The meeting’s most discussion centered on the presentation by Molly Alman, a junior from the Academy for Allied Health Sciences, regarding her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Alman is working to restore the Shank Copenhob Cemetery, established in 1698, which has suffered from neglect, overgrowth, and dangerous dead trees. Alman emphasized the historical importance of the cemetery and her personal connection through family lineage. She requested the town’s assistance in removing hazardous trees and installing signs to deter littering, hoping to draw more community involvement, especially for a cleanup event scheduled for November 15th. The council responded positively, indicating support and a willingness to promote the project, highlighting community engagement in preserving local heritage.

Public concerns were prominently voiced regarding the installation of overhead power lines by JCP&L. A resident described these as “monster” power lines, particularly near new homes and pools, questioning their necessity and whether such heights would become a standard across New Jersey. The resident expressed hope for further consideration in the planning process to avoid future regret over the decisions made about these power lines.

Another notable public proposal involved the use of town-owned open space. A resident suggested converting 40 acres not used for farming into Walling Park, emphasizing its historical value as it includes a cemetery with Revolutionary War veterans. The proposal included plans to remove no-trespassing signs, create walking paths, and enhance public accessibility. The resident argued that such a transformation would serve the community better, preserving historical significance while providing recreational opportunities. The council acknowledged the proposal, suggesting it would be taken under advisement, reflecting ongoing community interest in the management and use of public spaces.

During the meeting, the council also addressed an ordinance concerning fees for public records requests. The ordinance clarifies that fees would apply for requests requiring substantial effort, such as reviewing older records, with requesters informed of estimated fees beforehand. This measure aims to ensure transparency and manage resources effectively while codifying existing legal allowances for special service charges, particularly relevant to body-worn camera footage.

The council introduced and moved forward with several ordinances, including one establishing the position of assistant township administrator to cover duties in the administrator’s absence. Updates from township departments revealed ongoing engineering projects, with improvements noted in traffic flow around Holmdel High School due to new traffic lights. Additionally, the fire department concluded its fire prevention week and is planning holiday season fundraising activities.

Library statistics highlighted strong community engagement, with approximately 6,800 visitors and over 1,300 reference requests for the month. Children’s programs remained popular, and the library added 349 new items to its collection. The mayor reported on the Harvest Fest, noting the participation of 1,500 to 2,000 attendees despite inclement weather. Plans for next year’s event are already underway.

Upcoming events include a senior Halloween luncheon for residents aged 62 and over, a large cultural event featuring over 24 restaurants and shops, and a Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Phillips Park. These events aim to foster community engagement and celebrate cultural and civic pride.