A point of discussion was the anticipated tax increase of approximately 4.5%, attributed to rising costs associated with public service contracts, particularly with the Department of Public Works (DPW). The council outlined that efforts to manage the borough’s budget included increasing the surplus by $500,000 to support infrastructure maintenance and improvement. The impact of this tax increase was underscored by a public comment from a resident and school psychologist, Corey Mueller, who raised concerns about the implications of a proposed $100,000 tax levy increase by the Board of Education.

The council also focused on the Devon Field project, which has been a contentious issue due to its current unplayable condition despite an investment of approximately $250,000. The project was a collaborative effort involving the local soccer club, the borough, and the board of education. Concerns were raised about the management of the field, with a speaker questioning the decision-making process that led to its current state. It was noted that the field, previously a landfill, faces unique challenges related to water management, further complicated by a communication breakdown during the summer months.

A council member acknowledged these challenges and outlined ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the field, including hiring outside vendors for turf management and irrigation. The council discussed future plans for improvements, such as installing a booster pump funded through a grant to enhance irrigation capabilities. Despite the difficulties, the council expressed optimism about the field’s recovery and stressed the importance of strategic field management, given the limited number of playable fields available to an increasing number of local sports teams.

In a moment of community recognition, the council honored Steve Dorsey, the borough’s arborist, for his 50 years of service. A proclamation was read by the mayor, highlighting Dorsey’s contributions to preserving Haddon Heights’ trees and green spaces. The council and community members expressed their gratitude, acknowledging the importance of Dorsey’s work in enhancing the borough’s natural environment.

The meeting also included updates on local redevelopment projects, with the mayor noting progress in negotiations for the rehabilitation of the old Jefferson Bank on Wers Pike and the advancement of the St. Mary’s project. The successful paving of High Street was celebrated, and ongoing efforts to improve additional roads, including those related to sewer work, were highlighted.

The council proceeded with a public hearing on bond ordinance 2025-1569, which involved the acquisition of capital equipment and improvements with an appropriation of $2,787,547 and bond issuance up to $2,137,500. With no public comments, the ordinance was adopted unanimously. Additionally, the council introduced two ordinances concerning salaries for non-contractual employees and establishing a cap bank, both scheduled for a public hearing on May 6, 2025. These introductions were supported unanimously.

Resolutions were also passed covering various administrative actions, including compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines, municipal budget examination, and awarding contracts for services such as body-worn cameras and HVAC equipment for the municipal building. A resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds up to $6,496,000 was also approved.

Initiatives by the environmental committee, such as negotiations with the DEP for testing funding and a proposal to establish a rain garden, were discussed. Parks and recreation updates included ongoing preparations for upcoming Memorial Day and Fourth of July events, highlighting the involvement of community volunteers.