Mayor Cilento delivered a detailed municipal address, celebrating the borough’s recovery and growth post-pandemic, the resilience of the Dunellen community through natural disasters, and commending the collaborative spirit of volunteerism. He recognized the retirement of Dr. William M. Robbins, the long-serving municipal clerk, and John Bruder Esquire, the former borough attorney who served the community for over two decades and is now set to become a superior court judge. Lauren Stats was welcomed as the new municipal clerk and registrar, and Alexander Miller as the new borough administrator.

The Mayor emphasized the borough’s successful acquisition of grants totaling over $4.4 million for various projects enhancing infrastructure, environmental protection, and pedestrian safety. This included street lighting improvements, pedestrian accessibility assessments, and the installation of a trash trap in the Greenbrook to protect the local environment. Mayor Cilento highlighted the economic development within the downtown area, welcoming new businesses and investments, and planning initiatives that promote sustainable growth. He also outlined quality of life ordinances addressing issues related to vacant properties, liquor licenses, noise enforcement, and the film industry.

The council shared accomplishments across several departments, praising the Parks and Recreation Department for their events and youth programs, the Police Department for community outreach and the hiring of new officers, and the Fire Department along with the Dellan Rescue Squad for their service. The Mayor also commended the Office of Emergency Management and the Public Works Department for their contributions to the borough.

In terms of community events, the meeting discussed a variety of successful activities and projects including summer concerts, holiday storefront decorations, a public mural project, and initiatives by the Dunellen Municipal Alliance to combat drug and alcohol abuse. The Dunellen Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s efforts to celebrate the town’s cultural diversity were recognized, as was the 50th anniversary of the Arnold Schwarz Memorial Library. The Friends of the Dunellen Public Library successfully hosted an outdoor market, and the Planning Board managed important meetings related to redevelopment projects and zoning matters.

One item of discussion centered around the Mayor’s Cannabis Task Force’s recommendation to keep Dunellen opted out of commercializing cannabis for the time being, pending further community feedback and observation of ongoing legal disputes in other municipalities. The council intends to continue monitoring these cases before making any definitive decisions.

The Municipal Clerk’s office reported a steady handling of pet licenses, marriage licenses, and construction permits. Local businesses and residents were commended for their achievements, with awards given to a pizzeria, martial arts studio, pub, and hotel, as well as individual community members.

Looking ahead, the council outlined initiatives for 2024, including residential and mixed-use projects to attract new residents and businesses, the exploration of a downtown improvement district, and advocacy for modernizing the train station. Plans were also discussed for shared service agreements, major infrastructure improvements, and public safety enhancements through organizational restructuring and traffic safety measures.