The police chief delivered an extensive report indicating a substantial 29% decrease in crime compared to previous years, crediting improved operational strategies and increased officer presence. Despite this overall reduction, the chief noted an uptick in juvenile-related robberies, with three arrests made. These incidents were described as involving familiar parties rather than random acts. Two robberies notably took place near the local high school.

Additionally, the chief reported two aggravated assaults, one involving a shooting on Elwood Avenue, resulting in an arrest, and another with a bat at a local Wawa. The chief attributed the overall crime reduction to fewer domestic violence incidents and an effective increase in patrols that contributed to declines in burglaries and thefts. Burglaries dropped from fifteen to five incidents, with targeted patrols and officer walkthroughs in retail areas like Springfield Avenue being instrumental in this decline.

The chief also highlighted a new scheduling system allowing more officers to be on the street, which positively influenced crime statistics and enabled multiple operations to occur simultaneously. This change directly impacted traffic enforcement, with motor vehicle stops rising significantly, from nine in June of the previous year to thirty-eight this past June. The chief explained that this increase was due to enhanced efforts by the traffic unit, and praised the council’s satisfaction with the visible police presence as a factor in the department’s success.

In addressing overtime expenses, the chief noted a decrease in costs, attributing this to the new scheduling system’s improved efficiency. Instances requiring additional hours, such as monitoring a prisoner with medical issues, were highlighted as exceptions rather than the rule.

Turning to another significant issue, the council considered proposed adjustments to the SCFD EMS fees, which had not been updated in several years. The proposed changes included increasing the mileage charge from $20 to $25 per mile, transportation fees from $275 to $300, and a base emergency charge from $1,150 to $1,350. The billing company recommended these adjustments to align with reimbursement rates from insurance companies and federal programs. However, it was clarified that the township would not pursue debt collection if individuals were unable to pay these fees, choosing to write off the amounts instead. The council planned to present and discuss this proposal further in an upcoming meeting.

In community affairs, the council addressed logistical challenges during the July 4th bike parade, particularly concerning the closure of the Rickleton parking lot. Miscommunication led to a potentially hazardous environment with children present while vehicles were leaving. Adjustments were made to improve future planning, emphasizing the need for a structured approach with a checklist to ensure accessibility and safety. Discussions extended to better coordination among departments, particularly the Police Department and the Department of Public Works, regarding the removal of barricades and signages post-event, highlighting missed streets and the importance of assigning clear responsibilities for cleanup efforts.

Further discussions touched on the involvement of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in traffic management, which had not been engaged for the July 4th event. The council committed to involving CERT in future events to enhance collaboration and community engagement. Participants also raised concerns about quiet spaces and sensory accommodations for individuals sensitive to noise during events.

The meeting also addressed parking regulations, where a resident, Carmen Moral, expressed concerns about the registration process for guest vehicles during family gatherings. The resident highlighted difficulties in conveying guests’ license plate numbers to avoid parking tickets. The chief of police responded by explaining the current system for overnight parking. The chief emphasized the importance of coordination between the police, residents, and the public works department to address these issues.

In a final note, the fire department reported 2,000 incidents in the first five months of the year, with a portion being emergency medical services. The department is onboarding five new firefighters pending EMS certification, with plans to introduce them at a future meeting.