By KATHARINE FRIEDMAN
Correspondent
The Holmdel Township Committee began its Feb. 28 meeting by announcing a proclamation that recognized the Holmdel Hornets Division 10 Competitive Cheer Squad for becoming the American Youth Cheer Big East Champions in 2016.
Mayor Gregory Buontempo congratulated the cheer squad, which is now eligible for the JYC National Cheer Competition in Florida.
The mayor and committee members handed the girls a certificate with the proclamation written for their honor and wishing them future success.
The ongoing issue of the athletic turf field at Cross Farms Park was not discussed during the meeting, but Buontempo did issue a statement.
“The Township Committee has not yet decided on any athletic facilities yet. We are currently moving forward with creating a recreation subcommittee to work with a professional recreational planner and members of the community. The purpose is to identify our current and future recreation needs so a comprehensive plan can be constructed on what resources and improvements can be put in place to satisfy the needs of our residents,” Buontempo said.
The mayor’s statement continued.
“The process has just begun with the ability for residents to volunteer to be appointed to this subcommittee through the application on the township website.”
Moving on to regular business, which also touched on turf fields, the committee listened to Holmdel Board of Education President Joe Hammer as he presented a proposed turf field for Holmdel High School for all athletics and recreational use for the public when the school is closed.
The committee looked at Hammer’s draft plan, asked questions regarding the proposal and agreed to discuss the matter at a later date.
The committee then voted on their consent agenda, which included awarding a contract for fire extinguisher/oxygen services to Fyr-Fyter Sales & Services Inc.; authorizing the transfer of a decommissioned township vehicle to the Holmdel Fire Department; authorizing participation in a 2016 federal grant program for a body-worn camera; cancelling an amount for the Drive Sober Get Pulled Over 2014 Grant; and approving Jarred Woodhead as a Holmdel Township firefighter.
Two ordinances were introduced and passed by the committee. The first was Ordinance 2017-01, a bond ordinance to authorize the construction of leasehold improvements to provide for a public library at Bell Works, followed by an ordinance amending Ordinance 2016-14 authorizing execution of the library lease.
Another ordinance was discussed to amend portions of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Holmdel, and the committee decided to discuss it further at its next meeting on March 14.
The committee opened the meeting to the public, and many expressed their gratitude for the new library.
Elizabeth Urbanski informed the committee regarding an issue with her farm. With the construction of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Middletown, Urbanski claimed the facility is causing light pollution at night, making it nearly impossible to sleep. The center has requested more lighting from the township, and Urbanski asked the council to oppose the matter and work with Middletown to help reduce the light pollution by planting trees. The committee indicated it will work with Middletown to help all parties reach a conclusion.
The next Holmdel Township meeting is scheduled for March 14.