The proclamation for National Gun Violence Awareness Month drew attention as a community representative expressed thanks and invited residents to join in an anti-gun violence rally. The proclamation aims to acknowledge both high-profile mass shootings and everyday instances of gun violence, with the council showing unanimous support for the initiative.

Further into the meeting, the council debated several resolutions, with a focus on local development and shared service agreements. The council discussed a bond ordinance for capital improvements and the approval of a bill list, culminating in the authorization of professional services contracts for engineering and construction management services. These services were designated for improvements to Old Forge Road, Mercier Avenue, and Orchard Lane. An error in the resolution’s date was corrected, considered clerical, and did not necessitate reintroduction.

The council also deliberated on authorizing the purchase of goods and services, awarding professional services contracts, and approving a shared service agreement with another township. Concerns were raised about the sufficient allocation of hours to the shared services, but there was appreciation for a Berkeley Heights resident assuming the part-time CFO role. This agreement also prompted a resolution for the insertion of a special item of revenue and appropriation in the budget.

Another topic was the discussion around the Lower Columbia property and its future. The Council considered a resolution to direct the County Clerk to submit a nonbinding referendum to the voters on the purchase and/or lease of the area from the Berkeley Board of Education. Clarity of the referendum’s wording was reviewed to ensure voter understanding. The council also addressed an amendment to the Professional Services contract for improvements to Crest Drive and a lease agreement for communication equipment on Locust Avenue.

Community engagement played a key role during the council meeting. Public concerns were voiced regarding the removal of trees near a resident’s property, which had been a requested barrier against a park. The resident sought clarification on the responsible party for the tree trimming. Another resident brought forward the importance of mental health awareness, while a council member shared the positive development of funds being allocated for the Lower Columbia project.

The Rec Commission discussed the urgency of formalizing a lease agreement with the Board of Education, which has been pending despite 50 years of property maintenance. The commission highlighted missed grant opportunities due to the lack of a lease and the town’s ability to apply for certain recreation-related grants. The potential turfing of baseball fields and the maintenance logistics were debated. The possibility of placing a question on the November ballot to allow voters to decide on the township’s takeover of the property was also considered.

The meeting also included updates on administrative reports, such as the progress of road programs, survey work for river anti-flooding measures, and plans for sidewalk projects. The acting CFO thanked council members and staff for their collaborative efforts on the budget, infrastructure projects, and grant applications.

Closing the meeting, the council moved through the consent agenda, which consisted of various resolutions, and provided reports on community events and initiatives. Council members highlighted the importance of supporting LGBTQIA+ students and the community’s inclusion efforts. Additionally, the impact of a recent heatwave on local wildlife was discussed, emphasizing the support for injured and orphaned animals.