A major focus of the meeting was the township’s newsletter, “The Bridge,” which faced scrutiny over its editorial decisions. Residents expressed frustration about the exclusion of political bios and other relevant community information, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest, as a committee member served as the newsletter’s editor. To address these concerns, it was proposed that the newsletter include disclaimers about its funding sources and decision-making processes. The council acknowledged the need for better communication, particularly with taxpayer-funded publications, and promised to ensure clearer guidelines in the future.

The expansion of the summer recreation program was another key topic. Plans were set to extend the program from three to four weeks, starting from July 7 to August 1, with additional before-care options. The proposal included increased police patrols to enhance safety and community engagement. Council members debated the appropriateness of discussing safety measures publicly but recognized the importance of coordinating with the police department to ensure resource allocation aligns with the program’s needs.

Public safety was further emphasized with the police chief’s report detailing various incidents, including a fatal accident on Route 29 and a heroin overdose revival. The chief announced April as Distracted Driving Month. Furthermore, the care of animals on Route 523 was discussed, with investigations confirming that the animals met minimum care requirements despite community concerns.

The meeting also addressed communication between the Delaware Town Municipal Utilities Authority (DTMUA) and the Construction Department. There was a call for improved collaboration to prevent issues with plumbing installations, stressing the necessity of notifying the DTMUA when permits for new water installations are applied for. This was part of a broader dialogue on ensuring effective communication within township departments to streamline operations and address residents’ needs more efficiently.

Additionally, the council discussed the engineering estimates for upcoming projects, emphasizing the need for a final estimate before bidding to avoid budget surprises. Concerns were raised about adhering to state procurement laws, particularly regarding reimbursement of sales taxes for purchases made by volunteers. Suggestions included the creation of a petty cash fund to expedite minor purchases and the potential hiring of a coordinator to navigate the purchasing process.

The topic of affordable housing planning also surfaced, with calls for transparency to prevent misunderstandings when the plan is eventually presented. Residents urged the council to keep the public informed about the planning stages and obligations involved, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and engagement.

Finally, the session addressed logistical concerns for an upcoming community meeting with JCP&L representatives to discuss power outages. The council considered options for accommodating a larger audience, given the significance of the topic and the potential for high attendance.