0:00A major highlight of the meeting was the council’s unanimous support for two resolutions backing applications for cannabis dispensary licenses within the township. Resolution 24-451 involved a letter of support for Blazen Brown Sugga LLC’s application to become the first recreational cannabis dispensary in Hamilton. The representative for the company emphasized their commitment to hiring locally and ensuring strict compliance with regulations. Resolution 24-452 supported Northeast Alternatives New Jersey LLC’s similar application. The representatives highlighted their thorough efforts over the past 18 months to find a suitable property and their plans for job creation and community involvement. Both resolutions moved forward after brief public comment periods yielded no responses.

19:51Public safety at community facilities, particularly the County Street Hockey Association’s rink in Veterans Park, was another focal point of the meeting. Representatives Peter Anapole and Joseph Tchuk outlined several concerns regarding the rink’s condition. They reported that while new sport court tiles were installed in 2023, issues such as shifting tiles and gaps had surfaced. The plywood boards surrounding the rink were deteriorating, exposing nails and posing safety risks. Additionally, the scoreboard, over 20 years old, was malfunctioning. They urged the council to undertake improvements and enhance security measures, like replacing or extending the fence around the rink and locking it when not in use. The council acknowledged these concerns.

38:18Another public safety concern came from Lisa Williams, who voiced frustration over the animal shelter’s outdated phone system. She recounted a recent incident where she received voicemail instead of assistance when reporting a potentially dangerous dog in her neighborhood, highlighting the urgency for an updated system. Her concerns pointed to broader issues of communication and responsiveness from the shelter, emphasizing the need for improvement.

0:00The meeting also included the appointment of a new tax collector, Jessica Cray, through resolution 24-450. Former tax collector Danielle Peacock praised Cray’s dedication and capabilities, and council members expressed confidence in her ability to fulfill the role effectively. The resolution passed unanimously after a public comment period with no responses.

End-of-year administrative tasks were addressed, with the council reviewing and approving a series of resolutions. These included reappointments, budget transfers, and grants such as a FEMA Grant for breathing apparatus and an opioid settlement grant totaling over $142,000. A community development block grant (CDBG) for approximately $622,000 was also noted. The council approved a lease renewal with Mercer County for senior meal site operations and authorized the tax assessor to file appeals. These administrative approvals were part of a comprehensive consent agenda that received unanimous consent from the council.

19:51Discussions extended to various Professional Services Agreements, including health broker services, affordable housing, and real estate title services. Notably, a housing consultant PSA was removed, with an alternative award proposed for language line interpretation services. The council also deliberated on several capital purchases, such as acquiring vehicles for the Department of Community and Education and the Water Pollution Control department, and planned mold remediation for the McManaman building.

Public comments were invited throughout the meeting, with Janice Con from Trinity seeking clarification on a nursing agreement with The College of New Jersey. The council confirmed the agreement as a longstanding partnership facilitating services from the college. Additionally, discussions arose about the police building’s roof condition, with inquiries about whether a proposal had been put out for bidding.