A crucial part of the meeting centered around the introduction of resolution 24829, which would authorize a sidebar agreement with Teamsters Union Local 500. This agreement aims to secure the employment of current sewer utility employees in the event of the sewer utilities’ sale, contingent on voter approval in a referendum scheduled for November 2024. Mr. Cartis, involved in the negotiations, confirmed that the agreement’s primary goal is to provide job security for the existing employees.

During the public portion of the meeting, a resident raised concerns about the financial implications of the proposed sale of the sewer utilities to New Jersey American Water. The resident highlighted substantial costs associated with the deal, including a $143 million procurement fee and $90 million for infrastructure improvements. They expressed apprehension about the potential burden on local taxpayers and questioned the credibility of a website, vote Yes G Township.com, which encouraged residents to vote in favor of the deal while suggesting that taxes would decrease. The council responded to these concerns, emphasizing that the numbers presented were not disputed, implying their accuracy.

Another topic of interest was the transparency and fairness of the public comment period during council meetings. David Leader, a resident, claimed he was overlooked during a previous meeting’s public comment period despite having his hand raised. He argued that this was an infringement on his First Amendment rights and demanded to be heard. The council president responded by asserting that there was no intent to ignore Leader and clarified that he had acknowledged Leader but decided to conclude the public portion of that meeting after others had spoken. Leader also suggested improvements in the meeting layout to enhance the visibility and audibility of speakers, proposing the relocation of the lectern and ensuring proper microphone placement.

The meeting also addressed the cost of a pedestrian bridge project, which was reported to be priced at $32,000. Concerns were raised about whether this amount was accurate, with some participants arguing that the cost seemed excessive for the materials involved. It was clarified that the project, awarded to the lowest bidder at around $450,000, included the bridge as a line item within the bid, and despite individual line item pricing, the total bid was still the lowest.

Public safety concerns were also a significant topic during the meeting. Monica Hudson, a resident, reported safety issues at the pedestrian crosswalk at East Railroad Avenue and West Church Street. Hudson recounted a troubling incident where she and her spouse were nearly struck by a speeding vehicle, leading to a physical confrontation with the vehicle’s occupants. She emphasized the need for improved safety measures in the area, particularly given the presence of children and the reported disregard for pedestrian rights at the crosswalk. The council acknowledged her concerns and noted that discussions were ongoing to identify potential solutions involving the township engineer and police to enhance safety at that location.

Additional public comments included concerns about recreational facility access and maintenance. Ray Paor from the Historic Village of Ariel questioned the locking of recreational facilities when not in use, such as hockey rinks and basketball courts. A council member noted uncertainty about whether any facilities were locked and promised to investigate the matter further. Paor expressed concern over past instances where fields were locked to prevent damage from unauthorized use but emphasized that it shouldn’t hinder community access to recreational facilities.

Shaun C. Smithman from SDK Millbrook Gardens raised concerns regarding the audio equipment used during council meetings. He noted that when microphones are placed too close together, it creates feedback, negatively impacting the audio quality. Smithman also shared difficulties he faced in contacting the local police department and handling Open Public Records Act requests, expressing frustration over not receiving adequate responses to his inquiries.

The council also discussed a proposal from Pet and Associates for engineering services at Timber Cove Park. The motion for the engineering services, costing $12,500, was unanimously approved.