the personnel issues, the meeting addressed environmental safety and municipal project updates. Discussions centered on the results of environmental testing, specifically mold and soil testing, and the importance of ensuring compliance with state regulations. A council member expressed frustration over delayed results, with assurances that the sites in question had undergone remediation and were deemed suitable for senior housing. The council also reviewed workplace safety policies for Department of Public Works employees who volunteer as firefighters, stressing the need for clear communication to prevent unattended worksites.

Updates on ongoing municipal projects included the stormwater project, with timelines for agency approvals set toward the end of 2025 and construction anticipated to start in mid-2027. Reports highlighted completed utility work, although cold weather had delayed road restoration plans. Proactive measures were noted, such as waiting for favorable conditions to ensure quality paving work.

The council also discussed significant grants received for infrastructure improvements, including a $500,000 NJDOT bikeways grant aimed at enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety. The grant aligns with the borough’s plan to extend existing bike paths.

Ordinance-related discussions included the introduction and adoption of several measures. Ordinance number 2800, which proposed reducing retail cannabis licenses from three to two, was a focal point. The decision followed a denied application and aimed to streamline the process in response to community sentiment. Public inquiries about the reapplication status of Cannabis MD LLC and the transparency of the application process for cannabis manufacturing licenses were addressed, with council members emphasizing structured application periods.

Additional ordinances covered salary ranges for borough employees and the establishment of a Shade Tree Committee. The council encouraged residents to participate in the committee. The meeting concluded with the introduction of ordinance number 2802, amending salary ranges for non-union employees and officials, with a second reading scheduled for December 19, 2024.

Community engagement remained a theme throughout the meeting, with discussions on upcoming events such as the Winter Market and the annual Christmas tree lighting. The council highlighted the importance of traffic safety measures and infrastructure improvements, bolstered by recent grant awards.