Wood-Burning Stoves a Hot Topic

DENNISVILLE – The July 1 regular meeting of Dennis Township Committee began with the flag salute followed by Committeeman Albert DiCicco reading the names of America’s military who died recently. They were Adam Wolff, David H. Stewart, Thomas Spitzer and Brandon Garobrunt.
After the moment of silence, DiCicco commented that President Obama is sending troops back to Iraq as advisers. “I hope it won’t escalate. Let’s hope none of them are harmed,” he said.
The meeting and the work session had one main topic of discussion: a recommendation by the township Environmental Commission that the township draft and pass an ordinance regulating wood-burning stoves. Solicitor Jeffery April analyzed the problem and some possible solutions.
They included conditional use zones, permitting, notice to residents, and certifications by experts. “We have a right to ban,” April said if that is what committee decides.
There was also the question of who would enforce any ordinance passed? Township engineer Jack Gibson reported on the project he is tackling. He is compiling a street map. There are some streets that have the same name but are in different sections. If someone calls in an emergency, such as a fire or car accident, and gives the street location by name such as “Main Street” but does not give the area emergency responders may not know where to go. John Berg told Committee of a real-life incident when that occurred.
Gibson told committee and the public, “I am open to suggestions about duplications of names.” Committeeman Brian O’Connor also expressed concern about confusion over the question of ‘Where is Main Street?’ Gibson replied, “It is an ongoing problem. Thanks for the challenge.”
Committeeman Frank Germanio urged everyone to set aside the date of Aug. 20 for the big barbeque at the Senior Center.
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com.