Same-name Streets Cause 911 Woes, Dennis Resident Informs Committee

DENNSIVILLE – Dennis Township Committee gathered for its regular meeting Sept. 20 with Deputy Mayor Brian O’Connor announcing tongue-in-cheek that the municipality had surpassed the 500 mark for dog licenses issued in 2016 to date, specifically 503.
Committee unanimously passed as a consent agenda item a resolution that authorized the execution of a promise of indemnification with the county for temporary closure of County Route 610 (Petersburg Road) and County Route 638 (Fidler Road).
This action is being taken to accommodate the township’s Christmas parade. Regarding the parade, Committee member Julie Fry-De Rose reported that a recent meeting of volunteers had attracted a large number. Work will begin soon on planning this special event, she said.
On its regular agenda, committee unanimously approved a resolution certifying review of the 2015 annual audit.
“This was a clean audit with no findings or recommendations,” said township Clerk Jacqueline Judge. “This is great news, and a clean audit hasn’t happened in a while so good job, Jackie,” noted Mayor John Murphy.
During public comment, Carol Donovan of Ocean View queried committee about texting to 911 for emergencies. She noted that emergency medical service providers still have problems locating specific addresses such as in her case where there are two neighboring “Academy Lane” locations.
Committee member Donald Tozer, responsible for public safety, advised that when alerting any dispatcher about an emergency “to be as specific as possible so that the word gets to the right fire department and they don’t show up in the wrong county as has happened on occasion.”
Conversation ensued about the key role the dispatcher plays. A member of the public noted, “We always are at the mercy of some human, and this issue will always be there.”
Tozer then mentioned that the county had authorized a central dispatcher to be created in the next couple of years and “we’ll have decisions to make when that time comes.” 
Committee member Lisa Salimbene described the busy month that was coming at the Senior Center in October.
Free flu shots will be given Oct. 4, Oct. 11 and 18 will see free crochet classes and Oct. 19 will be a free Halloween lunch.
“The more we can use the Senior Center facility the better since it’s probably one of the most under-utilized buildings we have in the township,” commented O’Connor.
Salimbene continued, “We’re also in the infant stages of arranging several classes for Dennis students. For example, a course will be starting up for fifth and sixth-grade girls about social media and peer interactions, which is so necessary for this age group. A retired CPA approached me to possibly do a “how to handle your money” for the young adults of our community.” 
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.