Among other measures, Chief Gurcsik introduces narcotics task force
Police Chief Pat Gurcsik opened last week’s council meeting with budget talk.
“Our operating budget status is 12 percent less than the 2017 budget,” he said. “To date, only 51 percent has been expended.”
Gurcsik then briefly discussed a grant his team received.
“Our treasurer’s office received a check in the amount of $60,000 from the Office of the Attorney General. The grant was from funding year 2015. We applied in 2016, 2017 and 2018; we are actively seeking other grant opportunities. Each of those funding years will hopefully be $60,000.”
The third order of business Gurcsik brought to the table was the introduction of a narcotics task force.
“One of the greatest threats to our community is drug use,” Gurcsik said. “Unfortunately 69 overdose deaths have occured in Gloucester County this year. Washington Township is not immune to this epidemic.”
He outline a two-prong approach — the first is enforcement and the second addresses recovery and referring the people to facilities for assistance.
The chief also discussed a new surveillance camera registry program.
“It’s a voluntary program asking residents to register their surveillance system with our police department so we can keep a database of all the surveillance systems in Washington Township,” Gurcsik said.
The police department is looking for residents and businesses in town to register their cameras.
Gurcsik also announced an Officer of the Year award program.
“I feel it’s important to recognize our officers for police excellence,” Gurcsik said.
There will be a memo with the criteria for the award, which will be given annually in December at a luncheon sponsored by local restaurant Pasta Pomodoro. Gurcsik plans to invite retired members of the police force as well.
In other news:
- An ordinance was passed granting Kia of Turnersville a five-year tax abatement. Bob Mintz from the law firm representing Kia spoke on the matter.
“The application is part of a process for expansion of the repair facility by 4,500 square feet, slightly more than 30 percent of the facility,” Mintz said, adding that at the end of the expansion the real estate taxes would be approximately $90,000 and during the abatement period the township would receive the full tax on the building and the land, which is between $74,000 and $75,000.
- Resident Ryan Van Laeys donated $1,000 to the township for National Night Out.
- An ordinance was introduced that would change an address where the parking zone ends on Whitman Drive. This will be up for adoption at the next council meeting.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.
