One of notable topics involved the debate over who is responsible for cleaning up litter and debris in certain areas of the town. There were calls for property owners to be notified to take care of specific areas, while others argued for collective community efforts to maintain cleanliness. This discussion reflects broader concerns about environmental responsibility and community standards within Lacey.

Another point of discussion was the detailed presentation on the sale of Block 284 Lot 101. The Warden House, a property with historical significance, was at the center of this conversation. The presentation included a timeline of the sale process and the involvement of various departments and organizations, which provided an overview of the potential impact on the community. The sale of such properties often involves complex considerations regarding historical preservation and community development.

The council also heard from the Fawn Run community, which presented a petition signed by 298 residents demanding traffic calming measures and improved lighting.

Moreover, the council considered a resolution to certify compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and introduced the 2024 municipal budget. Discussions around the budget centered on the tax increase and its implications for homeowners, as well as the extension of the temporary operating budget until the regular budget is finalized.

Other resolutions addressed during the meeting included recalling a club liquor license, deciding on a contract for community-wide energy aggregation, executing a grant agreement with the county of Ocean, modifying dock rental fees, and authorizing the payment of township bills.

The meeting also touched upon the township’s financial transparency and debt. There was a call for a public breakdown of the township’s debt, and the debate underscored the necessity of detailed monthly financial reporting. In addition, there were discussions about the legality and procedural aspects of renaming buildings, such as the transfer from the Charles Smith building to the Knights of Columbus building, and the compliance with the terms of the original donation of community hall.

A proposal to involve volunteers and local tradespeople in the potential renovation of a building was brought forward, emphasizing preservation over selling the property. This suggestion came from a member of the Lacey Historical Society and highlights the community’s interest in maintaining its historical infrastructure.

Affordable housing rules were another topic of concern, with the mention that the township may need to provide an additional 325 units.

The council also proposed changing the meeting time from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM to better accommodate working residents. Other community-oriented discussions included the celebration of the Ocean County Health Department’s 100th anniversary, the founding of a Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism, the implementation of a code of conduct for council meetings, and a special event commemorating the 153rd anniversary of the community.

During the public comments, a resident expressed concerns about the town’s overdevelopment and the handling of large commercial projects, questioning tax abatements and their impact on the school district. The council clarified that some properties were part of a pilot program with reduced tax rates. Additionally, there were discussions about the strain new housing developments place on the school system and the subsequent tax implications. A suggestion was made to repurpose the Knights of Columbus building as a new police headquarters, potentially offering cost savings to taxpayers.