A primary concern voiced during the meeting was the alleged misrepresentation of salary allocations for township employee Primo Cruz. A resident highlighted discrepancies in the stated percentages of funding from various departments versus the actual budget allocations. The resident emphasized the lack of documentation to support these claims, raising questions about the transparency of the township’s financial practices. The resident also questioned the use of dedicated sewer funds for paying an employee engaged in mayoral communications.

The discussion around township salaries extended to Mary Jodentino, whose salary reportedly exceeded the authorized limit without proper resolution or council approval. The justification of using community development block grant funding was challenged, with the resident asserting that it did not exempt the salary from ordinance compliance. The establishment of a division of veterans affairs and a senior citizens outreach initiative without formal council approval or budget appropriations was also criticized, pointing to potential administrative overreach.

The public comments further delved into civil service classifications, with concerns that Jodentino’s duties did not align with her job description as a community service aid. The resident argued that representing the township and advocating for senior citizens required a different classification, highlighting broader issues of governance and accountability within the township.

Beyond budgetary concerns, residents expressed confusion over a resolution related to the installation of lights in Blackwood Kanas. The project was not included in the capital budget, leading to questions about whether the budget had excess allocations or if funds were redirected from another project. Discrepancies in a sewer resolution on Hickstown Road were also noted, with conflicting information on the number of commercial buildings and their total square footage. These inconsistencies, particularly given the ecological significance of the site, were seen as oversight by the council.

Concerns about law enforcement conduct were brought to light by a resident who shared a personal account of interactions with the Gloucester Township Police Department. The resident described being handcuffed and not informed of her rights, raising allegations of psychological and physical abuse. The resident called for an investigation into potential misconduct within the police department, highlighting a need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement interactions.

Community safety issues were also discussed, with particular attention to dog regulations in Timber Creek Park. A resident recounted incidents of unleashed dogs posing risks to leashed dogs and park users. The lack of a shade tree commission in the township was another point of contention, with questions about efforts to replenish trees removed during development.

A non-resident speaker, Mark Matthews, emphasized the importance of open government amid a decline in local journalism. He urged the township to foster better engagement and communication with residents, drawing parallels to a planning meeting in Cherry Hill where resident involvement led to improved project outcomes. The council responded to various inquiries raised during the public comment period. Clarifications were made regarding salary information and the allocation of funds, with the council member noting that these matters would be addressed by human resources and the business administrator.

The council also addressed concerns about the creation of new divisions and programs, stating that the Division of Veteran Affairs was an extension of the mayor’s office rather than a separate department. In response to questions about leftover funds from the capital budget, the council member explained that surplus funds resulted from high bids for certain projects, necessitating a reconsideration of plans.

The issue of dog control in county parks was acknowledged, with the chief of police indicating cooperation with county authorities to address the concerns raised. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude to community members for their participation and contributions, as well as a mention of plans for a subcommittee to address concerns about RV and camper regulations.