Upper Moves Toward Jitney Licensing

PETERSBURG – March 27 had Upper Township Committee considering some administrative and operational measures. 
Among these were several traffic safety resolutions, one was a request to the state Department of Transportation (DOT) for a designated right-turn lane on Route 49 at the intersection of County Route 617. Another adopted a measure to urge DOT to expedite the installation of flashing safety lights and highway safety signs along Route 50 at mileposts 5.78 and 5.88.
In tandem, the committee is requesting the installation of signs identifying the boundaries of Upper Township along the Garden State Parkway. 
Committee authorized an amendment to the shared services agreement with Dennis Township to provide clerical and administrative services for the construction code office.
FEMA Mapping Response
Township engineer Paul Dietrich asked the committee for direction as to how to respond to new FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) mapping as a follow-up to earlier discussions.
“I’m hoping it’s not too late to respond to the FEMA recommendations on new mapping. We have about 100 properties in the campgrounds in Strathmere and another 68 buildings which could be affected by the new mapping which might be able to save about $2,000 in flood insurance,” explained Dietrich.
“Some properties will be leaving designated flood zones under the new mapping and others might be considered ‘at risk’ as of today. We have to look at both mapping designations, old and new, for whenever someone wants to build, and then we use what is considered ‘the higher standard, ’ or we can’t get the discounted rate for flood insurance,” he continued.
Committee authorized Dietrich to pursue further discussions with FEMA on the mapping initiative.
Jitney Operations
Committee had one ordinance on the agenda to review on the introduction and first reading. It provides for the use of jitneys in the township. 
Solicitor Daniel Young said, “We had some issues with jitneys that had been hired by private arrangement with local restaurants to transport people through Strathmere and property owners.
“So, as a response, this ordinance allows us to require a license from jitney operators. It’s not too much of a burden on the jitneys, and our ordinance is modeled on Sea Isle’s.
“We don’t have our own police force as they do, and municipalities differ, but this ordinance will allow us to manage jitney operations,” he concluded.
Upper Township plans to publish the ordinance in local media. Public hearing and final adoption will take place April 10.
Seek Funds for Museum Study
During public comment, a representative of the Historical Society asked committee to provide $20,000 which the Society had previously requested.
“These funds are to engage an architect for the feasibility study of whether and how we can use the old municipal building as a new museum for the township.
“This amount was cut from the new budget proposal, but I don’t think this small amount would be a fly in the ointment for any zero-based budgeting.
“Maybe I’m being a Pollyanna, but I implore you to give us the funds so you can see what the scope of work will be,” he said.
Committee member Curtis Corson pointed out that asbestos had been found in the property which Dietrich said did not prohibit entry into the building. 
Copies of the architect’s proposal were distributed to the committee to further discussion of providing funding to move the concept.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.