In a moment, the meeting began with Mayor Josh Halpern introducing a proclamation to recognize the heroic efforts of the Fair Haven first aid squad and fire department members during a medical emergency on May 25, 2024. The incident involved a motorcyclist who struck a tree and was found in full cardiac arrest. The mayor detailed the quick response and collaboration with Rumson EMS that resulted in the patient regaining spontaneous circulation. Life-saving merit awards were given to several first aid squad members, including Captain Brian Allison, Second Lieutenant Dan Mone, and Mary Moss, with unit citations also presented to various firefighters and police officers. The recipients were applauded, and a photo opportunity was organized to commemorate their bravery and professionalism.

The council then turned its attention to the proposed regulations concerning e-bikes and e-scooters. A council member raised the issue of whether children under 14 should be allowed to ride e-bikes on sidewalks, arguing that if they are not mature enough to ride on the street, they should not be on the sidewalk either. The mayor emphasized the need to ensure safety for children in the community, with multiple meetings having been held with the police chief and other officials to develop comprehensive regulations.

The council debated the enforcement of these regulations, discussing a system where juveniles would receive two warnings before a summons is issued, with the second warning directed to the parents. Concerns were raised about the practicality of tracking warnings and the potential for a registration component for e-bikes to aid in monitoring compliance. The idea of confiscating bikes as a deterrent was also discussed, with the embarrassment of having a bike taken away and requiring a parent to retrieve it from the police station being cited as a significant deterrent.

The conversation also included the possibility of simplifying the ordinance to enhance enforcement impact. There was a suggestion to set a maximum speed limit for e-bikes when operating on sidewalks to prevent dangerous situations. The council acknowledged the complexities of regulating e-bikes and e-scooters and the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes safety while accommodating the needs of a community reliant on biking and walking.

Attention then shifted to stormwater management, with a discussion on proposed language aimed at closing loopholes in stormwater runoff regulations. The council emphasized the necessity of evaluating stormwater systems from a green infrastructure perspective and the need for engineering consultation to address site disturbances in business districts B1 and B2. The proposed changes sought to establish minimum stormwater requirements for new constructions and renovations that increase building footprints.

The topic of deer management was also debated. The council discussed a community-based deer management grant that involved a health survey of the deer population to determine the necessity of a controlled deer hunt. Concerns were raised about the expenditure for writing the Request for Proposals (RFP) and the potential influx of deer from surrounding municipalities that opted out of similar management efforts. The council highlighted the importance of understanding local deer population dynamics and the need for professional guidance to navigate these issues effectively.

The meeting also touched on the borough’s garbage collection method and the upcoming expiration of the current contract. The council considered various options, including maintaining a second garbage collection day while transitioning recycling to a bi-weekly schedule. The need for timely decision-making was emphasized to balance fiscal responsibility with service provision.

Public comments included concerns about the behavior of youths riding electric bikes and the need for enhanced bike safety education. A resident suggested incorporating training for parents to ensure they are involved in teaching their children about safe riding practices. There were also discussions on the value of a forestry health survey, with council members debating whether an $800 expenditure for this survey would provide useful insights into deer management and broader environmental concerns.