The council meeting commenced with the introduction of the 2024 Municipal budget, which detailed a total General Appropriations of $21,843,799. The proposed budget saw a municipal tax increase of 3% including the library tax, and 2.6% excluding it. The budget presentation underscored the impact of rising costs on the financial planning of the township, with salary and wages increasing just over 3%, insurance taking a substantial hike of over 14%, and health insurance costs rising over 7%. The township’s fund balance growth from 2011 to 2022 was also a point of discussion. Moreover, the council discussed the benefits of the pay-as-you-go Capital program, which encompasses various projects, such as sidewalk improvements and the procurement of an ambulance.

The council moved to the topic of utilities within the township, examining the budget for water, sewer, and solid waste utilities. The water utility budget increased by $27,548 or 5.66% due to higher rates from the city of Newark and a notable .7 million PFAS mitigation project at the blending facility. In contrast, the sewer utility experienced a decrease of $151,500, primarily due to fluctuations in expenses related to payments to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Authority. The solid waste utility observed an overall rise of $179,600 or 4.43%, mainly attributed to the escalating costs of waste disposal and recycling. The council voiced satisfaction with the budget outcomes while acknowledging the challenges in managing these expenses.

Updates from the open space committee included information about the trees planted in 2018 and the replanting efforts of saplings from a historic Royal Oak tree. The committee also briefed on the progress of the rail trail, providing an improved timeline for its completion.

During the public comments segment, residents raised various concerns. A resident inquired about refunded money from the library. There were also calls for better communication and promotion of the shade tree commission’s initiative to provide free trees to residents. Queries were made about the allocation of funds for specific projects, such as pickleball courts and the roofing project at the library. These comments underscored the need for increased clarity and transparency in the township’s initiatives and fund allocations.

The meeting further delved into the adoption of ordinances and resolutions. An ordinance to waive membership fees for Township Fire Department and first aid squad volunteers was adopted, and an ordinance to permit and regulate cannabis manufacturing establishments was introduced. Resolutions related to the municipal budget, temporary emergency appropriations, and the submission of an application to the Morris County historic preservation trust fund program were also adopted. The council deliberated on the town’s mailbox policy, agreeing to prepare an ordinance to offer $100 in compensation for a damaged mailbox, with a limit of one claim every five years.

The public comment portion continued with a resident expressing frustration over the library roof repairs, which reportedly did not include the most leak-prone area. Furthermore, concerns about the operations at Hillview Med and the lack of progress on approved plans for the site were brought to the floor. The council’s handling of meeting minutes and the allocation of funds for library improvements sparked debate and conflicting statements among council members. The legal framework surrounding the library’s budget and the implications of not utilizing allocated funds were also discussed.

The bond sale results were reviewed, with $35 million in sewer bonds purchased by Roosevelt and Cross at a final interest cost of 3.27% and $3.2 million in General capital by Oppenheimer at 3.32%. The council clarified the annual nature of the notes and the 20-year term for the bonds.

Council members announced upcoming events, including an economic development committee meeting, a river cleaning event, and a Rotary 5K. The significance of the library’s new board president was highlighted, along with the importance of seeking grant money for various causes. Concerns were also voiced about the delay in implementing the library’s strategic plan, funding for capital needs, and the process for appointing new board members.