WOOLWICH TWP. — At their meeting on Dec. 18, the Woolwich Township Committee adopted a bond ordinance that would authorize appropriation of $15,400,000 to finance sewer infrastructure improvements.
Woolwich Township needs to be able to provide water and sewer resources to facilitate future development along the Route 322 corridor. A lack of sewer capabilities by the township would hold up potential development in Kings Landing at Woolwich. They are now working with Logan Township, who is increasing the capacity of their sewer treatment facility.
Woolwich is applying for a loan from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust. The NJEIA is an independent state financing operation that provides low, below market interest rates with favorable repayment terms to qualifying applicants. The projects they finance enhance water resources and protect the health and welfare of residents.
Two resolutions were passed that would permit borrowing for bonds and notes. The ordinance was adopted on its second reading after a public hearing.
In other resolutions, the Committee accepted a proposal from Custom Environmental Management Company for remediation of the Woolwich Fire Company property. They also awarded a contract to Waste Management of New Jersey for collection and disposal of solid waste and recycling materials for 2018.
The Committee also adopted a shared services agreement with the Gloucester County Improvement Authority for the operation, maintenance and use of Deicer material and a Deicer storage facility. Deicer is a form of rock salt used to prevent the formation of ice.
Another approved resolution authorized a contract between Woolwich Township and the Policemen’s Benevolent Association No. 122.
Elsewhere in liaison reports, Committeeman John Carleton noted that the local business development advisory committee had shown a lot of energy during 2017, saying, “We are headed in the right direction.” Carleton also acknowledged that Atlantic City Electric had sponsored the fireworks at Woolwich’s recent Christmas parade.
For Streets and Roads, Committeeman Jordan Schlump reported that the department had used 150 tons of salt during three recent snow events. Schlump added that they were also edging the baseball infield as weather permitted.
Committeeman Dan Battisti reported that he and Director of Community Development Matt Blake had recently accepted the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Woolwich Township. Woolwich won under the category of Land Conservation.
Winners in this category express a commitment to, and experience in, preserving open space and protecting land from future development. Battisti pointed out that Woolwich had preserved 3,000 acres since the beginning of its Transfer of Developmental Rights program in 2008, and was looking to preserve 2,600 more.
“We were the only municipality to be honored,” added Battisti.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Committee presented proclamations to members of the U12 Swedesboro/Woolwich Soccer Association Tigers for their first place finish in the South Jersey Girls Soccer League Flight One Division, along with the U13 Vatreni Strikers for finishing first in the South Jersey Boys Soccer League Flight One Division.
The Tigers finished with an 8-1 record, and were the top ranked team in South Jersey. The Strikers were 8-1-1, the top ranking among 64 teams.
“It was an honor to do this at a close-out session,” said Mayor Alan Schwager. “I want to wish all of you a happy holiday season.”
by Robert Holt
