The meeting commenced with a presentation to the Old Bridge Soccer Club, particularly lauding the 2011 Girls Thunder team for clinching the New Jersey State Cup President’s title. President Arty Zanini acknowledged the club’s achievements and extended thanks to Mayor Owen Henry for his support. The team’s coach and players were individually acknowledged and presented certificates for their dedication and hard work.

Subsequent to the presentation, the council tackled the bill list, which included accounts payable and payroll. Following a detailed breakdown of expenses, the list was approved. However, during the public hearing for second ordinances for second reading, Councilman Kevin Garcia proposed to table one of the ordinances, H3, due to concerns from council members and a need for further discussion with the new administration. The motion to table the ordinance was unanimously approved.

The council then embarked on the remaining ordinances for public hearing. The first ordinance, H1, aimed to amend the Old Bridge Township Code and was amended to include a reference to a specific section of the code before being unanimously approved. The second ordinance, H2, sought to amend the Old Bridge Township Land Development ordinance, which was also unanimously approved following a consistent review from the planning board. The final ordinance, H4, related to vacating a portion of the township right of way not needed for public use and sanctioning its sale was approved unanimously.

The council also considered an ordinance amending the Old Bridge Township Code regarding speed limits on Schulmeister Road and Aster Circle. Another ordinance tackled the township’s traffic section of the code regarding the use of fuel pumps and purchase of fuel for fire district 2 vehicles. Both ordinances were approved unanimously.

Councilwoman Jill DeCaro then highlighted a resolution supporting nurses, expressing gratitude to those who brought the issue to their attention. The council unanimously passed the resolution in support of nurses.

The Throckmorton Lane Phase 1 and 2 resurfacing project, fully funded by NJDOT grants, was also discussed. Public hearings were announced to seek funding for the construction of an inclusive playground at GE Park and a full-size synthetic soccer field at Ty toown Road Park through the State of New Jersey Green Acres Program.

The council also discussed the Christmas Day recycling schedule, announcing that curbside recycling would be picked up on Saturday, December 30th and that Christmas trees would be picked up during the week of January 8, 2024.

In the public comment section, Antonio Carvalo expressed concern about a policy in the schools while Mary Salmon, a Central Park resident, expressed frustration about the lack of communication regarding construction on Route 34 bridge over former Brick Yard Road.