The major concern during the meeting was the substantial rise in health benefit costs, described as “sickening.” The council is investigating options to mitigate these expenses for both the township and its employees, though this will involve negotiations and may take time to implement. The council emphasized the need for strategic discussions to address this financial burden effectively.

Additionally, the council authorized a shared service agreement with another municipality for the administration of road improvements on Park Avenue, capitalizing on an NJ DOT grant to minimize costs. This collaborative effort aims to streamline project management while ensuring the necessary infrastructure enhancements are executed efficiently.

The council also approved the transition to Primepoint, a new payroll and human resource management system. This change is expected to enhance efficiency by providing real-time tracking of time and labor, as well as offering a comprehensive document management system. The new system will replace the existing manual processes and improve overall workflow, although the cost remains similar to the previous provider.

These measures are part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety in the township.

In community updates, the council praised the successful fireworks display and open house events held at the local fire department, both of which were well-received by residents. There was also discussion about the safety concerns related to e-bikes, with a recent police memo outlining the regulations and potential penalties for violations.

Finally, the council touched on affordable housing issues, mentioning ongoing litigation efforts and the addition of more municipalities joining the cause. The council remains attentive to the broader implications of affordable housing policies and their impact on the community.