By Heather Niccoli, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR The West Windsor Council voted, 4-1, to renew an animal control services agreement with East Windsor on Tuesday night.
The agreement will be for one year and it will cost the township $20,000.
It was the same agreement that was rejected on Dec. 19.
However, the makeup of the council changed this month and the agreement was brought up again, this time being approved.
”I was here on Dec. 19,” said Emily Epstein, president of Pet Rescue of Mercer. “I thought we voted on this issue. The council had voted no.”
The issue goes back to a year ago when Plainsboro got out of a long-time animal control shared service agreement with West Windsor.
As a result, West Windsor terminated long-time animal control officer Bettina Roed’s position and entered into agreement with East Windsor.
On Tuesday, Police Chief Joseph Pica told the council the job is getting done and there have been no complaints about the shared services with East Windsor.
”I would admit that the services we provide now are not to the extent that Bettina provided,” Chief Pica said. “Because she was a full-time person that could spend a lot of extra time on a lot of stuff that did not necessarily have to be done.”
”I know that there are many people here that have support Bettina and her family members,” Chief Pica said. “Bettina is a wonderful person, but if you’re asking me my opinion on the shared services agreement, I think it is cost-effective and a job well done.”
Councilwoman Kristina Samonte said she has not seen indications the level of animal control services has decreased.
”You know this has taken up a lot of time, said Councilman Bryan Maher. “I followed this in 2011 before being seated on council. I have listened to the input from the people who have come to speak and I have looked at stuff that has been dropped off for me to review.”
”You have to look at it from all 27,000 residents, not just a core vocal group,” Mr. Maher said.
Mr. Maher suggested the group that supports Ms. Roed to compile data for the council to look at for the fourth quarter of 2012.
Councilman George Borek voted against the shared service agreement.
