The most pressing topic of the night was the proposed $2 million park improvement project. Residents expressed strong opinions both for and against the plan. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency and the substantial financial request. One attendee described the $2 million ask as “troubling” and urged the council to either defer the vote or reject it outright, advocating for a return to the planning stage. The speaker referenced previous mishandlings of the police department’s budget as a cautionary tale.

Safety concerns dominated the discussion, with some residents emphasizing the urgency of addressing the park’s deteriorating condition, which has persisted for nearly 40 years. One speaker warned that if someone were to get injured in the park, it would likely lead to a costly lawsuit against the town. This speaker argued that the town council has a responsibility to maintain a safe environment, stating that the park’s current state poses risks, even in the parking lot.

On the financial side, concerns about the reliability of cost estimates were voiced, referencing past experiences with project overruns in the township. A resident questioned the necessity of high-cost improvements. Another speaker questioned the allocated budget for lighting, arguing that it was unnecessary since the park does not operate during nighttime hours.

The council faced a divide in opinions. Some members advocated for immediate action to leverage tax revenues and improve park facilities, while others expressed reservations about the proposed plan’s effectiveness and scope.

Another issue discussed was the ongoing challenges related to power outages in certain areas of the township. Specific roads frequently experiencing power loss were noted, leading to resident frustration. The council intends to communicate these recurring issues to JCP&L to seek further resolution.

Changes to voting locations for two districts within the township were announced, following negative feedback from primary elections regarding insufficient space, excessive noise, and heat. The specific new locations were not disclosed, but affected residents would be informed via mail from the election commission. The council committed to sharing this information through various channels, including the township website.

A noteworthy portion of the meeting was dedicated to the preservation of abandoned cemeteries. The Historic Advisory Committee presented a project initiated by the County Historical Society, highlighting a map detailing historic cemeteries within Delaware Township. The committee proposed to start efforts to preserve three specific cemeteries: Lower Creek Cemetery, Moore Cemetery, and Bosen Cemetery. Concerns were raised regarding the accessibility of these cemeteries, as some are surrounded by private property. The process to obtain legal title under state statute was discussed, involving seeking a court order to transfer ownership to the township.

Further discussions included the potential tax implications of the proposed ordinances, estimating an increase of around $18 per year for the average home. This estimate was acknowledged with the consideration that interest rates might fluctuate. Several residents emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and questioned the need for incurring more debt, drawing parallels to their own experiences managing household finances.

The council also discussed the impact of state-proposed legislation that would limit local zoning authority over home-based businesses. A resolution opposing this legislation was introduced and approved, reflecting concerns that such legislation would undermine local governance and the ability of the township to regulate its own affairs according to the specific needs and preferences of its residents.

In routine matters, the council approved municipal obligations amounting to $2,845,311, which included school and county payments. Acknowledgements were given to a Zoning Board of Adjustment member who resigned after six years of service, and a successor was appointed.