The town’s budget for 2025 was a central focus, with detailed presentations by the township administrator and the Chief Financial Officer. They outlined significant investments required for the wastewater treatment plant, highlighting the need for approximately $60 million in upgrades over the coming years. These upgrades are critical to maintaining compliance and addressing long-standing drainage issues, with past investments totaling nearly $13.3 million from 2023 to 2024. The council stressed the importance of securing grant funding and managing debt effectively, planning to borrow between $2 million and $3 million annually. This careful financial strategy is essential to support large-scale projects like the Westside drainage initiative, currently in its initial phase, with a projected total cost of approximately $25 million.

The budget discussion also covered the anticipated 2.28% increase in the municipal portion of taxes, equating to an average increase of less than $100 annually for homeowners. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to sustain township services amid rising costs, while still maintaining a focus on essential projects like stormwater management and public safety equipment acquisitions.

Public participation procedures emerged as another key topic. The council discussed recent changes to the meeting format, which now prioritizes in-person comments over written submissions, a shift from protocols adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents expressed concerns about the limited time allowed for public comments, particularly when addressing multiple ordinances. The council acknowledged these concerns, explaining that the revised procedures are intended to streamline meetings and improve efficiency. However, they emphasized that dedicated public hearings would still be held for specific ordinances.

A resident addressed the council about the contentious lease agreement involving a Board of Education property. They also highlighted the impact on the local tennis team due to a lockout in a previous meeting. The council acknowledged the resident’s concerns, with discussions pointing to a need for greater transparency and collaboration with the Board of Education.

In addition to procedural and budgetary matters, the council addressed several resident grievances. Issues related to property permits and drainage discrepancies were raised, with residents expressing frustration over perceived inaction from the township. One resident detailed ongoing problems with water drainage from a neighboring property, accusing the township of failing to enforce town codes. The council reiterated that these matters were deemed civil issues, outside their authority to resolve. Another resident voiced dissatisfaction with the denial of a patio variance, questioning the township’s communication and decision-making processes.

The meeting also highlighted community-focused initiatives, including a grant application for improvements at Pepper Town Park and plans to establish a Scrabble club at the library. Council members discussed various events and community activities, such as the Mayor’s book club and the upcoming historic preservation committee meeting. They emphasized the importance of fostering community engagement and providing residents with opportunities to participate in local activities.

This initiative, developed with the Veterans Affairs Committee, aims to provide financial relief and support to veterans within the community. Additionally, the council announced plans for a veterans information event scheduled for May 21, designed to assist veterans in navigating available resources.

As the meeting concluded, the council recognized the local high school softball team’s recent victory, celebrating the team’s achievement and fostering a sense of community pride. This recognition was part of a broader effort to highlight positive developments and encourage community participation in local events.