The Environmental Commission is requesting a fountain for the pond to provide aeration and improve overall health for the natural environment
At last week’s meeting, committee members, as liaisons to various Harrison Township boards and commissions, looked to new projects and programs for 2018.
The purchase of a fountain for Mullica Hill Pond was a main point of discussion at the Tuesday, Jan. 16, meeting as a possible capital improvement project for the Environmental Commission. According to Committeeman Jeffrey Jacques, the commission has requested a fountain to be funded through the 2018 capital budget as a means to aerate the pond and increase the health of the natural environment.
While dredging the pond would be an alternative, it is also an expensive option, according to Wastewater Management Supervisor and Environmental Commission Chair Mike Gonserkevis. Instead, he said the township has the option of purchasing lower-cost initiatives that are able to break down leaf-litter and biological debris, while the fountain will aerate the sediment that has settled — in some spots as deep as eight feet below the surface.
“The first thing we need to do is get the pond healthier by aerating it, then get the debris broken down,” Gonserkevis said. “From there, it starts compounding itself.”
Gonserkevis said once the pond is healthier, the township can consider soliciting for different species of fish to be stocked. Deputy Township Administrator Dennis Chambers said the fountain installation is feasible, but the most challenging aspect will be working with the electric company to source the power.
Mayor Louis Manzo and the committee agreed to review the commission’s anticipated costs for the fountain and clean-up options, and were willing to take the project under serious consideration for the upcoming year.
“It’s a destination and will become more of a destination in the coming years with everything that is going to happen in that area — the bike path, the pedestrian path, the sidewalks going in,” Manzo siad. “We want to take advantage of that.”
In his county update report, Manzo also said there are plans in partnership with Gloucester County Engineer Vincent Voltaggio to look into updating the timing of specific traffic lights along Main Street, specifically the stops near the Old Mill and High Street. Manzo said the potential changes are the township’s “best options” in affecting the congested traffic during weekday afternoons. While there have been suggestions to remove the High Street light and add a new traffic stop by Old Town Hall, Manzo said, due to the Friends School Mullica Hill located on High Street, that change will not be taking place.
In other news:
• Committeewoman Julie DeLaurentis reported on behalf of the Recreation Commission there will be various new events taking place in the township this year. For example, the commission will be hosting a drive-in movie at the William Wilt Soccer Complex, in place of the ice cream social held last year, as well as the return of the scarecrow-making contest on the second Saturday in October. Additionally, the commission is in the planning stages of Harrison Township Day, which will feature a new, undisclosed theme this year on May 5.
• According to Jacques, the Mullica Hill Business Association has a variety of events planned for 2018 as well. On Feb. 10, the association will be hosting a chocolate walk for couples in light of Valentine’s Day. An antique street fair is scheduled for April 21. May 4 will be a Main Street stroll. An art festival will be held on May 12, and there are more events to come. Events such as the Civil War and Harry Potter Weekend, as well as Lights on Main, will also return later this year.
• Chief of Police Thomas Mills provided a report of police activity through December, as well as a total for 2017. According to Mills, police responded to 50 accidents in December, bringing the total for the year to 451. Officers also issued 322 motor vehicle summonses in December, finishing the year at approximately 4,100. Mills also said the department saw a “dramatic spike” in DUI stops with 53 in 2017, an increase from 34 in 2016. Overall, the Harrison Township Police Department had approximately 32,888 calls of service in 2017.
• The committee unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance amending the number of regular members on the Harrison Township Veterans Commission from four to five. This additional position was later filled by veteran and former Deputy Mayor Dennis Clowney by the approval of a committee vote. The appointment was for a two-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2019.
