0:00Eugene Greco, along with Treasurer Richard Myers, outlined the benefits of the new contract, which promises to alleviate the pressure on local volunteers, particularly during daytime hours when volunteer availability is limited. The agreement ensures that the county ambulance service will handle calls during these peak times, while local volunteers will continue to provide coverage on nights and weekends. Greco highlighted that the county’s involvement would not result in additional costs for residents, as the county would bill insurance companies directly, bypassing the township’s budget and avoiding direct charges to residents.

The council engaged in a discussion regarding the adequacy of volunteer recruitment and the effectiveness of the current hybrid operational model. Some council members expressed concern about fully transitioning to county support, while others advocated for maintaining the hybrid model to ensure flexibility. The council agreed on the necessity of monitoring call response metrics to evaluate the new arrangement’s success. Greco expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing that it would augment response capabilities without financial burdens on residents. He acknowledged that recruitment remains a challenge, with only nine volunteer members currently, two of whom are undergoing EMT training.

58:20Parallel to the ambulance service enhancements, the need for a new facility for the DPW was a prominent topic of discussion. For four years, DPW staff have been operating out of a tent, prompting union representatives and employees to urge the council to provide a proper building. Concerns about the working conditions, especially during harsh weather, were raised, and the council debated a bond ordinance involving a $3 million budget and the issuance of $2.85 million in bonds to construct the new facility. Some council members questioned the financial implications and sought clarification on expenses, emphasizing the need for transparency and realistic budgeting to avoid overspending.

1:18:30The council deliberated on whether to include a cancellation clause if the funds were not utilized within a specific timeframe, reflecting caution from past experiences with similar projects. Despite concerns about potential overspending, many members acknowledged the urgency of providing DPW staff with adequate facilities to enhance their productivity. The debate underscored a divide between those advocating for immediate action and others urging careful consideration of financial implications.

58:20The meeting also addressed various ordinances and resolutions, including a proposed film ordinance and a noise control ordinance. The film ordinance discussion focused on regulating film production in the township, with plans to review similar regulations from neighboring towns to draft an appropriate ordinance. The noise control ordinance, based on Department of Environmental Protection guidelines, aimed to establish decibel limits for different times of the day and address public concerns about noise from lawn equipment and power tools.

37:52Towards the end of the meeting, budgetary discussions took center stage as the proposed municipal budget for 2025 was presented. The budget reflects a modest 1.5% increase, translating to an $85 annual increase on the average assessed property value. The council emphasized the importance of prioritizing capital projects, including road programs and public safety vehicle replacements, to maintain service levels and infrastructure integrity. The need for a collaborative approach to budget approval was reiterated, recognizing the council’s role in overseeing departmental requests.