Community grievances took center stage as residents expressed their frustrations regarding Los Amigos Ranch, formerly known as Hidden Hills Horse Farm. Duncan Campbell, a local resident, articulated the collective discontent, accusing the property of operating beyond its zoning restrictions as a horse farm by hosting large, noisy events. He recounted returning home late at night to find loud music disturbing the peace. Campbell’s emotional plea for council intervention highlighted the broader concern that the ranch’s activities, including alleged rodeos with alcohol and large crowds, were incompatible with the community’s expectations of a quiet, residential area.

Further complaints came from Lorine Swasan and Rich Prince, who reiterated the intolerable noise levels and questioned the legitimacy of the permits issued for these events. Swasan emphasized the unsettling impact on residential tranquility by recounting how her home’s windows shook during such events. Prince echoed these sentiments, expressing disbelief at the ease with which the ranch obtained permits for large gatherings, which he argued contrasted sharply with the requirements faced by ordinary residents for minor improvements.

Trevor Sers, drawing from his experience as a former police officer, pressed the council to enforce existing noise ordinances more rigorously. He urged the council to ensure that enforcement officers are equipped to measure noise levels and respond appropriately to violations. The council acknowledged the necessity for a coordinated response involving multiple departments to address the issue effectively and restore neighborhood harmony.

Simultaneously, the council meeting was dominated by a debate over the municipal budget and its implications for residents. A central point of contention was the use of the open space trust fund to service debt incurred from a property purchase, identified as the Mintell property. Residents questioned the fiscal prudence of this approach, arguing that open space funds should directly finance acquisitions rather than create future debt obligations.

Concerns about the township’s increasing debt burden were voiced, with some residents and council members advocating for a return to a pay-as-you-go financial model. The budget, which proposed a 10.6% tax increase, was perceived by some as exacerbating the township’s financial obligations and mortgaging its future. The debate underscored divergent views on financial management, with some members defending the budget as necessary for infrastructure improvements and long-term sustainability, while others criticized it for lacking transparency and over-relying on debt.

In addition to budgetary discussions, the meeting saw the presentation of a proposal by Sanjanna Bada, representing Vote 16 New Jersey, to lower the voting age to 16 for local school board elections. Bada outlined the potential benefits of such an initiative in enhancing civic engagement among youth and ensuring that students have a say in decisions directly affecting their education. Despite concerns about the logistics of implementing a separate ballot for younger voters, Bada’s advocacy was supported by several students, who shared personal stories underscoring the importance of youth representation in the democratic process.

The meeting further included a presentation by the Wildlife Management Commission, which provided updates on the upcoming hunting season and emphasized safety protocols. The commission reported an increase in deer harvested and discussed the ongoing Hunters Helping the Hungry program. Additionally, discussions touched on the importance of preserving open space, with the township contributing to the purchase of the Hillsboro Golf and Country Club to prevent development and maintain community green spaces.

The council also addressed issues related to road maintenance, with resident Salio advocating for the paving of Montgomery Road to improve safety and reduce dust-related health hazards. Despite community backing for the paving efforts, no immediate plans were announced to address the issue.