The council emphasized the urgency of removing hazardous materials from the pump house, which had been present for over two years. A council member urged for immediate disposal of these chemicals following Boswell’s recommendations and called for additional signage to warn the public of contamination. The council agreed to update existing signs accordingly. Financial aspects of the remediation were also reviewed, with Boswell’s $7,500 fee for the grant application being covered by county open space funds, given the specialized nature of the task.

The council acknowledged that Boswell Engineering’s involvement was due to its expertise, as Beckmeyer Engineering lacked the necessary specialization for the issue at hand. Concerns were raised about the possible presence of higher PCB concentrations elsewhere and the potential liability of previous property owners for undisclosed contamination. These matters remain under investigation.

Discussion extended to the broader health implications of chemical leaks in the area, with suggestions for a comprehensive evaluation of township contamination issues. The council considered a holistic review by Boswell to address potential public health risks and discussed the process for notifying adjacent property owners of environmental concerns. Transparency was emphasized, with plans to post the Boswell report on the township’s website, allowing residents to access information and submit questions. The council intends to invite a Boswell representative to a future meeting to address public inquiries and ensure clear communication about remediation efforts.

Financial implications of continued investment in the swim club property were also debated, as future development plans, including potential hockey rinks, are on hold pending remediation actions. The council concluded that prioritizing contamination cleanup is essential before any development can proceed.

In other business, the council addressed several administrative matters, including a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the approval of an application for Andrew Miles to join the Township Volunteer Fire Department. The council unanimously adopted Ordinance 24-19 concerning outdoor lighting, after a public hearing received no opposition.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on Resolution 24-348, which involved modifications to an access agreement for Washington Town Center. Issues arose from soil movement on township property without prior notification, prompting the council to demand clarity from the site’s management. The township’s engineer recommended protective measures concerning soil disposal and indemnity clauses. The council debated imposing a deadline for the installation of monitoring wells and ultimately amended the resolution to require completion by November 21, 2024. Failure to meet this deadline could result in revocation of the access agreement and potential legal action.