The Council devoted attention to cannabis licensing, with amendments to support applications for both manufacturing and retail operations. A resolution backing Natural Apothecary LLC’s application for a Class 2 cannabis manufacturer license was amended, while Cultural Hamilton LLC sought support for its applications for Class One cultivator and Class Two manufacturer licenses. A representative, identified as Adia, provided insights into their plans for a property on Quaker Bridge Road, which is set to house a cannabis facility. The family-owned property, spanning 6,000 square feet over two floors, is earmarked for a retail dispensary on the ground level, with future plans for a cultivation facility on the four-acre site. Financing for renovations has been secured from Manasquan Savings Bank. The Council reviewed zoning compliance and community impact, confirming minimal residential disturbance. The discussions also covered Cultural Hamilton LLC’s bid for a Class Five retail license, focusing on community considerations and zoning compliance, with some council members abstaining from voting due to affiliations with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Beyond the cannabis discussions, the Council addressed several local ordinances. Ordinance 24-046 proposed amendments to salary ranges for municipal positions such as the municipal clerk and tax collector, reducing the lower range from $110,000 to $95,000. Ordinance 24-047, concerning fire prevention regulations, clarified property owner responsibilities and extended rules beyond shopping centers to other commercial properties. Ordinance 24-048 introduced fees for commercial filming and still photography, designating Hamilton as ‘film ready’ due to rising interest from production companies. In alignment with New Jersey’s cottage food laws, Ordinance 24-049 allowed for cottage food operations, enabling residents to produce and sell home-made food under specific conditions, with an annual sales cap of $50,000.

Resident concerns also featured prominently during the meeting. Robert Nagy, a Reed Avenue resident, highlighted the challenges posed by increased traffic and congestion on his street, compounded by school buses and new businesses. He stressed the difficulties faced by older residents and those with health issues, urging the Council to consider these impacts in their planning. Another resident raised issues regarding oversized vehicles related to a neighbor’s roofing business, which occupied shared driveway space. He applied for a handicapped parking space to alleviate his parking difficulties, providing substantial documentation to support his request. The Council acknowledged past complications in similar applications when a driveway existed but recognized that exceptions could be made.

Additionally, discussions emerged around the local animal shelter’s capacity during a kennel renovation. A resident queried the Council on how dogs would be accommodated, given the shelter’s nearing capacity. In response, the Council reassured that arrangements were in place, including a foster drive to ensure all animals were housed appropriately during the transition.

The meeting also touched on the purchase of a Chevy Tahoe for the fire division, funded through the 2021 capital budget, and addressed various budget transfers and administrative matters. The consent agenda included health service agreements with neighboring municipalities, focusing on vaccinations and health education, with an established fee schedule. A cargo van for animal transport was approved as a replacement for aging Animal Control Officer trucks, funded by the capital budget and a trust account.