Two ordinances were introduced and will be up for adoption on June 27
The Washington Township Council on Wednesday, May 23, not only introduced new ordinances but it honored elementary school students who designed safety patrol posters, recognized Michael Longfellow as Employee of the Month and thanked Gary Smith and Jeff Donato for their assistance in the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The safety patrol posters were designed by second grade students at Bells, Birches, Whitman, Wedgwood, Thomas Jefferson and Hurfville schools. The posters were judged by Chief Gurcsik on artistics ability, creativity, skill and talent.
Detective Longfellow was acknowledged for his work in an investigation dating back to February 24. He was investigating a death that occurred on state highway 42. It was reported that a woman’s body was found in the parking lot of the Golden Luck Motel. It appeared she was struck by a vehicle which fled the scene. Longfellow checked local businesses for surveillance footage to help his investigation. He was honored employee of the month for his work in the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.
Mayor Joann Gattinelli had nothing but good to say about Smith and Donato, “They were a big force in our ‘Battle of the Badges’. If it wasn’t for them we would have never been able to put it together, they came to us with the concept. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have been able to touch as many lives as we did.”
The council adopted an ordinance that allows changes in accessory structures, parking and residential zones and the need for temporary signage. One of perks for the new ordinance is that citizens would be able to park boats on the sides of their houses.
The council also introduced two ordinances that will be up for adoption at the June 27 meeting. The first ordinance “concerns the health, safety and welfare of the Township and its residence in regards to the cooking of whole animals in the Township parks and park areas,” per the agenda. This ordinance would prohibit residents from cooking whole animals, such as pigs or lambs in public parks and park areas. Citizens would still be allowed and are encouraged to cook pre-packaged meats in parks and park areas.
The second ordinance “changes definition of transient merchant.” It also implements a Do Not Knock Registry for residents, which at the time of registration by a peddler or solicitor, will be distributed advising them not to disturb a resident who displays the Township sticker,” per the agenda.
Sean Longfellow, vice president of the council, is taking the latter ordinance to heart. He said, “I think this is a good thing for Washington Township. Senior citizens are at risk, they’re always the targets of these types of scams and gypsies.” Longfellow added violators will be subject to a fine.
The council also approved a litany of resolutions. The most noteworthy are as follows: a resolution that will call for bids to demolish the Watson Turkey Plant located at 614 Route 168; the approval of a movie night at Washington Lake Park on July 6 with a rain date of July 7; the approval of the annual Wine Festival at Washington Lake Park on June 23 and 24 from noon until 6 p.m.; and the cancellation of the meetings on June 13, July 11 and Aug. 8 due to summertime.
The next council meeting will be June 27.
