The meeting’s most topic centered around the Middlesex Fire Department’s volunteer shortfall, presented by Chief Ken Bartkowski. The department, operating since 1905 with four independent volunteer fire companies, is experiencing a membership decline from 82 active firefighters in 2018 to just 61. Chief Bartkowski emphasized the importance of rapid response times in emergencies, especially given Middlesex’s vulnerability to flooding, stating that a fire engine or chief officer typically arrives within eight minutes. However, he warned that without new recruits, the department may struggle to maintain this efficiency.

To combat this, the fire department has enrolled five new members at the fire academy, marking a significant recruitment success, yet underscoring the need for more personnel. The chief expressed challenges in attracting volunteers, noting a shift in motivations over the last 20 to 30 years, with many potential recruits seeking compensation for their time. Nearby departments offering incentives like tax breaks and monetary compensation have made recruitment competitive. Bartkowski stressed the need for further incentives, such as end-of-year monetary rewards, to bolster volunteer numbers.

The council also addressed the debated recycling center on Pond Avenue, operated by Middlesex Property LLC. Concerns were raised about the center’s classification, originally submitted as a Class D recycling permit, which does not exist, causing confusion and frustration among residents. The facility, described as a chemical processing plant, plans to process latex paints, raising safety and environmental fears. Residents questioned the adequacy of safety protocols, particularly the fire suppression system in the 1967 building and the handling of non-latex waste.

Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk echoed concerns, noting discrepancies in the facility’s application for a Class D recycling center. He highlighted that a recycling center is not permitted in the industrial zone and would require Joint Land Use Board approval. Potential air quality, health risks, and environmental impacts were emphasized, prompting the mayor to seek further clarification and anticipate a reapplication.

Additional concerns were voiced about hazardous material management and flood safety. Community members criticized the handling of contaminated dirt projects, citing mud-tracking trucks as a breach of protocol. The absence of a floodplain ordinance was noted as a barrier to securing utilities and chemicals during floods, potentially endangering first responders.

The council meeting also covered the Cedar Avenue railroad crossing’s safety improvements. Despite previous actions by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), long-term solutions remain unaddressed. Council members debated forming a committee to explore further measures, reflecting frustration with the pace of progress. Calls for immediate action to prevent future accidents were made, with proposals for ordinances to penalize traffic obstruction at the crossing.

Beyond these main topics, the council approved several ordinances, including creating a Green Team subcommittee under the Environmental Commission. The council president extended gratitude to Chief Bartkowski for his service and acknowledged Kristen Bennett’s contributions to the Parks Improvement Committee. The mayor announced a town hall meeting, the first in over 15 years, scheduled for October 29th.