By Audrey Levine, Staff Writer
Zoning for squad, fire buildings introduced
The Township Committee unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance to amend the township’s code to permit the building of fire companies and rescue squads in the township’s residential/agricultural zones, rural/suburban, all residential (R, R1 and R2), central residential, affordable housing and planned development zones, Feb. 10.
This change was first recommended by the Planning Board Jan. 29.
”This should allow for the establishment of fire and rescue squad buildings in residential areas,” Mayor Frank DelCore said. “A use variance will no longer be necessary for these, just a site plan.”
This change will also help the rescue squad move forward with plans for a new Hamilton Road rescue squad facility that is planned to replace the current building. Construction is being funded by a $1 million off-site improvement contribution to the township by Van Cleef Engineering, developer of the Country Classics development.
”The desire is to have the facility off Hamilton redone,” Deputy Mayor Bob Wagner said. “It is in the planning stages now. This resolution makes it easier to move forward.”
Public hearing for the ordinance will be held March 10.
Employee program contract approved
The Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution to execute a contract for an employee assistance program with Charles Nechtem Associates Inc., for the period from Feb. 1, 2009, through Jan. 31, 2010.
The contract is for an amount not to exceed $3,774 based on 185 employees.
According to Mayor Frank DelCore, this program has been used by the township in the past.
Committee opposes Alliance bill
In the hopes of saving the local Municipal Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse, the Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution to oppose a recently introduced bill that proposes the transfer of the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, as well as control of the Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction Fund, to the New Jersey Department of Human Services on Feb. 10.
”Taking this service out of the local hands would not be in the best interests of the community,” Mayor Frank DelCore said.
Lisa Gulla, of the Hillsborough Township Municipal Alliance, said that, if the bill were to pass, the alliance’s funds would be handled by Human Services, and the government would hand out grants based on a competitive determination, as well as the state’s view on what each municipality needs.
”Right now, we assess our own needs and tell the state what the problems are,” she said.
If the bill is accepted, Ms. Gulla said, she believes the municipal alliances will end up disbanding within a few years.
In addition, Ms. Gulla said, in Trenton there has been discussion that if the bill is approved, all municipal alliance programs would be evidence-based, meaning they would be run by professional organizations, rather than by the “grassroots community-based” groups.
”We would only be able to use licensed companies,” she said. “These can be very expensive.”
The township is planning to send a copy of the resolution to Gov. Jon Corzine, Senate President Richard Codey, Senate Minority Leader Thomas Kean Jr., Senator Christopher Bateman, Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, Assemblyman Peter Biondi, Assemblywoman Denise Coyle and other legislators.
Police to seek Safe Corridors grant
The Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution to allow the chief of police to submit a 2009 Safe Corridors Grant application to the Department of Transportation.
According to the resolution, the township will be eligible for up to $48,000 for enforcement equipment such as radar units, GPS systems, protective vests and communication equipment.
Township to share health services
The Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution to allow for the execution of an interlocal health services agreement between Hillsborough and Millstone Borough.
This agreement is for health services of a technical and professional nature.

