A resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month was a focal point of the meeting. Committee member Ana Duarte McCarthy introduced the resolution.

During the public comment period, Brett Hodes expressed his gratitude for the recognition of Pride Month and praised the township for its language in the initial 2020 resolution on the subject. He shared personal insights into the struggles faced by family members within the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting challenges in legal and cultural acceptance. Hodes emphasized the importance of such resolutions in promoting safety, equality, and inclusion for all residents.

Concerns regarding police department accessibility were also raised. Tidlestein from Riverside Drive pointed out the lack of an operational phone or button at the police department’s front door, with a metal plate now covering the spot where a button once existed. He argued that this could pose significant risks for those unable to access help and insisted that the door should be open 24 hours a day. Tidlestein suggested that stationing a police officer at the desk could benefit the community and law enforcement, particularly given ongoing issues with case discovery. Another community member, Sue Trap from North Maple Avenue, echoed these concerns, sharing a personal story about the importance of having constant access to police services. She underscored the necessity of having resources available to vulnerable community members at all times.

The committee also addressed potential safety hazards involving lithium batteries used in e-bikes. Tidlestein requested a study to amend or add to existing ordinances to address these hazards, citing incidents in other municipalities that have encountered severe fire risks. He stressed the need for public education on correct charging practices for lithium batteries to prevent potential disasters.

The meeting further acknowledged the contributions of community members such as Cindy Kefir, who is retiring from her role with the planning and zoning boards. Her ability to manage challenging interactions and effectively guide meetings was praised, with her absence noted as a significant loss to the community.

The committee also celebrated local achievements, recognizing the Ridge High School Drama Club for receiving the prestigious Foxy High School Play Award for their production of “Radium Girls.” The mayor commended the students for their creativity and hard work, emphasizing the importance of the themes presented in their production.

Updates on community events and initiatives were shared, including Mayor Fields’ attendance at the Basking Ridge Indian Community’s spring festival of colors and the Municipal Alliance’s 35th Twilight Challenge, which raised $6,000 for educational programming related to substance abuse prevention. The committee expressed optimism about continued funding for youth initiatives and highlighted various community events, such as Flag Day at Ross Farm and International Yoga Day at Harry Dunham Park.

A issue discussed was recent power outages affecting approximately 500 residents during a heat wave. JCPL (Jersey Central Power & Light) confirmed efforts to upgrade undersized or overloaded transformers to mitigate future issues, and residents were reminded of local cooling shelters available during outages.