Barry H Merlino

The presentation covers the overview of the 2026 budget, including a real estate tax increase and increased trash fees. It discusses major obligations and expenses such as insurance premiums, pension obligations, vehicle maintenance, state and federal mandates, payroll, and general operating expenses. The presentation also highlights noteworthy achievements during 2025, including police department initiatives, fire service maintenance, emergency management mutual aid agreements, public works projects, license and inspections improvements, administration achievements, park and recreation community engagement, board of health events, and planning committee and zoning hearing board activities. Furthermore, it outlines grant achievements and future applications, 2026 operational goals, community relations and engagement strategies, and a conclusion with a call to action.

The workshop meeting included reports from township professionals, covering engineering (Lincoln Park Playground award), solicitor, police, fire chief, fire marshal, and township fire chief. The manager's report detailed the sale of a vehicle, filed annual reports, receipt of TAN Loan funding, credit card payment discussions, an awarded AV equipment grant (requiring BOC approval), invoices for photography and website services, a banquet hall renovation grant, an upcoming planning committee meeting, a stormwater collaborative agreement, a cleanup contribution, and equipment repair considerations. Ward and committee reports covered licenses & inspections, parks & recreation, library, highway, public safety (including a full-time police officer advertisement), planning and zoning, and the board of health. New and unfinished business items were also addressed.

The meeting agenda includes financial considerations such as budget allocation for AV equipment, payment of invoices for marketing services and grant writing, and a contribution to a watershed cleanup. Other agenda items involve equipment repairs, advertising for a police officer position, and obtaining proposals for credit card payment processing. The meeting also includes professional reports and commissioner reports covering various departments and areas of responsibility, including parks and recreation, public works, public safety, planning and zoning, and the board of health.