The meeting’s primary focus was the anticipated opening of a homeless shelter in Westampton, slated for summer 2026. Residents expressed apprehension about the shelter’s impact on local emergency services, particularly police and fire resources. Corey Smith Hartman, a resident, highlighted past practices where Westampton absorbed the cost of emergency services and insisted that the township should not solely bear these expenses for the new shelter. He suggested that an arrangement with county authorities should be made to ensure that costs are shared more broadly, stating, “I think we as Westampton taxpayers are going to count on you guys absolutely saying that we are not going to absorb the cost of this homeless shelter.”

Council members acknowledged the necessity of discussions with county officials to establish shared service agreements. They emphasized the importance of gathering data on the actual usage of emergency services by the shelter to inform any financial arrangements. There was a consensus that costs should not be borne solely by Westampton residents, and the council committed to working towards a fair solution.

Further, the discussion extended to the timeline and operational preparations for the shelter, including staffing, security, and wraparound services. However, the process of selecting an organization to manage the shelter had not yet begun, as a request for proposals had not been issued. This lack of concrete data led to a sense of uncertainty among residents, who expressed concerns about the financial implications and the potential strain on emergency services.

In a related matter, Dr. Felicia Hopson from the county board of commissioners was present to answer resident inquiries about the shelter and other county-led projects. She confirmed existing partnerships with organizations like Beloved, Christian Caring, and Catholic Charities, emphasizing that the shelter would cater only to adults. Residents were encouraged to attend county commissioner meetings for further information.

Beyond the shelter, the council discussed public safety, particularly the introduction of a School Resource Officer (SRO) position in Westampton District Schools. Chief Ferguson presented the necessity of the SRO for enhancing safety and security, with the role extending beyond enforcement to include building trust and mentorship among students. The council expressed strong support, recognizing the importance of the SRO in providing a secure learning environment. The chief noted that the SRO would be stationed at one school but would visit other campuses as needed, and additional resources like CCTV would be deployed to bolster school safety measures.

Public safety was again a focal point as residents raised concerns about dangerous driving conditions on Bridge Street and Rancokus. A resident described the area as resembling a “raceway,” with incidents of reckless driving, including a driver in a Dodge Charger consistently speeding through the area at about 100 miles per hour. The resident suggested placing a vacant police car at the traffic light to deter speeding, a strategy reportedly effective in other neighborhoods. The critical need for action was underscored by referencing recent accidents, highlighting the urgency of addressing these safety issues.

Financial management also came under scrutiny during the public comments. Nancy Berkeley questioned Resolution 143-25 regarding the purchase of equipment for public works, noting a discrepancy in the language of the resolution. The council clarified the intent to approve the purchase of a salt spreader and agreed to amend the resolution for accuracy.

There was also discussion about the hiring of PM Consultants to manage financial operations following the retirement of the previous Chief Financial Officer. A resident expressed alarm over the costs incurred by these consultants, suggesting significant savings could be achieved by hiring a full-time CFO. Concerns were also raised about the classification of summer recreation staff as vendors rather than employees, complicating their financial arrangements and tax obligations.