Kevin E. Aberant

The meeting agenda included standard procedural items such as the Mayor's Statement, Moment of Silence, and Roll Call. Key discussion topics involved reports from Council Members, updates on upcoming hybrid meetings, submissions for the Local Recreation Improvement Grant and the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant, and the status of the E-bike Ordinance. Ordinances introduced on first reading included a bond ordinance for the Main Street Water Main Replacement - Phase 3, and amendments to Chapter 180 (Zoning) to implement overlay zoning for affordable housing, along with amendments to Chapter 6 regarding committees, including the creation of the "Open Space Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Committee." The consent agenda resolutions covered adopting a temporary capital budget, authorizing expenditure from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, appointing a Council Liaison to the Tree Planting and Preservation Committee and Sustainable Moorestown (Green Team), authorizing a grant application for the New Albany Recreation Center rehabilitation, and adopting updates to Township Personnel Policies and Procedures. The Council also planned to enter into a closed session regarding real property acquisition, litigation, and employment matters.

The meeting agenda included the call to order, a moment of silence, and the main focus on selecting and swearing in a Council Member to fulfill the unexpired term of Nicole Gillespie. Discussions covered reports from Council Members, upcoming hybrid meetings scheduled for February 2026, and updates on the Affordable Housing Plan implementation. Key agenda items included the discussion of scheduling the Phase 3 Watermain Upgrade Project and the consideration of draft ordinances related to creating the Open Space Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Committee and revising various boards and committees. Ordinances scheduled for second reading addressed amending salary ranges for employees. The consent agenda featured resolutions concerning designating official newspapers, authorizing a service agreement with Burlington County for sludge disposal, purchasing a bucket truck, authorizing change orders, awarding a contract for road restoration, authorizing a disabled veteran's tax exemption, authorizing water charge cancellations, accepting a resignation and appointing members to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, approving budget transfers, authorizing road closures for community events, and authorizing expenditure from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The committee reviewed and approved minutes from prior meetings held in September and October. Key ongoing action items involved planning for a 2027 event, determining a date for a potential flag-raising celebration to engage the Hispanic community, and sending the attendance log to the Township. Discussions for 2025 planning included acknowledging various awareness months for November and planning for Lunar New Year involvement in February. A significant focus was placed on conducting a new Community Survey, potentially running through May and June, to identify under-recognized groups, with a goal to finalize survey questions in early January. Priorities brainstormed for 2026 included identifying other under-recognized groups such as the elderly and veterans, developing a calendar of events featuring flag raisings and National Night Out, and planning another Interfaith Event.

The meeting, designated as the Annual Reorganization Meeting, included several key agenda items. The proceedings commenced with a Moment of Silence and the Flag Salute. Major actions involved the election and administration of the Oath of Office for the Deputy Mayor for a term expiring December 31, 2026. The Council also addressed mayoral appointments, including members to the Library Board of Trustees and the Planning Board. A significant portion of the agenda consisted of numerous professional appointment resolutions for 2026, covering roles such as Township Attorney, Affordable Housing Counsel, Township Engineer, and Auditor. Additionally, resolutions addressed board and committee member appointments, including accepting resignations and making new appointments to various committees such as the Appearance Committee, Better Together Advisory Committee, and Economic Development Advisory Committee. General business resolutions involved setting the 2026 annual meeting schedule, establishing fee schedules for various departments, ratifying the Deputy Mayor election, adopting the 2026 Temporary Budget, and authorizing the sale of Bond Anticipation Notes. An ordinance regarding amendments to the Township Salaries and Compensation Ordinance was introduced on first reading.

The meeting included discussions on financial matters such as cash disbursement and receipt analysis reports, budget statements, and invoices exceeding $2,500. Specific invoices from Niche Academy, EBSCO, Innovative, Overdrive and Cape May County Library Commission were reviewed. The agenda also covered the director's report, old business regarding the 2026 meeting schedule, new business concerning a revised study room policy, and a resolution for reserving funds for capital projects. A closed session was scheduled to discuss potential litigation related to tax liability.