A major focal point was the potential revenue from cannabis sales, which sparked a detailed examination of the planning board’s master plan completion. This plan is set to be memorialized in a forthcoming resolution, with the council emphasizing the importance of expedience in the process to generate necessary revenue for the city. The commissioners recognized the financial benefits that cannabis sales could bring but acknowledged differing opinions on the specifics of the cannabis plan. Concerns were raised about neighborhood impacts and the strategic location of cannabis establishments. Some members expressed reluctance due to personal beliefs, yet a shared understanding emerged about establishing a robust foundation for cannabis businesses to ensure they become beneficial long-term partners for Millville.

Public comments echoed these concerns, with several residents opposing the idea of placing cannabis retail locations within the city center. They suggested instead that these businesses be located in industrial parks on the outskirts to avoid residential areas, citing potential negative impacts. There was also unanimous agreement among council members that no cannabis retail business would receive tax breaks or abatements.

The meeting also addressed a pressing police recruitment crisis. The police department is currently operating below its budgeted capacity, with 71 officers on the roster against a budget accommodating 85. Efforts to fill 15 open positions have been hampered by recruitment challenges, as more than half of the 87 applications received were either disqualified or withdrawn. The remaining candidates are undergoing background checks and physical assessments, with an academy session planned from August to January. This situation has prompted participation in programs like “Click It or Ticket” and distracted driving enforcement, alongside Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) funded patrols, to maintain public safety standards.

Another topic was the city’s budget, which faced scrutiny due to a clerical error tied to a $756,000 discrepancy associated with Village Drive. The council debated the implications of this error, with some members expressing strong opposition to the budget’s approval until the issues were resolved. The city’s budget consultant explained that the reserve for uncollected taxes had increased, highlighting a $19 million property value loss affecting future budgets. This created concerns about the sustainability of the city’s finances, especially with the fund balance projected to diminish if additional revenue sources are not identified.

The council also addressed the recent decision by the Holly City Development Corporation not to renew their partnership, which left members feeling disheartened. Samantha Cruz was assigned to take over the responsibilities previously managed by the corporation, with support from Heather Santoro. Despite the loss of the coordinator role, some council members reassured that the partnership might continue in some capacity, praising Cruz’s capability in handling the transition.

In terms of infrastructure, discussions included updates from the engineering department about ongoing projects like wastewater treatment upgrades and water main improvements. The council emphasized the importance of using in-house resources to manage these projects cost-effectively. A resolution to enter a closed session to discuss cannabis retail sales was also passed unanimously.

The public comment portion of the meeting saw residents voicing concerns about street sweeping frequency, parking issues, and the potential impact of cannabis retail on the community. Suggestions were made to enhance accessibility and safety in downtown Millville by purchasing electric golf carts to shuttle visitors during events. Additionally, residents advocated for increased police presence to address crime in parking areas.