Moorestown Council Moves Toward Improved Security At Water Plants

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown Council began paving the way for the extension of its fiber network to its water and wastewater treatment facilities Monday night.

Council approved a proposed bond ordinance on introduction to appropriate $1,050,000, including borrowing $997,500 in bonds or notes and a $49,000 down payment, to be used for the extension. The proposal was approved on introduction with a 5-0 vote by council.

Councilwoman Lisa Petriello pointed out that when council previously discussed the proposal, the price tag attached to the work was roughly $600,000. Township Manager Tom Merchel said there are some intangibles to be considered on first reading, and that he’s hoping the price will come down closer to the $600,000 number presented to council by the proposal’s public hearing and final vote on Sept. 10.

Councilman Mike Locatell said access and security was part of the decision to expand. Part of the idea is to allow one person to oversee security at all the water and wastewater treatment facilities in the township.

Council also unanimously approved a pair of proposed ordinances on second reading Monday night at town hall.

The first vacates a portion of Glen Avenue to allow for expansion at the North Church Street Water Treatment Plant. The other calls on the township to accept a grant of easement for a 20' wide sanitary sewer easement in favor of the township at 1490 Glen Avenue, and is related to the other proposal.

Also at Monday night's meeting, Walt Walczak was sworn in as a sergeant with the Moorestown Police Department. Ryan Carr was sworn in as a patrolman, returning to the police department after joining the Maple Shade Police Department for a few years.

Moorestown police officers Mike Angelus, Frank Gregorio and Andrew Weist also received a Lifesaving Award for helping to revive an 84-year-old man who was found unresponsive in the parking lot of the Moorestown Mall on July 20. He had suffered a heart attack, but they were able to save him, and he was taken to a hospital in Cherry Hill for further treatment.

Photo Credit: Anthony Bellano