The council’s deliberation on the proposed DPW building was marked by a emphasis on the need to have a full council vote before making a decision. The extensive investment required for the three-bay, full second-story structure prompted calls for all council members to be present, highlighting the scale and financial impact of the project. Despite some members expressing readiness to proceed, others underscored the importance of a unanimous council decision, particularly since the proposal had been delayed multiple times.

The conversation extended to the environmental cleanup at the swim club, which was intrinsically linked to the DPW project due to financial considerations. Concerns were raised about how this cleanup could affect the township’s budget. Members expressed frustration over the delays, highlighting the need to address the DPW’s operational shortcomings and the unsatisfactory working conditions faced by its employees.

The council also explored the potential of Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEOs) to enhance the police department’s operations. The Chief of Police highlighted the limited availability of SLEO positions, especially when regular officers were unavailable, and proposed hiring more SLEOs to manage costs and improve service. The concept of SLEOs serving as “force multipliers” was discussed, with the idea that they could direct traffic and handle non-critical tasks, thereby reducing the overtime burden on full-time officers.

The Chief noted the disappointing response to job postings, with only 15 applications received after expanding the criteria to include non-certified candidates. Despite this challenge, the Chief remained optimistic about the program’s potential benefits, suggesting that SLEOs could replace regular officers in certain situations, thus saving costs during town events. The council expressed interest in exploring this approach further, recognizing the operational and financial advantages it could bring to the community.

In other council matters, updates on the 2025 Road Program were provided, outlining the need for resurfacing various roads in the township. The administration proposed a capital ordinance that would utilize existing funds without requiring borrowing. The total projected cost for the Coolidge project was approximately $345,000, with additional roads targeted for resurfacing, bringing the total projected costs to nearly $900,000. The council was advised to approve this initiative at the next meeting, with discussions touching upon the responsibilities of Public Service Gas and Electric regarding any street repairs.

Recreation fees for the men’s softball program were also discussed, with a proposal to increase registration fees from $65 to $75. The council supported this adjustment. Additionally, amendments to zoning ordinances concerning the storage of boats, trailers, and recreational vehicles in residential districts were revisited, with concerns about the storage of oversized boats near the lake being raised.

The meeting concluded with the council entering a closed session to discuss ambulance shared services, choosing not to reconvene in public afterward.