The township’s 2023 Road Program was a focal point of the meeting as the council discussed the challenges of maintaining and repairing roads within budget constraints. The township engineer reported that only 34% of the planned work was completed, with delays caused by inclement weather. Concerns arose over the projected 37-year timeline needed to complete the current roadwork, far exceeding the typical 25-year lifespan of pavement. To address this backlog, the engineer estimated an additional $1 million per year would be necessary for the next five years, beyond the existing $2.7 million annual budget which has remained stagnant for 15 years.

Council members voiced the need to reallocate the budget due to an increasing volume of resident complaints about deteriorating road conditions. The engineer stressed the importance of addressing subbase issues to prevent more costly repairs in the future. The council considered various solutions, including the possibility of utilizing anticipated cannabis tax revenue to bolster funding for the roadwork. A suggestion was made to request an additional half million dollars for the next year’s roadwork budget, though caution was advised to avoid overburdening taxpayers.

The discussion also encompassed the authorization for the 2024 Road Program, which would prioritize roads needing urgent attention, including those with drainage concerns. Alongside this, the council debated potential changes to traffic flow on Bimbler Road, prompted by resident safety concerns, and considered public sentiment and county cooperation.

In tandem with infrastructure discussions, the council addressed the potential establishment of a wholesale cannabis business within the township. A representative presented a proposal to open a wholesale operation, promising to bring the first such business to the state. This representative, who identified as a social equity applicant with experience in regulated sectors, expressed that the wholesaling model would simplify the cannabis supply chain by consolidating products from multiple cultivators for distribution to dispensaries.

The council weighed the potential financial benefits of this proposal, particularly the promise of increased tax revenue. Members expressed skepticism, noting that tax dollars from previously approved cannabis businesses had yet to materialize. The council was keen on ensuring that these ventures could provide a stable revenue stream, given the township’s lack of other revenue-generating utilities like parking or beach fees.

Beyond roads and cannabis, the council tackled several other issues. They considered the logistics of a new municipal building, with residents expressing concerns about relocating during construction and the necessity of hiring an independent planner. Attention was also given to compliance with stormwater management training and the appointment of a municipal housing liaison as required under the Fair Housing Act.

The meeting also delved into community engagement and transparency. Concerns were raised about the difficulty residents faced in accessing current township ordinances and meeting agendas online. Some participants advocated for a more inclusive format for public comments and suggested using local newspapers to announce meetings, although cost concerns were noted.

The council additionally addressed financial matters, including a public defender’s salary increase and a budget transfer involving the police department. The Route 35 revitalization efforts were discussed, with a strategic plan underway to assess the area’s economic potential and regulatory conditions.

The meeting concluded with several community acknowledgments, including an expression of gratitude to veterans and a tribute to long-standing residents who had recently passed away. The council also responded to residents’ inquiries about holiday lights, park maintenance, and the profitability of a local golf course.