The council gave unanimous approval for the creation of a Township Green Master Plan, a project initiated by Ruth Mummy from Friends of Delaware Township. Mummy highlighted the increasing number of requests for memorials in public spaces, noting the need for a structured approach to accommodate these within parks and at the Delaware School. The plan, to be developed by John Morgan Thomas, a local landscape planner, will provide guidelines for the placement of lighting, walkways, trees, and benches. The council agreed on the merits of the plan, recognizing the importance of maintaining consistency with existing memorials, including those near a school evacuation route and a nearby cemetery. Barbara Mills suggested that collaboration with the Recreation Commission could further enhance this initiative, as the commission had previously recommended bench designs aligned with county standards.

In related updates, the council was informed of ongoing efforts to address the township’s post office situation. The post office had been temporarily relocated due to construction, with the project spearheaded by a former fire chief. The council discussed how public comments had delayed the renovation by 45 days but expressed optimism that work could proceed soon after this period, barring external disruptions such as weather events. The council also mentioned the potential for a rental agreement with the postal service to offset the firehouse’s revenue losses from hosting fewer events during construction.

Another topic was the proposed utility rate increase by JCP&L, discussed in a meeting with a company representative. Although previous rate hikes had not led to noticeable service improvements, there was cautious optimism that the new proposal could facilitate infrastructure upgrades. These improvements include smart switching technology, which could isolate outages and keep the rest of the circuit operational. The council agreed to draft a letter to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), emphasizing the need for any rate increase to be directly linked to service enhancements.

The meeting also addressed the approval of an ordinance formalizing property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, limiting retroactive refunds to the current year of submission. Additionally, an ordinance focused on property maintenance was introduced, targeting overgrown vegetation and dead trees as safety concerns. A public hearing was scheduled for the creation of a purchasing agent position, a role previously absent in the township’s operations.

During the public comment period, residents raised various concerns. One resident, Charlie, criticized misinformation circulating about park plans, urging the committee to fact-check claims made by candidates and their supporters. Another resident, Karen, highlighted the issue of a leaking book box, offering assistance for repairs and advocating for responsible outdoor lighting practices. Meanwhile, Joe VY expressed frustration over the lack of action regarding potential contaminants from a former junkyard, urging the committee to follow up with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The council acknowledged the resignation of Mike Mullen, the zoning officer, who had served for 10 to 15 years. They also discussed a new application process for community projects on township property, aimed at better managing initiatives like Eagle Scout and Girl Scout projects. A request from the Boy Scouts for camping at a township location was considered, with the council recognizing the need for safety criteria and consultation with local authorities.