Gloucester Township School Board Tackles Student Safety and Community Engagement Initiatives

Overview: In a recent Gloucester Township School Board meeting, members discussed a range of topics with a focus on student safety and community involvement. The assembly highlighted the importance of Naloxone training for school staff, recognized student leadership, and engaged in debates on issues like sexting, vaping, and the expansion of school playgrounds.

Princeton Council Faces Opposition to Proposed Consolidation of Advisory Committees

Overview: The recent Princeton Council meeting was marked by community opposition to a proposed ordinance that would merge the Civil Rights Commission, Human Services Commission, and Affordable Housing Board into a single committee. The unified commission initiative sparked a debate, with numerous residents and current members of the committees voicing their concerns regarding the impact on civil rights, volunteer work, marginalized communities, and community engagement.

Atlantic County Board of Commissioners Deliberates on Budget, Health Benefits, and Regional Jail

Overview: The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners meeting underscored issues such as the rejection of the proposed health benefit plan by the state, the economic strain from state legislators’ salary increases, and the opioid epidemic’s impact. County Executive Dennis Levinson presented the 2024 budget, focusing on fiscal management and workforce initiatives, while expressing concerns over health benefit costs for county employees. The meeting also delved into the high detention rate and successful prosecutions by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the challenges at the Meadviw nursing home, and the exploration of a regional jail concept to improve fiscal efficiency.

Maplewood Council Responds to Security Breach at Elementary School, Advances Homelessness Strategy and Storm Preparedness

Overview: The Maplewood Town Council’s recent meeting tackled community concerns, including homelessness, children’s safety in schools, storm preparedness, and public safety. The council discussed initiatives to combat homelessness through a dedicated Street Outreach and Support Homelessness Intervention provider, emphasizing a housing-first model. School safety was brought to the forefront by a resident’s report of an unauthorized individual on elementary school grounds, prompting the council to consider increased patrols and safety education. The council also reviewed storm readiness and pedestrian safety, including traffic studies and potential traffic light installations.

New Brunswick Council Focuses on Major Water Treatment Plant Expansion

Overview: In a recent New Brunswick City Council meeting, attention was given to the city’s water treatment plant expansion and the rejection of current bids due to excessive costs. The lowest bid received was nearly 50% higher than expected, prompting a strategic re-evaluation of the project’s approach. The council plans to divide the work into smaller segments in hopes of attracting more competitive bids. The expansion aims to double the capacity of the membrane cells at the facility, transitioning from low pressure to high-pressure membranes.