One of the discussions centered on the adoption of the 2024 Municipal budget. The council approved a 3% salary increase for non-contractual employees, which included departments such as the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the police. The budget amendment was passed unanimously by the council members present. This was followed by the adoption of resolution 24-15, which finalized the 2024 Municipal budget. A significant aspect of the budgetary discussions was a special emergency appropriation to fund a property reassessment, intended as a cost-saving measure for the operating budget through a shared services agreement with Duma.

The council also focused on environmental sustainability. A comprehensive annual report from the Environmental Protection Commission and Green Team was presented, detailing their mission, community events, and initiatives from the past year. They reported on the successful implementation of the New Jersey plastic bag ban and its positive impact on local businesses and environmental practices. The commission received a bronze status from Sustainable Jersey and participated in the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions. For 2024, goals were set to enhance environmental communications, engage with other towns, and seek grant opportunities. The Green Team highlighted recent events such as the Styrofoam and paper shredding collection, Second Chance Toys drive, and prom box reuse initiative, with plans to promote home gardens and host educational presentations.

The council acknowledged the importance of environmental protection and addressed related issues through proposed code amendments by the land use board. These amendments, which the board had worked on for seven months, focused on lot coverage and water absorption to prevent flooding issues. The ordinance would limit the footprint of allowable lot coverage by impermeable surfaces to 35%, reserving 5% for accessory structures. The proposed changes also introduced credits for the use of semi-permeable surfaces in construction. The code amendments were positioned as a common-sense solution to flooding concerns and were set to be considered for a first reading at the next meeting.

In a related action, the council approved a bond ordinance authorizing public improvements and the acquisition of new equipment and machinery. The ordinance was adopted without debate following a period for public comment, during which no questions were raised.

Community engagement was another focal point of the meeting. The council approved a request from the Riverdell Junior Football Association to hang a sign in Memorial Park to promote their 2024 registration drive. The council also approved requests from the Cub Scouts and the fire department to have tables at the first farmers market of the season, which was set for May 23rd, with a potential rain date on June 8th.

The council recognized the physical challenges and sacrifices made by local firefighters during training sessions and highlighted the importance of hydration while wearing heavy gear. Additionally, the council noted the upcoming Stigma-Free concert in the park and the Environmental Protection Commission’s organized cleanup event. The exceptional work of the DPW superintendent, Jason Molo, was also acknowledged.