By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN – The men and women who volunteered their time to plan the 2016 Manalapan Day community celebration were saluted by the Township Committee on Aug. 10.
Mayor Mary Ann Musich presented certificates of appreciation to members of the Manalapan Arts Council who raised $41,000 from private sources and were able to present the event at no cost to taxpayers.
Municipal officials also recognized the sponsors whose contributions helped to make Manalapan Day possible.
Manalapan Day was held in June at the Manalapan Recreation Center. The headline entertainment was the Spinners. Vendors, rides, activities and fireworks helped to draw thousands of residents to the event.
In other news at the meeting, Committeeman Jack McNaboe said a new veterans memorial is under construction in front of the municipal building. He said memorial pavers are being sold to finance the project.
A veterans memorial that has been in place on municipal property at the corner of Route 522 and Taylors Mills Road for a number of years will be moved to the new location directly in front of town hall, according to McNaboe.
Committee members voted 5-0 to introduce an ordinance that addresses the table of organization in the Manalapan Police Department. Township Attorney Roger McLaughlin said the ordinance proposes to increase the maximum number of sergeants from seven to nine. A public hearing and vote to adopt the ordinance has been scheduled for Sept. 7.
And, the committee voted 5-0 to introduce an ordinance that addresses road and drainage improvements on Pine Brook Road between Winners Circle and Country Oaks Drive.
Township Engineer James Winckowski said a developer constructed homes in that vicinity, but did not make scheduled road improvements. He said the township has received $43,678 from bonds that were posted by the developer and will use the money to make the road improvements. A public hearing and vote to adopt the ordinance has been scheduled for Sept. 7.
Finally, Deputy Mayor Susan Cohen announced that the Frontiers, a Journey tribute band, will perform at the Manalapan Recreation Center at 7 p.m. Aug. 19. Following the band’s performance, the 1985 film “The Goonies” will be shown. There is no charge to attend either event.