The most pressing topic discussed was the development of a large-scale homeless shelter within Westampton. Residents voiced frustration over the lack of communication from county officials regarding the shelter, which is already in the architectural planning phase. One resident emphasized the township’s exclusion from the decision-making process, noting that there had been no representatives from Westampton at county commissioner meetings over the past year. This absence, they argued, could lead to a lack of influence on decisions impacting the community.

The planned shelter is set to accommodate 60 individuals, and residents fear this could lead to increased crime and public safety concerns. One speaker questioned the difference between an emergency shelter and a homeless shelter. Another resident shared personal experiences involving homeless individuals in public spaces, expressing apprehension about the potential increase in such encounters. Residents urged the town council to improve communication and transparency, suggesting notifications to inform the community about the shelter’s implications, similar to those used for development projects.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of a stronger presence in county discussions. A resident proposed appointing a representative to attend county meetings, as done in neighboring municipalities, to ensure Westampton’s concerns are adequately communicated. The council acknowledged this suggestion but expressed frustration over the lack of engagement from county officials, who had not provided requested meeting dates.

In addition to the shelter discussion, the council addressed potential changes to the township’s health insurance plan. Joe Mad from Hardenberg Insurance presented an option to transition from the SHBP to a Health Insurance Fund (HIP) that includes several local municipalities. The township currently faces steep increases in medical rates under the SHBP, with past hikes reaching 23% and a projected 16.4% for 2025. The HIP offers a stable alternative with an average increase of only 1% over the past five years.

Mad explained that the HIP would match current plan designs but utilize a different network of providers, potentially impacting retirees. A council member noted that the projected savings of approximately $332,000 from switching to the HIP could be reallocated to enhance services in departments like police or fire. There was a call for proactive communication with employees regarding the potential changes, particularly those who might not be aware of the implications.

The meeting also involved financial discussions related to the recreation department, with concerns raised about budget allocations. A member questioned why certain expenses, like cleaning supplies and a turf groomer, were charged to recreation instead of open space funds. This sparked a debate on whether field maintenance costs should be drawn from the recreation budget or open space funds, with suggestions for transferring funds to support recreation as necessary.

As the meeting concluded, residents reiterated their desire for increased engagement and dialogue with the council and county officials. There was a strong call for transparency and proactive measures to address community concerns, particularly regarding the homeless shelter project. The mayor thanked residents for their participation and feedback.