Susan E. Danson

The meeting commenced with a roll call and a treasurer's report detailing account balances as of November 1st. Key discussions involved funding the 2025 holiday lighting installation from the ABC Trust Account. Committee reports covered the ongoing exploration of alternative options for the Gazebo Park roof replacement after failing to receive quotes from five contractors, and planning activities, noting the continuation of the Annual Color Run/Walk for the Arts, while considering a Chili Cook-Off with discussions focused on liability and food safety requirements. Old business included updates on the 2026 Event Calendar compilation, a positive recap of the 3rd Annual Business Appreciation Event featuring the NJEDA and grant opportunities, and a reminder that the Paver Program remains open indefinitely with a promotional price ending December 20. New business focused on incorporating America 250 branding for 2026 events, coordinating community engagement with the FIFA World Cup 2026, announcing the first book sale for the Friends of the Maple Shade Library, proposing a podcast series to promote local businesses, and reviewing the pending RPM Main Street development retail space usage. The commission also noted the revival of the Volcano development and interest from Swedesboro Brewing Company in a new location.

The agenda for the meeting includes an Open Board of Health Meeting, followed by an ordinance introduction and first reading regarding Chapter 181, 'Taxation of Cannabis,' specifically amending sections on transfer and user taxes. The Consent Agenda includes several resolutions: accepting a maintenance bond for playground improvements at Ace's Park, authorizing the sale of surplus property via online auction, authorizing aerial mosquito control, establishing an intermunicipal sludge management agreement with Burlington County, authorizing a change order and final payment for resurfacing North Coles Avenue and Roland Avenue, appointing a new member to the Police Department, authorizing the establishment of a lien for property maintenance, authorizing budget transfers, establishing a police off-duty employment rate, and rejecting bids for the Police Station Holding Cell Alterations Project, authorizing a re-bid. Further topics include approval of expenditure lists and staff/professional comments on operations, engineering, police reports, and sustainable initiatives. New Business includes addressing a Light Pollution Ordinance and pursuing a 2026 Green Acres Grant for Woodlawn Field. The agenda concludes with provisions for an Executive Session.

The meeting included an open session for the Board of Health, which covered reports on resolved cat and miscellaneous issues. During the public portion preceding the consent agenda, residents questioned resolutions concerning a temporary shared service fire official position and engineering bills related to a grant. The consent agenda involved numerous resolutions, including the appointment of an Interim Fire Official, authorization for roadway and utility improvement engineering services, contract awards for utility projects, engineering agreements for infrastructure projects, approval of a grant application to the NJDEP, support for a state cannabis retail application, and authorizing a change order/final payment for water system improvements. The council also approved expenditure lists, November 2025 minutes, and discussed public concerns during the main public portion regarding a housing ordinance petition, leaf collection procedures, a prior Councilman's comment, the location of the new cannabis business, and the need for better maintenance of DPW trucks and fire department command vehicles. Old business included updates on the upcoming GovPilot system implementation, denial of a performance guarantee waiver, agreement to change the reorganization meeting time, discussion of a sewer main issue for Heritage on Main, congratulations to an employee, and police activity including a successful St. Nick project, successful Project Santa adoptions, and ongoing investigations into auto thefts and a serious incident on Forklanding Road. Engineer reports covered stormwater permits, drainage analysis for Buttonwood Park, Thomas Ave Drainage, and a grant for pipes around the Windsor Avenue pump station. The council also reviewed site plans, approved 2026 Council Meeting Dates, and circulated 2026 RFP results.

The meeting included a proclamation honoring the memory of Kenneth Kenny Ker Jr. and dedicating a portion of Buttonwood Avenue as Kenny Ker Jr. Way. The council received a report from the Board of Health detailing remediation efforts for unsanitary conditions, a dog bite incident, and the issuance of substantial compliance to a new food establishment. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing regarding Ordinance Number 2025-18, which seeks to amend the township code by adding Chapter 155, the Housing Code. Residents expressed strong objections to the ordinance, citing concerns over potential monetary impact, the subjective nature of citations for unlisted violations, liability for missed inspections, and the perceived rush to implement the measure.

The meeting commenced with a salute to the flag and an invocation. A significant portion of the agenda focused on the reorganization of the Council, including the nomination and installation of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the year 2026, including administering the oaths of office. Council members offered greetings for the New Year, and one member announced their final year of service, receiving an honorary proclamation. Key resolutions involved the appointment of various attorneys for 2026, the appointment of professional staff (including auditors, planners, and financial advisors), and the appointment of township utility and recreation engineers. Additionally, the municipal judge was appointed for a three-year term. A large consent agenda covering resolutions R5 through R32 was approved, with one member noting votes against three specific resolutions within that block. Managerial appointments for 2026 were also confirmed.