Dennis Gets ‘Best Practices’ Score, Qualifies for Full State Funding

DENNISVILLE – Dennis Township Committee met Oct. 18. It passed some consent agenda resolutions, including certification that the governing body, i.e. the committee, had reviewed its 2016 “Best Practices Inventory.”   
Deputy Mayor Brian O’Connor noted, “We don’t have a lot of staff, we’re a small municipality, so it makes it even harder to hit all the items on this best practices inventory. We have to make sure everything is submitted on time as well. So congratulations to all, many of whom are doing double or triple their jobs so that Dennis gets its full amount of state aid.” To which, Township Clerk Jacqueline Justice exclaimed, “We want every penny.”
Discussion
Under items for discussion, the committee talked about amending Chapter 44 to adjust the quote threshold related to purchasing.
“The amount we still have on the books is from the 1980s and this item’s main objective is to raise this amount from $400-$500 to $1,500 which will make bidding less cumbersome and easier to do business for vendors.
“Also, it will be quicker to get quotes through fax, and there will be a more competitive process,” explained O’Conner.
This amendment will be introduced as an ordinance on first reading Nov. 1.
Committee member Lisa Salimbene announced that the township’s Holiday House Tour organized by the Historic Home Owners’ Association will be held Dec. 17.
“We also are enlisting students from the student government group to staff the post office and hand out maps. They were very excited to be included in this evening’s activities,” she continued.
Salimbene said that the Dennis Township School Board, supported by the Cape May County League of Women Voters would hold a “Meet the School Board Candidates” event Nov. 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the township Primary School.
Committee member Donald Tozer said that the expansion of the VFW facility in Belleplain is completed and that the group is using its new large room. “They have Friday night dinners, on Wednesday they have lighter fare and on Sunday afternoon there is football all afternoon and refreshments to purchase,” he said.
Committee member Julie Fry-DeRose asked everyone to get the word out about the township’s no-cost shredding event Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. – noon at the Municipal Building.
Items that will be accepted for shredding include paper, staples, paper clips, rubber bands, and hanging file folders, but not binder clips, binders, spiral bound notebooks, cardboard, hardcover books, wood, metal or plastic.
“We have one whole trailer to fill, so come early and help us fill it. All shredded material will be recycled, and it’s a great way to get rid of your sensitive financial and other documents, and this opportunity is entirely free.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.