The council’s decision to place Township Manager Mr. Clark on paid administrative leave from June 21 to July 10 sparked considerable debate due to its absence from the agenda. Some council members raised procedural and legal concerns. Despite these objections, the resolution passed. Following this resolution, the council appointed the township clerk as the acting manager, agreeing on potential additional compensation for the role. This decision also faced scrutiny, with some members questioning the appropriateness of acting without prior legal counsel.

Community concerns dominated the public comment segment of the meeting, with residents voicing frustrations about the impact of rental properties and safety within their neighborhoods. One resident, Paula Samuela, expressed dismay over personal attacks on council members and their families and noted a decline in community safety. She commended updates to rental property ordinances but criticized the lack of enforcement.

Another resident, Sandra Vieira, praised Howell’s community spirit but shared concerns reflective of broader community anxiety. Concerns about LLCs purchasing homes and renting to individuals illegally residing in the area were prevalent. One speaker urged for judicial involvement to address community safety and public school preservation, emphasizing a perceived rise in crime and lawsuits against Howell. Issues like unregulated group homes in neighborhoods were also highlighted, with residents feeling frustrated by the lack of communication from township officials.

Frustrations extended to property rights and zoning laws, with residents questioning the conversion of private homes into religious facilities and the implications of such changes on taxes and local schools. Joe Riley, another resident, raised the issue of poorly maintained properties purchased by LLCs, expressing a desire for community cohesion and better communication with the council.

The council’s handling of these concerns was met with calls for transparency and accountability. Residents criticized the perceived inadequacies in code enforcement and urged for more regulations to preserve Howell’s character. The challenges faced by local farmers and community members against corporate interests were also underscored, with residents advocating for strong community solidarity.

In response to public safety concerns, the council acknowledged the limitations of local control due to state and federal laws, which they believe hinder stricter regulation of rental properties. One council member articulated frustrations about transient rentals’ negative impact on community stability and cohesion, emphasizing the need for creative solutions within legal constraints.

The meeting concluded with a focus on selecting a new township manager, with discussions about advertising the position and potentially hiring a recruitment firm. The interim manager, Diane Fino, currently oversees township operations until a permanent manager is appointed.