By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
Fire zones added in Glen area
The Township Committee unanimously approved an ordinance May 27 to amend its fire zone code to allow for the designation of other zones along Bloomingdale Drive and Taurus Drive.
These new zones, which were initially recommended by Chief Fire Marshal Chris Weniger, will allow fire equipment and emergency vehicles to have unobstructed access to properties in an emergency.
Credit card plan moves forward
Township Administrator Kevin Davis was authorized to request proposals for a credit card program for residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations.
”We are looking forward to getting the program funded and awarding money to nonprofit organizations,” Committeeman Carl Suraci said.
The program had been initially introduced in the mid-1990s to raise money for youth and senior organizations, and was discussed in January for a possible relaunch.
The January presentation was made by Affinity Credit Union, which discussed a program that would allow for a percentage of the monthly purchases made with a Hillsborough credit card to be returned to the township to be used for senior and youth oriented programs. According to Affinity’s plan, nonprofit organizations would be encouraged to join the credit union to allow for benefits, such as floating interest rates and flexible limits, to be available for its members.
Eligibility to register for the card would be based on membership in one of the participating organizations.
Mr. Davis said that the township is using the proposal from Affinity as a basis for the program, but is looking for proposals from other banks as well to determine the best offering for the residents.
State grant sought for road repaving
The Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution to submit a 2009 Municipal Aid grant application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for roadway resurfacing on Mountain View Road.
According to the resolution, the project requires the mill and overlay of a two-inch surface. Recently, the township installed a new sanitary sewer system in the roadway and repaired it with a patch, but full repairs are still needed to complete the project.
The project is estimated at a cost of $335,764, and the township is requesting $250,000 through the grant.
Assistant planner hired for township
The Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution to hire Rebecca Marshal as assistant planner/zoning officer in the department, following the resignation of former officer Jeffrey Perlman.
Ms. Marshal will be hired at a salary of $45,000 per year, as of June 16.
In addition, the Township Committee appointed Mary Ann Balancia as a temporary part-time assistant in the Office of the Administrator/Clerk. This position fills a formerly full-time vacant position because of the retirement of former receptionist Pat DeCicco and the transfer of Cecilia Rotz to a part-time receptionist position.
Ms. Balancia will receive $13 per hour, effective May 29.
Maser gets contract for Claremont sewer
To continue with the plans for the Claremont sewer system, the Township Committee unanimously approved a contract with Maser Consulting to provide final design services.
”We are moving forward on the project,” Mayor Anthony Ferrera said. “The next step is for final design and various approvals.”
According to the resolution, Maser Consulting, which serves as the consulting township engineer, will provide final design services, construction administration and observation for the sewer project at a cost not to exceed $319,000.
The project, and this newest contract, will be paid for through special assessments of the Claremont properties. Only residents participating in the new sewer system will be required to pay the assessment.
Township seeks green grant
The Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution to allow Mayor Anthony Ferrera to submit an application to the State of New Jersey for about $3,000 to fund a Community Forestry Management Plan through the 2008 Green Communities Phase II Grant.
Mayor Ferrera said the grant will pay for an expert to develop a five-year plan for the township.
According to the resolution, the township will match 100 percent of the total grant, with 33 percent of it coming from inkind services, if permitted by the grant program requirements.
Helga Leash honored
The Township Committee presented a plaque to Helga Leash to honor her for 19 years of service in the finance office for Hillsborough.
Ms. Leash is retiring from the role she has held since 1988.
