Council highlights Halloween safety, fire‑prevention open house and community events

Council members used the Oct. 18 special meeting to brief residents on neighborhood safety and upcoming community events ahead of Halloween.

A member of the Public Safety committee and the police chief reported a short committee meeting, said the department is in the process of interviewing and hiring officers, and urged residents not to approach suspicious vehicles or people but to notify police immediately. The committee member also reminded residents that trick‑or‑treat hours are scheduled for 6–8 p.m., recommended checking smoke‑detector batteries with the daylight‑saving time change and announced the Absecon Volunteer Fire Department prevention open house on Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Community Affairs said it is reviving a Halloween house‑decorating contest; judges will visit eligible houses Oct. 27–29 and residents may sign up by email. The Mayor noted October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and and thanked council members who attended a recent luncheon; he also praised a Parkinson’s fundraising event held the previous evening.

Administrator Jessica reported the required state best‑practices survey was completed and that the city received a score of 42; she said there will be no withholding of state aid. Details on specific survey items (affordable housing, filings, procurement) were mentioned but not detailed in the meeting.

No members of the public addressed the council during the public‑comment period; the meeting closed and adjourned without further action.