With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting nearly every facet of life, it’s been anything but business as usual for local municipalities.
With the current state and federal restrictions on gatherings, Moorestown Township council held its first electronic meeting April 6 to address township business.
Members of council and the public logged on to the “GoToMeeting” app and officials moved swiftly through the agenda. Council members offered little to no comment as they worked their way through the typical business of authorizing bonds, approving expenditures and other necessary ordinances to keep township’s functions operational.
Despite the swiftness of the meeting, council members did pause to thank township staff. Councilman Michael Locatell said that from ensuring clean water to processing permits, township employees are working hard to ensure residents continue to receive essential services
Councilwoman Victoria Napolitano said staff efforts are enabling Moorestown residents to stay at home and shelter in place safely.
“You guys really are essential workers, so it’s very appreciated what our township staff is doing for us,” she added.
Deputy Mayor Brian Donnelly echoed the sentiment. He said township staff were responsible for organizing Monday’s virtual meeting and he appreciated them for stepping up.
Donnelly also commended the residents of Moorestown for reaching out during unprecedented times.
“Everyone’s really leaning in to lend a hand to help us through [this],” he noted. “I think it’s awesome. I love to see it.”
Mayor Nicole Gillespie also took the opportunity to thank Moorestown residents for following the current restrictions.
“Thanks to all of you in the community for buckling down and doing the hard thing that we need to do to get through this and again reaching out and taking care of each other and making sure we’re all doing okay,” she said.
The mayor stressed that council will also continue necessary work to keep things running.
“Please continue to be safe; we will get through this together,” Gillespie said.
In other news:
- Council passed an ordinance on second reading honoring one of Save the Environment of Moorestown’s (STEM) founding members, Kay Smith. “Water Works Woods” will be renamed Kay Smith’s Water Works Woods.
Resident Joseph Ponessa offered his support for the ordinance during public comment. Ponessa said Smith worked tirelessly with STEM until shortly before her death.
“She was really a force of nature in terms of supporting and working for open space in Moorestown parks,” Ponessa said.
Napolitano also thanked her fellow council members for their support of the ordinance.
“I hope this will also help to draw more attention to Water Works Woods, which is a really special open space we have in town, and one that Kay loved very much.”
