SWEDESBORO– — At their meeting on July 18, the Swedesboro Council discussed community public safety matters with Woolwich Police Department Patrolman Stephen Spithaler. Councilmember Sam Casella expressed concerns about speeding Amazon trucks through Swedesboro.
Casella claimed that Amazon trucks had been speeding down Locke Avenue and Guest Avenue. Swedesboro Mayor Tom Fromm said he’d seen the trucks “go airborne” making the turn at Leahy Avenue and Vannaman Avenue.
“Something’s got to give there,” noted Fromm.
Spithaler said they would be notified. Amazon has local operations in Swedesboro and Logan Township.
Casella asked about the progress of the police department’s bike patrol. Spithaler reported that it was underway, but pointed out that the department had been shorthanded due to sicknesses and summer vacations.
Spithaler also mentioned that a National Night Out would be held on the second Thursday in September. “Many people are still on vacation in August,” he observed. “Summer will be over in September, and we’ll have a better draw then.”
In reference to police officer shootings taking place around the world, Casella told Spithaler, “We have your back. Just be safe.”
As part of Public Safety, Councilmember George Weeks reported that he had seen a one and a half foot sinkhole westbound on Rte. 322 just before the Wawa. “It’s getting bigger,” Weeks said. “Somebody’s going to wipe out there.”
In his Library report, Councilmember Dave Flaherty announced that new digital cameras had been installed in the Swedesboro Library. “They are extremely good,” Flaherty described. “You can get a good, clear shot of everything.”
For Environmental Commission news, Casella reminded Council of the upcoming kayak event scheduled for Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake Narraticon. In his Board of Health report, Weeks listed the department’s next meeting for October. Also, Councilmember Joanna Gahrs reported that the next regular Woolwich Fire Company meeting was set for Sept. 20.
In Economic Development, Councilmember Diane Hale mentioned that her department was reviewing a how to open a new business flow chart. She added that they were already trying to put together the community’s Christmas parade, and there would be some new additions.
The Councilmember reported that Economic Development would be working with the Swedesboro/Woolwich School District to support the upcoming Stop on Red program. Stop on Red raises awareness of stopping at red lights to prevent accidents or deaths.
Hale also explained that Swedesboro could receive a rebate if the town held two shredding events during the year. She volunteered to organize the events, and suggested holding them in the center of town to aid tourism.
“We just have to fill out a form with the number of people who come through, and the poundage,” Hale said. Events were tentatively scheduled for Sept. 24 and Dec. 10.
In her Schools report, Councilmember Mary Alice O’Blennis recommended comparing two recent school funding plans offered by Gov. Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney to see which would have a more favorable result toward Swedesboro.
The Council also passed a resolution that would bring Swedesboro into an Urban County Qualification Cooperation Agreement for Community Development Block Grant funding.
“This doesn’t guarantee that we’ll get the grants, but we’ll be in on the process,” explained Municipal Clerk Tanya Goodwin.
By Robert Holt
