One item at the meeting was the establishment of the “Complete and Green Streets of Berkeley Heights” task force. This initiative aims to enhance street safety for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, by collecting and reviewing local motor vehicle crash data and identifying interactions between vehicles and vulnerable road users. The task force’s mission is to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce environmental pollution. Membership will include the mayor or a designated representative, one council member, a police department representative, a Board of Education member, and six residents or business community members, with a preference for students.

The mayor noted the historical context of creating better pedestrian access, referencing the “Safe Routes to School” initiative launched in 2016. Current efforts include a traffic study nearing completion, addressing critical areas such as a crosswalk at Snyder Avenue, a school zone on Mountain Avenue, and traffic calming measures around Governor Livingston High School. The task force’s first meeting is anticipated in September, with a minimum of four planned meetings.

Public safety and infrastructure improvements were also discussion points. One council member raised concerns about the lack of school zone signs on Park Avenue, specifically at its intersection with Fairfax, and the absence of a crossing guard. The mayor acknowledged this concern and affirmed that it would be explored by the task force. Discussions also included the installation of permanent speed reduction signs on Park Avenue, which faced delays, and considerations for a crosswalk near Bank of America on Snyder Avenue, a frequent crossing point for students.

The council celebrated the receipt of $1.27 million in state grants for the Safe Routes to School program, associated with the “Safe Streets Happy Feet” initiative. This funding will support a major sidewalk project on Mountain Avenue.

The council addressed several ordinances, including one amending parking restrictions to include Warren Place, and a bond ordinance appropriating funds for fire department capital improvements. Both ordinances were adopted following public hearings with no comments from the audience. Another ordinance concerning amendments to the sewer service system prompted inquiries about the end-user agreement’s payment structure, specifically the charge per gallon used. The council decided to seek clarification from relevant officials before finalizing this aspect of the ordinance.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on a grant application with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Council members discussed the necessity of amending the grant resolution, particularly the removal of “New Jersey” from the title. The submission status of the grant was questioned, with a deadline of August 29th and the requirement of a unique entity identifier (UEI) for the application process. There was concern about the procedural aspects of grant applications, with past challenges noted due to procedural oversights.

One council member provided insights into the grant application requirements, including extensive documentation, a two-page narrative, a map, and data related to roadway fatalities and underserved community populations. The member highlighted the uncertainty of successfully obtaining the grant, given Berkeley Heights’ presumably low statistics on roadway fatalities. The debate revolved around whether pursuing this grant was a strategic use of the township’s resources, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of grants before approval.

The council passed several resolutions, including one for the dedication by rider for donations for Lower Columbia Park and another amending the budget to include a revenue offset for a distracted driver grant amounting to $7,000. The creation of the “Complete and Green Streets of Berkeley Heights” task force was met with enthusiasm and unanimous approval.

During the Township Council reports, members shared updates, including congratulations to local Olympians, a successful senior picnic, and a recent local restaurant visit. The mayor proposed a joint meeting with the Board of Education to address ongoing concerns about a specific amenity for residents, which was met with general agreement.