WOOLWICH TWP. — At their meeting on Feb. 20, the Woolwich Township Committee adopted a resolution authorizing the establishment of a $40,000 escrow account for detailed evaluation of the Logan Township Municipal Utility Authority Pumping Station No. 1.
“We’re in the design phase of the sewer conveyance down Route 322,” explained Woolwich Mayor Jordan Schlump. “We have to conduct a study to see if it fits our need.”
Woolwich’s need is for water and sewer resource facilities for the community’s future development in Kings Landing at Woolwich. Logan’s pump station is expected to transport wastewater from Woolwich to the wastewater treatment facility in Logan Township. Logan is currently increasing the capacity of its treatment facility.
In other news, the Committee passed another resolution that authorized the Alaimo Group engineering proposal of $15,300 for Daybreak Farm. Director of Community Development Matt Blake noted that the property was located on High Hill Road, and was acquired in 2017
through the Open Space and Recreation Plan. Gloucester County and Woolwich worked together to preserve the 32-acre parcel, which will now be used for conservation and recreation purposes.
Elsewhere, in finance, Committeeman Dan Battisti said he’d been meeting with the township chief financial officer, and expected the township budget to be available in the next three to four weeks. For the Municipal Court, Battisti listed 475 cases as having been seen in January.
For Streets and Roads, Committeeman Vernon Marino listed 57 tons of salt as being used during two separate weather events in January.
In Parks and Recreation, Marino reported that their recent Daddy/ Daughter Dance was a huge success, hosting about 120 people. He added that Woolwich broke even on a Riverwinds Pool Party. Other upcoming events included a Health and Wellness Fair on April 21, and Fun Day on June 9.
For Trash and Recycling, Committeewoman Gina Santore mentioned that Woolwich Township was only up by one percent in their annual recycling so far. Santore was waiting to look at their contract for Waste Management, because there had been a large rate increase. “I don’t believe it has been executed yet,” Santore commented.
Also, Santore mentioned during her Swedesboro Woolwich School District report that she had been having discussions with District Superintendent Dr. Kristin O’Neill, and could accept questions relating to district issues.
In his report, Deputy Mayor John Carleton said that the Business Development Advisory Committee was discussing the town’s Shop Local program, and was hoping to have another Business Appreciation Night. Carleton added that the BDAC was looking to upgrade its website in conjunction with Woolwich Township.
“We need to have a greater presence with our website,” explained Carleton. “We may even add a “Business of the Month” to aid local businesses.”
Schlump reported that the Environmental Commission was still putting together events for the year. In Green Team news, Schlump said they were always looking for small grants and ways the community can get points for green certifications.
Earlier, Administrator Jane DiBella announced that Woolwich Township had been awarded $270,000 for Rainey Road and Viereck Road improvements under the NJDOT Municipal Aid Program.
The Committee later discussed possible amendments to Woolwich’s Tree Protection Ordinance and its Noise Ordinance. They also considered the development of a dog park, possibly behind the municipal complex where several acres are dedicated open space.
Santore and Solicitor Mark Shoemaker noted that new dog parks in Logan and East Greenwich Township are using sponsorship. Santore added that funds are available through licensing and Open Space.
“There are a lot of rules, but I think the people using the dog parks are aware of them,” she commented.
— by Robert Holt
