One resident described cars driving through their front yard to reach another street, citing drug trafficking activities, while another highlighted the threat of potential traffic accidents due to the absence of stop signs. The damage to curbs and sidewalks was also a concern, with residents pointing out how trucks navigating the narrow streets were causing destruction to the curbs. In response to these concerns, the Township manager committed to personally inspect the affected areas and consider viable solutions to alleviate the issues, promising a thorough investigation into the matter.

In the broader context of municipal management, the Deputy Mayor presented the 2024 budget, detailing the budget preparation process which began in November of the previous year with department heads submitting their appropriation requests. The presentation emphasized the town’s stable financial position, with a decrease in the cost per average household based on the municipal tax rate, despite facing challenges such as increased Public Employees Retirement System contributions, rising health care and trash collection costs, and the need for substantial replenishment of unemployment insurance reserves. The proposed budget included an increase in salary and wages due to contractual agreements and a decrease in operating expenses for various departments, reflecting efficiency and consensus in managing departmental spending.

Technical difficulties during the budget presentation caused delays, but did not prevent the detailed outline of the budget timeline, revenue sources, and categories of operation. The Deputy Mayor noted the 1% decrease in the tax rate, attributing it to the township’s healthy fund balance and increased receipt from delinquent taxes. The town’s CFO also discussed the use of prior capital funding to cover expenditures, including recent sidewalk repairs.

The public hearing on the proposed budget was scheduled for April 16th, with the revised statutory date for budget adoption set for April 30th. The meeting proceeded with the introduction of ordinances and resolutions related to the budget, including an ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriations limit, a resolution awarding a contract for sidewalk repairs, an application for a clean energy program grant, and a resolution awarding an energy savings plan contract. Additional resolutions concerned funding for a playground project, a municipal aid program change order, and contracts for EMS billing services and street sweeper repairs. A notable change order involved the installation of LED lighting at the municipal complex, which necessitated new light switches and sensors, resulting in an increased customer share of the incentive.

The meeting also covered the award of a contract for the purchase of trash carts and the replenishment of the town’s trash can supply. A resolution for deferred school taxes, maintenance of baseball fields, and an increase to the not-to-exceed amount for engineering services were discussed.

Updates from community members and officials included information about events and programs, with Councilwoman Whitfield informing the public about upcoming events such as a spring cleanup and a volunteer fair.