Mayor Richard E. Roach Jr. reported on the recent spike in utility bills, attributing the 20% increase to the exceptionally hot weather and higher usage patterns. He emphasized the existence of a customer Bill of Rights for utility services, which allows residents to dispute charges and request meter tests for accuracy. The mayor encouraged residents facing excessively high bills to utilize these rights and seek assistance to manage the financial burden.

In a solemn reflection on the anniversary of September 11, 2001, the council read a statement commemorating the day, emphasizing the profound sadness and uncertainty felt by many. The loss of 2,977 innocent lives, including first responders, was highlighted, with a call to remember not only how they passed but how they lived. The council observed a moment of silence in honor of the victims. A council member shared their experience of taking 25 children to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. The emotional impact of the visit was noted, especially for children who were not alive during the attacks. The council member described the memorial as beautiful and expressed a desire for more people to visit it.

The meeting included the second readings of several ordinances. Ordinance 2024-2, which amends the schedule for additional solid waste containers and collection, was adopted unanimously without public comments. Similarly, Ordinance 2024-22 and Ordinance 2024-23 concerning control measures were adopted without public input. The first readings of several other ordinances, including amendments to property maintenance codes and fee schedules, were also conducted, all receiving unanimous support from council members.

The council approved a consent agenda comprising resolutions 2024-146 through 2024-153 without discussion. Resolution 2024-154, which authorized the promotion of Tyler, was also approved unanimously.

The Police Department reported a total of 1,965 service calls in August, including traffic accidents and enforcement stops. Upcoming events such as National Night Out and a Halloween parade were announced, highlighting community engagement initiatives. Public Works shared statistics for August, reporting significant amounts of trash collected and various service calls. The library also provided figures, including patron visits and upcoming craft events.

During the mayor’s report, September was recognized as Suicide Awareness Month. The mayor encouraged community support and provided information about resources available for individuals in crisis, including a crisis hotline. He also informed the council about an upcoming program, “Out of Darkness,” aimed at raising awareness and supporting those affected by suicide.

The Affordable New Jersey Community and Renters Program (ANCR) was discussed, with details provided about the upcoming distribution of checks and application deadlines. The mayor stressed the importance of the program and encouraged eligible residents to apply. Information regarding the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was also shared, highlighting its role in aiding those struggling with utility costs.

A council member shared insights from a presentation by the service office regarding wills, powers of attorney (POAs), and living wills. They noted that the county resumed providing free will services and encouraged residents to contact the office for appointments. Key points included the need to review outdated wills and the recommendation of a “technology clause” for accessing digital information. The council member advised against keeping wills in safety deposit boxes due to legal hurdles in accessing them after death.

Community events were also highlighted, including a movie night on September 13 and a community yard sale on October 12, with a backup date of October 13. Registration for the yard sale closes on October 11, and a map of participants will be shared on the website after the cutoff. Plans for a Christmas house decorating contest were announced, with the date yet to be determined.

During the public comment section, a resident expressed frustrations over the timing of meetings and suggested starting them later to increase attendance. Another resident raised concerns about loose animals in the area, recounting an incident involving a stray pit bull. Additionally, issues with an overgrown lot between two houses were reported, hindering access and becoming a site for a deceased deer. The resident noted that calls to code enforcement had gone unanswered and expressed frustration about the lack of response from the non-emergency line. They sought clarity on how these issues would be addressed moving forward, particularly regarding animal control and property maintenance in Lindenwold.