Preliminary budget discussions began for Tabernacle Township at the committee’s workshop meeting held Feb. 10. According to township administrator Doug Cramer, residents can expect to see an increase in the township’s engineering budget.
“We have projects that have carried over from last year that will be completed this year. The snack stand at Patty Bowker Park, the Tuckerton Road project,” Cramer said.
Tabernacle and Shamong Township have a joint service agreement for the repaving of Tuckerton Road and are awaiting word on the status of a state Department of Transportation grant to finish the project. Once that is complete, Cramer said the township would then pursue improving Medford Lakes Road as its next project.
“At the next regular meeting the committee will receive budgets that the department heads have prepared that Terry Henry and I have received and reviewed,” Cramer said.
Cramer also said the township will continue to look into maintaining the township’s historic Pepper-Knight House, located on Carranza Road. The house was built around 1860 by Gilbert Knight who had a blacksmith shop. The other half of its name is taken from the last owner of the property, Arthur “Skinner” and Clara Pepper. The township purchased the building after Clara’s death in 1987. The Tabernacle Historical Society leased it and had it declared a historic site with the idea of creating a museum for the area. To date, the society has raised money to shore up the foundation and add siding, put in new windows, doors, security bars and has renovated the interior as well. Cramer said the township is unable to afford an entire renovation without additional grant money.
The budget discussion at the workshop meeting was just the starting point for what is typically a two or three month process.
“The current schedule, which can change depending on state approval, is introducing the budget by March 14 with a public hearing and adoption by April 25,” Cramer said.
In other news:
• The committee granted approval to the Tabernacle PTA and Seneca Eagle Band Parents Association authorizing the placement of temporary signs in the public right of way for the PTA’s bingo night, which will take place Friday, March 21 and the association’s mattress sale, which will take place on Feb. 22.
• Deputy Mayor Stephen Lee commended both the township’s public works department and Cramer for their work in battling the winter weather and keeping roads clear.
“I’ve gotten a lot of comments from residents who are happy with the work they’ve seen to keep the roads clean and clear. Hats off to Doug and the department for doing a great job,” Lee said.
• The township will again partner with the Burlington County Mosquito Division to control mosquitos in upcoming months. The county will conduct aerial mosquito control from April 1 through Nov. 18 spraying from a helicopter in hopes to reduce the number of larvae.
• South Jersey Gas was granted approval for three street opening permits for 3 Shearer Court, 31 Washington Way and 3 Elmwood Drive.
• The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. in town hall.
