The promotion process for the Chief of Police was a central topic, with the council considering an ordinance to formalize the procedure. It was proposed that candidates must be current members of the Long Hill Police Department, with a minimum of one year as a lieutenant or three years as a sergeant, and hold a bachelor’s degree. The ordinance requires examinations by the New Jersey State Police Chiefs Association. Discussions revealed differing opinions on the adequacy of the proposed experience requirement, with one member advocating for a longer service period, expressing concerns that the current proposal could lead to appointing an underprepared individual. Public comments reflected similar concerns, with one resident recalling a previously discussed longer experience requirement.

The meeting further explored the township’s salary range structures, particularly focusing on positions reportedly at the high end of their salary range. The council discussed the township administrator’s salary, which ranges from $75,000 to $180,000 annually, debating whether this was competitive compared to neighboring municipalities. The dialogue included comparisons with other townships, raising questions about the appropriateness of Long Hill’s salary cap. Public comments questioned the high salary of the public safety director, set at $217,000, and asked for clarification on why there was a significant gap compared to similar positions elsewhere. The council clarified that the current range was established with careful consideration of the role’s responsibilities.

Community safety initiatives were also highlighted during the meeting. The police department’s acquisition of new body-worn cameras, facilitated by a $222,000 grant application, was discussed. The new equipment, intended to be updated every ten years due to technological advancements, was delivered recently, with plans for deployment underway. Additionally, the council noted the full operation of the Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) system, funded by a $72,000 grant, which will assist officers in tracking stolen vehicles across county lines.

In terms of community engagement, the “Coffee with a Cop” event was praised for its success, fostering positive interactions between residents and law enforcement. The initiative was part of broader efforts to enhance community relations, including recent police patrols in residential neighborhoods aimed at increasing the visibility of law enforcement and providing residents with a sense of security.

Public comments during the meeting also touched upon the township’s new website, with inquiries about its search engine capabilities and the inclusion of historical data. Questions were raised about the continued use of the SDL portal and the efficiency of township employees with the new system. The council assured that training would be provided to ensure that department heads could manage updates independently.