DENNISVILLE – Dennis Township Committee met Dec. 15 and opened with a moment of silence for Pfc. Christopher Castenada, Army, who was killed in Iraq.
Committee unanimously passed all consent agenda items with no public comment. That included authorization to appoint a deputy curator for the township museum.
Resolution 15-142 passed which provides for local contracting for ambulance services which, according to Clerk Jacqueline Justice, will save the municipality money on bidding costs.
Committee member Donald Tozer reported that leaf pickup is almost finished. “I hope I never see another leaf again,” he quipped.
Deputy Mayor Brian O’Connor reported that the parade for Army Spc. Colt Dietrich, who returned from Middle East military service to his Clermont home, was a huge success.
“Ocean View Fire Department opened its facilities, school children made signs, EMS provided additional vehicles and Warrior Watch gathered nearly 40 motorcycles to accompany Dietrich for the welcome home celebration” said O’Connor.
The parade was such a success that committee discussed how to honor other returning military service members.
“We do live in a Mayberry neighborhood, this type of event gives you goosebumps, Colt’s family was the first ever to ask us to organize this type of parade, but going forward we want to make sure all Dennis military members are recognized,” he continued.
During public comment, a resident said, “I want to think Al DiCicco for his nine years of dedication and commitment to the people of Dennis, many people don’t know how much time and effort he’s put into so many important projects for Dennis whether it’s land use, the school board, emergency management and our recent ‘active shooter’ planning activities, the fire department, the environmental commission and so much more.”
Mayor John Murphy reiterated this praise and sentiments expressed by committee members when he noted, “We will truly miss Al, these are very big shoes to fill, Al is a very, very kind person, we will make sure we continue to use his experience and that he stays involved especially until he returns up here with us after the next election.”
Another resident asked how the township keeps track of public utility expenses when, for example, construction is done to extend rights of way or for trash collection.
Township Engineer John Gibson replied, “We rely on the state to keep track of these utility costs through gross receipts; we don’t get the entire expense, some of it goes to the state and all of this is followed through the permitting process.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
