Council members expressed worries about the visibility and safety of DPW crews, particularly regarding their attire and the operational challenges on narrow roads such as Vanburg. The concern was that inadequate safety clothing posed risks to both workers and drivers in the area. The Mayor reassured the council of the importance of addressing these issues, emphasizing that safety should not be overlooked simply because there have been no incidents.

Infrastructure updates were another focal point of the meeting. The council approved the professional services of Boswell Engineering for a site assessment and remediation at the Swim Club property, costing $78,000. The urgency of this project was underscored by a compliance notice from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), mandating remediation efforts. This expenditure is to be funded from the capital line for property improvement, with an additional $7,500 allocated for a grant application to cover remediation costs.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the completion of various public works projects. Notable was the final inspection of Calvin Street, with the township awaiting grant reimbursement. The council celebrated the achievement of receiving all outstanding reimbursements from previous road projects, some dating back to 1999. However, concerns were raised about drainage issues at Memorial Field, where debris was found obstructing the stormwater system. The administration stressed the need for residents to avoid disposing of non-water items in storm drains and proposed retrofitting grates to prevent future blockages.

The meeting also focused on the DPW facility’s revised plan, which reduced the number of bays from five to three. This change is expected to save approximately $1.1 million and create more space at Town Hall. The council discussed allocating savings towards securing another property for equipment storage. The updated costs for the DPW building are projected at approximately $4.171 million, not including the salt shed or site development costs. The Mayor highlighted the importance of earmarking some savings for future equipment storage needs, considering the constraints of available space.

Community programs and services were also prominent in the discussions. The recreation department announced the opening of a teen center program, providing activities on Friday nights. The police department reported participation in community events and training for upcoming mandates. The fire department emphasized the state-mandated ban on open fires due to drought conditions, reminding residents of the potential dangers.

The council addressed deficiencies in the town’s best practices survey, which impacted state aid criteria. The municipality scored 40 out of 46 points, with areas for improvement identified, such as the installation of public electric vehicle charging stations and formal policies for purchasing hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. Plans to introduce a lead abatement ordinance were cited as a step toward rectifying these deficiencies.

Finally, the council discussed a resolution authorizing tree removal in Carriage Court and the complexities of township liability. Questions were raised about ownership and responsibility, given past development decisions that led to drainage and safety issues. The council decided to address immediate safety concerns by approving tree removal while tabling further decisions until additional information on township liability was obtained. Additionally, the council encouraged residents to apply for positions on the Advisory Board of Health and alternate spots on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.