A resident’s concerns regarding the construction of a sidewalk in their area took center stage during the meeting. The resident expressed feeling uninformed about the project, stating that they only became aware of the construction when they saw a sign by the road. The resident criticized the absence of posted meeting minutes on the township’s website, which contributed to their unawareness of the sidewalk discussions. They questioned the necessity of the sidewalk, suggesting that more issues, such as enforcing traffic laws and addressing speeding on Park Road, should be prioritized. The resident highlighted the lack of speeding tickets issued on Park Road as evidence for their argument.

The resident also raised concerns about sidewalk use, particularly the potential conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists. They noted issues with dog owners allowing pets to defecate on private property, emphasizing that their property had become a de facto dog park and called for stricter enforcement against these violations. The discussion extended to maintenance responsibilities, with clarification that homeowners would be tasked with clearing snow and mowing the grass adjacent to the sidewalk. The resident pressed for better community engagement and prior notification about such projects, stressing the importance of stakeholder involvement.

In another discussion, Ryan McCourt, a resident, voiced dissatisfaction with a new $15 administration fee for reserving hockey courts. McCourt argued that as a resident, he should have unrestricted access to these courts without needing a reservation. He questioned the rationale behind the fee, citing minimal reports of vandalism as insufficient justification. McCourt expressed frustration over the restrictions imposed by the fee and suggested an alternative scheduling system, such as a publicly accessible live document.

The township solicitor responded to McCourt’s concerns by confirming that the reservation system and fees complied with regulations tied to Green Acres funding. Despite this, McCourt contended that the fees were an unfair response to previous inquiries about court access and could deter residents from utilizing community spaces.

Adding to the public comment discussions, Melisa Moy addressed the issue of rising rental costs, revealing an increase in her rent coupled with additional fees proposed by her landlord. Describing the situation as untenable, Moy stated that many residents were being forced to move due to escalating housing costs. She expressed concern over the lack of affordable housing options, highlighting the financial pressures facing residents. The solicitor acknowledged ongoing efforts to address these challenges, mentioning a meeting about affordable housing initiatives and legislative changes expected to impact the rental market.

The council meeting also covered resolutions and contracts, including the authorization of the CFO to execute an agreement with Bowman and Company LLP for the administration of the Section 125 cafeteria plan for 2025. Discussion clarified that the cafeteria plan allows employees to allocate a portion of their salary for medical expenses, with previous expenditures indicating it was not a substantial financial burden.

A resolution to award a janitorial services contract was discussed, where the council noted disqualification of a lower bid due to non-compliance with submission requirements, emphasizing the importance of adhering to statutory regulations. Additionally, the council approved a resolution for bulk rock salt purchase for the winter season, sourced from Atlantic Salt Company, and a change order for cooperative fleet maintenance services that resulted in a cost decrease.

The meeting also saw the appointment of Peter Mano as a full-time police officer and the acceptance of minutes from the previous meeting alongside a bill list. Dr. Thelma Witherspoon reported on new voting machines aimed at improving voter familiarity, while another committee member applauded local high school football teams and announced upcoming community events.