0:00The council’s decision to transition to the Mid Jersey Municipal Joint Insurance Fund was a significant agenda item, driven by the need to combat escalating insurance costs. This resolution came after the borough, along with four other municipalities, faced an unforeseen hike in insurance premiums. The switch is expected to ease the budgetary strain, saving the borough approximately $180,000.

Another concern was the marked increase in health insurance costs, reported to be rising by 19.5%, equating to an additional financial burden of approximately $480,000 annually. This increase is largely attributed to post-pandemic adjustments, and it is anticipated that future budget discussions will be influenced by this development. The council is expected to continue exploring solutions to mitigate these rising costs, balancing the need for comprehensive coverage with fiscal responsibility.

15:09Public comments further highlighted resident concerns, particularly regarding parking permits and street paving. A resident, JP Silva, brought attention to challenges faced when attempting to secure a parking permit for Lexington Street due to address discrepancies. Silva explained his need to park primarily on Lexington Street as a fire hydrant limits parking availability in front of his house, resulting in parking tickets. Silva’s appeal underscores the broader issue of parking permit allocations and the need for the council to address residents’ logistical challenges.

Joe Donado, another resident, expressed concerns about street paving on Daily Street. Thanking specific council members for their responsiveness, Donado also highlighted perceived unresponsiveness from others, emphasizing the importance of addressing resident feedback promptly. Donado’s concerns extended to the proposed sale of cannabis, advocating for its inclusion on the ballot for public voting to reflect community sentiment accurately. He noted previous community opposition to cannabis sales and stressed the importance of aligning council decisions with the residents’ will.

0:00Discussions around cannabis regulations were prominent, with the introduction of ordinance 2025-D2 to amend Chapter 120, relating to cannabis. The ordinance passed its first reading, with a public hearing scheduled for February 3, 2025. Residents raised concerns about zoning locations for potential cannabis sales, particularly their proximity to churches and daycare centers, which could contravene existing regulations. The council emphasized the need for review and community input before finalizing any decisions.

29:35The council meeting also touched on several infrastructure and public safety topics. A member reported on the progress of crosswalks on Whitehead Avenue, noting the need for improved pedestrian safety measures in high-traffic areas. The council member highlighted ongoing discussions with traffic engineers to enhance safety for children crossing amidst heavy traffic. Another infrastructure-related discussion involved delays in road projects due to weather conditions, impacting the 2023 and 2024 roads project timeline. The contractor reported on the completion of substation maintenance and awaited inspection reports to finalize the project.

46:25A administrative update included the appointment of various representatives to committees, including the Central Jersey Health Insurance Fund and the Middlesex County Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The council also authorized grant applications for the Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grant and the Local Recreation Improvement Grant.

15:09The meeting addressed the need for better communication regarding construction updates, as residents expressed the importance of receiving detailed reports from engineers about project statuses. Concerns were also raised about new motor meter installations, with residents reporting confusion due to lack of proper notification. The council urged residents to report any unauthorized solicitations to the police, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance.

46:25The council also addressed issues of ice buildup, advising residents to report specific locations to the Department of Public Works for timely responses.