One of the most notable moments of the meeting was the nomination of a new council member following the resignation of John Fost. Three candidates were presented: Matt, Nick, and James. A motion was made to nominate Matt, which was seconded and unanimously approved. Matt expressed his dedication to representing the residents and addressing their needs.

The council then moved into an executive session to discuss contract negotiations. Upon returning to the main agenda, the focus shifted to traffic safety measures, particularly the implementation of speed humps. The Deputy Chief of Police presented recent legislative changes in New Jersey that grant local municipalities the authority to approve and construct speed humps on certain roads. These traffic calming measures are intended to discourage speeding on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less and fewer than 3,000 vehicles traveling daily.

Specific roads such as Cam Avenue and Leonardine Avenue were identified as potential candidates for speed humps. However, the Deputy Chief raised concerns about potential liabilities if speed humps contributed to motor vehicle accidents. He emphasized the need for further studies to evaluate their impact and determine appropriate locations. Additionally, the council considered various traffic calming measures, including painted lines on Virginia Street to psychologically slow down vehicles.

Another major discussion topic was the issue of cannabis dispensaries. The council acknowledged that a recent referendum on allowing a dispensary in town had failed, with 1,337 votes against and 1,126 in favor. Concerns from residents included security, location, and potential negative impacts on the community. An attorney representing a cannabis company presented detailed information about dispensaries, emphasizing their controlled environment, safety protocols, and the potential for revenue generation for the township.

The attorney explained that regulations ensure safety for patrons and the community, with entry and exit monitored and age verification required. He noted that a portion of sales consists of edibles, with the average customer age between 55 and 75 years old. He reassured the council that dispensaries would generate revenue for the township, explaining that the town would receive a percentage of sales. The attorney stated, “You have to be 21 to come in,” and emphasized that “you cannot consume these products in a public place.” He addressed concerns regarding policing, stating that regulations are structured to minimize any additional burden on local law enforcement.

An accountant presented projections for the state’s cannabis sales. This translates to approximately $20 million for the local municipality due to a 2% tax on gross sales. The accountant emphasized the importance of strategically locating dispensaries in industrial areas to minimize community disruption.

During the public comments section, a council member raised questions about the consolidation of the zoning board and planning board into a single land use board. The intent behind this consolidation was to simplify the process for developers and homeowners, reducing the need to navigate between multiple boards. The council member acknowledged the efficiency that could come from having a “One-Stop shop” for approvals but questioned whether there was a significant problem with the existing system.

The council’s rationale for this consolidation included potential cost savings for the town, as maintaining two separate boards incurs additional expenses for professional services. However, concerns were raised about whether the proposed changes would address current inefficiencies or if they were merely procedural adjustments. The discussion revealed a divide between those advocating for the change to improve efficiency and accessibility for developers versus those who believed the current system was functioning adequately.

Questions about the motivations for the proposed changes were raised, with a call for the council to consider residents’ voices before making significant alterations to the governance structure. The sense of urgency around the ordinance and its potential long-term implications for the borough were concerns that dominated the discussion.

Additionally, the council discussed various community safety initiatives and ongoing projects. Efforts by the Department of Public Works and Traffic Safety to improve visibility at intersections by yellowing out curbs and corners were highlighted. Concerns about unauthorized traffic control devices were also raised, urging residents to report any suspicious vehicles instead of attempting self-regulation through traffic devices.

The meeting also provided updates on municipal projects, including sewer repairs and the water main project on Morningside. An update on the National Night Out event was given, with plans to notify the community via Nixle if the event would proceed as scheduled despite weather concerns.