WOOLWICH TWP. — At their meeting on Jan. 17, the Woolwich Township Committee approved a resolution elevating Police Sgt. Peter Massing to the position of Lieutenant. Woolwich Mayor Alan Schwager administered the oath of office to Massing.
“I’m honored to be part of the process,” Schwager commented. “We had three qualified individuals for the position who have bright futures ahead of them. We hope they spend that time in Woolwich.”
A number of Woolwich Police Department officers came to the meeting in support of Massing. The Lieutenant said he appreciated the opportunity.
In other resolutions, the Committee authorized the purchase of a vehicle for the township’s public works department. They also approved a shared service agreement with Gloucester County for the use of certain stage units for special events.
Other resolutions authorized the Woolwich engineer to prepare and submit 2017 applications under the New Jersey Department of Transportation State Aid Grant Program. Also, the Committee adopted a resolution authorizing the Woolwich Land Use Board to investigate and hold public hearings to determine whether certain areas are in need of redevelopment as defined by a New Jersey Local Redevelopment and Housing Law from 1992.
In reports, Committeeman Jordan Schlump noted that Streets and Roads is getting the community ready for winter. Christmas Parade liaison Committeeman John Carleton said that plans will be underway for next year’s parade soon. “It’ll be here before we know it,” he observed.
Deputy Mayor Frank Rizzi added that the 2017 Fun Day would take place on May 14.
During the public portion of the meeting, Woolwich Fire Company Chief Dave Valichka told the Committee that he was proposing a campaign to update of house numbers in Woolwich and Swedesboro.
Valichka explained that it would speed up the process if a home called for police, fire, or EMS assistance. “What it comes down to is, can we find you in an emergency?” Valichka questioned. “In a call we got last week, half of the numbers were missing on their box.”
Schwager responded that the Committee would do whatever they could for the proposal, including adding the information in a township newsletter.
In new business, the Committee discussed authorizing GEI Consultants to provide environmental oversight on the cleanup of the Palladino Farm property on High Hill Road. Director of Community Development Matthew Blake listed an overall quote of $14,710 from the company.
“It may make more sense to get more quotes since the number is so high,” he observed. “The last time we checked GEI, we were about half this high,” commented Schwager. “I think we should get two more quotes.”
by Robert Holt
