The Bellevue Road Improvement Project, partially funded through a New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) local aid grant, is set to enhance the road from Striker Road to Route 519. The awarding of the contract to Topline Construction, a company known for its quality work in the township, is expected to address issues such as drainage, curbing, traffic safety, and overall road condition.

In fiscal matters, the council introduced the 2024 budget, which includes appropriations and projected miscellaneous revenues. Utilizing $2,334,000 in fund balance, the budget aims to maintain a modest 2 cent tax rate increase. For a property assessed at $231,000, this translates to an annual increase of $51. The public hearing for the budget is scheduled for June 5th.

Another ordinance that received attention was the second reading and public hearing for Ordinance 24-06, which proposes background checks for members appointed to all boards, commissions, and committees. The council also passed a self-examination resolution for the 2024 budget, a process conducted every three years to ensure due diligence in financial matters.

The council moved forward with vacating a paper street, known as Block 95 Lot 18.01, an action that received planning board recommendation and was perceived to resolve a longstanding issue.

Public safety was highlighted with the swearing-in of a new police officer, Dylan Rodman, who pledged to uphold his duties faithfully.

Other notable discussions included updates on the community’s Easter egg hunt and Earth Day cleanup events, the ongoing power outages and storm damage recovery, and future recreational developments such as pickleball courts.