0:28A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant proposal for installing two illuminated crosswalks on Myel Avenue. The intersections at Wabo and Evergreen are targeted for these enhancements, as they currently lack traffic lights. The proposed crosswalks would feature solar-powered lights activated by pedestrian movement. The estimated cost of the project is $45,000, and the township aims to partially match this amount with federal funding. The council discussed the project’s importance to pedestrian safety and the urgency of securing federal funding to initiate the project promptly. A council member expressed strong support, stating the initiative was a “smart idea,” while also highlighting concerns about federal funding uncertainties and budget constraints. The public hearing concluded with no public comments, and a motion was made to close the discussion.

23:43During the meeting, a resident raised concerns about the PILOT programs and their effects on school funding. The resident argued that while PILOT agreements might encourage development, they also reduce the property tax revenue that public schools rely on. He pointed out that a local development was paying less in taxes compared to typical assessments, while the district faced high costs for special needs students. The resident proposed that the township either allocate a portion of the PILOT payments to the Board of Education or reconsider the use of PILOT programs altogether. Council members engaged in a discussion about the necessity of PILOT agreements for development but acknowledged the need to address the funding issue. One member suggested that schools should be part of the discussions on allocating PILOT funds, recognizing the financial burden on homeowners and the importance of fair funding for educational resources.

Another resident brought up the ownership and maintenance of a bridge connecting Dayton to Myel Field. There was confusion over who owned the bridge, with the Department of Transportation (DOT) denying ownership and the township having no records of it. The resident emphasized the need for the bridge to be repaired quickly to ensure access for athletes and the community. Council members agreed on the importance of addressing the bridge issue and acknowledged the legal complexities involved. They concurred that communication with the county and other authorities was necessary to resolve the matter and replace the bridge.

In other business, the council approved a request from Jonathan Dayton High School to use Ruby Field for overflow parking during graduation, unanimously adopted payroll and invoices totaling over $8.7 million, and accepted a donation from the Springfield New Jersey Baseball League for improvements at Rosner Field. The council also approved the use of the Chisum Community Center by the Habad Learning Center for an event in March and made a nomination to the Free Springfield Library Board of Trustees.

0:28Additionally, the council discussed several ordinances, including amendments to traffic regulations, tree removal provisions, and sick leave policies for certain employees. These ordinances were adopted to refine governance within township departments.

23:43Correspondence at the meeting included a notice from the American Water Company regarding a public hearing for a proposed rate change and an announcement from the Springfield Planning Board about a remote application by Ross Stores for site approval.