The meeting began with a notable development: the council swore in Daryl Str as a class three police officer.

One of the topics of the meeting was the acquisition of the property on Belair Road, addressed through ordinances 24-17 and 24-18. During the public comment period, a resident named Mr. Bru raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the rationale for this acquisition. He questioned the council’s earlier inability to provide a reason for purchasing the property and asked for an explanation of the intended use. Despite these concerns, the council unanimously approved both ordinances.

Additionally, the council introduced ordinance 24-19, which proposed increasing penalties for traffic violations. This ordinance was also approved without dissent. Ordinance 24-20, which aimed to establish a new senior account clerk position, was presented and approved as well, though Mr. Bru sought clarification on whether this was a new role or a redistribution of existing responsibilities.

Public safety and municipal projects were also focal points of the meeting. The police department reported the commencement of designated traffic enforcement as of July 24, with the initiative expected to continue through September. An e-ticketing program is set to streamline traffic stops for officers. Additionally, the police department’s efforts in planning for National Night Out were acknowledged, although the event was canceled due to inclement weather.

Public Works reported their readiness for leaf collection and ongoing maintenance tasks in preparation for Community Day on August 24. They also ensured that storm drains and detention basins were clear to prevent flooding. The engineering report highlighted the completion of the Belair Road sidewalk project, with an inspection requested from NJDOT for minor final details. Additionally, the Jade Lane project involving drainage, sidewalk, and manhole repairs has been completed, awaiting final coordination with the contractor for milling and paving.

Resident feedback played a role throughout the meeting. Bruce expressed gratitude for the council’s responsiveness to public requests for monthly traffic reports and transparency regarding warehouse developments in the township. He urged the council to provide updates on the status of known warehouse projects and ongoing litigation matters, emphasizing the importance of keeping residents informed. He also requested that videos from previous meetings be posted promptly to improve communication.

Another resident, Lyn, appreciated the resolution of a dumpster issue at Key City Diner and thanked the Department of Public Works for painting a handicap space. John expressed his gratitude for passing an ordinance requiring landlords to provide lease-related information to tenants and raised concerns about the enforcement of the rent control ordinance, noting issues with communication between tenants and landlords.

Richard raised questions about traffic safety, particularly concerning overweight trucks passing through residential areas, and suggested the necessity for continuous traffic enforcement. He also inquired about the township’s stance on illegal immigration and its potential implications for local schools. Furthermore, he sought information on plans for extending sidewalks to enhance safety.

Pam asked about safety measures at the intersection of Charles and Bader Roads following the installation of sidewalks. She questioned whether a crossing guard or a traffic light would be implemented to ensure safe passage for students.