Vandalism in local parks was a concern, prompting council members to consider a variety of strategies to deter such activities. The damage to public properties necessitates a multifaceted approach, which includes the installation of better surveillance cameras, increasing police patrols, and encouraging community engagement to foster a sense of responsibility among residents, particularly the youth. To further safeguard the facilities, the council debated the implementation of anti-climb fencing and automatic locks for park restrooms.

The Department of Public Works contributed to the discussion with updates on cardboard and brush pickup schedules and acknowledged the receipt of a check for recycled cardboard and paper. The department also highlighted the need for additional trash and recycling receptacles throughout the borough, especially near schools, to promote tidiness and proper waste disposal. The conversation also touched on the importance of courteous signage to remind park users to maintain cleanliness for the benefit of the entire community.

Public safety was another focal point, with reports of increased motor vehicle burglaries and thefts. The Chief of Police recognized the achievements of an officer who recovered a stolen firearm and made several narcotics arrests. To enhance pedestrian safety, efforts are being made to target motor vehicles for compliance with pedestrian crossing laws.

On the topic of infrastructure, the council discussed the persistent flooding issues on a particular street, considering the peculiar setup of the road and its drainage. Solutions such as the potential installation of storm basins were evaluated for their cost and feasibility to alleviate the concerns, especially in areas lacking adequate drainage systems.

The Recreation and Fire Councilman updated on upcoming events, including a townwide Easter egg hunt and sports activities, while the Education, Health, and Human Services Councilwoman reported on the local library’s initiatives and the next Board of Health meeting. She underscored the importance of pre-registration for library events due to limited space.

Financial discussions were at the forefront as the council grappled with the 2024 budget. Notable challenges included increases in group insurance, debt service, and costs associated with the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority. While some budget decreases were identified, the use of the Municipal Relief Fund was proposed to counterbalance the overall budget rise. The impact of increased property values on the library’s budget was also a point of consideration.

A debate ensued over the precise percentage of the tax increase attributable to the municipality, with a rough estimate of around 30% being discussed. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of data used for school funding allocation, particularly the reported surge in property values and household income. One council member was skeptical of these figures, stating, “I don’t believe that our income went up 29% per household and our property values went up 75%,” and planned to seek clarification from the state.

In legislative actions, the council approved the introduction of an ordinance to establish a cap bank for the calendar year 2024 and another to amend the Police Department’s organizational structure. The proposed 2024 Municipal budget was also approved for introduction, with a public hearing and final adoption scheduled for April 17, 2024.

Public comments included a resident’s offer to allow drainage installation on their property to address their street’s flooding problem and the sharing of relevant photos. Concerns were voiced about the burden of water drainage falling solely on one resident. Additionally, preparations for the upcoming street fair were mentioned, with inquiries about stage setup for a potential music performance.