The most notable discussion revolved around Ordinance 2025-11, which addressed amendments to the industrial rehabilitation areas redevelopment plan, particularly concerning properties on Creek Road. Todd Burke, a resident, raised concerns about the transparency of the council’s processes, questioning why the full ordinance text was not included in the meeting agenda. Burke argued that including the ordinance in the agenda would enhance public participation and awareness. He emphasized, “I must be missing something…what would prevent putting in the agenda so that everyone could see it?” In response, the council defended its current procedures, noting that the ordinance was available on the township’s website and had been advertised in the newspaper. However, Burke remained unconvinced, stressing that these measures did not sufficiently address his concerns about accessibility. The council acknowledged the importance of Burke’s suggestion, indicating that it could be considered for future meetings, but no immediate resolution was reached.

In addition to the transparency debate, the council received updates from the township engineer on various infrastructure projects. The Chestnut Walnut Street paving project was nearing completion, with only minor tasks such as concrete work and striping left. The Delaware Avenue road program was out for bid, with three contractors expressing interest, and the contract was expected to be awarded at the next meeting, pending satisfactory bids. Furthermore, preparations for a test pit for the Woodmain crossing project were underway, with coordination efforts involving the police chief.

Attention also focused on the waterfront park project, where lighting installation was reported as complete, receiving positive public feedback. The council anticipated final project acceptance by the end of the month, contingent on grass establishment in the area. The lights had been adjusted to turn off at 1:00 a.m. as part of the project completion efforts.

Another topic of interest was a change order for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project.

The Union Avenue boat ramp project was also addressed, with conceptual plans submitted to both the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Army Corps of Engineers. An Army Corps project manager had been assigned, a development seen positively by the council. Feedback from the DEP regarding necessary permits was awaited, with a hope for general permits to streamline the process.

The council considered a resolution authorizing the application for a history partnership grant with the county, seeking $10,000 for the stabilization and repair of a historical structure without requiring a township match. Additionally, a resolution to implement a deferred compensation plan for employees was introduced, noted to incur no cost to the township as it would be fully funded by employees.

In a public comment session, resident Ray Weber inquired about potential changes in trash collection services following the acquisition of Seaside Waste Services by Interstate Waste Services. He expressed relief upon being assured that collection days and times would remain unchanged. Weber also raised concerns about low-hanging branches potentially obstructing trash trucks and snowplows, urging the council to address this issue.

Another resident, Charlie Tina, expressed dissatisfaction with the township’s code enforcement officer, describing an incident where she received a ticket for allowing a sign on her property during an election period. Tina claimed the officer lied during a court hearing regarding their communication and expressed frustration over perceived unfair treatment compared to other residents. The council suggested they would look into the matter.

The meeting concluded with the introduction of a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 245-13, concerning waste preparation for collection. The amendments aimed to clarify existing guidelines, such as requiring mattresses to be enclosed in disposal bags, carpets to be cut and bundled, and glass items to be boxed and marked. The changes also stipulated that construction debris would no longer be eligible for curbside pickup. The council moved to introduce the ordinance by title only and set a public hearing for September 22, 2025, at 7 p.m..