A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal to amend the local ordinance regarding the number of pets, specifically dogs and cats, that residents are allowed to keep. One council member suggested increasing the current limit from two dogs to up to four dogs or potentially up to six total pets, which could include a mix of dogs and cats. This suggestion was based on observations that neighboring towns, like Riverside and Edgewater, allow higher limits. The council member highlighted concerns about the humane treatment of animals and noted that many families in Delanco already have more pets than the ordinance allows, stating, “I think we should increase the ordinance… it’s not humane.”

However, another council member raised concerns about potential noise and cleanliness issues associated with having multiple pets. They shared personal experiences of dealing with barking dogs and pet waste, pointing out, “Every night I listen to a barking dog… I clean up a pile of dog in front of my yard.” The debate also touched on past issues with residents flouting regulations, such as illegal backyard chicken coops, which were eventually legalized. The council agreed that further research on neighboring town policies and a public hearing would be necessary before making any changes to the ordinance.

Another topic discussed was the newly adopted ordinance 2024-22, which amends the township code concerning Hawke Island. This ordinance includes provisions that regulate activities on the island, such as prohibiting glass containers and generators, to address safety and environmental concerns. During the public hearing, a resident named Donna Morris expressed concerns about the police department’s acquisition of an ATV for enforcement purposes on the island. She highlighted confusion among police officers regarding property ownership in the area, mentioning, “the police don’t know what property they’re on when they go back there.” The council assured residents that signs indicating rules would be posted soon, although Morris expressed frustration over the timing of sign installation.

Another resident, identified as K, voiced dissatisfaction with traffic and noise issues stemming from visitors to Hawke Island. She described an incident involving a large, noisy family and suggested that permit parking, which had been effective in reducing disturbances in the past, could be beneficial for Hawke Island. The council discussed enforcement strategies, encouraging residents to report violations and stating that police officers would respond to calls about illegal activities.

In addition to these topics, the council addressed the enforcement of regulations concerning the use of grills and alcoholic beverages in public spaces. It was noted that individuals caught using grills or engaging in activities that violate ordinances would be instructed to leave and issued a violation, potentially leading to court appearances. The limitations around searching backpacks were discussed, with the council clarifying that such searches would not be conducted due to legal and constitutional constraints. The importance of using the appropriate non-emergency number for reporting less urgent violations was emphasized.

The meeting also provided updates on ongoing infrastructure projects. The 2024 road programs and local projects were mentioned, with surveys completed and designs forthcoming. The seawall project, delayed due to gas company work, is scheduled for construction in 2025. Concerns about fencing for the seawall were discussed, with the council emphasizing the need for the fence to meet safety standards. A motion was made to grant the authority to proceed with ordering the fence, contingent upon receiving and approving necessary drawings and contract costs, which received unanimous support.

Additionally, the council discussed improvements at Babe Ruth Park, including an asphalt trail connecting the parking lot to the baseball field and a new handicap space. Coordination with the Build the Dreams project was mentioned to streamline efforts. The lighting improvements at the Dream Fields were reported as completed, with follow-up checks planned to ensure they met standards.

The council reviewed grant efforts, particularly the CDBG 2024 grant, which is in the initial survey stage with designs planned for completion this year. The importance of the MS4 stormwater permit was underscored, with an application already submitted to the state.

Administrative updates included an audit exit conference and the hiring process for a labor position, with improvements in public works communication noted. The police department reported 602 calls for service in August, while the public works department highlighted progress in managing soccer fields and preparing for leaf collection.

The council also discussed a proposed ordinance related to Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for feral cats. One participant highlighted the need for effective management strategies and the potential for a budget line item to support local rescue organizations. There were differing opinions on the ethics and effectiveness of TNR, with some members expressing concerns about public health risks and the treatment of feral cats.

The meeting concluded with the approval of several resolutions related to tax cancellations, grant applications, and payment of bills. The council also discussed a resident’s request to increase the number of dogs allowed per household, expressing general support for considering the proposal.