The most prominent topic during the meeting was the approval of Ordinance 202-02, which involved a cell tower lease on the township’s Department of Public Works property. The existing lease was nearing expiration, prompting the township to solicit bids for a new lease. The lease was awarded to GCK. The council emphasized that this lease would not alter the visual or operational characteristics of the tower, as it serves as a continuation of the existing arrangement. Notably, the public hearing on this matter concluded without any input from attendees, both in person and virtually, leading to the ordinance’s swift adoption.

Attention then shifted to Ordinance 2025-03, which establishes salary ranges for part-time seasonal positions within the township. This ordinance aims to provide flexibility in hiring and retaining employees by aligning salary ranges with those of surrounding municipalities. It was clarified that the ordinance does not set specific salaries but allows the governing body to determine them annually based on budget considerations. During the discussion, a typo regarding the maximum hourly rate for the assistant pool manager and second assistant pool manager positions was identified and corrected, changing the rate from $30 to the intended $60. The amendment passed, and the ordinance was adopted as amended.

Another important ordinance, 2025-D04, dealt with updates to the township’s bylaws. This included the incorporation of the recreation committee into the administration and personnel committee and allowed for flexibility in the order of the meeting agenda. Despite a brief interruption from a public member who mistakenly raised their hand, the ordinance was adopted without opposition.

The council also introduced Ordinance 2025-05, which aligns local police hiring requirements with recent state mandates. This ordinance requires police officers to have an active license before undergoing training and attending the academy. The council swiftly adopted the ordinance.

Ordinance 2025-06, concerning private alarm systems, was also adopted. This ordinance addressed outdated language, recognizing that most alarm systems are now privately managed and not directly linked to police departments. The adoption proceeded without public comment.

The council introduced two new ordinances: Ordinance 2025-07, targeting unsolicited printed materials to reduce litter and improve environmental conditions, and Ordinance 2025-08, which involves an annual cap bank ordinance related to budget processes. Ordinance 2025-07 emerged from a collaborative process involving the Environmental Commission and resident input, while Ordinance 2025-08 seeks to increase the cap from 2.5% to 3.5%, offering greater flexibility for future appropriations. These ordinances will be discussed further in upcoming meetings, with a budget presentation anticipated for March 11 and an introduction scheduled for March 25.

In other council business, various committee reports highlighted community initiatives. The library committee announced its annual book sale on March 8, and updates on the Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) grant were shared. The open space advisory committee promoted National Trails Day on April 26 and discussed future projects to enhance open spaces. The senior center, preparing to celebrate its 35th anniversary, is undergoing renovations and planning a shred event fundraiser on April 26 at Chatham Middle School. Community recognition included the achievements of two Eagle Scouts and the success of local athletic teams, with the Chatham boys’ and girls’ swim teams winning state championships and the girls’ basketball team reaching the Morris County tournament final. Additionally, seven high school seniors were acknowledged as National Merit Scholarship finalists, celebrating their academic excellence.