Residents describe large rally; public comment presses council on videotaping by a member

Several residents used the public-comment period to describe and react to a large demonstration that took place the prior weekend and to question a council member's videotaping of the event.

Patty Miller (180 Central) said she attended what she called a "No Kings" rally (she estimated 500–600 people) and described it as moving and respectful. Miller said she was troubled to see a councilwoman filming the rally and asked what the purpose of the footage was and whether it would be distributed.

Council members responded during the meeting. One council member said two council members had been out of town and that the person who filmed had shared their video with council staff so members could see the size and location of the gathering. Another council member said she had driven through the event and videotaped at the request of other council members to document turnout and location.

Alan Swanson (47 Overville), who said he organized the demonstration and notified the New Providence Police Department in advance, told the council the event grew well beyond his initial expectation after a flyer circulated; he said an on-site count reported over 1,000 attendees, described the event as peaceful with no arrests, and thanked police and participants.

Resident Brian Hos (49 Bradford) urged that the event was not limited to any single party and welcomed broad participation. Tanner Tulle (15 Clinton), a transportation planner, used public comment to press the borough on pedestrian-safety measures at the Springfield and Livingston crosswalk and nearby county-owned South Street, asking whether the new rapid flashers will be placed at the intersection.

The council did not take formal action about videotaping during the meeting; members affirmed that the recording had been used internally to understand turnout and location.