16:56The meeting’s most development was the discussion about the financial difficulties facing Princeton public schools. Daffhany Kendall, president of the Princeton Board of Education, highlighted the recent notification of a 3% reduction in state aid, compounded by the potential loss of over a million dollars in federal funding. Kendall underlined the reliance on the local tax levy, which is capped annually at 2%, placing a substantial burden on taxpayers. The council voted unanimously in favor of a resolution that aims to support the schools amid these fiscal constraints. A council member emphasized the importance of the resolution in providing critical resources for education, acknowledging the efforts of former board colleagues in benefiting local students.

08:25Another issue discussed was the parking situation affecting residents of McClean Street. Annalie Kelly, a condo owner, raised concerns during the public comment session about the enforcement of parking regulations. She detailed how her affordable housing unit was originally allotted two parking spaces, but recent enforcement actions have led to fines for her and her guests, including an incident involving her elderly parents receiving a ticket while parked in their reserved space. Kelly called for a halt to the fines and a return to previous practices. The mayor assured Kelly that the township administrator would reach out to seek a resolution to the problem.

20:06In the realm of environmental policy, the council approved Resolution 25174, supporting the New Jersey Climate Super Fund Act. A member of the public, Mary Sodargas, expressed her appreciation, noting the act’s potential to build momentum in addressing climate issues nationwide.

22:47The council also addressed several vehicle purchases, including a 2025 Ford 450 crew cab and a 2024 Ford F-150 for animal control, under a resolution allowing flexibility for the fleet manager. This approach is intended to navigate the challenges posed by market scarcity and price fluctuations. Similarly, Resolution 25178 authorized the purchase of police vehicles using a cooperative purchasing system, with flexibility in the number of vehicles due to market conditions.

26:19Security concerns were also on the agenda with the approval of Resolution 25179, awarding a contract for cybersecurity measures. A council member acknowledged the high cost, emphasizing the necessity due to increasing cybersecurity threats, and praised the IT department’s efforts in sourcing the service.

27:09On the topic of infrastructure, Resolution 25180 focused on the environmental permitting and construction administration for closing the Princeton Sanitary Landfill. Discussions clarified that the resolution addressed the degradation of the landfill cap rather than previous contamination issues.

29:26Additionally, the council unanimously approved Resolution 25181, awarding a professional services agreement for GIS mapping and GPS support services, after correcting the associated financial amount.