Issue: The Township Committee is set to vote on a controversial ordinance tonight that would require anyone interested in using any of the township’s facilities or assembling along a public street, other than a public right-of-way, or public property within the township to pay for a permit. Applications for permits must be submitted to the municipality at least 30 days prior to the event, and the applicant must show evidence of liability insurance coverage within 10 days of the event.

Why it matters: The Republican committee members and the township’s attorneys feel the ordinance would help prevent the township from being held liable if someone is injured during a gathering on public property. Democrats argue that the ordinance is a violation of the First Amendment and is worded too vaguely, allowing township officials to deny permits based on personal opinions instead of statute.

What’s next: The committee will have the second reading on the ordinance at its regular meeting tonight at 7 p.m. The formal public hearing and final vote is expected to take place at that time.