The meeting also addressed the fiscal year 2024 local Recreation Improvement Grant, with the proposed playground at the Field of Dreams being a focus. The playground, described as ADA compliant, will feature a poured rubber foundation, benches, and potential future ADA parking spaces. The council approved the application for the full $100,000 grant to fund these developments.

Daniel Martin, a longstanding member of the planning and Joint Land Use Board, was honored with a resolution for his 18 years of service, including 14 years as Vice Chair. The resolution was approved by the Township committee members, acknowledging Martin’s contributions to the community.

The police chief presented February’s statistics, highlighting the department’s activities and upcoming initiatives, including the successful hosting of the County hope one mobile unit, officers’ attendance at First Amendment auditor training, and the initiation of a new Wellness program for officers. The police department’s progress was further marked by the advancement of two recruits in police academies.

A representative from the Burlington County Community Development reported on the reorganization of the executive committee and a shift in federal funding allocation towards public social programs. The council supported the continuation of the annual awards for Community Pride and the Mayor Brett Harris Memorial award, as correspondence from the Burlington County Public Works planning board office and the Walnut Street Middle School was addressed.

Public comments and questions touched on the construction and modifications for handicap curb ramps in the area. The administrator reported on budget meetings, seawall discussions, trash collection contracts, and meetings with contractors. However, no community members came forward during the public comment session, leading to its closure.

Discussions on the 2024 Municipal budget preparation featured prominently, with various groups and organizations presenting their requests. The Library Association representative spoke about the necessity to meet the $15 per hour wage standard and the Shade Tree Committee Commission requested funds for a sidewalk pilot program and tree-related expenses.

The council also tackled the budget for tree maintenance, emphasizing the need for a professional arborist to provide a maintenance plan. A suggestion was made to include the budget for emergency tree removals in the Public Works budget.

The Delanco Historic Preservation Panel’s budget was a point of contention due to overspending in 2023 and rising printing costs impacting the upcoming Centennial B Ruth exhibition. The panel discussed adjusting ad prices and reducing the number of program booklets to mitigate the financial impact.

Sports programs and their associated fees were also on the agenda. The council discussed possible fee increases for basketball, soccer, and baseball programs and the introduction of a Unified Sports program for younger children. Contributions from both Riverside and Delanco townships were acknowledged, and future fundraising events and marketing strategies to attract more participants were highlighted.

Lastly, the council debated the necessity of a full-time employee for public works with the required certifications, such as operating a bucket truck. The importance of routine maintenance and safety for recreational facilities was stressed, with a proposal to designate someone within the department to oversee these tasks.

The meeting concluded with a debate regarding the necessity and effectiveness of a traffic study on Creek Road due to proposed warehouses. The cost and potential impact of the study on truck routes and traffic were considered, with the council divided on the urgency of the issue.