The issue of geese was up for discussion again on Thursday night in Somerset County following a protest at Liberty Park in Peapack-Gladstone Borough.

The town council decided to keep their USDA contract which would result in gassing about 55 to 60 resident geese, according to the mayor.

The protest was peaceful but the council meeting brought out some strong emotions from residents who took to the microphone for public comment.

Some passionate residents held very spirited debates with the council, some were brought to tears while begging the council to continue seeking alternatives to save the animals. Others shared their own expertise.

Residents, business owners and lawmakers have made their arguments in the past defending both sides.

Camille Dicarlo started a GoFundMe to raise money to relocate the geese to a sanctuary. She told News 12, "We’re hoping to grow that amount so we can get them the transport they need and the care they need and have them settle into the sanctuary."

Town officials who have been holding discussions about this issue since March say they've done all they can to avoid killing the animals. They also say the USDA won't allow them to relocate the resident geese because they'll return.

Peapack-Gladstone Mayor Mark Corigliano said, "We have an invasive species of geese in town. The population is way larger than what our park can support, and they present a health and safety issue to our residents that use the park."

The gassing process involves using carbon dioxide, meaning the geese would be unconscious within 30 to 60 seconds. The mayor says USDA biologists have been advising the town on how to manage the population. He added, "Our contract with them involves addling of eggs, management of nests, inspecting the geese population, testing and ultimately remediation."

The mayor also dispelled some rumors that this is to make way for some redevelopment. He says that is not true. According to wildlife biologists with the USDA, the best time to get rid of the geese is the molting season, which began this month.