The meeting kicked off with a presentation about the bus wrap design by a representative from Smith Manning, a graphic design company collaborating with the council. The intention behind the design is to make bus riding more enjoyable and accessible. The proposed design includes a circular logo with a green color scheme that aligns with the town’s branding, and it incorporates the use of an app called Tripshot, which allows riders to track the bus in real time.

However, the focal point of the discussion centered around the choice of mascot for the bus design. The council debated between a black squirrel and a frog, both of which hold cultural and ecological significance in Princeton. Proponents of the frog argued that it is a prevalent yet less visible part of the local ecosystem, with one council member stating that there are “probably a thousand times as many frogs in Princeton as there are squirrels.” They highlighted the frog’s visual appeal and its endangered status, which adds depth to the mascot choice.

The debate was lively, with council members weighing in on the merits of each mascot. The frog was favored for its whimsical and mythical qualities, and its image was seen as more striking compared to the squirrel. A council member even shared a personal anecdote about their affinity for frogs dating back to middle school.

Concerns were raised about the black squirrel’s existing associations within the community, including its use by local vendors and events. The designer assured that the squirrel image was custom-drawn for the project, but the council leaned towards the frog, noting its cohesive fit with the existing logo colors. The choice of frog also aligns with the council’s goal of creating an exciting and engaging brand for the bus service, encouraging residents to “get people on the bus using it and get excited about it.”

Following the mascot discussion, the council proceeded to address several resolutions. Resolution 26027, which introduced a Roth provision to an existing deferred compensation plan, was passed unanimously. Similarly, Resolution 26028, concerning the extension of a property lease and management agreement for a housing initiative on Clear View Avenue, received unanimous support. The council continued to approve a series of resolutions, including extensions of property leases for other locations and the awarding of a professional services agreement for legal services.

A notable discussion arose with Resolution 26033, which extended an agreement with Sustainable Princeton. Council members commended the organization for its contributions to sustainability and climate action planning in the community. They praised Sustainable Princeton’s focus on equity, especially in developing an equity toolkit, and suggested revisiting the topic of gas-powered leaf blowers for further environmental action.

The meeting concluded with a consent agenda, which included three items approved as a block by the council. Public comments were invited for items not on the agenda, but there were no responses from attendees or online participants. The session ended with a unanimous motion to adjourn.