Residents living near the DPW’s temporary site on Woodfield Road expressed frustration and concern over increased traffic and the potential safety risks posed by heavy equipment operating in a residential area. A resident highlighted the dangers, particularly for children, stating, “If any of these children are injured or killed by one of these trucks for no reason. This is not that place for that.” The council was urged to consider alternative locations, referencing a previously used site with more suitable conditions.

The decision-making process was criticized for its lack of transparency. Several residents, including Mrs. Wayne, emphasized feeling blindsided by the council’s actions, noting that only a select few were notified about the proposal. “Many of my neighbors told me that’s exactly what happened. They were shocked. It was a done deal,” she remarked, questioning the financial aspects of the lease and suggesting a need for shared services to alleviate costs.

The council attempted to address these concerns, explaining that multiple sites were evaluated before selecting the Bethany location. They noted that the OLGC site, previously mentioned as an alternative, lacked adequate space for the DPW’s operations. The mayor reiterated that the arrangement was temporary and that efforts were being made to minimize the impact on the community, with assurances that the area would be restored after the lease period. However, skepticism remained, with residents seeking more concrete guarantees about the future use of the site.

In response to the discontent, council members defended their decision, stating that due diligence was performed, and that the community was informed through certified letters. Despite these assurances, residents like Cynthia Clark expressed feelings of betrayal, questioning why only those within 200 feet were notified, and why construction began before all approvals were finalized.

The topic of transparency continued to weave through the meeting, with the council facing criticism not only about the DPW site but also on other agenda items. Discussions about police dispatching and fire department bylaws highlighted concerns over governance and accountability. A council member suggested revisiting the structure of police dispatching for potential cost savings and efficiency improvements, while another raised issues about oversight within the council, advocating for independent directors to avoid conflicts of interest.

The meeting also saw discussions about infrastructure, with updates on the memorial field light posts and the township’s reassessment process. The completion of household debris collection and preparations for leaf collection by the Department of Public Works were noted, alongside announcements about public events and safety reminders from the fire department.

In a more ceremonial aspect of the meeting, Chief Calamari presented a plaque to Eric Tveris of the Loyalty Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, recognizing his contributions to local law enforcement training. Tveris’s facility has become instrumental in implementing a defensive tactics curriculum.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council addressed procedural items, including the approval of ordinances and resolutions, such as those concerning changes to roadway projects and towing services. The latter sparked debate over ethical practices, with some members questioning the necessity of receiving free services from vendors, deeming it potentially problematic.