Public comments during the meeting were dominated by opposition to the proposed gas station and convenience store at the historic Warden House site. Residents voiced strong concerns about the impact of this development on the town’s character, traffic congestion, and the preservation of historical landmarks. One resident lamented, “The town has gotten to be so congested,” reflecting widespread frustration over perceived overdevelopment. Others echoed these sentiments, questioning why the local government seemed to prioritize commercial interests over community and historical preservation. Statements like “Why are we erasing history?” and “The selling of this property is appalling” underscored the emotional weight of the issue.

The discourse revealed a broader dissatisfaction with town governance, with some residents feeling neglected and unheard. A speaker pointed out that the mayor received only 3,900 votes out of 22,000 registered voters, arguing that this low turnout undermined claims of a mandate. This sentiment was echoed by others who criticized the council for not adhering strictly to zoning laws and allowing commercial projects that they felt were detrimental to the town’s identity.

The council also discussed a resolution opposing the Home-Based Jobs Creation Act, which would bypass local zoning regulations for home-based businesses. This legislation, if passed, would classify certain businesses as permitted accessory uses, overriding existing local land use ordinances. The council voted in favor of the resolution, expressing concern over the potential implications of such legislative changes on local governance and community planning.

In a positive turn, the meeting saw the promotion of Officer Scott Keefe to the rank of police sergeant. The chief of police introduced Keefe, highlighting his extensive experience and qualifications, including his role as a field training officer and a drug recognition expert. Keefe’s notable achievements, such as locating a missing endangered person with an ATV and receiving multiple awards for DWI enforcement, were praised. The council members expressed their congratulations, emphasizing Keefe’s intimate knowledge of the township and his long-term residency as beneficial to his new leadership role.

Another topic discussed was the “Turn the Town Teal” initiative, a campaign to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. A resident proposed posting teal ribbons around the town to honor her mother-in-law and educate the public about the symptoms of ovarian cancer. The council unanimously approved the special use permit for this initiative, allowing the ribbons to be displayed throughout September.

The council also addressed various property sales and ordinances. The first reading of ordinances included the sale of an undersized lot for $17,500 to adjoining property owners and the sale of a triangular lot in the business park to the County of Ocean for $150,000. Both motions received unanimous support. Additionally, the council conducted a second reading and approved an ordinance amending Chapter 313, which pertains to trees, with no public comments received.

Personnel appointments included the hiring of John Soav Veto Kho and Joseph Admission as full-time laborers for the Department of Public Works and the welcoming of Cassidy L. May as a full-time public safety telecommunicator trainee for the police department. The Chief acknowledged May’s local ties and academic background, and the council expressed enthusiasm for her joining the team.

Several resolutions awarded contracts for municipal projects, including painting services for the Lacey Harbor EMS building and roof renovations at the Lacey Food Bank building. The council also approved the refund of municipal truck parking fees and deposits for municipal facilities and authorized the payment of township bills totaling over $11 million.

During the committee comments segment, members highlighted community engagement initiatives such as the successful “Stuff the Bus” event, which collected supplies for local schools, and a concert featuring music from Elton John and Billy Joel. Public comments also included a presentation from Heather Scandin of the Municipal Alliance, who discussed the upcoming 5K race to support programs affected by funding cuts due to the pandemic.