The Clarkfield Infield Rehabilitation project emerged as a point of discussion, with unexpected expenses totaling nearly $8,500. These costs were associated with the need for additional containers and drainage work, raising questions about the project’s original bidding process. One council member expressed skepticism over why these costs, which often fall in the range of $5,000 to $6,000, were not anticipated earlier. The council deliberated on whether the contractor, Field Pro Enterprises, should absorb some of these costs. It was noted that the contractor had already provided concessions by not charging for extra containers.

Despite these financial hurdles, the council emphasized the long-term benefits of the field improvements. The conversation highlighted a broader concern about accountability and the need for improved control over the bidding process. The council stressed the importance of managing budgets and expenses carefully to prevent similar issues in the future.

In addition to fiscal matters, the council addressed community concerns regarding traffic congestion from the anticipated opening of a new Costco in Paramus. A speaker at the meeting expressed alarm over current traffic conditions on Lynwood Avenue, highlighting potential exacerbation once the Costco opened. Council members acknowledged these concerns, noting that increased traffic could turn local roads into thoroughfares for towns north of Washington. The sentiment was shared that existing traffic issues, already affecting areas near Route 17 and Demis Farms, might worsen.

The council also discussed the need to revisit ongoing concerns related to the Department of Public Works (DPW) and interactions with Paramus officials. One council member expressed frustration over previous dismissals of local concerns by Paramus officials.

Further, during the meeting, a change order for material and labor costs necessary for the Clarkfield project was approved, with funding available due to anticipated savings in other areas. This decision was accompanied by a discussion on improving communication and oversight of ongoing projects to enhance transparency and accountability.

The council also tackled the issue of underutilized resources, such as the commuter parking lot, which only had about seven of its 29 spots occupied. The low usage prompted a reconsideration of parking fees, with concerns that higher fees might further deter usage. Suggestions were made to conduct a survey or have police checks to better assess actual usage.

Financial management and record-keeping were also on the agenda, with a review of the 2023 audit revealing a $3.1 million surplus. Although this marked a reduction from the prior year’s surplus, the township was noted to be in healthy financial condition. Recommendations from the audit included improved procurement practices, specifically retaining documentation for state contracts and ensuring purchase orders are issued before work commencement.

The meeting also addressed the backlog of invoices from Aelen and Fury Engineering, an issue dating back to 2018. The council has been working to resolve these outstanding payments and emphasized the new protocol requiring prior approval and purchase orders for professional services to prevent future complications.

Administrative updates included election deadlines, the modernization of the Town Hall elevator, and the introduction of the Recycle Coach app to educate residents on recycling. Community events, such as the Washington Wicked 5K Kids Fund Run and a paper shredding event, were announced, alongside a call for residents to fill positions on local advisory boards.