Drug tip hotline and upcoming events addressed as well
At the most recent council meeting, township clerk Leo Selb gave an update on the status of the “No Knock” ordinance that was adopted last month.
“What we’ve done is put together a placard,” Selb said. “It’s bright yellow, it clearly says ‘no knock, no peddlers or solicitors.’ It has a Washington Township logo on it and says the violations are up to a $1,000 fine if a complaint is filed.”
Signing up to be on the registry is free for all township residents. All a resident has to do is fill out the application, which is available on the township website. The application can be mailed to a resident’s home if they would prefer; however the application needs to be submitted in person.
“It’s a simple application,” Selb described. “We ask the street you live on, the house number or unit, your last name and first name. That’s it. No phone numbers.”
Once it is submitted, a resident will receive the placard. The resident will be put into a registry that will be distributed to licensed peddlers. Selb emphasized this ordinance needs the residents’ participation to have it reach its potential.
Switching gears, Chief of Police Pat Gurcsik introduced a drug tip line. The purpose is to give residents an opportunity to report drug dealers to the police anonymously.
“In an effort to fight the ongoing opioid epidemic, the police department announced a drug tip line where residents can contact the police department and make an anonymous tip regarding individuals who are selling drugs within Washington Township,” he said.
“We’ve noticed an increase in heroin overdoses, in the state of New Jersey there’s been an increase in the use of methamphetamines and cocaine. We’ll be advertising the drug tip line locally here in town. The phone number is (856) 589–0330. If the person wishes, they can remain anonymous.”
In other news:
- On Oct. 14, Washington Lake Park will have the 7th Annual Mothers Matter 5K run and walk. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. if you’re registering day of. The race and walk begin at 9 a.m. On Oct. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m., there is the fire prevention Halloween event at the fire hall on Fries Mill Road.
- Resolutions were passed that include a trunk or treat event on Oct. 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Tony Soprano’s Pizzeria, a fall festival at St. John’s Church on Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the authorization to solicit for bids for snow plow services for the 2018–19 season and four resolutions decreasing the cost of roadwork in town.
- Two ordinances were introduced that will be up for adoption at the next meeting. The ordinances will go hand-in-hand: one will affect temporary signage while the other will alter the fee for the temporary signs.
- The next council meeting will be on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building.
