Dennis Committee Addresses Variety of Issues

DENNISVILLE – Under a thin blanket of snow, Dennis Township has pursued its course for 2015 – the winter may seem to drag on but Dennis moves forward. Township committee seeks to implement its vision for the township.
At the Feb. 17 meeting, Committee member Albert DiCicco announced that no American armed service members have fallen in defense of the nation and various global causes around the world recently.
The Board of Health report began with an account of three sets of correspondence concerning the Respiratory Virus Surveillance report, the state Health Alert Network, and a second matter in regards to the multi-state measles outbreak.
Rabies Clinic
The committee expressed concern for the overall health and welfare of residents in the township and surrounding areas. Jacqueline Justice, township clerk, received public commendation from the board for her efforts in a successful rabies vaccination clinic.
“It was touch and go there,” Justice said. “The state has the vaccinations and we must file for intent to have it,” Justice clarified the situation.
A total of 137 dogs and 46 cats were successfully vaccinated Jan. 31. The committee is determined to keep pet owners and their pets safe for a healthier community.
16,000 Plunging Bears?
The regular meeting came to order and Lt. Doug Pearson, commander of the Woodbine station of state police, was recognized by DiCicco and other committee members. Pearson was asked how many people he thought attended the Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City the previous week. “About 16,000,” was the reply.
When asked how traffic affected the construction on Sea Isle Boulevard, Pearson said that the boulevard handled the situation “pretty good.” Even with an incident on the ramp, all went well during the busy weekend in Sea Isle City. Pearson thanked the police and other health and safety services that were on standby during the events.
Sale of Ambulance Land
DiCicco addressed the matter of selling the building and land where the former Dennis Ambulance Company was located.
“Ocean View is OK with it,” DiCicco assured the residents. “This is not a surprise for the first responders.” An ambulance will be staged at Ocean View and three representatives from Sea Isle have offered their services as well. “There is a difference between staging and stationing,” DiCicco added. “We are not reaching out to Sea Isle City. Sea Isle is reaching out to us.”
The combined effort of Sea Isle City, Woodbine, and Ocean View along with Dennis promotes the committee’s vision to keep Dennis Township safe.
Other Business
A few resolutions came before committee, including the support of NJDOT’s use of a “no passing zone” along Rt. 9 in Dennis and hiring a part-time laborer for the parks and playground department.
An ordinance concerning “Construction Codes, Uniform – Fees,” was introduced for first reading. Mayor John Murphy moved for a second reading and public reading to be held Feb. 25 and March 17.
The committee members submitted their individual reports and comments after a unanimous passing of the resolutions. Committee member Lisa Salimbene suggested that the municipal website needs to post start and end dates for projects and other community matters. “It (the posts) can just be taken down when finished,” Salimbene said.
A series of free online videos may also find a home on the township’s website. These videos offer help and advice for after a major storm and other natural disasters. “We need to get the workshop here,” Salimbene added. She concluded her report with an update on her work at the senior center. A new shed, an extended budget, and “less Styrofoam” topped her list of what is needed at the center.
Salimbene said she wishes to make the senior center “Styrofoam-free” by June by increasing the budget for better supplies.
Salimbene’s campaign to promote Dennis’ heritage and culture continues by targeting young people to participate in answering trivia questions. “I got no participation from the adult group!” Salimbene said with a laugh. A plan for grand prizes included t-shirts and a calendar photo contest was discussed as well.
Committee member Donald Tozer gave his report and thanked Public Works for diligence in snow removal.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
Ed. Note: An earlier version of this story stated there had been a problem with the Woodbine rabies vaccinations. According to the mayor’s office, no such problem existed.