A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of the Watch Hills Regional High School budget by Dr. Elizabeth Jwitt, the superintendent, and Timothy Sty, the business administrator. The $54 million budget reflects a 2.77% increase from the previous year, driven by rising healthcare costs and special education expenses. Despite these financial challenges, the district has managed to achieve notable successes, including student accolades in various academic and athletic competitions. The budget details a continued investment in technology, with provisions for one-to-one Chromebooks for ninth graders and improvements to classroom facilities funded through a recent referendum and local surplus.

The budget presentation also highlighted staffing reductions due to declining student enrollment, which has decreased from about 2,300 students to under 1,700. This has necessitated a cut of three positions, including a high-level administrative role. The declining enrollment was attributed to demographic shifts, with community members choosing to remain in the area even after their children graduate. However, Dr. Jwitt expressed optimism about potential increases in student numbers due to ongoing construction and new housing developments, supported by an impending demographic study.

The meeting then addressed a request by John Rocker, managing member of BNK Homes LLC, for a zoning amendment concerning a property on Plainfield Road. The amendment seeks to allow residential units on the ground floor by removing the retail space originally planned for the development. This request aims to enhance the livability of the apartments and respond to market demands for quality rental housing. Rocker emphasized that the change would not alter the project’s footprint or design, and any modifications would still undergo planning board review and public hearings.

The discussion of zoning amendments was marked by concerns about potential traffic and parking impacts. The removal of retail space from the development was seen as a response to community feedback, with residents and council members acknowledging the existing traffic issues in the area. The proposal includes two options: maintaining 24 units with the removal of retail space, or increasing the total unit count to 26 by adding two additional units, including one affordable unit, without expanding the development’s footprint.

Community members, including a resident living adjacent to the proposed development, voiced concerns about increased traffic and safety. The resident highlighted challenges related to exiting their driveway amid traffic from nearby developments and advocated for a residential focus to alleviate these issues. The planning board confirmed the property’s zoning across from the Valley Mall and expressed openness to considering zoning adjustments for mixed-use developments.

The council also deliberated on an ordinance concerning the promotion process for a police chief, deciding to consult with the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police to establish a new procedure. An ordinance regarding fire prevention regulations was also discussed, with amendments proposed to update technical terminology.

In committee reports, the Parks and Recreation Department highlighted summer preparations, community engagement events, and initiatives for Mental Health Awareness Month. Upcoming events include a Memorial Day parade, car maintenance workshop, and Sterling Lake dance. The planning board report mentioned the approval of two ordinances and ongoing work on recommendations from the 2023 master plan. The library report celebrated its 20th anniversary and outlined community engagement activities, including a “tiny art” project and various events.

The administrator’s report provided updates on the New Jersey American Water sewer expansion project and the installation of electric vehicle chargers, exploring legal implications and potential RFPs. The discussion also covered the need to update the commercial vehicle ordinance to align with state standards and accommodate small business owners.