Township Councilmen Follow Westwood's Lead on Brook Cleanup Support

Washington Township council members approved a resolution Monday night to join with Westwood to support Senate resolution S-54, which aims to reduce the amount of permits required to desnag and desilt waterways.

Township resident Tom Strickland came to the council meeting Monday to tell the members of the governing body that after reading about the action taken by Westwood, he believed the issue was also important to the township. He said his property floods and he wanted the governing body to support the Senate resolution to help keep the area waterways clear.

Council President Fred Goetz said he agreed with Strickland and would like to see widespread support. "Hopefully we'll get other towns to sign this resolution as well, or a similar resolution, to show our support for the bill which will make it a lot easier to dredge our waterways," he said.

Mayor Janet Sobkowicz said the township will participate in the walk-through of the Pascack Brook next month "because it will help us also."

She added that township DPW personnel have been proactive in the areas prone to flooding by doing work that is currently allowed without permits.

Councilman Richard Hrbek pointed out that the S-54 resolution is just for desnaging and desilting and isn't for excavating or increasing the flow of the waterways. But he added, "I do support trying to streamline the process."

The council unanimously approved the resolution Monday night. Councilmen Glenn Beckmeyer and Joseph D'Urso were not present at the meeting.