A major point of concern raised during the meeting was the increase in electric scooters and bikes within the township. The police chief highlighted the safety risks associated with these vehicles, especially when operated on sidewalks, creating potential hazards for pedestrians. This concern led to a proposal for a new ordinance aimed at restricting the use of electric scooters and bikes on sidewalks. The chief emphasized the need to balance the safety of pedestrians with the ability of children to use bicycles. This proposal was presented as part of broader efforts to enhance public safety and ensure the township’s pathways are safe for all residents.

Infrastructure improvements were another critical area of discussion. The council received updates on various ongoing projects, including the restoration of Fox Farm Road, which had been damaged by storms in July 2023. An encouraging meeting with the Highlands Council was mentioned, focusing on obtaining necessary permits for the restoration. The demolition of the town pool was also reported as nearly complete, with only minor cleanup remaining. The Stonehenge Drive improvements project is set to commence soon, with a pre-construction meeting scheduled and a projected duration of three weeks for the work, pending weather conditions. Additionally, the public works garage is nearing completion, requiring only final punch list items, and the South Fifth Street curb improvements are expected to be finished before Thanksgiving.

The council also tackled issues related to Vine Alley, where garbage trucks had encroached on a resident’s property by approximately five to six feet. Plans were disclosed to install curbing and conduct additional paving to rectify the situation. This discussion highlighted a historical neglect of alley maintenance, with one council member noting a lack of work in the area over the past 21 years. The council expressed a commitment to addressing these long-standing infrastructure issues.

Community engagement and resource management were also addressed, with acknowledgment given to the Department of Public Works for facilitating the storage of 300 tons of salt, essential for road maintenance. Discussions also involved the arrival of new equipment intended to enhance road maintenance efforts without damaging existing surfaces. However, the equipment had not yet arrived, despite being expected for two consecutive Fridays. The transition into leaf season was mentioned, with preparations underway to manage storm drains and other seasonal tasks. Acknowledgment was made of manpower shortages, which had resulted in fewer storm drains being serviced this year compared to the usual number.

During the public comment section, resident Sam Joseph raised a concern over a rejected fencing permit application, which was denied due to its proposed location within a township drainage easement. Joseph referenced a neighbor with a similar situation who had successfully installed a fence, seeking an exemption from the council. The council agreed to investigate further, with the possibility of granting an exemption at the next meeting following a review of the drainage piping’s exact location.

Additionally, resident Pam Thomas expressed gratitude on behalf of a Girl Scout troop for using the park pavilion for a recruitment event. She acknowledged the support received from Fire Chief Lawler and another town official, noting the event’s success and the positive experience of the participants.

The meeting concluded with administrative matters, including the approval of bills, with one exception for payment to the New Jersey Department of Health for vital statistics forms that had not yet been received. The council unanimously approved the payment of the remaining bills.