A major portion of the council meeting revolved around debating a proposed amendment to the town’s sign ordinance. The council members and participants discussed the inclusion of recommendations from the Joint Land Use Board, particularly focusing on the definition and regulations surrounding different types of signage, such as “feather flags.” The necessity to correct a reference within the ordinance was highlighted, emphasizing the importance of accurate and clear regulations. One member pointed out the need to update an incorrect reference, suggesting, “we update the one thing that does need correction.”

The debate extended to the aesthetics and practicality of sign regulations. The proposal suggested that feather flags should only be displayed during business hours to avoid the area looking cluttered or unprofessional, likened to “a used car lot with all these signs out 24/7.” This viewpoint was countered by another member who argued that businesses should have the liberty to advertise continuously, emphasizing, “there’s a level of service being offered.”

Issues of enforcement were also a focal point, with concerns raised about the capacity of code enforcement to monitor compliance effectively. The practicality of issuing citations for every minor infraction was questioned, with a participant noting, “I don’t think our code enforcement or police to write every ticket for someone.”

Height regulations for signs also caused confusion, with discrepancies between different sections of the ordinance. The council sought more clarification to ensure consistent regulations, with one member noting, “C2 five says at least 7 feet above grade while B2 says it has to be 9 ft above grade.”

The conversation explored the implications of adopting the ordinance with the possibility of future amendments. The necessity of further review by the Joint Land Use Board if substantial changes were made was discussed. The council considered adopting the ordinance and later revising it, with a member suggesting, “Can we adopt and then amend taking in more detail?”

In addition to the sign ordinance, the council addressed community concerns regarding recent changes in the local school board agenda. A resident raised issues about the merging of two schools into one, highlighting potential traffic increases and safety risks for students. The resident questioned the preparedness of the township for the influx of children at a single location and expressed concerns about communication with the school board regarding crossing guards and crosswalks.

The safety officer responded, explaining that the police department had already adjusted crossing guard placements in anticipation of these changes but had not been contacted by the school board. Adjustments included relocating crossing guards to more strategic locations to manage the increased traffic and ensure student safety.

Public comments also touched on the overwhelming traffic situation near schools, the treatment of crossing guards, and the need for additional crosswalks and sidewalks in certain areas. Specific locations such as Magnolia, Burlington Avenue, and Larchmont were mentioned, where residents had declined previous sidewalk installations. The need for repainting existing crosswalks, particularly at Teamon Circle, was also highlighted due to their faded condition.

The council addressed a parent’s dissatisfaction with the timing of recent school transportation decisions, noting the lack of communication from authorities and the impact on parents’ planning.

Other notable discussions included the retirement of Sergeant Eric Hman, who would leave the force effective September 1, and the peaceful summer reported at Hulk Island, with no calls for service indicating resident satisfaction. The meeting also covered issues related to the use of air guns, particularly Orbeez guns, which had led to inappropriate use and subsequent legal charges. The council considered an ordinance banning such devices on township property to ensure public safety.

The council meeting also featured a discussion on local recreation activities and the enforcement of regulations related to personal watercraft. Concerns about declining marine police presence and jurisdictional boundaries for state properties were raised, affecting the enforcement of watercraft laws.