A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the recognition of the Upper Township varsity football team, which celebrated a remarkable 2023 season as Cape Atlantic Junior Football League champions with a flawless 10-0 record. The council passed a resolution to officially congratulate the team and coaches, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. The team was also the first to experience the newly operational field lights.

The council then transitioned to the reports of the governing body members, which included several project updates and community announcements. Mark Pancoast reported on the Public Works department’s efforts in beach maintenance, such as installing sand fences and extending crossovers, and confirmed that the use of clay material on the beach adhered to Army Corps of Engineers specifications. Mayor John Newman detailed the completion of the public park project and the shift to energy-efficient LED lighting, which promises reduced operational costs. He also addressed the need for a new HVAC system at the senior center. Kimberly R. Hayes drew attention to an upcoming free rabies clinic, and Victor W. Nappen II provided a preview of the upcoming budget workshop. Curtis T. Corson reminded attendees of the Upper Township Rescue Squad’s flower sale.

The budget workshop commanded attention at the meeting, with a detailed presentation by the administrator. The proposed budget anticipated a $300,000 increase, primarily allocated for debt service payments and employee obligations. Discussions centered on the importance of maintaining a surplus and the need for fiscal stability, even as the council acknowledged the challenges of limiting expenses. Notably, Deputy Mayor Curtis T. Corson commended the township’s financial prudence in the previous year, which contributed to surplus growth and a lower tax rate.

Professional development for township employees was endorsed, with the council approving requests for construction and zoning office employees to attend zoning classes and for an EMS employee to partake in a mass casualty class. The council deemed such educational opportunities as vital for maintaining high standards of service.

Further, the council approved several ongoing infrastructure projects, including the paving program for road maintenance and the Route Cedar Swamp Creek Bridge replacement. A request for an extension on the Strath Mir pump project was granted to contractor JF Kylie, setting a new completion deadline of May 17, 2022.

During the meeting, there was also a debate over proposed fee ordinance revisions, which suggested increases based on comparisons with neighboring municipalities and the municipal land use law. The council agreed to further review the revisions, particularly the fees for dumpster permits and multiple C variances.

A proposal by Aaron Shawn to purchase Township property was approved after discussing the necessary procedures. The public comment segment saw a resident express concerns about a proposed hotel and apartment development, with the council advising the individual to attend the zoning board hearing for more information.

The council also reviewed and approved several consent agenda items, such as the declaration of the gypsy moth as a public nuisance and the approval of facility use for community organizations’ events. The meeting concluded with plans to introduce the budget at the next session, emphasizing the value of community input in the process.