He emphasized the necessity of a proper command staff, stating, “I cannot do it by myself,” and highlighted the liability concerns posed by inadequate staffing. Simons questioned the need for an interview process, citing prior appointments that did not require it, and stressed the importance of quick decision-making to resolve the department’s staffing issues.

The debate over whether interviews were necessary for these appointments brought to light differing interpretations of the fire department’s ordinance. Some council members argued that past practices did not require interviews, while others insisted on the importance of consulting with the chief about candidate qualifications.

Public input further fueled the discussion, with residents questioning the council’s qualifications to make decisions about the fire department and expressing support for specific candidates. The call for clear and decisive action was echoed by attendees, who urged the council to ensure that the leadership chosen was aligned with the town’s needs.

Beyond the fire department appointments, the meeting addressed several other issues. The township manager reported on the completion of a sewer force main pipe replacement, with additional concerns about nearby storm sewer pipes. The manager also corrected a newsletter error regarding the fireworks parade start time, confirming the event for June 28th.

In another significant topic, police reports detailed two critical incidents that underscored ongoing public safety challenges. One involved a woman held against her will by an armed suspect, which required coordination with multiple agencies to resolve. The successful apprehension of the suspect was commended by the police chief, who praised the officers’ professionalism. Another incident involved an apartment fire set by a barricaded individual armed with a knife, highlighting the dangers faced by responding officers. The chief also addressed disturbances at a recent football carnival, where teenagers engaged in shoplifting and criminal mischief, prompting discussions about potential ordinances to enhance safety at public events.

Council members considered measures such as banning backpacks and balaclavas at events with controlled access. The police chief’s proposal to implement these measures before the next major event found general support among council members.

The meeting also touched on infrastructure and development plans, with several site plans presented for consideration. These included updates from U-Haul, Parks Crossing Apartments, and other local businesses seeking zoning board approval.

Lastly, the council debated water and sewer fees for tax-exempt properties like schools, with differing opinions on whether charging schools would merely shift financial burdens without generating additional revenue. The discussion included concerns about discrepancies in reported water usage and the fairness of treating schools as profit centers.