The most notable portion of the meeting revolved around application 25-ZB-26V, which involved a resident, Heather Fam, whose fence was found to be in violation of a township ordinance. The ordinance requires fences to be positioned at least 40 feet from the property line, but the resident’s fence, in place since 2011, did not meet this requirement. The council engaged in a discussion about the situation, noting that the ordinance had been in effect longer than the applicant had owned the property. The applicant expressed frustration, arguing that the trees on her property had grown and that moving the fence would be unreasonable. She pointed out that the fence had not been flagged as an issue during previous inspections.

In response, council members suggested a compromise: relocating the fence behind existing pine trees to ensure compliance without disturbing the landscaping. The applicant agreed to measure the distance to confirm this option was feasible, and the council assured her that the new position would not interfere with an adjacent air conditioning unit. The council also discussed the existing shed behind the pool, stating it could remain in its current position if in good condition, but must be moved upon replacement. Alternatives were offered, including installing a 4-foot picket fence, which would allow the fence to stay in its current location if it met visibility and structural criteria. The council provided a compliance deadline of spring 2026, considering the challenges posed by cold weather for outdoor work.

The meeting also included the approval of several other variance applications. A resident on Highland A sought relief from a 10-foot setback requirement for air conditioning units due to the undersized lot. The council recognized the hardship of relocating the units, which would involve significant modifications to the property. After brief discussions, the variance was approved unanimously, acknowledging the completed condition of the home and the lot constraints.

Another application involved Yaharia Gonzalez, who requested permission to retain a pre-existing fence installed when she purchased her property in 2019. The council required her to agree to a memorandum of restriction, stipulating that if the town needed access to the easement, she would be responsible for dismantling and reinstating the fence. Gonzalez agreed to this condition, and her application was approved without public opposition.

The council also addressed an application from Jorge Mina and LSE Wra, who sought a variance for a fence changed from wood to vinyl in 2006. A board member highlighted that the change required a permit and that the fence should be set back 25 feet from the property line, but Mina requested it remain at 12 feet. Mina agreed to install a compliant 4-foot picket fence, and the council approved the application, including a conditional permit for a covered patio, advising that the permit should be secured before selling the house.

Additionally, the council adopted resolutions from a prior meeting, approving various requests such as those from Barbara Yodice and Michael Murray, who sought a use variance. The council voted affirmatively on these resolutions.