The council meeting’s most issue centered on the police department’s report about Narcan deployments, with 25 cases reported in 2024. Particular attention was drawn to the months of July, August, and September, identified as the heaviest for such incidents. The discussion included a report from the Drug Monitoring Initiative, which revealed that 96% of heroin submissions in New Jersey contain fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid contributing to the high overdose rates. Camden County was noted as a significant source of heroin for local addicts.

A concerning aspect discussed was the recurrence of overdoses among individuals, as 6% of Narcan deployments involved repeat offenders. In response, the police department has adopted a strategy of leaving Narcan behind with those revived from overdoses, recognizing that these individuals frequently refuse hospital treatment.

Further resources were identified with the Hope One bus, a county initiative providing free Narcan kits, peer recovery specialists, and on-site photo IDs for treatment and housing. Scheduled to be present in the municipal lot on April 17th, this service aims to offer critical support, especially as the holiday season often sees an increase in overdose incidents.

In addition to these urgent public safety discussions, the council reviewed Ordinance Number 2025-02. Despite opening the floor for public comment, no feedback was received, and the ordinance was adopted with a roll call vote, noting one dissenting vote.

The meeting also addressed a debate over the potential repurchase of a fire truck. Council members deliberated on whether to proceed with acquiring quotes and ensuring the specifications were appropriate. Some members advocated for the truck to be donated back to the township instead of repurchased, leading to a suggestion that a letter be drafted to initiate discussions with the current owner about the possibility of donation.

Financial matters were also on the agenda, with the council approving an expenditure list totaling $2,771,634.38. A significant portion, approximately $2.6 million, was allocated for the school tax payment, while the remainder covered regular township expenses. Concerns were raised by a resident, Steve Schmidt, regarding solicitor bills for February and March, particularly the lack of detail in billing descriptions. This prompted clarification from a council member regarding their non-involvement in legal actions purported by Schmidt.

The council approved the consent agenda, which included a non-fair and open contract for professional services with PEM Law LLP and various resolutions. Additionally, the council granted a waiver for local raffle license fees for a township carnival, a routine annual event, which passed with general agreement.

Community engagement and development were emphasized with updates on various initiatives. The Sustainable Committee announced an upcoming regrow event on April 22nd, teaching residents how to regrow food from scraps, and Arbor Day activities planned for April 25th. Preparations for Cleanup Day on May 18th and the farmers market were also underway.

Site plan reviews were conducted for local businesses seeking expansion or operational changes. These included proposals for a scooter sales shop, a music school offering one-on-one lessons, and a photography business in a former hair salon. Zoning issues arose concerning a residential property affected by fire, prompting a recommendation to review local zoning regulations. The Antelli proposal was also discussed, requiring further planning board review.

The meeting concluded with discussions on an unlisted policy proposal focusing on environmental initiatives, including tree planting and awareness campaigns. The council expressed support while suggesting a more manageable scale for the tree planting initiative.