PETERSBURG – Upper Township Committee met March 30. At the invitation of committee, representatives from Seaville Volunteer Fire Company were present to inform of the changes made within the organization as a result of the previously reported financial irregularities found to have occurred within the fire company.
Those irregularities have resulted in indictments and criminal prosecution of several former fire company members.
The fire company’s legal representative said that while the case is being prosecuted, members of the company have been advised that, because they may be called as witnesses, they should be cautious about what they say in a public forum; however the fire company wanted committee to know several points.
In January 2014, the executive branch and supervising staff of the fire company conducted an internal investigation after discovering a questionable payment involving training funds. Once the irregularities were discovered there was no delay, no hesitation, in reporting what was found.
New Jersey State Police were immediately contacted and the investigation was turned over to them for any criminal prosecution.
Additionally, company President Brian Allegretto and its new Chief Richard Stevens, who replaced the former chief who resigned in January 2014, called on the board of trustees to convene and review financial records of past years.
The board of trustees’ report indicated that there were numerous financial transgressions and probable fraudulent activities involving four members.
Allegretto reported once the company had uncovered the theft they worked diligently with their legal and accounting professionals to implement solid internal controls that will secure the ethical and financial future of the company.
Allegretto said that the fire company had an independent audit done on its policy and procedure manual. As a result of that audit the fire company implemented a number of changes to the policy and procedures manual.
A voucher system for purchases was implemented, requiring an increased number of signatures for approval. Also implemented, all members are now made aware of the organization’s budget, which requires approval by the fire company’s members. Additionally, quarterly, a trustee audit is required.
Deputy Mayor Edward Barr, who conducted the meeting in the absence of Mayor Richard Palombo, commended the fire company for increasing its internal financial controls and thanked Stevens for keeping up the morale of the fire company through recent trying times.
Update on Beach Fill
Committee received a presentation from the Army Corps of Engineers on Strathmere’s beach fill project. Work is scheduled to begin April 11 and fill will progress southerly to Sea Isle City by late spring.
Cub Scouts Honored
A presentation was done honoring seven Cub Scouts from Pack 79 for attaining the highest level of advance in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light Award.
Festival a Huge Success
Committeeman Hobart Young reported that the township’s Spring Fling Festival, held March 29 at Amanda’s Field, was a huge success and exceeded expectations. Young estimated that over 1,500 people attended, which was highlighted by an Easter egg hunt. Over 5,500 eggs where hidden over the grounds and found. In addition to the hunt, the festival included food, crafts, music, character, games, face painting and pony rides.
Installation of Lights
Young also reported that the installation project for baseball fields at Amanda is moving forward. Expectations are that the lights and fields will be ready for fall baseball.
Bridge Will Not Close
Committeeman Jeffrey Pierson informed committee that the state had revised the construction plan for the Tuckahoe River Bridge and that the bridge will not close completely. The current plan is that one lane will remain open during construction and passage will be controlled by a light system. Emergency and fire responders, in the event of an emergency, will be able to control the light system to cross the bridge. The bridge construction project set to start in September is expected to be completed in 2017.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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