During the meeting, the council delved into the noise and disturbance issues caused by events at St. Paul’s, which have been a source of frustration for nearby residents. One resident, Judy Scalla, detailed her experiences with noise disruptions including loud parties extending late into the night, which led her to call the police. The council noted that the code enforcement officer had been involved, resulting in a summons issued for improper use of the property. Dave Hastings, the president of the church’s consist, acknowledged the problem and outlined steps being taken to mitigate the situation, including revising rental agreements and consulting with law enforcement.

The council also discussed park improvements, with Michael Shakaron from the Environmental Commission raising concerns about the removal of trees for a new bike path. Shakaron emphasized the importance of considering the caliber and species of the trees and suggested replacing them elsewhere if necessary. Despite the opportunity for public comment on this matter, no comments were made.

Another topic that garnered attention was the authorization of personnel action for the municipal court, which involved hiring two on-call part-time clerks due to vacancies in court administration. There was some debate about the nature of these positions and whether a court administrator or deputy was needed.

The meeting included updates from various departments, with the Milltown Electric Utility reporting on maintenance and repair activities including the installation of new conductors and balancing circuits. The Water Utility addressed regular monitoring and repairs at pump stations, while the Department of Public Works (DPW) provided updates on street sweeping and ongoing maintenance at borough facilities. The Senior Center highlighted their activities and upcoming events, including bus trips and informational sessions.

Reports from the Public Safety Committee outlined the Milltown Police Department’s intensified speeding enforcement and the need for background checks on solicitor permits. The Milltown Fire Department acknowledged the assistance of fire rescue workers in a North Brunswick warehouse fire and the need for new fire department members. The Milltown Rescue Squad announced a spring onboarding process for individuals interested in becoming EMTs.

Further discussions at the council meeting included the potential drafting of an ordinance for food trucks and farm stands, addressing the proposal for single-sided parking on JFK Drive, and the submission of a letter of intent for a County open space grant for improvements to Albert Avenue Park.

Old business items included the sale of surplus equipment and the work being done at the old electric substation and the Schinman Cabin. The council moved to approve the additional expenditures for the architect’s work on these projects, not to exceed $7,500.

Councilman Felipe Zambrana raised the issue of revisiting the agreement with North Brunswick regarding the use of Milltown’s court system, highlighting wear and tear on the facility. The council agreed to formalize the agreement and directed the business administrator to initiate the process with involvement from the DPW and finance departments.

On the topic of infrastructure, the council discussed the paving of Main Street and the coordination with the county for curb and sidewalk work. Questions were raised about the grant application process for the D-snagging of Mill Pond and the possibility of securing additional funding with county representatives’ involvement.

The council also took time to express gratitude for the efforts of first responders, the Public Works department, and the community’s openness to dialogue. Announcements were made about local businesses, including the upcoming opening of an urgent care facility, with plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.