The meeting began with multiple residents voicing their deep concerns over the removal of the memorial monument dedicated to Jason Rinker from the Vernon pump track park. The decision was condemned by several speakers who characterized the act as a “desecration” and a sign of disrespect for the deceased. Rich Carson, a resident, questioned the mayor’s communication process that led to the removal and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the decision. He emphasized the need for integrity and decency in handling such sensitive matters.

Michelle Shaer, a neighbor of Jason Rinker, expressed her outrage, criticizing the mayor’s handling of the matter as deeply wrong. Another attendee, Steve Dunlo, referenced a video posted by the mayor, which inaccurately claimed a unanimous vote by the council regarding the park’s name. Dunlo clarified that the vote had actually been 3-2 and questioned the mayor’s credibility, urging the council to intervene and restore the monument.

Sally Rinker, Jason’s mother, addressed the council, recounting the emotional and logistical challenges she faced in retrieving the monument from the municipal garage. She disputed claims made by the mayor regarding her son’s past, denying allegations of arrests or altercations with law enforcement. Sally highlighted community support for restoring the memorial, noting that an online petition gathered over 600 signatures, reflecting significant public sentiment against the mayor’s actions.

The public comments underscored community dissatisfaction, with residents consistently calling for accountability from the council and the mayor. The removal of the memorial was framed as a test of the administration’s integrity and leadership, with many calling for the restoration of the monument as a matter of principle and respect for the deceased.

Another topic discussed during the meeting involved the installation of smart meters by JCP&L. Residents reported increases in their electric bills, with some experiencing charges as high as $600 for a 2,000 square foot home. One resident expressed frustration with JCP&L’s response, stating that the company had not conducted thorough tests to address the billing discrepancies. This led to concerns over the accuracy of the smart meter installations and the legitimacy of the testing procedures.

The council also addressed several budget and ordinance-related matters. A resolution was passed regarding Chapter 159, requesting approval for a revenue appropriation of $75,000 for local Recreation Improvement grants, specifically earmarked for lighting at Veterans Memorial Park. Ordinances numbered 24-17 and 24-18, involving amendments to existing township codes regarding towing regulations and fees, were introduced and approved through roll call votes. The second reading of Ordinance 24-14, addressing construction record clearance, prompted a dialogue about the challenges contractors face in Vernon, with some indicating reluctance to do business due to difficulties with the permitting process.

Council President Patrick Rizzuto shared updates from a Facebook Live chat held the previous week, where various town projects were discussed, and feedback was gathered from residents. He emphasized the importance of transparency and expressed concerns about political violence in the nation. An alarming incident involving a large fishing hook attached to a safety handle in a town building was reported, posing a serious threat to staff. Rizzuto mentioned that additional cameras would be installed for the safety of staff.

Public comments included a resident voicing concerns about rising fees and fines, equating them to taxes, and criticizing the council for increasing inspection fees. Another resident raised questions regarding a salary increase for the Office of Emergency Management.

The council moved through resolutions on the consent agenda, including various authorizations such as the cancellation of outstanding checks, approval for donations to the police department trust fund, and budget amendments for specific programs. One resolution proposed an allocation of $24,600 for drug-related initiatives.