The meeting opened with a discussion on lead-based paint remediation influenced by state legislation. This conversation underscored the administrative and inspection challenges the township faces, particularly due to the age of many homes in Chatham. The Council acknowledged the need for increased education and awareness around the dangers of lead-based paint. While there is no enforced compliance, the township noted that future property buyers would be informed of any known lead-based paint issues during real estate transactions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to gauge community awareness and concerns about lead-based paint.

The Council is considering hiring a third-party service to conduct necessary inspections due to resource constraints, and the possibility of introducing an ordinance to establish this mechanism was discussed. The ordinance would ensure that homeowners are notified about inspection requirements for properties that may contain lead-based paint.

Following the lead paint discussion, the Council addressed the expiration of the current animal control services contract by the end of the year. The Council is preparing for a resolution concerning this matter, likely to be finalized during the January reorganization meeting. Clarification was provided that the current contract is a two-year agreement, allowing the vendor to maintain previous pricing. This preparation ensures continued service without interruption.

The Council also made a notable decision regarding polling place relocations due to a roofing project at Corpus Christi. Specifically, districts three and five will be moved to Long Hill Chapel, a location that meets ADA compliance standards and provides adequate space for voters. This decision was made to ensure accessibility and convenience during the upcoming November general election. The Council assured that all candidates had been informed and that voters would be notified through mailings and signage at the original polling site, highlighting the priority placed on voter accessibility and participation.

Construction and engineering updates included an ordinance amendment concerning flood damage prevention. This amendment involves adding a parcel reference to a previously adopted ordinance, following state review and clearance.

In financial matters, the finance department was commended for strong revenue performance relative to previous years. This financial health positions the township well for future projects and obligations. Additionally, a bond sale discussion revealed a “no” response to a best practice checklist question regarding the preparation of an official financial statement, with the rationale that associated costs would outweigh potential savings.

The police department sought approval for the purchase of cameras and networking hardware for a fiber optic loop, funded through grants. The necessity to complete this project by year-end to avoid expiration of the funding was emphasized.

Public works proposed resolutions for the rebuilding and replacement of wastewater treatment facility pumps as part of the capital budget. The reasoning behind the decision to rebuild rather than replace some pumps was attributed to age considerations.

Finally, reports from the tax collector and tax assessor were presented without action items, concluding the administrative agenda of the meeting. The second hearing of citizens yielded no additional comments, leading to a motion to adjourn what was described as a record meeting in terms of efficiency and coverage.