A major topic of concern during the meeting revolved around environmental contamination at several local sites. Residents expressed their worries regarding ongoing issues such as contamination at Forest Road Park, suspected to be the result of illegal dumping. The resident who brought this concern to the council’s attention emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to address the trash accumulation and potential hazards posed to the community. The council acknowledged the necessity of these investigations, noting that the problems were already on their radar due to previous complaints.

In addition to Forest Road Park, the council discussed the status of a property owned by Seville Gas Company. Although past clean-up efforts by Riggins Gas had met earlier standards, updated regulations necessitated further actions. The council is currently pursuing a grant to reassess the property and ensure compliance with current environmental standards.

Financial oversight and property transactions were also subjects of scrutiny. A resident questioned a past property deal where land was acquired for a nominal fee of $1 but later valued at over $6 million. This raised concerns about the township’s negotiation practices and the financial implications for taxpayers. The resident suggested that there is a need for more rigorous oversight and accountability, especially concerning legal fees and property deals that could impact the township’s budget.

Compensation issues were another focal point. The discussion included Resolution R 5925, which sought to clarify administrative compensation according to the AFSCME Local 3574 salary guide for administrative assistants. There was some confusion about whether this resolution merely formalized an existing arrangement for non-union administrative positions. The council confirmed that all confidential clerks were non-union members, but questions remained about the salary schedules for other administrative assistants. This led to discussions about the township’s compensation practices, with residents highlighting discrepancies between the earnings of elected officials and certain employees.

Concerns about compensatory time for exempt employees were also raised. A resident pointed out that current practices might be inconsistent with state law. The resident warned that if the issue was not addressed, it might be escalated to state authorities.

The meeting also touched upon community-oriented resolutions. The council approved additional bus stops along West Boulevard and Lake Code and authorized the issuance of a duplicate tax sales certificate. They also introduced Ordinance 325 to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank, with a public hearing scheduled for May 13, 2025. In personnel matters, Jonathan Surrod was hired as a full-time laborer for the Department of Public Works, and several part-time crossing guards and joint municipal court clerks were appointed due to recent resignations and retirements.

The chief of police provided updates on a planned memorial for the 30-year anniversary of Sergeant Gonzalez’s death, including a cleanup and a candlelight vigil. Community events were also discussed, such as an Easter egg hunt scheduled for the upcoming Saturday, with contingencies for rain.

The meeting concluded with discussions about potential shared service agreements with neighboring municipalities to expand recreational opportunities for local youth, particularly in hockey and lacrosse.