The most pressing topic during the meeting was the introduction and discussion of a proposed ordinance related to the management of community cats in Delanco. This ordinance aims to facilitate the implementation of a TNR program, a humane method of controlling the feral cat population. The representative from the Friends of Burlington County Animal Shelter emphasized the ordinance’s significance, pointing out its potential to remove existing restrictions and eliminate the seven-day stray hold that often leads to unnecessary euthanizations. The TNR approach is seen as a more effective alternative to traditional catch-and-kill methods, which have not successfully managed cat populations.

The representative highlighted that many community cats appear well-fed and cared for by residents. They noted that over 600 municipalities in the United States have implemented similar programs, which have allowed resources to be redirected to more urgent shelter needs. The ordinance aims to reduce the spread of diseases among both feral and adoptable cats, addressing public health concerns and improving animal welfare.

Public feedback on the ordinance was generally supportive, with residents expressing gratitude for the council’s efforts in addressing the cat population issue. One resident shared their personal experience with TNR in Delanco and provided documentation of the cats they have helped. The council acknowledged the resident’s efforts and expressed interest in incorporating community input into the decision-making process. The ordinance will likely be revisited in future meetings, with the council committed to adapting it to fit Delanco’s legal framework.

In addition to the cat control ordinance, the Delanco EMS provided a report on their activities in 2024. The EMS Chief presented statistics showing an increase in call volume, attributed to assistance provided to a neighboring municipality. The Chief reported that the average response time for EMS calls was around 8 minutes, an improvement over the standard 10-minute response time. The EMS also highlighted advancements in their scope of practice, including the use of CPAP devices and blood sugar checks. Importantly, the EMS reported writing off $46,800 in bills for residents without insurance.

The council also discussed updates on affordable housing compliance. A member reported that Delanco had successfully submitted necessary resolutions to meet state housing requirements, positioning the town to maintain control over its development trajectory. This compliance was presented positively.

Municipal projects were another key focus of the meeting. Updates were provided on the Walnut Street and Chestnut Street project, which had reached the state preliminary review stage. Plans for the project are complete and will be reviewed with the public works subcommittee for any necessary adjustments. The Community Development Block Grant project, which focuses on replacing handicap accessible ramps throughout the town, was also discussed, with timelines for upcoming bids and construction shared.

Additional municipal updates included a report on animal licensing, noting a January deadline for pet owners. The town plans to send out late notices for unlicensed pets, with a fee structure in place for those who missed the deadline. Upcoming community events, such as a town-wide yard sale and a spring shredding event, were announced to encourage public participation and community engagement.

Financial matters were also addressed, with the council authorizing the finance department to pay any necessary bills before the next scheduled meeting. This authorization ensures that the town remains financially responsible and avoids incurring interest on overdue payments.

A property purchase was also discussed during the meeting. The council considered a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement to purchase 401 Creek Road for $3.5 million. The agreement includes standard pre-purchase requirements, with an extended timeline due to public meeting requirements. The council emphasized the importance of conducting environmental assessments to ensure there are no hidden issues that could incur future costs.

Finally, the council approved revisions to the recreational facility fee structure, aligning usage fees with contemporary expenses. The new fee structure includes a base fee for field usage, along with additional fees for shed rental and restroom maintenance. The council sought to ensure that the fees remained affordable for outside organizations and confirmed that the fee structure had been adopted by the Recreation Commission.