Woolwich Committee Approves Consolidating Bonds

WOOLWICH TWP. — The Woolwich Township committee met on April 21, adopting a resolution for a bond not to exceed $35,143,000 for a combination of issues within the township.

“This is a 20-year bond that is consolidating all of our temporary notes, putting it all together in one so that we have one combined payment,” Mayor Natalie Matthias explained.

Matthias stated that the interest rate for the bond payment has not been determined yet and won’t be until the bond is sold, adding that this bond can be refinanced in 10 years if the township wishes to do so.

She also emphasized that the bond is being paid through PILOT payments and is not funded through tax dollars.

Committeeman Craig Frederick chimed in on the bond conversation, adding, “It is essentially for two main items. One is for the sewer, which is up on 322, and number two is essentially the Locke Avenue Park expansion.”

Regarding the sewer system, an ordinance 2017 to provide various improvements to the sewer utility system, allocating $12,484,571. Another ordinance in 2021, which funds the completion of sewer infrastructure improvements with a maximum bond amount of $7,934,934.

Addressing the Locke Avenue Park improvements is an ordinance adopted in 2018 and 2025, which allows for park construction and improvements for the amount of $11,518,967. The bond also allocates $725,361 for various general capital improvements, along with an additional $2,479,167 for additional general capital improvements and capital equipment.

The meeting saw the committee pass an ordinance authorizing a revision made to the contract for the 2023 NJDOT Bikeway Program project for improvements to be made to High Hill Trail. The contract for the project was awarded to Rambone Concrete LLC in February for $191,533.10. The revision being made is for additional work to be done under the contract, which will be for solar power crossing, bringing the total amount for the contract now to $198,733.10.

Discussions were also held regarding the improvements to Russell Mill Road and Back Creek Road. The committee approved an award extension as they await approval from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to proceed with the roadway repaving project. Township Engineer Mark Lardo told the committee, “The plans and everything were submitted to the DOT for review, and we’re still waiting on them to approve.”

Committeeman Frederick also questioned the engineer regarding updates on the Garwin Road resurfacing project. Lardo confirmed that the project is still in the design phase.

“The majority of it is done., Lardo stated. “We have to go through our internal review process in our office and then submit to DOT for their review.” Lardo also shared that following the DOT’s review and feedback, it could still be another two to three months before the township can even go out to bid on the project.

“I was hoping by mid-August this would be entirely done.” Committeeman Frederick added. Lardo responded, “With this being a DOT review job, I don’t know if that would be possible.” Lardo also stated that it is written into the plans that no construction work can be performed when school is in session that will impact the students and daily activity within the Kingsway Regional High School area.

Woolwich Fire Chief David Valichka asked the committee to send out a notice to residents that parking in front of fire hydrants is not allowed. Per the federal law, you cannot park within 10 feet of a hydrant, or you will be fined $54.

Valichka shared that in certain areas the fire company has been dealing with residents parking in front of hydrants, which raises issues when the fire company goes to use them. While he shares that most residents are happy to move their vehicles when instructed to do so, there are worries for when the fire company needs to access hydrants in the middle of the night, and there are cars in the way.

The committee agreed to send out notice of this, and the fire company will be sending out their notice as well.

The meeting saw the first reading of an ordinance to grant Comcast of South Jersey LLC a renewal of consent from the municipality, allowing the company to keep operating cable and communication systems within the township. Mayor Matthias explained that this is a standard renewal needed every 10 years.

Congratulations were also given to the township tax collector, Kim Jaworski, who has entered her 21st year of service in Woolwich. Matthias says, “We want to thank her very much for all her dedicated years and for how fantastic she is with all the residents, thank you, Kim.”

Updates were given on township events. Frederick shared that the Pickleball Tournament will be held on May 31.

The township will also host a town hall meeting on May 12, where residents will be able to give their thoughts and ask any questions, they have regarding the improvements being made to Locke Avenue Park.

By Asiya Robinson