The council’s discussions on code enforcement highlighted ongoing concerns about the effective implementation of ordinances, particularly those requiring landlord registration. Members expressed frustration over the selective enforcement of these regulations. This issue has been a longstanding concern within the township, and the council is now prioritizing efforts to enhance the department’s efficiency. During the meeting, council members agreed that addressing these challenges is important for maintaining community trust and ensuring the ordinances are executed fairly and consistently.

Attention then turned to the significant staffing issues facing the Jackson Police Department. The council acknowledged the struggle to recruit qualified officers, with ongoing efforts to hire six new officers to maintain current staffing levels. It was noted that the department’s long-term plan aims for a total of 135 officers, but recent personnel losses have posed challenges in reaching this target. The council discussed the need for additional hiring by year’s end to bolster the force, with a focus on enhancing traffic safety enforcement and addressing community concerns about erratic driving by school buses and children’s safety on bicycles.

The meeting also included updates on modernization initiatives within the Municipal Clerk’s office, with the introduction of an online payment system called “municip.” This new system aims to improve public accessibility by allowing residents to make various payments online. The council expressed their gratitude for these advancements, recognizing the importance of modernizing services to better serve the community, especially following previous staffing gaps in the office.

Community engagement remained a key theme throughout the council meeting. Members encouraged residents to attend meetings and participate in local governance, stressing the importance of countering misinformation and fostering transparency. The council also highlighted the recognition of Min Stop Deli and Market as the Small Business of the Month for February 2025, applauding their dedication to the Jackson community. Additionally, plans for the upcoming Jackson Easter Egg Hunt at the Jackson Justice Complex were shared, alongside details on a presentation about scams and fraud at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch.

Further discussions included traffic safety updates for Willow Drive and Valley Road. The council reported that the average daily vehicle volume on these roads was significant, with speeds recorded at 39 and 36 miles per hour, respectively. A comprehensive safety plan is being developed for Pitney Lane in response to resident concerns, with the council anticipating a report on potential solutions soon.

In administrative matters, the first reading and introduction of ordinance 20259 took place. The council emphasized the importance of compliance and efficiency, unanimously approving the motion to introduce the ordinance, with a public hearing scheduled for April 8, 2025.

Public comments during the meeting reflected diverse community concerns, from the condition of recently repaved roads to the enforcement of traffic rules for school buses and children’s safety. Residents raised issues about South New Prospect Road’s rapid deterioration and the erratic driving of private school buses. The council assured residents that these matters were being addressed, with plans to meet with school representatives and encourage residents to report specific incidents for further investigation.

Director of Public Safety, Joe Candido, provided updates on the police department, noting filled dispatch and records positions and the challenges of recruiting new officers. He detailed cost-saving measures achieved through adjustments in the police vehicle ordering process and the transition to a more cost-effective weapon system for officers. Candido also addressed concerns about outdated training manuals for dispatchers, assuring that updates were underway, and emphasized the efficiency of hiring already certified officers.