The most pressing topic was the town’s approach to managing homelessness, particularly the closure of homeless camps and the town’s largest cold blue shelter, Riverwood Park. A speaker highlighted the detrimental effects of these closures, stressing that those most in need were being neglected. The mayor responded by acknowledging the issues and referenced a recent census by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which reported 166 individuals living in wooded areas. He emphasized the dangers associated with this situation, especially during winter, and noted that many individuals were not originally from Toms River but had been brought in from various locations.

The mayor informed attendees that the administration was working with the DCA to secure approximately $3 to $4 million to provide housing for these individuals for one year. He discussed a plan to transition individuals from the woods into hotels during the winter while the DCA assisted in finding permanent housing solutions. The mayor stressed the urgency of using funds from an affordable housing trust fund, stating, “If we don’t spend it, the state will seize it all next year.” The lack of consensus on the number of individuals utilizing Riverwood Park, with figures ranging from 189 to 288, was noted as a challenge in addressing the issue effectively.

Public comments illustrated a divide between the administration’s approach and the views of advocates. Dan Valentine, a lifelong resident, criticized the current administration for being less accommodating to homeless individuals and urged the mayor and council to visit code blue sites to witness the situation firsthand. Gregory Andrew, a former homeless individual and founder of a local advocacy page, rebuked the characterization of homeless individuals as “festering” problems, arguing that such language was dehumanizing. He implored the council to take constructive actions rather than legal measures that would marginalize vulnerable populations.

Further complicating the debate, another resident questioned the evidence supporting claims that individuals were simply placed in the woods. He argued that many were residents of Toms River and stressed the need for immediate plans to assist them as winter approached. The mayor reiterated the need to prioritize getting individuals into housing rather than continually bringing more people to Toms River, stating, “If Toms is going to pay for 160 people to be in housing, we can’t afford to have folks being brought continually to Tom’s River.”

In another discussion, council members debated a resolution that would allow for a potential increase in spending without council approval. Concerns were raised about unchecked expenditures, with one member stating, “I’m afraid it’s going to allow, you know, theoretically blank checks to be written to certain professionals without the council approval.” Another member clarified that the resolution was intended to impose caps on amounts paid to professional service contractors. The conversation highlighted different interpretations of the resolution’s impact, ultimately leading to a mixed vote outcome.

The council also addressed the condition of local emergency services. A resident raised concerns about the doubling of service numbers while only three ambulances were available on Labor Day weekend. The speaker suggested privatization as a solution to the escalating costs, which were projected to exceed $4 million. Another resident revisited questions about contracts awarded to service providers, expressing confusion about whether a contractor with a ceiling of $1 million could exceed their initial bid of $400,000. A council member clarified that professional service contracts are not subject to public bidding laws, meaning actual costs might exceed initial estimates due to the nature of these contracts.

The council discussed vehicular and pedestrian safety, particularly with an ordinance aimed at reducing the speed limit on Silverton Road from 40 mph to 25 mph. The motion passed unanimously.

Additional public comments touched on the status of the animal shelter, with speakers criticizing the delays in construction and questioning the township’s financial obligations. One former volunteer expressed personal dismay at the portrayal of the facility, arguing that allegations against the shelter were unfounded and politically motivated.

The meeting also addressed improvements to local infrastructure, such as the Joey Harrison Surf Club parking lot and the need for new parking lot lines on local beaches. Concerns about the deteriorating conditions of the Toms River parking garage were raised, prompting discussions about necessary maintenance.