In a discussion about affordable housing, the council reviewed an ordinance aimed at updating existing regulations. This ordinance focuses on the phasing of inclusionary development and specifies unit types and bedroom mixes. With input from a representative of Clark and Hence, the council emphasized the need to extend controls over affordable housing to maintain available units. The ordinance is set for adoption on March 2, pending further review by the planning board. This update responds to the aging nature of affordable housing policies, which have not seen changes in over four decades. The council expressed confidence in their strategy, which involves maintaining existing units and utilizing bank units from a previous round rather than creating new ones. This approach contrasts with other municipalities that are altering zoning laws or introducing new affordable housing units.

The police department’s staffing updates were another focal point of the meeting. The police chief reported on January’s activities, noting an increase in calls for service attributed partly to a recent storm. The department issued 37 motor vehicle summonses and conducted 108 motor vehicle stops, leading to a total of 720 calls. A key highlight was the hiring of Jasmine Picar, the township’s first female officer, from Riverside. The return of Officer Hersfield from a two-and-a-half-year deployment was also confirmed, bringing the department closer to its goal of 16 officers. The chief underscored the importance of a full staff to alleviate stress on current officers.

Historic preservation efforts were addressed with the restoration of a historic map dating back to 1856. This map, offered by the disbanded Newton’s Landing Historical Society, underwent preservation at a Philadelphia conservation center. The process involved unrolling, mounting under glass, and digitizing the map to ensure its longevity. Council members debated potential locations for displaying the map, considering either the council building or the library, with a preference for the council building. The map provides a detailed layout of Delanco as originally planned, highlighting civic features and lot numbering systems that connect historical deeds to present-day locations. The digitization allows for public access and the creation of copies for educational purposes.

The meeting also touched on public works and community preparedness. The township administrator praised the public works department for their efforts in clearing roads during recent snowstorms. An ordinance mandating the clearing of sidewalks within 12 hours post-storm was discussed, with citations to be issued for non-compliance. The administrator highlighted a shared service agreement with the Board of Education aimed at cost-saving through employee sharing. Additionally, a grant of $175,000 was received from the county for playground equipment at Babe Ruth Park, facilitating the purchase of state contract equipment.

Community engagement took center stage with plans for the 250th-anniversary events scheduled for June 26-28, featuring a nine-piece band, food trucks, and family activities. The parks department provided updates on a new pet licensing system that allows credit card payments, improving the process. Upcoming community events include the Centennial Car Show and a genealogy presentation at the library.

The council addressed operational challenges, including a proposal to amend the township code related to the shade tree appeal process. The current process was deemed inefficient, and changes were proposed to streamline appeals. A subcommittee composed of the township administrator, public works supervisor, and shade tree commission liaison was suggested to make the process less cumbersome for residents.

Infrastructure updates included essential repairs to the Riverside Delanco Bridge, with necessary structural work planned for the summer. The approval of new stormwater management rules, known as the “real rules,” was discussed. These regulations create a flood hazard zone by adding four feet to FEMA’s 100-year flood zone, impacting construction in the area but not altering existing flood insurance policies.

The meeting concluded with discussions on enhancing public access to meeting agendas and improving communication regarding bridge conditions. A proposal to post meeting agendas outdoors was made to increase public engagement, acknowledging that not all residents use the internet. Concerns were raised about the reliability of existing notification systems during flooding events, with a request for a camera to monitor bridge conditions.