01:56The most substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to deliberations over a new ordinance regulating electric and motorized bicycles. The council’s discussion was sparked by similar regulations recently enacted in nearby Belmar and Manasquan, which have drawn attention due to community concerns about the safety and legal status of high-speed e-bikes. The proposed ordinance aims to establish clear guidelines for where and how e-bikes can be used within Lake Como, focusing on safety and consistency with neighboring towns.

04:10The council outlined the classification of electric bicycles into three classes, with Class one and Class two capping speeds at 20 miles per hour and not requiring registration or insurance. In contrast, Class three bicycles, which exceed this speed, do require registration and insurance akin to mopeds. Concerns were raised about the prevalent use of illegal high-speed bicycles by teenagers, prompting discussions about parental awareness and the potential need for increased enforcement and education.

06:59The council also debated the enforcement of these regulations, especially concerning juvenile riders of illegal bicycles. Officers have the authority to issue traffic summonses under Title 39 for individuals over 17, while younger riders may receive warnings or have their parents contacted. The police chief confirmed that officers can reach out to parents if they encounter minors riding illegal bicycles.

08:06Additionally, the council discussed community education on the new regulations, emphasizing the importance of informing parents about the legal requirements and dangers associated with e-bikes. Suggestions were made to distribute educational materials, potentially in collaboration with neighboring towns, once the ordinance is finalized. The discussion also touched on the inconsistency created by allowing those under 14 to ride low-speed bicycles on sidewalks, a practice permitted in some towns but not favored by the council due to safety concerns.

23:16Another topic was the introduction of Ordinance 2025-2, which amends park regulations to allow the borough to charge out-of-town teams for the use of local fields, while exempting Lake Como residents and students from these fees. This ordinance received unanimous support from the council, signaling a move to ensure that local resources are maintained for residents, while still accommodating visitors under a fair use policy.

24:51The meeting also addressed regulations for small wireless facilities, with Ordinance 2025-4 aiming to establish standards for deploying 5G technology in public rights-of-way. This ordinance seeks to balance the demands of the telecommunications industry with safety and aesthetic concerns.

19:13The council’s regular meeting included the review of several other ordinances and resolutions. Ordinance 2025-3, which proposed changes to handicap parking regulations, passed without public comment. Routine financial measures, such as Resolution 2025-61 authorizing payments from specific accounts and Resolution 2025-62 involving payment to New Jersey Natural Gas, were also approved.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council opened the floor for public comments, although no residents chose to speak. A motion was made to enter an executive session for discussions not suitable for public discourse, with the possibility of taking action on certain items afterward.