The meeting began with a presentation acknowledging Malbourne Tavern for its substantial contribution to Veterans Village. Mayor Tony Perry highlighted the charitable efforts of Dan Faresi, the tavern’s owner, who orchestrated a fundraising event that donated 100% of meal proceeds to the veterans’ housing initiative, amassing an impressive $11,000. As a token of appreciation, Mayor Perry presented Faresi with a key to the township. The audience was invited to join in a round of applause for Malbourne Tavern, celebrating its generosity and community spirit.

The meeting then shifted to recognizing the long-standing service of Stanley A. Midos and Michael D. Beran, both of whom had dedicated 50 years to the Middletown Township Fire Company Number One. Mayor Perry and other committee members expressed admiration for their commitment and contributions to the community’s safety. The fire department, being all-volunteer, was lauded for its consistency and the depth of experience within its ranks. Beran shared a humorous memory of a particularly cold day in 1977, emphasizing the challenges faced by firefighters. The recognition ceremonies fostered a tone of camaraderie and appreciation among attendees.

However, the meeting also addressed community concerns. A resident raised issues regarding property management and tax assessment practices, particularly focusing on the cleanliness of the area around Jersey Pride. The resident criticized the neglect of the lots, mentioning specific debris like a metal saw blade and scattered glass. The call for stricter enforcement by code officials was emphasized as a means to mitigate health and safety risks, especially with an increasing number of seniors frequenting the area. The resident stressed the need for a meeting with landlords to address these cleanliness issues and proposed fencing in garbage receptacles to contain overflow.

In addition to property management concerns, Mark Saparowski addressed the township’s real-time property tax assessment system. He argued for Middletown to opt out of the program, citing its negative impact on homeowners due to annual reassessments that raised property values. Saparowski detailed the burden placed on seniors and families with fixed incomes, noting that Middletown was the only municipality in New Jersey still using the program after others had withdrawn. He criticized a letter included with tax bills that blamed the board of education for tax increases, describing it as lacking context and amounting to unnecessary politicking.

In response, a council member defended the governing body, clarifying that they did not set the budget resulting in a 10.1% tax increase. The member pointed out the complexities of tax contributions from the school, municipal, and county portions, stressing that the increase should not be attributed to a single entity. The exchange highlighted ongoing community concerns about tax policy and the need for transparent communication with residents.

Following the public discussions, the committee introduced a series of proclamations recognizing various observances, including November 2025 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and December 7, 2025, as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Three proposed ordinances were also introduced, concerning a conservation easement, a right-of-way dedication, and amendments to health-related fee schedules. Each ordinance passed its first reading unanimously, with public hearings scheduled for December 15, 2025.

The meeting concluded with community announcements and acknowledgments. Mayor Perry congratulated Deputy Mayor Rick W. Hibell and Committeeman Kevin M. Settembrino on their recent re-elections and highlighted the success of a tree lighting event organized by the Middletown Arts Center. A forthcoming fundraiser at Rosy’s Pizza, set for December 3, was announced, with 40% of proceeds designated for Middletown Helps Its Own, an organization aiding residents in need.