A primary focus of the meeting was the discussion and approval of a new route for the Lake Como Day 5K. The council deliberated on the proposed changes which will see the race starting on 18th Avenue and ending on Parkway, a route that will close fewer streets than the previous year. The revised path is expected to limit road closures to approximately 15 minutes, shorter than past closures of up to an hour. The council’s decision came after careful consideration of the impact on traffic and the necessary coordination with neighboring towns like Belmar and Spring Lake. Concerns were raised about the availability of volunteers to manage the event, but past experiences suggest that sufficient manpower will be organized.

Another highlight from the meeting was the successful hosting of an event featuring New York Times bestselling author Adriana Triana. The author, known for her new book “The View from Lake Ko,” was invited to Lake Como for a meet and greet session. The event was well-received, allowing the community to engage with Triana, who has researched the area to ensure geographical accuracy in her writing.

Additionally, the council addressed special event permits, approving a block party for 19th Avenue. The permit was granted with the condition that all neighbors are informed and agreeable to the event. Another block party application for Greenwood was deferred due to the absence of a representative.

The meeting also included routine financial resolutions, including the approval of payments from various accounts and a budget amendment public hearing. The budget amendment involved reallocating funds within the water and sewer account to address a deferred charge identified in the 2022 audit.