The council’s primary focus was on addressing the situation of a local resident who had imported tractor trailer loads of fill onto his property. The council members were concerned that the fill could be contaminated, posing risks to the local environment. The resident in question has a history of noncompliance and legal issues in other states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His refusal to cooperate with the Fire Marshal heightened the council’s concern, as did the fact that he only allowed entry onto his property after significant negotiation. Further complicating the situation were allegations of the resident raising chickens and selling meat without proper permits, prompting worries about animal cruelty and food safety violations. The council discussed the resident’s possession of firearms and hunting licenses as well, considering the need for compliance checks with gun and hunting laws.

In terms of municipal development, the council deliberated on plans for creating a new park. They emphasized the importance of involving the community in the planning process and scheduled a special meeting to gather public input on the proposed park’s design and features. The council also discussed the financial aspects of the development, intending to consult a financial specialist to explore funding options and assess the project’s affordability.

Ordinance 2024-01 related to exceeding the municipal budget appropriation limits and the establishment of a cap bank. The second ordinance, 2024-25, was aimed at amending salary and compensation ranges for municipal employees. Both ordinances were introduced and scheduled for hearings on March 11, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

The consent agenda also saw the approval of multiple resolutions, including budget transfers, part-time staff hiring, and a Collective Negotiations Agreement with the Hun County PBA Local 188. The council conducted roll-call votes for these resolutions, with all members seeking clarifications on the minimum wage increase and other administrative updates.

In new business, the council discussed the possibility of installing a Pergola on the Village Green. The Recreation Commission had shown interest in obtaining a grant for this structure but noted that the project needed to be shovel ready to qualify. After considering the size, zoning regulations, and grant application timeline, the council decided to table the discussion until more information could be obtained.

Residents expressed their concerns during the public comment section about various issues within the community, including the aforementioned property with potential safety hazards and zoning violations. The council acknowledged these concerns and committed to taking necessary actions, with ongoing discussions and plans to involve external agencies if needed.

In addition to the issues, the council acknowledged the retirement of Michael Garis from the Department of Public Works (DPW) and expressed gratitude for his service. Updates on the progress of the post office construction and the implementation of technological advancements within the township were also presented. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is researching the acquisition of a drone, and a new software system for scheduling inspections is set to be implemented.

The council’s engagement with the community was evident as they addressed correspondences from the Friends of Locktown Church and considered a resident’s inquiry about setting up temporary pickleball on the tennis courts. The council emphasized the need for further assessment before taking action on these matters.

Lastly, the council discussed the ongoing concern regarding the Rosemont water issue and the status of trees that the council had purchased for planting, as well as the zoning regulations related to residents keeping a large number of chickens on their property.