Middle Commends Matthews as Employee of Month

COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Mayor Timothy Donohue started the Feb. 19 meeting with a presentation of the Mayor’s Certificate to Robert Matthews as Employee of the Month. Matthews is director of the Martin Luther King Community Center, Whitesboro. He recently did double duty at the Davies Complex while a fellow employee was on leave.
Susan Copson and Committeeman Daniel Lockwood were both appointed to the Planning Board for a term that expires Dec. 31, 2014.
Suzanne Stocker and Kendra Karstens were also appointed the Rent Leveling Board and Emergency Management Boards respectively.
Cheryl Spaulding was reappointed to the Economic Development Council. Her term will expire Dec. 31, 2016. Committee also approved a contract for attorney David A. Stefankiewicz , planning board solicitor for an amount not to exceed $36,000.
A resolution was approved to close State Highway 147 westbound from North Wildwood border to Ocean Drive on May 18 to accommodate a half marathon and 8K race sponsored by Morey’s Pier and Beachfront Water Parks.
Township Engineer Marc DeBlasio reported that the Grassy Sound Sewer project was “going hot and heavy.” He anticipated the permitting package prepared in cooperation with Van Note-Harvey would very soon be on its way to the state officials. He also reported that an extensive investigation of the existing conditions affecting the storm sewer infrastructure in the Marlyn Manor section of Rio Grande was about to be undertaken.
Lockwood expounded on the drainage problems in the area. Telling the story of a resident who feared that the fish living in the drainage pond that runs into the wetlands abutting the neighborhood would escape through the drainage pipes. “So he has been throwing in chunks of cement concrete to block the holes. Of course this added to the already existing problem.”
Lockwood promised to actively work for a resolution to the frequent flooding that occurs in that area. “We want to make sure that the water goes where it needs to go,” he added.
Committeeman Michael Clark heaped praise on Matthews, who had left before the meeting concluded.
Donohue reminded all that township employees would continue the door-to-door dog census. He also said that the township and county were working together to start an oyster farming co-operative. “There are seven oyster farmers here,” he said.
He hopes that the future would see oyster outlets, restaurants and even local wineries joining together to attract those sought after tourist dollars.
Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. there will be a CAFRA meeting open to the public that to examine the Conifer project. The next day there will be a meeting with Conifer representatives, Donohue and Administrator Constance Mahon which is not open to the public.
“I’ll be there to tell them we’re paying very close attention,” said Donohue. Donohue’s last comment was to recommend that everyone read Police Chief Christopher Leusner’s report which is available on line.
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com