The council’s attention was first drawn to proposed amendments to Chapter 99 of the Westampton building construction code, presented by Mr. Jim Brad. The amendments included raising and modifying fees, as well as introducing the mechanical portion of the code for the first time. These changes were based on recommendations from the construction official, Mike Lman, who was noted for improving organization and customer interaction within the construction office. The amendments aimed to enhance accountability in fee collection, with Lman reporting a notable increase in collected fees, approximately $1.2 million, due to improved pricing practices and accountability measures. A suggestion was made to possibly include a discount for veteran homeowners within the fee structure, which Lman confirmed would be permissible under PCO standards. The discussion also touched on the performance of a newly appointed technical assistant in the construction office, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards of performance.

In an interesting turn, Kent Pipes, representing a housing development company, addressed the Council about complications with a property on Sharpest Drive in Spring Meadows. Pipes explained that a deed restriction limited the property’s use to affordable housing until July 5, 2026, a fact overlooked by the bank from which he purchased the property. Pipes argued that enforcing the restriction for just five more months was unreasonable, especially given his federal funding obligation to sell the property to a qualified buyer. He requested the Council’s assistance in lifting the restriction to avoid losing the deal and to prevent another 30-year restriction from being imposed. Pipes believed that allowing the sale would benefit the community by enabling a working individual to become a homeowner.

Public comments further highlighted community concerns, with Gary River raising issues about mail delivery problems related to cluster boxes in the Rolling Hills East development. The postal service had ceased deliveries due to safety concerns with accessing the boxes, and River suggested that public works could help clear pathways to these boxes. He also mentioned a new law on e-bike registration and inquired about police enforcement and public awareness of this regulation. River noted potential violations of the New Jersey Home Improvement Contractors Act and referenced a Colorado Supreme Court case on municipal penalties, proposing that the township review its ordinances for compliance with state laws. He recommended considering an intern or law clerk to assist with this review.

Meanwhile, Flip Allison from Woodland Road proposed the acquisition of a claw truck for brush pickup, particularly beneficial during the high-demand fall leaf season. He presented the truck as a necessary investment, despite its $220,000 cost, to improve town services and reduce resident complaints about brush pickup.

The meeting also addressed various resolutions, including those for shared services agreements, which were highlighted for their cost-reducing benefits while maintaining service quality. Resolutions for contracts with the Burlington County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund Retrospective Program, fire prevention and inspection agreements, and a tax lien for a property on Lancaster Drive were all passed unanimously. A zoning ordinance amendment for consistency with the master plan and an extension of a redeveloper designation with West Hampton Realty Urban Renewal LLC also received council approval.

Council members discussed upcoming events and committee reports, confirming dates for senior bingo events and announcing a Black History Month essay contest for middle school students. A council member expressed appreciation for the recreation committee’s ongoing programs, including indoor soccer and volleyball, and noted upcoming plans from the Timbuktu advisory committee.

Concerns about USPS delivery issues in the Roland Hills area led to a request for public works to investigate and assist in resolving the situation. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter an executive session for attorney-client privilege and litigation matters, before formally adjourning.