43:55One of the central topics of the meeting was a discussion about distracted driving, spurred by a resident who shared a personal story about a colleague killed by a distracted driver. This resident called for a report on the effectiveness of a recent traffic enforcement initiative, emphasizing the need for continued enforcement to deter dangerous driving habits. In response, a police official discussed the establishment of an aggressive driving detail and noted a visible police presence on Route 9, an area with the highest number of accidents in the corridor for 2023. The official mentioned ongoing efforts to secure grants for traffic enforcement and invited council members to join a new traffic safety committee focusing on Disbra Road, acknowledging its complexities due to proximity to major roads.

39:52Traffic safety on Disbra Road was a recurring concern during public comments. Residents described the road as narrow and dangerous, with speeding vehicles posing a threat to those exiting driveways and to children crossing the street. They urged the council to consider converting Disbra Road into a one-way street to improve safety. In response, a council member highlighted a petition supporting this change, citing frequent near-misses and the road’s use as a shortcut by non-residents. The council showed attentiveness to these concerns, promising to review the petition and consider potential solutions.

57:50Another major topic was the local school board’s budget and its impact on property taxes. Several council members expressed concern over recent tax increases, noting that the board of education had already raised taxes by about 10%. They voiced worries about the sustainability of such increases and criticized state-level decisions, which they felt contributed to financial strain on local taxpayers. The council members emphasized the need for accurate communication regarding tax issues, condemning misinformation on social media and urging residents to seek factual information from official sources.

52:26Alongside the discussion of the school board budget, the council addressed upcoming property re-evaluations. The mayor explained that assessments would lead to changes in property values, with some increasing and others decreasing. The council stressed that the pilot agreement for new warehouses had not been signed and clarified that the township was not responsible for the re-evaluation process, as it was a county matter. They encouraged residents to direct questions to the tax assessor and the chief financial officer.

07:46The meeting also featured proclamations for National Public Works and Police Weeks. The mayor praised the local Public Works Department, led by Director Casey Lenning, for their critical role in maintaining infrastructure and public health. Similarly, the police department was recognized for their courage and integrity, with Chief Montagan acknowledging the support from the council and community and highlighting positive feedback from residents.

13:53The council proceeded with appointments, nominating Antonio Carllo to the Old Bridge Housing Authority, a decision that passed unanimously. They also addressed ordinances, including an amended redevelopment plan and changes to the land development code, both of which were approved without public comment or dissent. Additionally, the council introduced an ordinance fixing salaries for certain township officers and employees for 2025, setting a public hearing for June 3, 2025.

24:30The consent agenda saw a shared services agreement with the Board of Education for using the Department of Public Works garage to store school buses. This agreement was extended for another year.