By John Tredrea, Special Writer
WEST AMWELL — A proposed ordinance on the placement, replacement or removal of utility poles and underground facilities used to distribute electric power or telecommunications was introduced by the West Amwell Township Committee at its Dec. 10 meeting.
Under the measure, which is expected to be scheduled for a public hearing and adoption vote by the committee next month, a public utility firm must get the township’s permission before placing a utility pole for electricity or telecommunications on a public right-of-way in which the primary method of lighting is gas lighting.
The proposed measure also would require utility companies to give the township construction official at least 24 hours notice before removing or replacing any utility pole or underground facility used to distribute electricity or telecommunications.
The same requirement is applied to underground water mains under the proposed ordinance.
The proposal would allow more than 24 hours notice for emergency conditions, provided that the utility company notifies the construction official within “the earliest reasonable opportunity.”
The measure also would require utility companies to remove poles that have been taken down for replacement or any other reason. Any other debris would have to be removed as well.
No action was taken on resolutions, on the agenda of the Dec. 10 meeting, on a new position in the township Police Department or the issue of Jersey Central Power & Light, which supplies electric power to the township.
The committee’s last meeting of 2012 is set for Dec. 27.
Municipal offices will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1.
The township government’s annual reorganization meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 2.

