The meeting commenced with a significant accolade for Vinnie Demura, whose quick-thinking response mitigated a potentially disastrous fire on September 24, 2025. Demura’s prompt actions in reporting the fire and using his garden hose to contain the flames were publicly acknowledged by the mayor and council members. The fire department also lauded his efforts, emphasizing how his intervention helped avert substantial property damage and potential harm to residents and first responders. In light of this, the fire department reiterated its call for volunteers.

Following this recognition, the council turned its focus to infrastructure and development updates. One of the resolutions discussed was the authorization to extend the NJ DOT 2024 transit village road beautification project. This initiative aims to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of Dunellen’s transit areas. The resolution passed unanimously.

In a related matter, the council addressed property code violations on South Washington Avenue, allowing the borough to place a lien on the property for costs incurred in compliance efforts. This action followed several procedural steps to rectify longstanding maintenance violations.

The council also discussed ongoing collaborations with PSEG to replace outdated streetlights with efficient LED alternatives. This project is expected to provide brighter and more reliable lighting across the borough, potentially reducing the need for additional streetlights. The council encouraged residents to communicate directly with them regarding any concerns, rather than using social media, to ensure effective resolution of issues.

In the realm of community activities, the council highlighted the success of the fall soccer season, which engaged over 150 players and 24 volunteer coaches. The council expressed gratitude to these volunteers and announced the upcoming basketball season, calling for additional coaches to support the program. Plans for an adult pickleball program were also announced, pending confirmation of facility availability.

Additionally, council members reported on various departmental activities. The Department of Public Works (DPW) continued its routine maintenance, including downtown cleaning, park upkeep, and leaf removal. They also coordinated with PSEG for tree maintenance and supported fleet maintenance for police and DPW vehicles. Concerns about lighting and other issues were addressed, with the council urging residents to report problems directly to ensure timely action.

Public comments during the meeting revealed community interest in upcoming redevelopment projects and traffic safety concerns. Residents were encouraged to report traffic issues to local authorities for enforcement, and the council assured transparency and progress in redevelopment plans. The council acknowledged delays due to state reviews but emphasized developers’ eagerness to advance projects.

In closing, the council reminded residents of the upcoming general election on November 4th. The session concluded with unanimous approval of the meeting’s resolutions and a reminder of the next council meeting scheduled for November 17th.