Following this contentious topic, the council addressed a series of appointments and resolutions important to the township’s operations. Among the appointments, Brian Toal was named a regular member to the Union County Utilities Authority Solid Waste Advisory Board, while Frank Mazzarella was appointed as the alternate. Angel Albanese took a similar role in the Union County Community Development Revenue Sharing Committee, with James Minniti as the alternate. Mayor Bonaccorso himself was appointed as a Class One member of the planning board for a one-year term, reflecting his continued involvement in shaping the township’s development strategies.

Council members also approved several resolutions, including the appointment of Adam Nordis as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. The consent agenda was passed smoothly, covering administrative actions like adopting temporary municipal and utility budgets and fixing rates for delinquent taxes. These measures were approved unanimously.

During the meeting, the Mayor delivered the State of the Township address. He emphasized the importance of teamwork among council members, administration, and citizens, stating, “Our success thus far has been due to one crucial component teamwork.” Bonaccorso praised the efforts of various boards and committees, as well as recreational boards and volunteers, for their contributions to making Clark a desirable place to live. He underscored the significance of nurturing future leaders and acknowledged the community’s collective efforts in fostering a supportive environment.

The meeting also saw several council members reflecting on their personal journeys and achievements within the township. One councilman shared anecdotes from his 28-year career, highlighting key infrastructure projects and fiscal strategies that have shaped Clark’s development. He credited former Business Administrator John Laezza for addressing unfunded liabilities and improving fiscal health, including restructuring employee compensation and reducing liabilities in the police department.

Council members expressed gratitude towards first responders, police, and fire departments, recognizing them as “true heroes” within the community. The dedication of recreational personnel and the Department of Public Works was also acknowledged, emphasizing the vital role these entities play in maintaining Clark’s quality of life. Further, the council celebrated the township’s low tax growth and zero-budget increases in certain years, attributing these achievements to careful planning and collaboration across political lines.

In closing, the business administrator provided an overview of recent initiatives, highlighting improvements in financial discipline and service quality. They introduced advancements like curb-to-curb paving and shared services with neighboring towns to enhance infrastructure maintenance. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of technology in governance, with efforts to streamline processes and improve telecommunications for residents. The administrator expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation from council members and the mayor, acknowledging the community’s resilience in facing challenges like Hurricane Sandy and adapting to technological changes.