In a detailed presentation, the council discussed efforts to combat illegal sales of tobacco and nicotine products, particularly flavored vape products, to minors. The ordinance, adopted in April 2023, includes summonses for violations such as selling tobacco or nicotine products to individuals under 21, selling flavored electronic smoking devices, and failing to maintain required retailer licenses. Financial penalties start at $1,000 for the first offense and escalate to $2,000 for subsequent violations. Enforcement efforts revealed that illegal flavored vapes were widely available in Howell’s convenience stores and shops. Educational visits were conducted to inform retailers about the new regulations, followed by sting operations which identified multiple violations, leading to the closure of one business and several retailers choosing not to renew their licenses.

John Agar from Code Enforcement reported identifying 37 establishments selling illegal products. Despite educational visits, 43% of these retailers were still found in violation. Four summonses were issued, and one business closed as a direct result of enforcement efforts. Captain Tom Rizzo of the Howell Police emphasized the collaborative effort among departments to protect youth from the dangers of nicotine and flavored vape products, noting that the ordinance was designed to provide both educational approaches and legal repercussions for violations. Over a two-day period, 21 violations were recorded, potentially resulting in $24,000 in fines, though these fines would still require court adjudication.

The council’s unanimous adoption of the ordinance reflects a dedicated response to the ongoing youth vaping epidemic and the need for stricter regulations surrounding tobacco and nicotine sales in Howell Township.

The meeting also addressed an electoral error involving a candidate, Danielle Denoi, who was mistakenly placed on the ballot for Howell’s District 13 despite residing in District 22. After winning a position she was not eligible for, Denoi was appointed to the correct district following a resignation. Concerns were raised about how to fill the vacancy in District 13, with one council member arguing that the error skewed election results and that the remaining candidates should be considered based on their vote counts. They warned against setting a precedent that allows committee appointments to override the electorate’s decision, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established electoral rules.

In response, a representative clarified that the council could not involve itself in partisan politics and that their role was limited to overseeing elections and certifications, promising to provide relevant legal statutes governing such scenarios. The administration reiterated that they could not intervene in matters of partisan appointments, expressing confidence that the situation would be evaluated according to established statutes.

The council also discussed various community projects and events. Updates were provided on the final summer concert rescheduled for August 28th, the success of movies in the park, and upcoming fall events, including a Fall Fest and Turkey Trot. Ongoing paving programs were mentioned, with improvements on Lane’s Mill and updates on park facilities such as the rink at Deerwood and planned resurfacing of basketball courts at Oak Glenn. A notable project is the conversion of an old softball field into new pickleball courts.

A public hearing on plans for Soldier Memorial Park highlighted the longstanding issue of inadequate bathroom facilities. Creative solutions involving portable restroom facilities were proposed, along with plans for shade structures and storage buildings.

Legal updates included a recent litigation matter involving the mobile home rent control board. A mobile home owner’s request for a 5% rent increase was reduced to 2.5% by the board, a decision upheld by the court as within the board’s rights.

During the public comments section, a resident named Civya AZ from Manchester Township expressed admiration for the council’s efforts in youth engagement and community service, particularly in addressing child care needs. She proposed opening a daycare at a recently acquired property by Howell Township, emphasizing the need for such facilities in the area.

Another resident, Patrick Garfa, addressed election discrepancies, detailing the situation involving Danielle Denoi and raising concerns about how to fill the vacancy in District 13. He argued against the Republican committee’s suggested appointment process, emphasizing the need to respect the voters’ will and avoid setting a precedent that allows committee appointments to override election results.

The council also discussed the evaluation of a property in a critical area of town, noting that no firm decisions had been made regarding its future use. Positive feedback on community events, including summer concerts and the development of pickleball courts, was shared. Concerns about the library’s roof were raised, with assurances that the Department of Public Works would address the issue before winter.