Officials agree dialogue needs to be established
By:David Koch
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP The Township Committee has extended a hand to the governing body of the township’s closest neighbor, Bordentown City.
The three members of the City Commission attended Monday’s Township Committee meeting to discuss areas of mutual concern and possible regionalization of services.
The three City Commission members are Mayor John Collom III, Director of Public Safety James Lynch and Director of Public Works John H. Wehrman.
"There’s nothing that happens in the township that doesn’t affect the city, and likewise," said Township Committeeman George Chidley during the meeting.
Officials said they agreed that a dialogue needs to be established between the two governing bodies due to their proximity. Areas of mutual concern range from zoning issues to fire and ambulance services.
One issue of concern is that many businesses along Route 130/206 are situated on lots in both the township and the city.
Mayor Collom said a dialogue between the two planning boards would benefit building applicants, who may be given contradictory orders by the different boards.
Township Committeeman Mark Roselli said he hopes there will be a joint meeting of the two governing bodies in January or February.
"I think trying to find time for a joint meeting is a good start," said Mayor Collom.
Mr. Roselli said regionalization of municipal services such as police, fire and ambulance is becoming a state trend.
"I think for municipalities to provide services in a cost-effective way, we have to look around, realize there is a limited amount of resources, and look to come together," said Mr. Roselli.
Currently, the city and township share a school district and sewer service.
Officials said one of the first things they want to discuss is their emergency management plans.
Mr. Roselli said he has contacted several northern Burlington County municipalities about discussing an emergency plan in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"We want to see how our emergency plans compare, and how well we are prepared," said Mr. Lynch.
Mr. Lynch also said the city and township had tried to work out shared ambulance service several years ago. During that time, both municipalities received their ambulance service from the Hope Hose Rescue Squad in Bordentown City.
That Hope Hose served both municipalities became a strain on the city’s public safety director, who sometimes had to respond to calls himself, so the township started to provide ambulance service from the Derby Firehouse three years ago, said Mr. Lynch.
Mr. Lynch said both municipalities could still work together to create a better ambulance service for their residents.
"I think we have to fine-tune it enough so that it will work for both of us," he said.