Michael Gargan

The meeting included a presentation by the Environmental Advisory Council regarding the 2025 Going Green Awards, with awards presented for conservation (Renee Misant), community outreach (Walk, Bike, and Roll school event spearheaded by Diana Morris), and the overall winner (Whisten Outdoor Environmental Club for planting flowers at Wahhicken High School). Key agenda items involved consideration of the initiation of the adoption process for the Lower Township Comprehensive Plan, guiding future land use until 2045, which includes advertising a public hearing and commencing a 45-day public review period. Additionally, the Board reviewed a subdivision plan for properties on Cedar Hill Road, discussing proposed waivers related to lot division, sidewalk/trail paving versus natural trail, driveway aprons, curbing, and storm sewer pipe diameter.

The meeting began with an executive session to discuss personnel matters and potential litigation related to code enforcement. Key topics in the public session included an announcement regarding the township's veterans committee ceremony scheduled for November 8th, 2025. The primary agenda item involved authorizing the advertisement process for a legal notice to amend Chapter 1295 concerning wireless telecommunication towers, antennas, and overlay districts. Representatives for Johnson & Johnson presented details regarding their proposal to construct a 42,000 square foot Cell Engineering Analytical Sciences (CEAS) lab addition to the Spring House campus to accommodate growth in research and development, including automation and larger equipment needs. The board addressed several compliance and waiver requests related to the land development, including traffic impact study waivers (with fees to be paid based on square footage for potential future use), stormwater management (utilizing existing basins and an MPDS permit), and landscaping requirements. The representatives confirmed compliance with township ordinances regarding tree counts and terrace wall landscaping, and noted the addition will improve ADA accessibility and trail extension for employee use.

The meeting featured a presentation regarding the Lower Gwinnett Police Department structure and operations, which resulted from an RFP issued in the spring. The analysis, conducted by CERT Public Safety Solutions, included quantitative data from the Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) system and qualitative input from officers and community members. The presentation detailed patrol operations, showing personnel deployment across seasonal and temporal variations, and analyzed the workload saturation index based on time spent on calls for service. Initial findings indicated that staffing levels met the benchmark for officers on patrol (approximately 70% vs. the 60% benchmark) and that workload saturation was safely below the 60% threshold during most periods, suggesting current staffing is adequate for current service demands. A key recommendation involved adding two patrol sergeants to the staffing allocation to ensure adequate supervision coverage 24/7, as current staffing only provided a supervisor roughly 70% of the time, which is considered less than ideal.

This document provides a detailed financial budget projection, primarily focusing on the year 2026. It outlines general operating fund revenues from various sources such as earned income tax, real estate taxes, and state aid, alongside a breakdown of operating expenses across departments including police, public works, and administration. The projection also includes sewer fund revenues and expenses, capital funds revenue, and specific capital projects planned for 2026, including building, infrastructure, stormwater management, and park improvements. Additionally, it contains an excerpt from a 10-year vehicle and equipment plan, highlighting funding needs for maintaining the township's assets.

Key discussions during the meeting involved personnel changes, specifically introducing a new township point of contact and announcing an expansion of role for the Program Coordinator, along with advertising for a replacement program director. The board reviewed contracts and event planning, emphasizing the need to confirm payments to vendors for summer concerts and establishing a communication timeline. Further deliberation focused on developing an event calendar strategy, including the use of a survey submission form and clarifying the process for email blasts and newsletters. Park improvements were also discussed, with suggestions including adding more restrooms and dog waste bags. Logistical planning for future events, such as a potential tree lighting event and movie nights, was explored, with recommendations to use specific vendors. Finally, the importance of updating the township website with clear event information was stressed, and the meeting schedule for the following month was adjusted.