A highlight of the meeting was the ceremonial swearing-in of Deputy Fire Chief Michael Mastroni. Mastroni took an oath to support the Constitution and fulfill his duties to the best of his ability. In his remarks, Mastroni expressed deep gratitude to the township committee for their continuous support of the fire department. He also thanked his family, particularly his wife, for their unwavering support. Township committee members echoed this sentiment, praising Mastroni for his competence, dedication, and approachability. They shared anecdotes illustrating his readiness to assist and his positive impact on the community. The Mayor concluded by emphasizing the importance of Mastroni’s role and the positive relationships he has cultivated.

Alongside this personnel update, the council addressed various infrastructure projects. Notably, the children’s section of the local library has been completed, boasting new lighting and upgraded heating and cooling systems. The adult section’s renovation is planned for the following year. The council also discussed Ruby field’s maintenance, highlighting the need for improvements to the playing surface. Concerns were raised about the field’s condition, noting that it had not undergone significant reclamation in years. The consensus was that the baseball club should refrain from using the field during upcoming renovations to ensure safety.

The council’s attention also turned to safety concerns at a nearby property where juveniles were reportedly entering a building through an opening in a fence. The Chief was involved in addressing this issue, with plans to enhance security measures, possibly including camera installation and hiring a security guard. The importance of securing the property to prevent unauthorized entry was stressed.

Traffic concerns were another focal point, particularly regarding a development project at Scott’s. There were worries about vehicles making left turns onto a busy road, prompting a request for monitoring to ensure safety. The council also discussed pavement projects, specifically on Treetop Drive and Skylark Road, which are set to receive curb-to-curb attention. Additionally, the ongoing Mars Avenue sidewalk project is nearing completion, with only minor adjustments pending.

During the public comment section, there were expressions of gratitude for the recreation department’s successful organization of a recent Pride Day event. The clerk’s office was also recognized for their hard work during election preparations. Community interaction was further encouraged with announcements of upcoming public hearings on zoning adjustments and planning board matters.