A central topic of the meeting was the approval of Ordinance 2025-10, which amends the township code to include new regulations for the historic waterfront park. This ordinance was passed unanimously by the council following a concise public hearing. The changes aim to enhance the management and preservation of the park.

In the realm of community honors, the council recognized Eagle Scout Lucas Russell for his commendable project at Gateway Park. Lucas’s initiative involved installing a flagpole, and his dedication to scouting and community involvement was praised during the meeting. A council member highlighted attending Lucas’s Eagle Scout honor ceremony, commending him and his family for their substantial contributions to the community. The council’s proclamation celebrated Lucas’s achievements and officially congratulated him for attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

Further acknowledgments were made for the 12U softball team and their coaches, who were celebrated as champions. Team members received certificates recognizing their success, and the mayor added a touch of humor by making light-hearted jokes about the players’ heights. The presentation emphasized the vital role of coaches in youth sports, thanking them for their dedication and contribution to the team’s achievements. Similarly, the Babe Ruth baseball team and their coaches were honored, with certificates presented in recognition of their efforts and triumphs. These recognitions highlight Delanco’s community spirit and enthusiasm for youth sports and development.

Township Engineer Mr. Fox provided several updates on infrastructure projects, which included the commencement of the 2024 road program. This initiative covers the paving of Hickory and Chestnut Streets, with construction scheduled to start the following Monday. Preliminary drainage work will precede the paving, addressing immediate infrastructure concerns. Despite questions about flooding issues on Hickory Street, Mr. Fox clarified that the current project would not resolve those, although a grant application has been submitted for future drainage improvements. Communication strategies, such as door knockers and email notifications, were discussed to ensure residents are well-informed about the project’s progress and potential disruptions.

The council also deliberated on traffic regulations, particularly a proposal to designate a one-way street coming in from Arlington Avenue. The discussion extended to the potential inclusion of Union Avenue but ultimately decided to stop at Walnut Street to maintain access to the bank’s drive-in.

Additional updates were shared on the waterfront park project, where progress was noted. The establishment of overhead electric connections is complete, with ongoing coordination with PSNG to install a necessary meter. The installation of decorative lights, anticipated in the coming weeks, will finalize the electrical setup. The CDBG grant project for 2024 is nearing completion, though some tasks remain, such as topsoil restoration and seeding in the Malberry area. The contractor is set to address these issues.

Financially, the council acknowledged receiving a $100,000 award from Senator Singleton’s office, previously recognized at another event, which contributes to local initiatives. A clean 2024 audit with no negative findings was also noted, reflecting sound fiscal management.

Department heads provided additional updates, with landscaping efforts hindered by heavy rains, and a notable accumulation of trash on Hawk Island, posing challenges for the municipal department managing waste collection. Upcoming community events were highlighted, including a tentative fishing event, “Cops and Bobbers,” designed to engage youth and foster community relationships. The police chief reported on National Night Out’s success and shared optimistic forecasts for surpassing last year’s service call totals.