16:43A significant highlight of the meeting was the ceremonial promotions within the police department. Detective Ricardo Cruz was promoted to sergeant, a moment celebrated with the presence of his family as he took the oath of office. Applause followed his swearing-in. Following Sergeant Cruz, Officer Robert Poss and Officer Nicholas Misara were also sworn in, each receiving warm congratulations and applause. The atmosphere was one of pride and gratitude, with the Mayor commending the leadership within the police department and expressing thanks for the officers’ contributions to the community.

0:04Another event was the recognition of the Middletown High School North boys and girls basketball teams, who both won the 2025 Shore B Coastal Division Championships. The teams were invited to the front, where the Mayor congratulated them on their successful seasons. He emphasized the honor of representing Middletown at a championship level and encouraged the athletes to view their achievements as a foundation for future endeavors. A coach from the basketball teams shared insights into the season, highlighting the camaraderie and perseverance that led to their success. The community’s support was acknowledged, and the Mayor reiterated the town’s pride in the teams’ accomplishments.

The meeting also celebrated the Elks Lodge 2179 for their success in the 2025 state ritual competition. The Mayor recognized their community service, recounting an instance where the Lodge provided a walker for a child in need. The Elks Lodge’s contributions, including honoring veterans and supporting youth athletics, were acknowledged, and a representative expressed gratitude for the community’s support.

16:43Amid these celebrations, the council addressed administrative matters. A public hearing was held for ordinance 2025-3457, concerning parking restrictions on Sunnyside Road. With no public comments, the ordinance was adopted unanimously. The consent agenda, covering resolutions 25-125 through 25-140, was approved, with Resolution 25-136 handled separately. This resolution authorized an amended shared services agreement for municipal court services with the Bureau of Keyport, passing despite one committee member’s recusal.

The council also authorized a place-to-place transfer for the expansion of premises for Deino Group LLC, trading as Port Side Bar and Liquors, with unanimous approval. During the comments section, a council member reflected on a visit to the Elks Lodge, expressing pride in their achievements and noting the significance of their ritual proceedings.

46:22Public comments included concerns from resident Susan McKitis about the Superfund Act and its implications. Don Watson, another resident, raised issues about an unpaved section of Main Street in Port Monmouth, disrupted by utility work. A council member assured Watson that the street is prioritized for repairs, though other roads in worse condition might take precedence. David Filicoba, a local student, questioned the purchase of several trucks, to which a council member responded, explaining that the purchase aimed to replace aging public works vehicles.

A committee member acknowledged the efforts of the fire department during a recent structure fire, commending the coordination of approximately 62 volunteers.