A significant portion of the council’s agenda centered on the first reading of ordinance number 27, an impactful measure aimed at regulating peddlers and solicitors within the township. This proposed ordinance would allow residents to register with the township clerk’s office to prevent unwanted solicitation at their homes and establish penalties for non-compliance. The council set the second reading and public hearing for February 26, signaling the importance of this issue to the local governance and community.

In a related vein, the council addressed a series of resolutions covering essential administrative functions. Notably, they approved contracts for custodial services, addressed tax overpayments, and ratified a successor agreement with the School Traffic Guards Union. Moreover, the council established a contract amount for Main Access Systems Incorporated and approved the 2024 holiday schedule for the township. In a move to streamline internal operations, the council adopted a personnel policies and procedures manual and an employee handbook for the period spanning 2024 to 2026.

The council also reached a resolution on an agreement with Virtual Health for advanced life support service transportations and approved a contract for municipal accounting software licensing and maintenance. Certain resolutions were postponed or withdrawn, including those related to contracts with Educational Service Commissions, applications for playground funding through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s green acre program, and contracts with Sourcewell.

The meeting also involved substantial discussion regarding the appointment of members to various boards and commissions, including the MUA. The council successfully nominated Dario Diggs for full membership to the MUA after clarifying the nomination process.

Public participation provided a forum for community members to voice their concerns and seek clarifications. Maddie Mallerie questioned the new position of Vital Statistics, its salary range, and whether it was properly advertised as a civil service position. In a more pointed comment, Mallerie addressed a federal charge against a council member and called for their resignation. Meanwhile, Kim Brantley expressed appreciation for local organizations’ efforts but lamented the absence of council members at a recent event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King and veterans. Sarah Holly queried about the sudden departure of deputy clerk Mr. Garcia after a short tenure.

In response to these public comments, Deputy Mayor Anderson clarified the nature of the Vital Statistics position and defended the presumption of innocence regarding the council member facing federal allegations. The council members also acknowledged the importance of recognizing veterans and assured the public of their support, notwithstanding their absence at the event. Regarding the inquiry about Mr. Garcia, the council noted that such personnel matters are confidential and that his resignation was under consideration.

Council members took the opportunity to acknowledge notable contributions from community members. Miss Dion Balden was congratulated for receiving an award from the Kappa Epsilon chapter of Sigma fraternity for her social action work. Personal reflections on the passing of Miss Quin Shaw were shared, emphasizing the impact of her long service to the community.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council announced the next meeting date and proceeded into an executive session to address attorney-client privilege and personnel matters. Upon returning from the executive session, a resolution was passed appointing a new deputy Township Clerk, further underscoring the council’s administrative focus.