Upper OKs ‘Banner’ Weekend, ‘Welcome to Strathmere’ Sign

PETERSBURG – Upper Township Committee held its meeting Sept. 8. The first order of business was a request by township’s Engineer Paul Dietrich that the contracts of previously hired “seasonal employees” run the full six months allowable under state law. After some discussion this request was unanimously approved.
“We are actually down two full-time employees so we can really make good use of these seasonal employees, they are allowing us to catch up with work that has not been done such as road clean-up, the litter concerns that residents have complained about and beach maintenance,” said Dietrich.
“Aren’t these employees said to be ‘seasonal’ supposed to be summer employees?” asked Committeeman John Coggins. “Actually we have provided in the budget for these workers’ employment until the second week of December,” replied Dietrich. “We have gotten emails on the state of the roadways and the clean-up that is long overdue. We’ve heard good things about the fine work they are doing, “added Mayor Richard Palombo.
“Banner” Weekend
The Upper Township Family Fall Fest is scheduled for Oct. 18. Coggins queried Committeeman Hobart Young that there might be a potential conflict with two other events, the Apple Festival of the township’s Historical Society and the Community Quilting gathering organized by the township’s stitchers.
“Fortunately, there’s no conflict since the Fall Fest is on Oct. 18 and the other two events are on Oct. 17,” he said.
Hearing of the coincidence of the timing of those three popular events, Palombo suggested that the township promote the time frame as a “banner” weekend and directed Dietrich to “start as soon as possible” to get the word out so residents and those wanting to attend from a distance can make plans.
Scarping Eroding Some Beaches
Palombo noted that he has already observed scarping on some township beaches where newly-replenished sand drops off precipitously from constructed dunes. Others on committee said that they have seen similar scarping in Avalon and Sea Isle City.
Shared Services Agreement
Committee unanimously approved a resolution to authorize a shared services agreement with Egg Harbor Township for use of its facilities, equipment and supplies for truck and equipment washing. The annual cost for this shared service is $1,200 and that amount cannot be exceeded without prior approval from Committee.
“I am all in favor of these shared service agreements and certainly want to see them work but we need to make sure they’re in the best interests of Upper and our residents,” said Palombo.
“Welcome to Strathmere” Sign
Committee considered a request by the Strathmere Improvement Association to erect a “Welcome to Strathmere” sign.
“We have been trying since 2012 to find a suitable location for the sign into the approach into town and now have this one approved which will be behind a guard rail,” said Linda Batemen, president of the association.
“Would it be possible to add to the sign “Upper Township, N.J.” in the interests of uniformity and recognition that Strathmere is part of Upper?” asked Deputy Mayor Edward Barr.
After some discussion among committee members it was agreed that there is sufficient signage throughout Strathmere to denote it is part of Upper, the association’s request was unanimously approved.  
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.