MICKLETON — The East Greenwich Township Committee paid tribute to retiring Police Department Sergeant Jeffrey Thompson at their meeting on Sept. 25. Mayor Dale Archer read a resolution honoring Thompson for his untiring and selfless service to the citizens of East Greenwich Township.
Thompson was also gifted with his service weapon in a resolution, and a flag. Another resolution saw the Committee approve Thompson’s accumulated sick/holiday pay upon his retirement.
Archer said, “It is fitting and proper that this Committee recognize Sgt. Thompson for his service to this community.”
The mayor declared Sept. 25, 2018 as Jeffrey S. Thompson Day in his honor. Thompson has served East Greenwich for 30 years, and became a sergeant in 2012.
Deputy Mayor Jim Philbin agreed that 30 years is a “great and rewarding career.” He added, “It’s a reflection on your career and your dedication.”
Committeeman Stephen Bottiglieri pointed out that Thompson had spent his entire career in East Greenwich, saying, “We can count on you for your own code of ethics, and your work ethic.”
Archer commented, “The young talent that we have in this police force is a result of the lasting impression your leadership has provided. I’m thankful for everything you have been able to achieve and accomplish.”
East Greenwich Police Chief Chris Everwine noted that he and Thompson started their careers within a year of each other. “Sgt. Thompson has served his community with the utmost professionalism,” Everwine stated. “It’s been a pleasure on a personal and a professional level.”
Thompson said he wasn’t much for speeches. He mentioned that Chief Miller “gave me my career and took a chance on me.”
Elsewhere, in other resolutions, the Committee authorized a contract renewal for the town’s dog licensing program with FRA Technologies for 2019. They also adopted a resolution authorizing a public fireworks display and execution of an agreement with Garden State Fireworks, Inc. Archer pointed out that this would take place at the town’s Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 26.
Another bill authorized a shared service agreement with the Gloucester County Improvement Authority regarding the usage of certain stage units.
One more resolution opposed a recent state Division of Alcohol Beverage Control special ruling on regulations for limited breweries. The breweries are limited to 25 special events on their premises each year and 12 off the premises. But the ABC is requiring a 10 day notice on any events.
Charles Garrity, President of the local Death of the Fox Brewing Company, was in attendance at the meeting. “This man has a family, he has bills to pay,” Archer argued. “He’s trying to do the things that make an entrepreneur successful. We value small business in this community. We have embraced them.”
The ABC ruling also forbids breweries from giving out menus for local restaurants that customers can use to order in since the breweries are not allowed to serve food. “You’re not allowed to have a menu in your establishment?” questioned Archer. “All it can do is drive these owners out of business.”
Bottiglieri offered similar thoughts. “If these rules were in place when the owners first started, people would have seen what they were getting into,” he observed. “Now five years later they come back and yank the rug right out from under the owners. This law doesn’t have any clear intent.”
Archer gave those in attendance early notice about the Committee’s next scheduled meeting Oct. 9. “I will unveil a transformative project for our community and our taxpayers,” he explained. “A presentation will go along with it.”
“It will transform the financial landscape of East Greenwich forever,” the mayor foreshadowed.
— by Robert Holt
