The Hamilton Township Council meeting held on April 2, 2024, focused on several key issues, including the introduction of the 2024 municipal budget and various commendations recognizing important dates in the community.

The meeting began with the council exiting an executive session and approving the minutes from previous meetings. Notably, the council recognized April 26 as Arbor Day, April 22 as Earth Day, and designated April as Autism Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month through joint commendations.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the consent agenda, which included multiple appointments and resolutions. Among the appointments, Jose Ortiz was promoted to Public Defender, while Chris Casouris was appointed as the Alternate Public Defender. Additionally, Jennifer Chin Gorner was appointed to the Hamilton Township Economic Development Advisory Commission.

The council also discussed the introduction of the 2024 municipal budget, with Finance Director Eugenia and Budget Officer John Calderon present to provide insights. The council scheduled a series of budget workshops to review the budget in detail, starting on April 4 and continuing through April 24, 2024. These workshops will cover various departments, including police, fire, and public works.

In terms of ordinances, the council approved the second reading of an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and introduced a new ordinance regarding property maintenance violations.

The meeting concluded with an open public comment session, where a resident, Rocco Sharapa, expressed concerns but was not fully prepared to present his issue. The council encouraged public participation and emphasized the importance of community engagement in local governance.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to community recognition, budget transparency, and addressing local governance issues. The upcoming budget workshops are expected to provide further clarity on the township's financial planning for the year ahead.