The introduction of Ordinance 2025-01 marked a step towards acquiring a public access construction and maintenance easement for the Mountain Lakes Red Trail Footbridge. This ordinance sets the stage for improving accessibility and trail connectivity in the area, with a public hearing scheduled for January 27, 2025. The ordinance was unanimously passed after a roll call vote.

In tandem with this ordinance, the council addressed Resolution 25-32, concerning the appointment of six probationary police officers. A notable aspect of this resolution was the emphasis on diversity within the new recruits, including the inclusion of a female officer and individuals fluent in Spanish and potentially other languages. The resolution passed by a voice vote, further underscoring the council’s support for these initiatives.

The Princeton Council also discussed the ongoing transit system study, a collaborative effort with Nelson Niggard, which has now entered its second phase. This phase focuses on community outreach through virtual focus groups and pop-up events at strategic locations such as the Dinky Station, Palmer Square, and the Princeton Shopping Center. These efforts aim to gather public input on transit services to better understand community usage patterns. The arrival of new electric vehicles (EV) buses is anticipated soon. A presentation of findings is expected at the council meeting on February 24, highlighting the project’s progress and community engagement efforts.

Additionally, the council approved several professional services agreements, each contributing to the community’s development. Resolution 25-33 authorized Bowman Consulting Group to provide design services for the Reconstruction of Community Park South at a cost of $79,215. This three-phase development plan seeks funding from state and federal grants, as well as individual donations, to revitalize a project that has been in the works since the mid-1980s. Council members highlighted the project’s importance for community health and recreation, expressing excitement about its potential impact.

A professional services agreement with Catholic Charities of Trenton was also approved under Resolution 25-34, amounting to $3,494.36. This partnership aims to enhance Behavioral Health and community services, continuing a beneficial change implemented approximately a year ago. Council members noted cost savings and improved service quality as key outcomes of this collaboration.

The meeting also saw the approval of a Professional Services agreement with Clark, Caton, Hintz for affordable housing planning services, costing $71,000. This agreement pertains to the fair share plan and new housing element, critical components for addressing affordable housing needs in Princeton.

Other resolutions passed included a contract with Shi International for the OpenGov workflow software platform, using a cooperative purchasing agreement for $665.44, and a renewal of an extraordinary unspecifiable service contract with the Center for Modern Aging Princeton, not exceeding $171,900. These resolutions, like others, were carried unanimously through voice votes.

An unexpected engineering report highlighted upcoming construction plans, notably the Cherry Hill Road shared use path and Terhun Road improvements. Pre-construction meetings are scheduled for January 28, providing a forum for further details on water main replacements and traffic management. The report also noted the Mercer County Improvement Authority’s new acceptance of number five plastics for recycling, a change announced in the 2025 waste mailer.