The prospect of marijuana dispensaries in Roselle Park generated an amount of debate. Residents voiced worries over the potential smell of marijuana, its effect on property values, and the possibility of increased crime rates. Comparisons were made between the impact of marijuana and alcohol, with some residents emphasizing the need to scrutinize the potential dangers of marijuana more thoroughly. The lack of public outreach and notification before making decisions was a point of contention, leading to a call for a town hall meeting to further discuss the matter. Additional concerns included the closeness of proposed dispensary locations to schools and the necessity for greater public involvement in decision-making processes.

During the meeting, discussions on the sewer system were also a focal point. The council introduced a settlement agreement with the City of Elizabeth regarding stormwater runoff and associated fees, detailing a negotiated settlement amount of $4 million to be paid over 11 years. Despite acknowledging the unfavorable nature of the agreement, council members highlighted the potential consequences and costs of pursuing the matter in court. Additionally, the financial implications of the settlement and the process of disconnecting from the Elizabeth sewer system were explained in response to residents’ inquiries about the impact on sewer bills.

Tax collection and distribution were also on the agenda, with an estimated $546,000 in revenue expected from the First Development project. The issue of how taxes are split between the town, county, and schools was discussed, noting a 95% to 5% split favoring the municipality and a lower cut for the school. The occupancy of the Breakwater Medical facility and the potential impact on neighboring facilities were addressed, along with the licensing of the medical cannabis facility, highlighting that the local government does not issue the license and that the facility reports directly to the state.

Further discussions included the potential leasing of municipal spaces, bonding for road work, and the use of surplus funds in the budget. A resident’s concerns about the lack of communication regarding the dispensary plans and the allocation of resources in the town were met with a commitment by the council not to support the establishment of marijuana distributors if they do not pass this year.

Aside from these matters, the council also recognized Mental Health Awareness Month and acknowledged Councilman Orban for his advocacy for biking in town. Council members shared their attendance at community events, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support for local businesses. The meeting also featured discussions on the expansion and improvement of the borough’s existing bike and walking path, infrastructure and road improvement projects, and upcoming community events.

During the public portion of the meeting, residents raised various issues, such as zoning matters related to a proposed recreation area, permits and fees for roofing and siding work, and the salaries of non-union employees. These inquiries led to clarifications and discussions on the relevant topics.