MICKLETON — At their meeting on Aug. 22, the East Greenwich Township saluted resident Mary Owen, who reached her 100th birthday on Aug. 15. “It is our privilege and our honor to celebrate your 100th birthday,” declared Mayor Dale Archer.
Archer read a proclamation recognizing Aug. 22 “Mary Owen Day.” Owen was born in Pennsylvania and came from a family of seven children. “We wish you many, many more,” Archer added.
During the public portion of the meeting, Mickleton resident Michael Skowronski expressed concerns that the East Greenwich School District has eliminated bus service for some children who have traditionally received bus transportation. According to Skowronski, Hereford Lane, Still Run, Bodo Otto Drive, Millwood Drive, Village Drive, and Legends Court are now designated as “walking routes.”
Archer insisted that the Township Committee doesn’t control anything in the school system. “The school system handles bus schedules,” the mayor said. “They work hand-in-hand with the Police Department, and base their decisions on that.”
East Greenwich determined these streets were not safe during a previous administration due to conditions like cut-through traffic and no sidewalks. But severe financial debt in the community did not allow any action to be taken.
In new business, the Committee awarded the bid for soccer field lighting at Thompson Family Park to Ronald Janney Electrical Contractors for the base amount of $147,900. “We had three electrical contractors come in and bid,” explained Archer. “We now have opportunities for additional parking during the fall and winter months, as well as increased safety for our kids.”
East Greenwich soccer reportedly has about 700 players registered for the fall.
Elsewhere in resolutions, the Committee approved the appointment of Jessica Bishop as East Greenwich Township’s Qualified Purchasing Agent. “This was brought to our attention by our CFO,” pointed out Archer. “This gives us additional opportunities when we go out for bidding purposes.”
East Greenwich followed up that measure by raising the community’s bid threshold. “That coincides with the QPA,” Archer said.
The Committee then accepted the resignation of Patricia Magazu as a crossing guard, and approved advertising for one full-time and two part-time crossing guards.
by Robert Holt
