Middle Dictates Pet Owners’ Responsibilities

COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Committee adopted the municipality’s new ordinance which makes clear the duties and responsibilities of owners or guardians of animals. Rick Eufrasio, a member of the Animal Advisory Board, said of the ordinance, “there is not another like it in the state.”
Board members began discussing the preparation of an ordinance in June 2014. Their work paid off when committee voted for adoption May 18.
The thrust of the ordinance is clear from the start. “If you own or keep animals, you have the legal duty to take care of those animals, and you need to take reasonable steps to protect their welfare and prevent their suffering.”
Among other things, the ordinance establishes specific levels for protection of animals from the problems caused by extreme weather, such as excessive heat and cold.
Penalties for violations are enumerated as well. Members of the board present for the vote made clear their belief that the ordinance was a major achievement for the relatively new advisory board.
The board is continuing its efforts on behalf of township animals on several fronts. Attention is on issues like loose dogs on major thoroughfare roads where they present a danger to motorists as well as to themselves; transport or care of animals during an evacuation emergency; and working with the township’s campgrounds to provide information for visitors who bring their pets to the area.
Click It or Ticket
Committee approved a resolution supporting law enforcement mobilization from May 18 to 31 which will focus on drivers who fail to use seat beats. Noting that seatbelts are the most effective way to avoid death or serious injury in a motor vehicle crash and that a large number of those killed in such crashes were not wearing seatbelts, the committee supported the state-wide mobilization aimed at increasing seatbelt use from the current level of 88% to 90%. This mobilization will involve a heightened effort from township police.
Traffic Advisory Recommendation
In a related effort aimed at reducing motor vehicle accidents, the committee approved recommendations from the township Traffic Advisory Committee regarding new signage at Route 9 and the Parkway Interchange 12 location.
This is a location where southbound cars can cut across the northbound lane of Route 9 in order to access the parkway south. Northbound traffic is controlled by a stop sign at the cross-over point. The recommendations involve use of a flashing “Use Turn Signal” sign on Route 9 south as cars approach the interchange and a sign warning north bound motorists of a “Stop Ahead.”
Employee of the Month
John Hotaling, one of the township’s five-person sewer department, was honored by Mayor Timothy Donohue as employee of the month. Hotaling accepted the award with his wife and 3-month-old son by his side. His son, unimpressed by the ceremony, slept through the presentation.
Donohue pointed out that the township is the eighth largest municipality in the state and that the small sewer department, on call 24/7, provides excellent service to township residents.
Of Hotaling, Donohue said “He never hesitates to do more than his share.”
New Construction Official
The township committee appointed a new construction official, but the name will not be new to long term residents. Salvatore DeSimone was appointed construction official and director of inspections for the township. DeSimone previously served in this role in the township before leaving for the same position in Avalon. He then retired but has returned to the work world and to Middle Township.
Medical Transit Cost Increases
The cost of emergency medical transportation is going up. Committee approved first reading of an ordinance that raises the basic cost of incidents where EMS services are provided from the current $750 to $850 per incident. As is done currently, the bill will be issued to the insurance company providing coverage, if any, or directly to the person serviced if no coverage is available. The ordinance will be considered for adoption at the June 15 committee meeting.