The council announced a transition from the existing “nixel” alert system to the “code red” alert system. Mayor Kevin G. Higgins, who updated the council on this change, cited the inconvenience and limitations of the shared nixel system with neighbouring Belmar as the primary reason for this switch. The new system, solely for Lake Como residents, promises to provide alerts through a mobile app, phone calls, and text messages. Details on how residents can sign up for the new system are expected to be provided soon.

Another significant topic of discussion was a bonding ordinance proposed by Council President Douglas E. Witte. The ordinance seeks to allocate $300,000 for the demolition of a structure in the borough yard and the subsequent construction of a new building. Witte suggested that the project could commence as early as January, once the second reading of the ordinance is completed.

The council also discussed road improvements in the Lake Como area. A bond ordinance will allocate $155,000, including a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, for improvements on 17th Avenue and Margam Avenue. Further clarification about potential additional costs not covered by the grant, such as engineering expenses, was sought by council members.

In terms of community initiatives, Councilwoman Hawley Scull promoted the upcoming tree lighting and Small Business Saturday event, featuring various vendors, a hot chocolate truck, a beer truck, a face painter, and Santa Claus. She also highlighted the Giving Tree program, which allows community members to pick tags for children in need for gift-giving. The unwrapped gifts are requested to be returned by December 14th.

Additionally, Councilwoman Heather Albala-Doyle shared the promising news that the recreation department would be going out to bid in December for a playground, with work expected to commence in early 2024. Councilman Chris D’Antuono congratulated Candid Garden for receiving the 2023 Environmental Achievement Award from the Association of the New Jersey Environmental Commissions, an accolade that recognized the Patchwork for Wildlife program, an eco-friendly landscape initiative in Lake Como.

Councilman Nick DeMauro reported on the Department of Public Works (DPW), confirming that all brush and leaves have been cleared prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. DeMauro also reminded residents that recycling collection would not occur on Thanksgiving Day and that the council would continue collecting brush for two more weeks.