Upper Solves EMS Bridge Turn-Around Issue

PETERSBURG – Upper Township Committee met Oct. 11, having moved from its regular Monday because of the Oct. 10 Columbus Day holiday.
The committee started with recognition of Wanda Adamson and Rebecca Holden for their volunteer efforts as members of the Upper Township Green Team Advisory Committee. 
Next were two resolutions to release maintenance bonds of Clayton Development Associates, LLC for two major subdivisions known as White Oak and Willets Road.
The first resolution for the release of the bond related to Block 573, Lot 26 was tabled at the request of Engineer Paul Dietrich.
He explained, “I’d like to be totally sure that street lighting that is part of this project has been completed.”
The second resolution related to the release of the maintenance bond for Block 479, Lots 48.01 and 48.02 was unanimously passed.
EpiPen
Progressing from earlier discussions at a previous meeting, members passed a resolution urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expedite approval of a “therapeutically equivalent alternative to the EpiPen” given its high cost.
Nevertheless, Mayor Richard Palombo noted that “the FDA really is not the right recipient of our letter since we are looking for permission for emergency medical services to administer ampules and syringes in lieu of the EpiPen. Actual legislation is the right path to follow.”
Solicitor Daniel Young explained that he and township administration are working with the office of Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) who advised them that legislation is being drafted to address this concern. Meanwhile, this resolution indicated township interest in the matter.
Committee passed a resolution awarding a contract with CDW Government, LLC for information technology equipment.
It also passed two resolutions designed to improve its “best practice” performance. The first resolution provided for adopting procedures for the assessor regarding tax appeals, specifically issuing more information on appeals and monitoring and following policy.
“We already are doing this, but as a best practice we thought we needed to have a policy in place,” said Young.
The other resolution adopts additions to the township supervisor’s personnel policies and procedures manual, specifically per Young, on outside employment, conflict of interest, and notes that new hires are not compensated for unused sick leave as has been done in the past.
Bridge Turn Around
Palombo reported that the confusion for township emergency vehicles to enter, exit and turn around at the location of the Great Egg Harbor Bridge project on the parkway had been solved. 
“NJ Department of Transportation was very amicable to work with, and together we were able to make minor changes, so we don’t have this problem anymore.”
Per committee decision, Oct. 9-15, 2016 was designated as “Fire Prevention Week” in Upper Township.
To celebrate Halloween, Trick or Treat hours will be Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m.
Two ordinances were introduced on first reading. The first vacates a portion of Otis Avenue. The other revises the township’s solid waste and recyclables code provisions.
Second reading and public hearing for both ordinances will be held at the Nov. 7 committee meeting.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.