The most pressing topic was the discussion of the recent boil water advisory issued by the Hamilton Township Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA). Dan Lovelin, the executive director of the MUA, provided an overview of the incident, explaining that the advisory was a precautionary measure following a low-pressure event in the water system. The advisory lasted four minutes, and Lovelin emphasized the swift actions taken to ensure public safety, such as reporting to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and flushing hydrants in the affected area. He highlighted the effective communication efforts via the MUA’s notification system and social media, although some residents remained uninformed about the advisory.

The council discussed the challenges of timely communication, acknowledging that social media often outpaces other methods. Plans to enhance outreach included increasing the number of customers registered for text alerts and reintroducing a phone call system for those without text access. Lovelin expressed gratitude for the support from the township and Pepsi, which donated 2,000 cases of bottled water for distribution to residents.

The meeting also covered the quarterly update on the landfill development project, presented by a representative named Jeff. The project includes solar development plans expected to generate 7.5 megawatts of energy through community solar projects. Initial mobilization for clearing the site began on July 23rd, with the project aiming for solid waste closure certification by July of the following year. Jeff detailed the approvals received from the finance commission and noted the potential savings for participating households, estimating around $3,281 in monthly savings over 20 years for community members.

Concerns were raised about potential issues with Atlantic Electric’s grid capacity due to past challenges. Jeff acknowledged these issues while explaining that interconnection applications submitted by the solar developers could mitigate concerns. He reiterated the importance of working closely with developers to ensure smooth integration into the existing grid.

Another topic was the proposal for a drive-thru service at the Hello High cannabis dispensary. The proposal included a redesign of the drive-thru layout to facilitate a counterclockwise flow of traffic. The speaker from Hello High emphasized the convenience for customers with limited mobility, especially during inclement weather, and the potential loss of revenue if Hamilton Township did not adapt to neighboring municipalities offering similar services.

The council’s discussion focused on the procedural complexities involved in integrating drive-thru services for cannabis operations. The proposal involved creating an overlay zoning that would enable drive-thru operations at the site, requiring a new redevelopment agreement. Some council members expressed concerns about approving a plan that was not fully developed, seeking assurance that the resolution would not obligate them to approve the drive-thru itself but rather allow for the preparation of the plan.

Additionally, the council addressed the Maze Landing Bikeway funding agreement for design engineering. They discussed the receipt of $1.5 million from the NJDOT set-aside program aimed at reconstructing a trestle bridge. The appointed engineering firm, GPI, submitted a design proposal that received DOT approval. A motion to authorize the signing of the resolution to proceed with the design work passed without objections.

The meeting also covered a lease agreement between the Township of Hamilton and the Hamilton Township Board of Education for the municipal parking lot on Second Street and Farragut Avenue. The school district sought to improve the lot, including upgrades to lighting and asphalt, while agreeing to manage maintenance and snow removal. The updated lease agreement ensured that the township retained approval rights over any modifications made by the Board of Education, preventing unauthorized work.

In addition, the council reviewed a renewal of a Class 5 cannabis retail license for Hello High, with the police department confirming no incidents related to the business. The committee moved to approve the renewal without dissent. The council appeared receptive to the drive-thru proposal, recognizing the potential benefits for both the business and the community while encouraging further refinements in the site plan before final approval.