The most newsworthy topic was the council’s debate on regulating private pool rentals, a discussion fueled by concerns over neighborhood safety and community dynamics. The conversation was prompted by the emergence of an application called Swimply, which allows homeowners to rent out their swimming pools. This has caused disruptions in other parts of the state, with one council member recalling a chaotic incident in Burlington County where a rented pool party resulted in blocked streets and significant disturbances for neighbors. The council discussed how such rentals might lead to large, disruptive gatherings, raising questions about the need for regulation.

Council members explored various approaches, including opting for no action, imposing outright bans, or implementing specific regulations. The potential for significant disturbances and safety issues, such as drowning or disorderly conduct, especially during large events, was a concern. Some members suggested that if homeowners were to use their pools for profit, it should be treated as a business, requiring regulation or licensing similar to other home-based enterprises. The conversation revealed differing opinions on regulation, with some members advocating for public input through a referendum or survey to gauge community sentiment before making any decisions. They emphasized the importance of balancing community interests with individual freedoms, recognizing the potential negative impact of large parties on neighborhoods and local resources, particularly the police department.

Following this discussion, the council moved on to other topics, including changes to the bid threshold for township projects. The state treasurer raised the minimum bid threshold from $44,000 to $53,000, which affects the threshold for quotes, increasing it from $6,600 to $7,950. This change is expected to provide the township with more flexibility in managing bids and contracts. The council generally supported aligning with the state maximum, acknowledging the challenges posed by inflation and rising project costs. A resolution will be prepared for a future public meeting to finalize this decision.

The council also addressed the restructuring of engineering services within the township, considering a proposal to appoint four specialized engineering positions. While there was recognition of the need for expert input in specialized areas such as roads, sewers, parks, and environmental concerns, some members expressed caution regarding the costs associated with hiring multiple engineers. They emphasized the importance of clarity on the specific responsibilities of each engineering role and the potential for a township engineer to oversee the others to maintain coherent project management. The need for careful evaluation and understanding of the financial implications of these changes was underscored, balancing the need for improved service delivery against budgetary constraints.

In addition to these discussions, the council addressed the condition of an old abandoned church, which has become a point of concern for residents due to its dilapidated state. A council member urged the council to investigate the ownership and status of the building. This issue was particularly relevant as other improvement projects were underway nearby, and the abandoned church remained an unsightly issue.

Public safety concerns were also raised regarding traffic on Fairview Street, with the lack of adequate signage and street striping at the intersection with a shopping center before Route 130 highlighted. A council member noted the confusion for drivers due to missing signage and street markings, prompting the council to reach out to the county for improvements. The issue of speeding on Fairview Street was also addressed, with a request for a speed detection machine to be placed in the area. There was a call for increased police reports, with one member expressing a desire to reinstate the monthly police performance reports that had been discontinued.

During the public comment session, residents expressed their views on various issues. Nancy Evans voiced strong opposition to allowing pool rentals, citing past experiences with disruptive parties that compromised community safety. She advocated for a complete ban on such rentals. Patricia Griffith cautioned against potential overreach in regulating activities within private residences.

The council also discussed the upcoming Delran Night Out event scheduled for August 5, recognizing the efforts of the recreation committee in organizing the gathering. There was excitement about the event, with acknowledgment of community engagement and anticipation. Additionally, the opening of a new restaurant, the Gro Spot, at Millside Shopping Center was mentioned, with encouragement for residents to support local businesses.