The lead program, a focus of the meeting, works towards testing children for lead in their blood and investigating and remediating the sources of lead in their homes. This initiative is vital due to the severe health risks that lead poses to children. The program is operated in collaboration with public health nurses and includes education for parents on lead hazards, testing homes with XRF analyzers and dust wipe sampling, and overseeing the abatement process to ensure timely resolution of lead hazards. The council discussed the number of cases handled annually, the timeframe for homeowners to correct lead issues, and financial assistance for lower-income families. The program, supported by a grant from the State Health Department, not only assists Hamilton Township but also neighboring municipalities.

Another major topic was the state of the Hamilton Animal Shelter. The council updated on the shelter’s status, including the need for more adoptions to maintain its no-kill status and the increase in dog licenses issued. Measures such as issuing formal notices and summonses for unlicensed dog owners were discussed as part of the effort to handle the overpopulation and to find homes for animals, especially those that are challenging to place. The shelter’s kennels are due for an update, with the newer side in decent condition but the older side deteriorating. A project to renovate the kennels is expected to start within months, and plans are in place to clear space to house 20 animals during the renovations. Overpopulation in the shelter remains a issue, and the council discussed promoting adoptions through social media and partnerships with rescue organizations. Economic factors contributing to owner surrenders and strays were also highlighted as challenges, with the council considering options like fostering and volunteer assistance. Advertising efforts and the pursuit of accreditation for the shelter were also on the agenda.

Residents’ concerns took center stage during public comments. One resident brought forth visual evidence of water drainage issues caused by a neighbor’s property, requesting council intervention. The council pledged to consult with professionals and look for potential solutions. Another resident voiced frustration over the financial burden of building a retaining wall to solve similar water retention problems on their property due to a higher neighboring yard. The council committed to seeking professional advice on this matter as well. A third resident complained about an unpaved township-owned alley, which has been a parking spot for almost nine years; they requested that it be paved or at least maintained. The council promised to inspect and add the alley to the maintenance list. Furthermore, a resident reported an incident with an unleashed dog and criticized the lack of proper documentation and follow-up by animal control, prompting the council to review these procedures.

The meeting also covered operational topics, such as the delay in processing dog license applications, attributed to a focus on in-person and mail applications over online submissions. Training new staff to reduce processing time and ensure accurate documentation is underway. The council is also negotiating with the firefighters’ union for a long-term agreement and a separate one for operational issues.