MANCHESTER – The approval of a solar array in the township, the hiring of a new interim business administrator and issues revolving around COVID-19 vaccinations were among the topics discussed during a recent council meeting.
Solar Project
Councilman Robert Hudak reported on a recent Planning Board meeting where a new solar array project was approved. The site of the project is on a closed portion of a landfill along Route 70 “in a central area which is currently capped and it will not be visible from the surrounding area.”
Paid Fire Service
It was also reported that Police Chief Lisa Parker, Mayor Kenneth Palmer and the leadership of the Manchester Fire services would meet in reference to the formation of a paid, full time fire department in the township. It would fall under the umbrella of emergency services, similar to the township’s Emergency Medical Services system. The EMS marked its first year of operation in March.
New Business Administrator
Councilman James Vaccaro congratulated recently hired Interim Business Administrator Michael King to his new role in the township. “I am sure his time in Manchester will be enjoyable and myself and members of council look forward to working with him.”
The business administrator handles the day-to-day operations of the township, as the mayor and council are not full-time positions.
Councilman Sam Fusaro also welcomed King to his job. He is replacing Donna Markulic who recently left the position. She is now the business administrator of Egg Harbor Township.
The township also recently hired a new human resources representative.
“As Councilman Vaccaro said we have a wonderful staff and I look forward to working with you Mr. King,” Fusaro said.
“I also want to welcome Mr. King. I think you will find all our employees are very professional. I think you’ll enjoy being here and we’ll enjoy having you here,” Council President Craig Wallis said.
Budget Update
Mayor Kenneth Palmer said he had a meeting with the township’s chief financial officer and King recently in regards to the preparation of this year’s spending plan. “That went well. We are fine tuning that. We are looking to have the first reading in the first week of May. The final reading would be thereafter.”
COVID -19 Issues
Vaccaro thanked the mayor and his staff for working hard with the Ocean County Health Department to establish COVID-19 vaccination sites in the township. The first one recently launched at the Manchester Elementary School and is serving residents of the township with volunteers from the school district.
“I must caution everyone once you are vaccinated don’t let your guard down,” Vaccaro said. He urged residents to continue wearing their mask, maintain the proper social distancing, using hand sanitizer when applicable, gloves as needed, frequently washing hands with soap and water for a period of 20 seconds or more and to monitor their health and that of their family members.
Wallis said that in his recent travel up and down the east coast and his visit to Florida, “everywhere I went it looked just like New Jersey” in regards to compliance with coronavirus guidelines. “The only difference is that they actually had restaurants open and businesses more open. They seem to be doing just fine.”
Councilman Hudak noted that the county’s bus service, Ocean Ride, was providing at no charge for rides to those 60 and over and those “who are having trouble getting to their (COVID-19) vaccine appointments. Anyone interested call 732-736-8989 Ext. 1 to reserve your place,” Hudak said.
