The council meeting began with Township Engineer Greg Blash presenting updates on ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects. Blash highlighted the completion of the 2022 Road Program and shared that the 2023 program would commence with work on Faith Avenue and Roller Road. Notably, plans for Deal Road were postponed to mid-October due to coordination issues with law enforcement and signage. Blash also outlined initial plans for the 2024 program, mentioning that while a bond ordinance for stormwater projects had been established, authorization for the new program was not yet in place.

Blash provided updates on several pond projects, including Lollipop Ponds, where two state grants had been received for dredging and bridge work. The council is moving forward with procedural steps to secure county approvals for these projects. Blash also discussed the planned construction of a security wall at the building’s entrance, noting the negative response regarding grant funding and the need to explore budget options.

In terms of roadwork and safety improvements, the council focused on issues in school zones. Road striping work had been delayed due to concerns over children riding bikes and the presence of school kids, but it is expected to resume in October when schools are closed. The council also discussed traffic management and modifications on Elberon Avenue, which could redirect traffic to other streets, raising concerns about speed and congestion.

Proposals to install speed bumps and the need for traffic studies during summer months were brought up. A meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOT) is planned to discuss previous traffic counts. Additionally, the council talked about a flood study for a property on Logan.

The meeting also covered recreational facilities, specifically the Kenny Picka field, where there is a long-standing desire for a turf field. Various funding avenues have been explored, including a $70,000 local Recreation Improvement Grant, although the overall budget for the project is estimated at $2 million. Enhancements to the existing field, such as improving irrigation, drainage, and lighting, were suggested as more feasible alternatives. The council emphasized the need for concession stands and bathrooms for teams using the field, as well as the potential for expanding parking.

The potential expansion of a sports field, either towards Route 18 or behind the gym, was discussed. The financial implications of these improvements were a concern, with a potential $300,000 investment on the table. The council considered the community’s willingness to support the project, acknowledging the limited revenue expected from it. The idea of lighting the field was well-received, with optimism that it would increase usage and benefit the community.

The introduction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and solar initiatives was another significant topic. A company named Supernova was mentioned as a potential partner for providing EV charging stations at no cost to the township. There was discussion about the practicality and business model of these installations, including the possibility of charging fees and the township’s role in regulating or benefiting from this initiative.

The council announced two funding allocations: $250,000 for dredging Lollipop Pond and $350,000 for the Lollipop Pond Footbridge. These funds were welcomed following a previous meeting where the footbridge was deemed a safety hazard and closed.

Traffic safety was a recurring theme, particularly around Deal Road, where concerns about speeding and unsafe crossings for children were raised. The council discussed the need for a traffic study and potential barriers to protect children from fast-moving vehicles. An informal proposal to allow police to monitor speeding from their driveways was also mentioned.

During the public comment portion, residents expressed concerns about traffic safety and the structure of council meetings. One resident highlighted the dangers of speeding vehicles near residential driveways and proposed changing the structure of council meetings to encourage greater community participation.