Many Shamong Township residents have been converting to gas in recent months, according to township administrator Sue Onorato at the town committee workshop meeting on Tuesday, June 26.
Gas, which costs about a third of the price of oil, began to be installed in the township in early fall of last year.
Areas that were affected by the change include the Winchester Ridge section, near the Shamong Diner on Route 206 and Indian Mills Road.
“It’s a great benefit to the residents,” Onorato said.
Lake to be treated
Indian Mills Lake will be treated this summer for the first time since 2009.
“In order to treat it, we have to renew the agreement with Princeton Hydro,” said Onorato.
Princeton Hydro is a provider that the town has used for the treatment over the course of many years. They offered a better price than other companies, officials said.
According to Princeton Hydro’s website, “The combined expertise of our limnologists, aquatic scientists, and water resource engineers enables Princeton Hydro to formulate ecologically sound, pragmatic, long lasting solutions.”
The funds for the treatment, which will amount to $935, are provided in the municipal budget. The company is charging Shamong less this year than it did in 2009, Onorato said.
“They’ve always done a great job for us,” she added.
Before beginning the treatment, the company will need to get a Department of Environmental Protection permit and notify residents.
Depending on when the permit is approved, the treatment should begin in approximately four to six weeks.
Volunteer to be chosen
The committee deliberated on potential applicants to recommend to be Shamong’s Volunteer of the Year. Two names will be chosen for consideration at the Tuesday, July 10 committee meeting.
The Volunteer of the Year who is selected will be recognized at the Pine Barrens Festival’s “Indian Mills / Shamong Night” on Friday, July 27 at the Church of the Holy Eucharist, 520 Medford Lakes Road, Tabernacle.
Tree trimming update
The township has been in talks with PSE&G in hopes to make Packenah Trail’s appearance be improved in coming days.
Atlantic City Electric will be trimming trees on Tuckerton Road in either August or early in the fall as well. Details will soon be mailed by the company to 125 houses in that area and information will be posted on Shamong Township’s website, www.shamong.net.
Solar power cuts costs
The solar panels that were installed on the municipal building and maintenance building through a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) in May have begun to show savings to the township.
In their first bill, the township saved approximately 24 percent on electricity costs.
“It’s only one month,” said Onorato to the committee members.
On average, the township expects to save 30 percent.
Committee considers scout project
Boy Scout Jack Dougherty is en route to becoming an Eagle Scout and is looking to volunteer his time in the township, specifically around the Veteran’s Memorial.
Dougherty would inquire as to if any names need to be added to the memorial and perhaps do some plantings around the memorial, which would save the township on labor costs.
“They’re just trying to enhance it,” explained Onorato.
