The council meeting, characterized by its focus on the financial and administrative intricacies of the affordable housing plan, saw significant queries from council members about the escalation in the contract’s cost. The initial proposal was for a year-long comprehensive plan at $50,000, a figure now surpassed by $16,000. Questions were raised about the nature of the additional work required and whether the increase in fees was justified given the original expectations.

Concerns during the meeting included ensuring public input was effectively integrated into the plan. The planning board had already held a public hearing and requested revisions based on community feedback, deemed positive in prior discussions. Clarity was sought on how these revisions would be incorporated and whether the planner’s invoices sufficiently detailed the work done. One specific issue highlighted was an apparent discrepancy in billing, where the planner charged for three hours for a meeting that lasted only one hour. This raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the invoicing process.

The plan needs to be prepared for a public hearing scheduled for November 5 and subsequently submitted for state and potentially court approval. It was confirmed that the public would have access to the plan ten days before this hearing, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public involvement in the planning process.

Financial arrangements for the contract were another focal point. The assistant business administrator clarified that a portion of the expenses would be covered by escrow funds, with township funds only potentially needed if an ordinance requiring planning board review was passed—a scenario that was not currently anticipated.

The council’s deliberations concluded with a roll call vote, resulting in unanimous support for the resolution to allocate the additional $23,000.

Before the meeting adjourned, there was a brief acknowledgment of a council member’s previous absence due to travel and commendations for facilitating the agenda in their absence. However, the primary narrative of the meeting remained firmly anchored in the discussions surrounding the affordable housing plan contract, the need for financial diligence, and the importance of adhering to the established planning timeline.