The council was presented with an extensive overview of the town’s water and waste water systems by Woodard and Karen. The presentation highlighted the town’s adherence to EPA administrative orders, its compliance with the lead and copper rule, and the absence of lead service lines directly going into houses. Despite the presence of some galvanized and yet-to-be-identified lines, the council affirmed the town’s compliance with regulations meant to prevent lead contamination, due in part to the balanced pH and corrosion control in the water. The presenters discussed the need for grant funding to manage emerging contaminants, such as PFOS and 14 dioxane, and the replacement of lead service lines. The council also considered the importance of strategic applications for over $1.9 billion in funding opportunities for municipal clients, including property acquisition and water treatment plant costs. Additionally, the council suggested organizing water system tours for students to educate them on the impact of water systems on the environment.

During the meeting, the council members passed Ordinance 20241-0, establishing a tree removal and replacement program without public comment. The consent agenda addressed issues ranging from planning and zoning board appointments to road closures, a state cannabis retail application, and various fund expenditures. The public portion of the meeting saw no comments from attendees.

The discussion then shifted to the issue of noise complaints related to a private gun range. Residents voiced their frustrations with the persistent noise disturbance, negatively affecting their quality of life. They reported long-standing complaints to the police department and concerns about the gun range’s proximity to residential areas. One resident detailed the inability to concentrate on daily activities due to the noise, while another questioned the gun range’s tax-exempt status. Council members advised the residents to seek assistance from state authorities, including the state noise commission and the Department of Environmental Protection, as the local council’s jurisdiction over the issue was limited. The residents were encouraged to form a group to engage directly with state authorities and the gun range to address their concerns.

Further discussions during the meeting included updates on several ongoing projects and community initiatives. The Deputy Mayor emphasized the importance of voting and acknowledged the sustainable Maple Shade green fair. Updates on the Baron building site remediation, including the installation of a monitoring well and soil removal plans, were provided. The council also discussed participation in disaster drills, meetings with cannabis businesses, and project updates with Remington and Vernick. The Department of Public Works reported on infrastructure maintenance, and the Engineer addressed groundwater level challenges affecting the wastewater plant. Additionally, an initiative petition concerning the fire agency’s structure was acknowledged, with a public hearing scheduled for June 13th.