A serenade by an a cappella group and individual tributes from members of Princeton Council marked the final meeting that Bob Bruschi, longtime municipal administrator, attended before his last day of work this Friday. Mr. Bruschi is retiring after 15 years serving first Princeton Borough and most recently the consolidated Princeton.

Mr. Bruschi and new administrator Marc D. Dashield sat next to each other at Monday’s meeting. With such a lengthy agenda, Mr. Bruschi clearly had his work cut out for him. But first, there was a surprise performance by the coed a cappella group “Around Eight” from Princeton High School, doing an energetic version of the Pharrell Williams song “Happy” with lyrics specific to Mr. Bruschi and his career.

Following the song, Mayor Lempert and members of Council took turns expressing their wishes to the departing administrator. “I very much appreciate your dedication and professionalism as well as the heart you brought to the job,” said Patrick Simon. Jo Butler echoed Mr. Simon, adding, “particularly the incredible hours you dedicated during the transition to consolidation.” Lance Liverman commented to Mr. Bruschi, “A lot of the success of Princeton today has to do with you.” Jenny Crumiller said, “I’ve always admired your Council-wrangling skills. They’re supreme.”

Mr. Bruschi thanked them, adding, “It really has been a joy working with you. We all have our differences of opinion, but that’s what makes Princeton a great place.” He gave particular praise to the municipal staff.

Then it was down to business. Among the topics on the agenda was a new policy for events held in Princeton on Sundays, something that leaders of local clergy have voiced concerns about, particularly in relation to the annual Communiversity each April. The event was traditionally held on Saturdays but was switched to Sundays last year after a request from local merchants.

Mr. Bruschi said he has met with church leaders and the Arts Council of Princeton, which sponsors the event. Speaking for municipal staff, he said, “We preferred the Sunday date. It’s easier for staff to work and to get volunteers on Sundays, because there are so many other activities on Saturdays.” Since Communiversity is held late enough on Sundays to not affect church attendance and parking, clergy members are “on board” with holding the event on Sundays, he said.

Members of Council voiced concerns about the size of Communiversity and the crowds and traffic it produces. The event has been drawing about 40,000 each year. Arts Council director Jeff Nathanson said no one wants the event to grow bigger. Last year, clergy leaders and their members were frustrated with traffic and parking because of a breakdown in communications, he said, but this year an effort will be made to alert churchgoers a month ahead of the event.

Regarding other Sunday events such as the half-marathon sponsored by Hi-Tops, Mr. Bruschi recommended urging the organization to find a different route from the one that currently circuits through Princeton. “It’s very difficult for us to manage,” he said. “The problem is several crossings that come into the middle of town.” A route crossing over Route One into West Windsor, or to Lawrenceville, would be preferable.

A memo Mr. Bruschi sent to Council on October 10 detailed a Sunday events policy that would allow only community events sponsored or co-sponsored by the municipality to be held on Sundays, unless Council approves the event. No vote was taken on the proposed policy.

Also at the meeting, Council approved a resolution asking Mercer County to install safety improvements for the pedestrian crossing of the D&R Canal on Washington Road. A West Windsor man and his eight-year-old son were injured at the site earlier this month while walking their bikes across the road south of the Carnegie Lake Bridge. The improvements would include warning lights, a crosswalk, and signs.

The meeting included a public hearing for an ordinance that would create a board of parks and recreation commissioners to oversee the maintenance of the town’s open space, currently under the purview of the recreation board. The ordinance is part of the harmonizing of policies of the former Borough and Township into a new code for the consolidated municipality.

The new board would have seven members and two alternates, and would operate similarly to the commission that oversees the annual deer culling operation, Mr. Bruschi said. Council members Crumiller and Liverman spoke in favor of the ordinance. It will be voted on by Council at a future meeting.