The council’s deliberations on traffic and safety measures near Columbia High School emerged as a primary focus, with particular attention to student drop-offs on Parker Avenue. The council considered a proposal for a township ordinance that would ban drop-offs and pickups on Parker Avenue between Valley and Prospect during school days. This proposal aims to address safety concerns, as current practices have been deemed hazardous, with vehicles often impeding traffic and children being dropped off in the middle of the road. Eight tickets had been issued for stopping in travel lanes, prompting the council to consider an ordinance that would simplify enforcement. The council also acknowledged ongoing complications from New Jersey American Water’s construction, which affects traffic patterns in the area.

Another discussion involved the traffic improvement initiative on Parker Avenue, which includes the development of bike lanes. The council proposed awarding a contract to SLI and Sun General Contracting for $374,331.75 to fund traffic enhancements, such as curbing work, new crosswalks, and high-intensity beacons. The bike lanes will be clearly marked, and the council discussed creating an ordinance to prohibit parking in these lanes, referencing similar measures in Hoboken and Jersey City. The ordinance would allow exceptions for construction and emergency vehicles, and there was debate on the appropriate fines for violations.

The meeting also addressed the Jitney transportation service, where fee increases were proposed to cover rising operational costs. The council recommended increasing the annual parking fee from $330 to $400 and the Jitney parking combo from $360 to $415. A 10% increase in the Jitney fee, raising it from $150 to $165, was also proposed. These adjustments aim to encourage the use of Jitneys over single-occupant vehicles, alleviating traffic congestion and parking challenges. While some members supported the increases, there was concern about maintaining affordable fares to encourage ridership. Despite the proposed increases, Jitney revenue is expected to cover only 15% of operational costs, with a target recovery range of 35% to 40%.

The council further explored community events and initiatives, highlighting a meditation series starting on November 20, senior programming events, and the annual tree lighting ceremony on December 13. The council emphasized the importance of informing residents about these events to boost participation. Additionally, discussions regarding the recycling program brought attention to the types of plastics accepted by the township’s contractor, Beayshore. Maplewood currently promotes recycling plastics numbered one, two, and five, while Beayshore accepts numbers one through seven. The council debated the environmental impact and market limitations of recycling less recyclable plastics, with calls for improved communication to educate residents about recycling practices.

In the public comment portion, concerns were raised about the Megaplewood Village Alliance’s proposal for paid parking in the village. Ruth Beckerman Redau questioned the necessity of paid parking for enforcing existing regulations and suggested shortening the seasonal duration of parking spaces allocated for restaurants. The council acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need for ongoing deliberation on parking issues.