A point of discussion came from a resident who raised the issue of Westampton’s lack of its own ZIP code, a longstanding concern for the community. The resident referenced a bill introduced by Congressman Lauren Boebert to create ZIP codes for small municipalities, which had passed the House but stalled in the Senate. This sparked renewed interest among council members, with suggestions that the township engage Congressman Conway’s office for support. The absence of a distinct ZIP code for Westampton has historically led to confusion and complications in sales tax collection, prompting residents and council members alike to reconsider this matter. The council recognized the bureaucratic hurdles involved, including the post office’s waiting period after a denial, and expressed a willingness to pursue this issue anew.

Traffic safety also emerged as a topic. The council discussed plans to install four-way stop signs at key locations in the village, addressing long-standing community concerns about speeding vehicles in residential areas. One stop sign is planned near a school to enhance safety for children. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve pedestrian safety, including the installation of walkways across various parts of town.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of a proposed liaison role with Burlington County to facilitate better communication on issues such as emergency shelters. Efforts are underway to formalize this arrangement through a forthcoming resolution, which aims to ensure that residents’ concerns are addressed more effectively. The council acknowledged the need for enhanced communication with county officials to navigate challenges impacting the township.

During the public comment period, residents raised several other concerns. One individual questioned the financial implications of an emergency shelter on Westampton residents, seeking clarification on an EPA statement related to the shelter. Another resident inquired about the availability of certain departmental reports, including those from the police and tax collector, which were missing from the online packet shared before the meeting. The council provided explanations and assurances that efforts were being made to address these transparency issues.

Recreation activities were also on the agenda, with the council discussing the success of the local basketball program, which has attracted over 400 participants. However, they noted a persistent challenge in recruiting volunteer coaches for youth sports. The council encouraged community members to get involved, highlighting the rewarding experience of coaching and the positive impact on local youth.

The council reflected on a recent community event held for African-American History Month, which unfortunately saw low attendance. The hope was expressed for greater participation in future events, underscoring the contributions of local organizations, such as James Church, in supporting educational resources and initiatives for underprivileged residents.

The session concluded with a motion to enter an executive session for discussions requiring confidentiality, including attorney-client privilege and personnel matters. This marked a transition to private discussions.