A central topic of the meeting was the condition of the Pluckman Park Senior Community. Resident Jean Johnson brought attention to the deteriorating conditions, highlighting issues such as a hanging gutter, unsafe driving surfaces, a hazardous sinkhole, and various health and safety violations. These were of particular concern given the vulnerable senior population residing there. Johnson urged the township to exert pressure on Treetop Development, the property’s owner, to make necessary improvements. She mentioned pests, rotting wood, and broken fences, emphasizing the need for upgrades rather than cosmetic fixes. The council acknowledged discussions with the management about these persistent problems and the need for any potential buyer to commit to substantial improvements. Although the council could not disclose details about any potential sale negotiations, they assured residents of their commitment to ensuring better conditions for the community.

Turning to community engagement, the council celebrated the recent Fall Fest, which attracted about 3,600 attendees despite unfavorable weather. The event featured music, dancing, and a children’s activity led by “American Ninja Warrior” participant Abby Clark. Although attendance was lower than the previous year, the event was deemed successful given the circumstances. The council also reminded residents of the upcoming trunk or treat event at the farmers market and encouraged participation by bringing decorated vehicles. Approximately ten vehicles had already registered, and attendees were encouraged to dress in costume to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Infrastructure and safety were also topics. The council discussed planned road paving projects on Steeple Chase and Frontage roads, contingent on weather conditions. The need for improved pedestrian safety and better event layouts for the farmers market was also discussed, with suggestions to reverse the event setup to optimize space. Additionally, the meeting touched on updates to the personnel policy, which had not been revised in over two decades. The proposed updates aim to modernize policies to address digital and social media use, police licensing, and cannabis use.

The meeting included a discussion about technological initiatives aimed at enhancing local businesses and community events. Somerset County has secured a program called City Data, which allows municipalities to gather aggregated statistics about visitor demographics without revealing individual identities. This data, accessible to local businesses, can be used to refine marketing strategies and attract more visitors. The council expressed interest in analyzing data from past events like Fall Fest and the farmers market to better understand attendee origins and patterns. The program’s potential to improve marketing and visitor attraction was noted as a valuable resource for local establishments.

The council also reviewed and approved a fireworks permit for an event at Trump National Golf Club, scheduled for November 8. The display will last approximately eight minutes, starting at 8:15 PM. Notifications were sent to neighbors, and the fire department confirmed no issues with the application. The motion to approve the permit received unanimous support.

Additionally, the meeting addressed broader challenges faced by municipalities in attracting visitors and enhancing downtown areas. Discussions included strategies to create pedestrian-friendly environments and improve amenities in Bedminster Village and Pluckman areas. The council considered collaborating with neighboring towns to promote regional events, such as a potential “Taste of the Somerset Hills” festival, to draw more visitors.

The council also discussed security enhancements, including the library board’s security camera project, which now provides both interior and exterior coverage, connected to the Bedminster Police Department. The IT director received commendations for his role in this project.

The meeting concluded with council members encouraging participation in future community events and acknowledging positive outcomes from recent gatherings. The council also touched on hoarding issues and the need for legislative tools to address such situations effectively. The importance of proactive measures to prevent deed fraud and protect residents from property theft was emphasized.