Small group meetings open to the public
Mayor Joann Gattinelli is staying on top of the budget plans for 2019.
Washington Township CFO Colette Bachich spoke about the township’s finances and budget at the latest council meeting.
“The finance department has been diligently working on many tasks to meet all state and municipal deadlines due for the first quarter of 2019,” she said. “Regarding the budget, I would like to take a moment to thank Mayor Gattinelli for her proactive initiative and directive in the budget process in November of 2018. While some municipalities do not begin planning until January or February, Mayor Gattinelli’s forethought and preparation have allowed us to take a comprehensive approach with each department head. We found that allowing sufficient time to meet with each department to prioritize their financial needs results in solutions that allow us to deliver resources residents expect but also manage the cost of these services.”
Bachich added the administration will offer small group budget meetings for residents. The information, including dates, times and location are available on the township website, www.twp.washington.nj.us.
“These meetings are an opportunity for residents to ask questions and/or discuss ideas that can be beneficial for Washington Township and its residents,” Bachich said.
In other news:
- Gattinelli announced the date for Super Saturday — May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washington Lake Park. Super Saturday is a free event to bring the community together where food trucks, vendors and entertainment are provided at Washington Lake Park.
- Gattinelli awarded James Pizzuto of the buildings and grounds department the Employee of the Month award for February.
“James is a very valuable employee, he is multi-skilled and always comes to work with a smile on his face. He’s there to help, anyone and everyone that needs something during the course of the day he’s willing to help, he’s right there with them,” Gattinelli said.
- Council Vice President Sean Longfellow spoke about the environmental commission’s plans for the spring.
“The environmental commission is currently working on a variety of programs for April for Earth Day,” he said. Throughout the month, they’ll be running things at the library and park and doing projects around Washington Township. If you’re looking to get a plot in the community garden they’re opening up now.”
- Council adopted an ordinance on second reading giving Revelations Salon a five-year tax abatement on the improvements to the property.
- Council passed two resolutions to benefit the green team. One will allow it to apply for grants, while the other allows the green team to form a subcommittee, called the creative team, to act as a task force to help the team achieve silver-level certification of the Sustainable Jersey Program.
- The next council meeting is Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building.
