MANCHESTER – During the most recent Township Council meeting the mayor spoke about the seven liquor licenses that were up for sale which he said he hoped would draw some new restaurants into the community.
“We have some interested parties. Hopefully we can bring some businesses into the town in the form of some restaurants. Hopefully we have some interest in the very near future,” Mayor Robert Hudak said.
Township Clerk Sabina Martin said that four of these liquor licenses were new. “We have had some interest. We are hoping that comes to fruition.”
Township Administrator Brandon Umba added, “these licenses under state law require that the businesses (acquiring the licenses) must be operational within two years or the license reverts back to the town.”
Health Screenings
Councilman James Vaccaro announced that the mayor, Township Council and senior advisory service “are proud to sponsor two health screening sessions scheduled on Thursday April 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Crestwood Village VII Fernwood Hall; and on Monday May 23, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Renaissance Clubhouse ball room, for Renaissance residents only.”
The councilman noted that “pre-chronic health screenings will be provided by the Ocean County Health Department and will include blood pressure screenings, stroke risk assessment, medication management, diabetes, dental and health education. Dietician and dental consultants will be on site.”
Ordinances and resolutions
The governing body tabled an ordinance that was slated for final action during the session as Martin said it needed to be re-advertised (towns have to take out legal ads in newspapers a certain number of days before a meeting). The ordinance will require proof that a property is free from any outstanding property maintenance and code violations. The ordinance will now have a public hearing during the Council’s March 28 meeting.
The council made an authorization to process purchase orders to secure day camp trip dates and Camp Adventure trip dates for the township’s Recreation Department along with the execution of a contract with D&M Fireworks. The contract is for $10,000 and the fireworks event will take place on June 25.
A rabies clinic will be held on May 21 and the council approved an award for professional services with James J. Richie for veterinary services for that clinic.
Police News
Reverend Joseph Watson was appointed as a police chaplain during the meeting and Chief Robert Dolan noted that the department is in the process of securing accreditation. This involves paperwork and changes in operations to make sure the police are meeting the best practices set by an independent organization.
He noted that the department’s website has a phone number where residents can call in at a designated time to make comments about the police department. “I take those phone calls and transfer them to the assessor directly. The assessment is virtual – it is not onsite. We have already turned over all the files.
“We expect to hear from the state police chief’s association about accreditation in June. A lot of people have worked very, very, hard on this. I want to point out Corporal O’Hare has taken this and really ran with it on very short notice,” Chief Dolan said.
He also reported the department held another Coffee with a Cop event this month. This is an event designed to allow the public to get to know the officers serving the community. It was held at the Heritage Diner.
