The council devoted a substantial portion of the meeting to discussing the new lead paint inspection requirement, mandated by state law. A vendor has been selected to fulfill the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) requirements associated with this law, and outreach to rental property owners will commence soon. A draft letter and postcard aimed at informing property owners about scheduling inspections and compliance with the new law were reviewed. Concerns were raised regarding the timeline for remediation once lead paint is diagnosed, with a 30-day window mentioned. Questions were also posed about the availability of certified contractors for remediation. The council acknowledged that state law dictates the timeline and suggested that the vendor would likely manage the workload over an extended period, rather than dealing with numerous properties simultaneously. The ordinance concerning lead-based paint inspections was later adopted unanimously after a public hearing.

A notable public comment came from G. Gray, a business owner on West Front Street, who highlighted significant disruptions caused by a Netflix production on September 17. Gray stated that there was a lack of communication from the borough or the filming company, which led to road closures and impeded access to local businesses, resulting in lost revenue. Gray suggested that better planning and communication could prevent similar problems in the future. An unidentified council member acknowledged the lack of advanced notice and mentioned that they believed the road was not entirely closed for the day, with intermittent openings allowing some traffic flow. Despite this, Gray reiterated the challenges faced by business owners and raised concerns about emergency vehicle access during filming.

The council also presented several proclamations, starting with one supporting “180 Turning Lives Around” in recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation encouraged the community to participate in the “Paint the Town Purple” event, which involved painting traffic lines purple and engaging local businesses to show support for survivors. Allison Loader from “180 Turning Lives Around” was present to accept the proclamation.

Fire Prevention Week was also addressed, commemorating the Great Chicago Fire and emphasizing the importance of fire safety within the community. The proclamation detailed statistics on home fires and fire-related deaths in the United States, stressing the necessity of installing smoke alarms and having a fire escape plan. The deputy mayor shared information about outreach efforts by the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department, including visits to local schools to educate children about fire safety.

The council proclaimed September 15th through October 15th, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The proclamation recognized the vibrant Hispanic and Latino population in Red Bank and their impact on the community’s cultural, social, and economic landscape. Representatives from the local organization “RBR Dreamers” were present to accept the proclamation.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was also proclaimed, emphasizing the severe impact of childhood cancer and the need for increased awareness and funding for research and treatment. The mayor outlined statistics about childhood cancer diagnoses and the ongoing challenges faced by families affected by the disease. This proclamation underscored the importance of community support and advocacy for children suffering from cancer.

The meeting included a public introduction of Scott Carlin, an applicant for the Environmental Commission. Carlin, who holds a PhD in geography and has experience coordinating a children’s environmental health project in New York, was positively received by the council members.

The council addressed the installation of security cameras in public areas, clarifying that while the cameras can be monitored, the dispatch center would not have dedicated personnel to watch them at all times. The installation of these cameras is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, funded from previous budgets.

There was also a discussion regarding the fire department’s length of service award program for volunteer firefighters. A public hearing on this ordinance was opened, and after confirming there were no comments, it was closed and subsequently adopted.

Community events and initiatives were a key focus, with updates on the upcoming Porch Fest, scheduled for October 5th, featuring over 100 acts performing on various porches throughout the town. The Borough Manager reported on the potential energy savings from a lighting project in Burl Hall, and Captain Frezy provided a police department update, highlighting the success of the bike patrol program and efforts to enhance crosswalk visibility for student safety.