One notable topics was the debate over acquiring six new heavy-duty pickup trucks for the DPW. Joe Miner, a resident, raised concerns about the necessity and authorization for such a large purchase, stating, “That’s a lot of capitalized… in previous years but never acted upon.” A council member clarified that these purchases were part of past capital budgets and were necessary for maintaining town operations, especially for snow removal and other maintenance tasks. It was highlighted that existing vehicles had significant wear and tear, and a more proactive vehicle rotation schedule would have been beneficial.

The mayor provided additional context, explaining that the funding mechanism for these vehicles comes through capital funds approved in previous years. He emphasized that the capital budget is separate from the operating budget and that the funds set aside would not impact future tax rates. The council’s discussion revealed a tension between the immediate need for operational vehicles and the financial implications for other town projects. The mayor acknowledged the importance of maintaining the town’s vehicle fleet while recognizing the necessity of balancing expenditures with the broader fiscal health of the town.

Public comments further illuminated the complexities of municipal finance. A resident named Joe speculated that the council might purchase two vehicles this year and potentially face a backlog in future purchases. The mayor clarified that while the vehicles could be ordered now, they would not arrive until the following year, reiterating that capital funds had already been allocated for this purpose. Another resident, Bill, inquired about the availability of other funds or accounts that might provide resources for vehicle purchases beyond the capital budget. The mayor explained that specialized trusts, such as the sewer trust and community event trust, can support different initiatives without raising the tax base.

In addition to vehicle procurement, the council addressed several ordinances. Ordinance 0224 d18, amending the no-parking schedule, and ordinance 0224 d19, which involved renaming Needler Avenue, were both unanimously approved. The mayor clarified the necessity of the changes and addressed public inquiries to ensure transparency in the decision-making process.

The council also reviewed ordinances for the first reading, including one for a long-term tax exemption for an urban renewal project on Marshall Street and another amending the stop intersection schedule to add stop signs on Schultz Avenue and Bartlett Street. The council discussed the need for updated development fees, noting that they had not been adjusted since 2014.

Safety concerns were another focal point of the meeting. Dan Boyce addressed safety issues on Irwin Street, citing past incidents of speeding and the need for stop signs. He pointed out the presence of school bus stops on Irwin Street and urged the council to consider implementing speed bumps as an alternative if stop signs could not be installed. The council members expressed support for addressing these safety concerns.

In the course of the meeting, a discussion arose concerning the purchase of a pump for stormwater management. The council decided to transition from renting a pump, which was expensive, to purchasing one. It was noted that the purchase could be funded through the sewer capital budget, as the pump could address both stormwater and sewer issues. This led to clarifications about the use of various funding sources, including grants and escrow accounts, which are typically restricted in their use.

David Moret from Fairview sought to clarify earlier comments regarding litigation involving warehouse ordinances. He raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving council members who had voted for a May 2021 ordinance, alleging that their legal representation might have influenced their decisions. Moret questioned the rationale behind the council’s assertion that the June 2021 lawsuit lacks merit, suggesting that if the case were without merit, the council should allow it to proceed to judicial resolution. His comments sparked a response from another resident, who emphasized that the judge had merely suggested further review by the zoning board rather than declaring a definitive victory for the plaintiffs.

The meeting also covered community events and initiatives. Kelly Craven from Sicklerville expressed gratitude for the support received during “Sneaker Day,” a community event held at Walters Park. She announced plans for another community gathering, “S’mores in the Park,” scheduled for December 14, calling for volunteers and donations to support the initiative. Council members expressed their support and highlighted the positive reception of community events that foster engagement and support.

The mayor stressed the importance of community-driven initiatives and the need for environmental assessments. He underscored the urgency of addressing potential changes to municipal properties and emphasized proactive engagement for the town’s benefit.