WOOLWICH — At their meeting on Sept. 19, the Woolwich Township Committee discussed flooding issues at the intersection of Woodstown Road and Russell Mill Road. Mayor Alan Schwager has noted that Gloucester County has failed to respond to the situation to this point, and flooding goes across Woodstown Road. Solicitor Mark Shoemaker said there is no municipal jurisdiction on Woodstown Road.
“Every department in the freeholder board has been put on notice about the problem,” observed Shoemaker. “They have provided no assistance whatsoever.”
Shoemaker sent a letter to Gloucester County earlier this year regarding the flooding. Deputy Mayor Frank Rizzi commented, “It’s like they’re just waiting for an accident to happen.”
Elsewhere, the Committee discussed whether signs about jake brakes were necessary in the community. Many diesel trucks slow their vehicles on hills and curves by using jake brakes, and the braking is usually quite loud.
According to Committeeman Jordan Schlump, the local police chief said the brakes would fall under a noise complaint. Schlump received a price quote of $3,024 to put up 26 signs regarding jake brakes.
Rizzi pointed out that the police have stopped trucks and given them warnings. “We’ve done all that we can short of hauling the truckers into court,” he said. “I think we should periodically ask our chief to monitor it.”
“If someone calls the police about a noise ordinance, you have to catch them in the act,” mentioned Schwager. “The question is whether we want to spend $3,000 on engine brake signs.” No action was taken on the issue at this meeting.
In Kingsway Regional High School news, Committeeman John Carleton reported that the school had passed a resolution supporting Senate President Stephen Sweeney’s school funding plan. Also, he announced that Kingsway had entered into a “trailblazing” partnership with Rowan University’s Rohrer College of Business.
Under the agreement that is open to Kingsway seniors, business leadership students would get discounted rates on select business classes, according to Carleton. The Committeeman added that three students would be eligible for $8,500 scholarships based on their grade point averages.
Carleton credited former township committeeman and School District Superintendent James Lavender and Kingsway Chief Academic Officer Trish Calandro for reaching the agreement.
Other news saw the Committee pass an ordinance amending the township code regarding Parks and Recreation “Prohibited Conduct.” This ordinance tightens up the township’s regulations about Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or drones. Another approved ordinance enacted a new section in the code entitled “Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries.”
In resolutions, the Committee authorized a substitute electrical inspector, and they approved the town’s participation in the Shop Local program.
Under new business, the Committee accepted a Fralinger Engineering quote for a Transportation Alternatives grant application with the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Director of Community Development Matt Blake explained that these grants are for bicycle and pedestrian type projects, and would cover construction and design funding.” These are substantial grants,” he added.
The Committee also moved to replace the current Locke Ave. Park Christmas tree with a 30 ft. high Norway spruce. “Money from the Dedicated Tree Fund would cover the cost,” noted Schwager.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Committee issued a proclamation recognizing the Swedesboro/Woolwich U13 Girls Soccer team, “The Wolves”, for a successful season. The team took first place in the Olympic Division with a 6-1-3 record.
“We want to thank all of the parents, officials and volunteers for their time and service,” commented Schwager.
— by Robert Holt
