The most pressing topic discussed was the Cedar Avenue railroad crossing, which has been the focus of community safety concerns due to a malfunctioning gate incident on November 24th. During the incident, the gates remained down, causing traffic disruption until technicians identified a circuit breaker failure. Fortunately, no accidents occurred during this period. The council discussed the need for both short-term and long-term solutions, including the potential installation of additional crossing gates. The urgency of this issue was highlighted by a past fatal accident linked to the current setup, prompting a call for immediate safety improvements. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for the week of December 2nd, involving multiple stakeholders, to explore these concerns further.

The railroad crossing safety concerns were echoed by a resident during the public comment section, who stressed the need for transparency from the rail service regarding the chemicals transported through the area. They urged the council to demand accountability and ensure safety measures are implemented. The resident’s frustration stemmed from a perceived lack of progress despite ongoing communication efforts with the rail service, emphasizing the need for a plans to prevent future accidents. The council acknowledged these concerns and discussed the possibility of constructing a bridge as a long-term solution.

In addition to the railroad crossing issues, the meeting also featured a significant recognition event, honoring Jack Costa with the Pillar of Middlesex award. With over 50 years of service to the community, Costa’s roles included Fire Chief and various treasurer positions within the fire department. The mayor expressed pride in Costa’s achievements, emphasizing the importance of volunteer service for community thriving. Costa, visibly moved, reflected on his journey since moving to Middlesex in 1969 and expressed gratitude towards the mayor, council, and his family for their support.

The council also tackled legislative matters, introducing two ordinances. The first, numbered 2138 D24, proposed fixing the salary range for specific borough positions, including code enforcement and zoning officers. It was unanimously amended to focus on four positions. The second ordinance, numbered 2139 D14, aimed to amend development fees in the municipal code, which passed its introduction following a roll call vote.

Updates on local projects included the renovation of the old Borough Hall sign, which was cost-effectively relit using solar lighting. The council announced upcoming community events, such as the Winter Wonderland Festival and the Friends of the Library Jazz program. The police department reported over 2,000 calls for service in October, with numerous arrests and incidents handled, while the fire department noted 47 calls in the same period.

Environmental initiatives were also discussed, with the Department of Public Works collaborating with the environmental commission on tree planting, though some areas were altered due to flood wall construction. The new Facebook page for the DPW aims to enhance communication with residents about recycling information.

The council addressed concerns regarding affordable housing fees and the borough’s obligations under new guidelines. Discussions included past commitments from developers and the potential to alleviate expenses related to required affordable housing units. The status of the Presbyterian Church property, which remains under church ownership, was also clarified, with previous negotiations having ended without an agreement.

In other administrative updates, the borough administrator highlighted the upcoming opening of a new local history room at the Middlesex Public Library in January. Residents were encouraged to contribute historical items, and the borough secured its full state aid allotment following an annual best practices survey.

The meeting concluded with a series of resolutions, including the purchase of new equipment for the police department and authorizations for various projects. The council expressed gratitude to the police department for hosting a successful “Coffee with a Cop” event and extended holiday wishes for a safe Thanksgiving. An upcoming executive session was noted, with assurances that no actions would be taken during that session.