The council recognized the athletic achievements of Sam Mattis, a hometown hero, by renaming Civic Center Drive to Sam Mattis Way from July 22 to August 11, 2024. Mattis’s success was celebrated as an exemplary model for the community, with council members expressing congratulations and well wishes to the athlete.

Amid the celebrations, the council tackled the issue of the feral cat population in the township. Residents from various parts of East Brunswick brought the community’s attention to the challenges posed by feral cats. One resident from Windsor Park detailed the effectiveness of the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) approach in managing the feral cat situation in their area but emphasized the difficulties in obtaining support for both feral and friendly cats, especially with the local shelter not accepting any new cats. Diane Decker, another resident, voiced her support for the proposed Community Cat Ordinance and recounted her personal struggle with managing feral cats in her yard, stressing the need for assistance. Shannon Brown shared a disturbing account of a kitten being tragically killed by a vehicle, highlighting the urgency of the issue. Maryan Toy invited council members to observe the living conditions of feral cats in her neighborhood firsthand, further underscoring the problem’s severity.

The council also discussed the township’s financial health and infrastructure. An overview of the municipal audit was provided, with the township receiving an unmodified opinion. The audit report was to be reviewed in further detail at the next meeting.

Two ordinances for a second reading and public comment were presented. The first involved appropriating funds from the sewer utility Capital Improvement Fund for sewer utility improvements. During the public comments, a resident inquired about the contribution of new apartment developments to these infrastructure improvements. The council clarified that new users are required to pay a connection fee to access the sewer system. Moreover, the mayor reported that bids for the hockey rink project were lower than expected, praising the fair public bidding process. He also commended the police department for maintaining low crime levels, attributing the decrease in drug-related crimes to bail reform and marijuana legalization. Additionally, the importance of infrastructure maintenance for vital utilities was emphasized, with ongoing studies to address traffic safety concerns.

Public safety issues were raised during the meeting, with a resident highlighting a cracked and hazardous telephone pole at the intersection of Gordon Street and Summerhill Road. The resident expressed worries about the potential dangers it posed. Additionally, another resident brought up the issue of overhanging trees from a neighboring property, seeking clarification on whether the township or the property owner was responsible for addressing the concern.

Resolution 237, related to the ice rink, was discussed. Additionally, Resolution 239 concerning the Coach USA contract was deliberated. The council decided to extend the contract for two months due to Coach USA’s bankruptcy filing.

Furthermore, the council acknowledged the retirement of Joanne Leco from the East Brunswick Police Department after 35 years of service. Councilwoman Winston presented a proclamation recognizing July as Park and Recreation Month, with Mayor Cohen expressing gratitude to the Parks and Rec Department.