A focal point of the meeting was Ordinance 10, which sought to reclassify certain township departments as divisions to create consistency in the town’s organizational framework. The ordinance aimed to address discrepancies in departmental classifications, such as the Division of Roads being classified as a division despite its large workforce, while the smaller Department of Senior Services was categorized as a department. The speaker explained that these changes were necessary to align with state statutes and ensure all division and department heads report to the business administrator. However, the ordinance faced opposition from some council members who saw it as a potential consolidation of power within the mayor’s office, arguing that it might undermine the council’s authority. This led to a debate, with supporters of the ordinance emphasizing the need for clear organizational structure, while detractors worried about a possible shift in power dynamics.

The issue of transparency became a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Council members and residents alike expressed concerns over the timing and distribution of the agenda and bill list, which were often released with little notice, leaving insufficient time for review and public scrutiny. This was highlighted during a discussion on a parking garage repair resolution, where a council member questioned the sustainability of a low bid received after several revisions. The limited time to evaluate the proposal led to heated exchanges among council members, with some emphasizing the urgency of the repairs due to safety concerns, while others cited a lack of adequate information as a reason to oppose the resolution.

One resident criticized the council’s dynamics. Others raised alarm over the handling of local developments, notably a hotel project on Hooper Avenue, where outdated traffic and environmental studies were cited as a basis for approval. Residents questioned the validity of these studies.

Additionally, there were strong reactions to perceived deficiencies in code enforcement, specifically regarding rental policies that allegedly encourage the conversion of homes into boarding houses. A resident urged for more regulations to prevent similar situations as seen in neighboring areas, while a council member acknowledged the challenges of inadequate staffing in code enforcement.

Amidst these discussions, the unexpected announcement of Marin Bennett’s departure as executive director of the Toms River Business Improvement District added a notable note. Bennett was praised for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her role in revitalizing downtown Toms River. Her departure prompted reflections on the challenges faced by local businesses and the successes achieved under her guidance.

The meeting also addressed concerns about the council’s operational procedures, particularly the frequency and timing of agenda meetings. Some council members argued for earlier and more consistent distribution of agendas to improve transparency and accountability. This procedural debate underscored a broader tension between the council’s internal processes and the expectations of the public, with residents advocating for improved communication and earlier access to information.