During the meeting, Charles Bacon raised concerns about the township’s decision to delete older email records. Bacon questioned the timing of this operation, particularly during an election year, and inquired about who authorized the deletions and whether state retention rules had been considered. He stressed that the timing appeared suspicious, stating, “This is not a normal housekeeping task when done during the height of an election year.” Bacon urged the council to halt any deletions until after the election to maintain public trust in the governance of the township.

Traffic safety was another issue discussed at the meeting. Deborah Williams shared a personal account of an accident she experienced eight months prior. She urged the council to consider reinstating red light cameras, emphasizing the prevalence of red light violations in the area. Williams expressed her concern, stating, “Every time I go out, I see red light runners every single time.” This plea for improved traffic management underscored a broader concern for community safety on the roads.

In addition to these issues, the council addressed various financial matters, including a computer bill resolution amounting to $29,621,9791 and a manual bill resolution totaling $2,226,98.74. The council unanimously approved these financial resolutions, except for a single abstention due to a member’s connection to Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.

The meeting also included a discussion on environmental initiatives, such as the submission of a grant application for the regional greenhouse gas initiative. This initiative aims at marsh restoration and flood mitigation by utilizing dredged materials to restore tidal wetlands and enhance environmental resilience. The council clarified that the project qualifies for the grant package without needing to meet carbon neutrality requirements, highlighting the financial benefits such initiatives could provide.

Public comments during the meeting revealed a range of community concerns. Residents raised issues about overcrowding in residential areas, particularly in Lake Riviera, where multiple families were reportedly living in homes designated for single-family use. The council clarified that occupancy limits are determined by the square footage of the home and the number of bathrooms and encouraged residents to report specific violations to code enforcement.

Another resident expressed frustration with the state of the neighborhood, particularly regarding road conditions after utility work. They highlighted the poor quality of repairs made by utility companies and raised concerns about pothole management. The council shared that there were currently 176 active pothole complaints and explained that the Department of Public Works was working on repairs, with overtime implemented on Saturdays to address the backlog.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of community events and the promotion of police officers. Council members praised the collaborative efforts in organizing events such as National Night Out and a concert series, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. Additionally, the mayor extended condolences to two police officers who recently lost their K-9 partners, acknowledging the significant role these dogs played in community events.