A prominent issue discussed was the delay in ambulance response during a recent emergency involving an unresponsive child. The incident highlighted concerns over the township’s current emergency medical services. The mayor provided a detailed account of the situation, noting that officers arrived on the scene within three minutes and administered initial aid. However, the Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit took 19 minutes to reach the site, raising critical questions about the adequacy of local resources and the potential need for increased funding or shared services with neighboring municipalities. Council members expressed their alarm at the protracted response times and discussed potential solutions, including the possibility of tax increases to bolster emergency services. The council considered exploring shared services and improving coordination with county officials to ensure faster response times, emphasizing the need for prompt medical assistance over budgetary constraints.

Financial transparency regarding the expenditures for improvements at the temporary Department of Public Works (DPW) storage yard at Bethany Church emerged as another key topic. A community member questioned the nearly $60,000 spent on a new driveway and fence prior to the council’s final lease approval. Concerns were raised about the authorization process for these expenditures, given that the lease agreement had not been finalized. A township representative clarified that the improvements were necessary for the lease’s commencement and were funded through previously authorized capital expenditures. However, community members felt “blindsided” by these decisions, urging better transparency and documentation of such financial commitments. The council assured that funding sources were publicly available on the township’s website, citing an existing spreadsheet detailing capital ordinances and funding allocations.

Staffing challenges also took center stage, particularly within the building department, where a personnel absence left only one employee to manage inspection scheduling and permit issuance. The council proposed offering extra hours to the remaining employee, funded through the building department’s special project budget, to mitigate the workload and ensure residents’ needs were met. Discussions also touched on the introduction of a proration clause in employee contracts to address concerns about vacation time usage prior to separation from the township. This clause aimed to prevent potential abuse of vacation benefits by seeking reimbursement for unearned vacation time.

Additionally, the council explored the potential outsourcing of dispatch services to the county, seeking detailed proposals to compare costs and services. The decision would require input from the police, fire, and ambulance services, with an emphasis on understanding the intangible benefits of maintaining on-site dispatch services. The council acknowledged the importance of a comprehensive analysis to determine the most efficient and cost-effective solution.

The meeting also addressed concerns about senior gatherings at the firehouse due to ongoing Town Hall construction. Fire personnel raised safety issues regarding senior citizens parking in the firehouse lot amidst active emergency operations. The council discussed alternative arrangements, such as designating additional parking spots at nearby locations and transporting seniors to Town Hall via bus to alleviate these concerns.