Dennis Restores Environmental Commission

DENNISVILLE – Dennis Township Committee voted 4-1 to adopt a resolution establishing an Environmental Commission at its March 4 meeting. The commission replaces the Natural Resources Committee, which has been in place since April 2012.
The commission is responsible maintaining an index of all open areas, public and private, conducting research as to the use of these areas, and recommending plans and programs to the Consolidated Land Use Board. The commission will also review development applications, and convey recommendations to the land use board.
Commission meetings will be open to the public, and are subject to the Open Public Records Act. That was not the case with the Natural Resources Committee. The lone “no” vote was from Committee member Frank Germanio, who cited the commission’s role in reviewing development applications as his reason.
The commission consists of seven regular, and two alternate members, appointed by the mayor. One of the regular members will also be a member of the Consolidated Land Use Board. Six members, and one alternate, have been appointed. They are: Bob Penrose, chairperson, Ray Rebmann, vice chairperson, Gerald McManus, Sue Slotterback, Rick Erwin, Alma George, and Frank Hoff as an alternate.
George said the commission “Encourages responsible development, and is the best thing for our township. The notion that the Environmental Commission stands in the way of development applicants or business growth is absurd.” A business owner, George said “it’s important to remember, the commission makes recommendations, not resolutions. The commission has no authority to approve or deny development applications.”
Township Committee is still seeking candidates to fill two, one-year appointments, one regular and one alternate. Interested candidates should contact Township Clerk Jacqueline Justice, at 609-861-9700.
Seeks ADA Grant for Recreation
In other business, Germanio reported that he is seeking grants for the township Recreation Complex available through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The grants would be used to make the complex more ADA compliant through improvements to entrances and bleachers, among other things.
Health Fair
Germanio also announced a health fair, scheduled for May 20, from 10 a.m.-noon, at Dennis Township Senior Center. The event is open to seniors, and will include free blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings. The event is presented by the Parish Nurse Program of Cape Regional Medical Center.
Laud Team’s Victory
Before closing the meeting, Deputy Mayor Brian O’Connor congratulated the Middle Township High School Girls’ Basketball Team for winning the Cape Atlantic League Final over Wildwood Catholic on Saturday. He noted “It’s nice to give the kids recognition for doing good things.” O’Connor plans to invite the Dennis Township resident members of the team to a committee meeting to congratulate them in person.