Old Bridge School Board Meeting Centers on Policy 5756 Amidst Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Discussions

Overview: The recent Old Bridge School Board meeting focused primarily on the debate surrounding Policy 5756, which pertains to the rights and protection of transgender students within the district. The policy, which addresses the use of chosen names and pronouns for transgender students, drew diverse and passionate public commentary. Additionally, the board discussed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee’s efforts and recognized individual achievements and contributions to the school community.

Old Bridge Township Planning Board Appoints New Chairperson and Addresses Site Plans

Overview: The Old Bridge Township Planning Board, in its recent meeting, appointed Barbara Cannon as the new chairperson and unanimously adopted the 2024 planning board rules and regulations. The board addressed several issues, including the approval of the waiver for Kenny Kennedy International Urban Renewal LLC’s major preliminary and final site plan, the arrangement of a special virtual meeting to discuss the stop work order on a restaurant construction project, and the addition of an executive session to deliberate on settlement negotiations in ongoing litigation against the board.

Old Bridge Township Zoning Board Addresses Multiple Variances, Emphasizes Permit Compliance

Overview: At the recent Old Bridge Township Zoning Board meeting, several homeowners sought variances for property improvements ranging from driveway expansions to deck constructions. The meeting also saw Louis Izzo sworn in as a full voting member and an alternate member, D Singh, welcomed aboard. A D1 use variance relief application for a property on Englishtown Road was discussed and approved, paving the way for the demolition of an existing structure and the construction of a new building for storing construction equipment and supplies.

Middlesex County Board of Elections Discusses Redistricting, Voter Experience, and Poll Worker Training

Overview: In a session, the Middlesex County Board of Elections tackled a range of issues from redistricting discrepancies to enhancing the voter experience. The board unanimously approved adjustments to the district lines in Carlin Park, Highland Park. Amidst administrative reports and public comments, concerns were raised over transportation accessibility to meeting locations. The meeting also spotlighted the importance of poll worker training, with proposals to implement signage near voting machines and mandatory refresher courses for poll workers to ensure procedural accuracy and improve the overall voting process.

Middlesex County Joint Insurance Fund Emphasizes Compliance and Financial Efficiency, Welcomes New Executive Director

Overview: The Middlesex County Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) concluded its recent meeting with a series of key resolutions and discussions that will shape the organization’s direction in 2024. The meeting saw the unanimous selection of Harry Delgado as the new chairman and Joe Zang as the secretary, along with the welcoming of Barbara Murphy as the incoming executive director for the following year. The JIF also underscored the importance of safety compliance, particularly in fire departments, and recognized the financial strides made in 2023 with a positive cash situation and savings. Additionally, the meeting addressed concerns over meeting attendance and the transition to in-person gatherings.