Lights on Main consumed a portion of the committee meeting as members also sworn in a part-time officer and adopted a “no-knock” ordinance.
By KRYSTAL NURSE
The Sun
A new part-time police officer was sworn in, discussions of the logistics of Lights on Main occurred and several ordinances and resolutions were adopted at Harrison Township’s recent committee meeting.
Former North Wildwood officer Cody R. German was sworn in by Mayor Louis Manzo as a part-time Special Law Enforcement Officer, Class II. German obtained his education from Rowan University and spent a year in the shore town’s police department.
“Based on what we heard about you, you fit the criteria, which is a very high standard of young men and women who have been appointed to that post prior to you,” said Manzo. “We’re glad to bring you to the family.”
“He impressed our review board composed of lieutenants and sergeants and a detective,” said Harrison Township Police Capt. Brian Bartholomew. “He was outstanding in his interviews. We’re looking forward to getting him trained and out on the ground.”
Economic Development Council Chair Michele Vallone updated the committee with the council’s yearly report. She said members compiled a master escrow list of the businesses in the township and stressed restaurants — especially Mexican ones — are needed in the area.
Recreation member Robert Johnson provided the township with plans for Lights on Main, such as keeping Santa Claus stationed at the North Pole. Township Administrator Mark Gravinese added there are plans for street closures, and they’re mostly sticking to local vendors in coordination with Small Business Saturday.
Liaison to the Clearview Regional School District Julie DeLaurentis said the board and education association settled their contract dispute and before- and after-school activities should be up and running.
“We have not ratified the contract yet, and we’re in the preliminary stages still,” said Clearview Education Association President Paul Sommers. “We have a memorandum of agreement essentially saying we’re settled, but we’re still working on the salary guides.”
Township committee members adopted a “do not knock” ordinance in which solicitors will be prohibited from visiting residents who pay $5 every Jan. 1 (expires Dec. 31) to be formally added to the registry.
Other ordinances adopted include:
- Establishing no parking regulations along County Road 623-Clems Run (soon to be renamed to Inspira Boulevard) and County Road 667-Cohawkin Road East;
- Amending fees for permits, certificates, special and miscellaneous services;
- Refunding a duplicate payment of property taxes;
- Accepting a $9,318 payment of support from Rowan University for the tax-exempt presidential home located within Harrison Township. The payment was made for services offered to the residence.
Temporarily, operations at the Richwood Post Office will be relocated to Pitman as the building has structural issues that need to be addressed. The township is seeking to resolve it within a few weeks.
Gravinese announced 5 O’Clock Wine and Spirits officially opened on Nov. 17. Owner of the liquor store requested through Gravinese to seek approval for three Bud Light-sponsored banners announcing the grand opening. Township committee members agreed to have all three displayed for 30 days (Dec. 17) on the condition they are pulled taut to remain visually appealing.
Township resident Kelly Redkoles spoke to the committee during the public hearing in objection to the Bud Light logo on the end of the banners. She added the sign is at the top of a housing development and it “looks really tacky,” however she is happy the store is open.
Redkoles, Manzo and Gravinese had a few back and forth discussions with Manzo ending that the township cannot legally ask for the owner to fold over the Bud Light logo nor can it shorten the already-approved time frame.
“This is to announce the opening,” said Manzo. “If it didn’t say for the majority of the sign that they’re open, that would be a problem.”
Manzo said any further approvals on land use are made during Joint Land Use Board meetings, which are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m.
The next committee meeting is scheduled to occur on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Court Room.
