At its Nov. 23 virtual public meeting, Cherry Hill Township Council passed upon first reading a series of bond ordinances targeted for various municipal improvements.
The largest single appropriation, of the roughly $12.7 million in funds expected to be set aside for the projects, is a $5.265-million chunk for various road and sidewalk improvements, traffic signal upgrades and storm drainage improvements at various township locations.
In addition, $4.375 million should be targeted for improvements and upgrades to certain buildings owned by the municipality. More than $2.161 million will be earmarked for new or additional township equipment; information technology equipment; and sundry improvements to township parks, recreation sites and buildings, while $1 million is intended to address miscellaneous sanitary sewer improvements and equipment upgrades.
“All four projects have been mapped out but are at different stages of maturity,” noted Council President David Fleisher. “In the event that a project is designed and completed that were to be less than any amount allocated, that money is allowed to be allocated to other projects or to be held over for a subsequent year.”
The purpose of the ordinances is to codify what has already been included in the municipal budget for fiscal year 2021. Second reading of the above is scheduled to take place at the next virtual public meeting on Dec. 14.
Fleisher added in comments of council: “The bond ordinances are the fuel which enable us to work together, to realize a more modern experience for our residents, particularly in the area of safety — both with physical security as well as health.
“So we’re looking forward, in the months ahead, to be able to deliver there.”
In her remarks about the sharply rising number of COVID-positive cases in Cherry Hill and beyond, Mayor Susan Shin Angulo acknowledged that many residents may be feeling “pandemic fatigue.”
On the need for citizens who need to be tested for potential exposure to coronavirus, Angulo revealed that the county, in cooperation with Cooper University Healthcare, has established a new drive-up testing site at the Cherry Hill campus of Camden County College.
The new facility at the intersection of Route 70 and Springdale Road will be operational Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Any residents who want more information regarding additional testing sites, should access the COVID-19 page on the township website: https://www.cherryhill-nj.com/.
In other news:
- Council passed a resolution that extends an existing agreement for one year, with the borough of Haddonfield, for a shared services agreement regarding domestic-violence counseling service and resources, and for the borough to reimburse the township for said services.
- The governing body also gave its unanimous consent to participate in the State of New Jersey 2021 Safe and Secure Communities Program, and authorized a grant application in the amount of $32,400 for that purpose. Cherry Hill Police Chief William “Bud” Monaghan said the amount of the grant would be reduced this year compared to previous years, directly due to financial restrictions as a result of COVID.
