15:13A highlight of the meeting was the proposal presented by high school senior Grace Lar, aimed at promoting skin cancer prevention through the installation of a sunscreen dispenser at a town recreation area. Lar’s project, part of her Capstone assignment from the leadership academy, underscored the importance of accessible sun protection. She shared compelling statistics on skin cancer and explained the financial burden sunscreen can impose on families. The Richard David Kahn Melanoma Foundation has pledged to donate a dispenser along with an initial supply of sunscreen, capable of providing approximately 2,000 applications.

Council members were notably supportive, discussing the possibility of expanding the initiative to other parks and beaches. Questions were raised about securing the dispenser to prevent vandalism. A council member suggested placing educational materials alongside dispensers to inform the community about the risks of sun exposure during everyday activities. This discussion prompted plans for the recreation director to further explore the implementation of this public health measure.

Public comments during the meeting brought attention to a range of community concerns. A resident named Regina questioned the council’s decision to allow construction at the south docks to commence an hour earlier on Saturdays, at 8:00 a.m., citing potential noise disturbances for nearby residents. She highlighted the community’s desire for quiet weekend mornings and expressed dissatisfaction with the uneven distribution of salt on streets during winter maintenance operations.

Another resident raised the issue of the council meeting schedule, arguing that the current 6:00 p.m. start time is inconvenient for working individuals. Despite a council member noting that this time slot attracts more participants than later slots, the resident emphasized the need for a more inclusive schedule that accommodates those with longer work hours.

29:39The meeting also addressed concerns about snow removal on sidewalks, specifically on Dear Head Lake Road. A resident criticized the public works department for inadequate snow clearance, underscoring safety risks and urging the town manager to enforce timely snow removal. This concern highlighted the importance of maintaining safe pedestrian pathways during winter months.

In a lighter moment, a resident commented on the absence of Christmas decorations in town, attributing the shortage to costs imposed by the utility company, JCP&L, for pole installations. The council responded with humor.

0:00Deputy Mayor Steven Kennis took the opportunity to share important updates, expressing condolences for a recent fatal fire and acknowledging the township’s emergency services for their response. He reported a $40 million increase in assessments from new construction, translating to approximately $1 million in new property taxes, and noted a significant rise in affordable housing fees, raising concerns about housing affordability in light of escalating construction costs.

The council proceeded to approve various ordinances and resolutions, including setting salaries for special law enforcement officers and crossing guards, and authorizing contracts with the Lacey Township Crossing Guard Association. Authorization was also given for the tax assessor to file appeals to correct assessment errors, a routine procedure aligned with the Ocean County Board of Taxation. Additionally, the council confirmed the appointment of Matthew Copac as the new recycling coordinator and approved the hiring of seasonal laborers for the Department of Public Works.

29:39The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of community events, including a successful “Wreaths Across America” event that saw 500 wreaths placed in honor of veterans. The council also highlighted an upcoming presentation on the history of Cedar Bridge Tavern.