PLUMSTED – The idea of seizing all-terrain vehicles found to be in violation of township code got a thumbs down, compared to a more popular idea of having regulations establishing a tier system leading up to forfeiture of those vehicles.
An ordinance was introduced at a recent Township Committee meeting that would allow officials to confiscate ATVs and dirt bikes that were being used in a way that was deemed an immediate threat to public safety and health and welfare.
The ordinance was brought up for introduction and Committeeman Leonard Grilletto voted against it. “We need a tier level here, one level – possibly a $100 fine for the first violation. The second violation – $300 and proof of payment of the first violation; and the third a – $700 fine and confiscation,” Grilletto recommended.
He suggested a six-month confiscation period and payment of $700.
“This is a supplement (to the ordinance) Mayor Robert Bowen said.
“It is a supplement to the original one and I don’t care for the original one either,” Grilletto replied.
Committeeman Michael Hammerstone also voted against it. “I like the idea of a tiered system as well because immediate forfeiture is not right. I think it has to be a tier system.”
“It needs to be defined more and combined into one ordinance so people don’t get confused and there is a misrepresentation in enforcing the law,” Grilletto added.
“I agree with Committeeman Grilletto’s concerns,” Deputy Mayor Herb Marinari said, voting no.
Township Attorney Jean Cipriani said a new version of the ordinance that would incorporate the penalties of a tier system based on Grilletto’s recommendations would be drafted. “It will be a new version with everything in one place and a tiered system.”
Resident Bernard Bahnam had a different view concerning what he called the ATV ordinance. “I understand the ordinance and what you guys are trying to do and why you are doing it. I am a huge advocate for ATVs. Dirt bikes you can buy on or off road because they have turn signals and horns. Those you write them a ticket, you don’t take their vehicle.”
“Off road dirt bikes are a different thing and are more like ATVs where they have to be transported to the site so I get that. Taking away these things from these kids bothers me because I would rather let my children out on an ATV or dirt bike over watching TV any day of the week,” Bahnam said.
Bahnam added, “you take these things away from these kids and the parents are responsible financially. Before we punish for ATVs, I am urging, begging you guys to figure out something to give us a place to run. People are being punished and I feel it is for the wrong reasons.”
MUA News
Committeeman Dominick Cuozzo noted during that committee meeting that he and Marinari had attended a productive session of the township Municipal Utilities Authority. He also noted the need to add another member to the MUA board. “All the positions of the MUA are volunteer.”
Nancy Lawrence was recognized during the August Township Committee meeting for her years of service as a MUA member. Mayor Bowen presented her with a certificate during that meeting.
“It has been six years but I’m sure it feels like a little longer than that. Some volunteers we ask an awful lot of. The MUA is responsible for the trash program we have and the energy aggregation program as well as the construction design, implementation of the sewer waste water system,” the mayor said.
The mayor added, “the last six years is where that has all come together and Nancy has been part of that and we want to thank you. She has a background with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, the Green Acres program which is dear to our hearts and an important part of our community.”
“You have worked for the DEP for most of your career and you have worked on projects with the Army Corps of Engineers. The MUA certainly needed your expertise and we are so grateful for the time and effort you put into it,” Mayor Bowen added.
