MANCHESTER – Township officials recognized the community’s volunteers as part of National Service Recognition Day and National Volunteer Week recently.
During a Township Council meeting Mayor Robert Hudak presented a number of proclamations recognizing citizens for all the help they give others.
Dom Delpino, a telecommunications volunteer, received a proclamation that read, in part: “in an emergency, people depend on a response (to first aid, fire or police) and the public safety communicators and each day a half million public safety communicators respond with services that save lives.”
His proclamation added that such volunteers, “protect property dispatching appropriate first responders as quickly and safely as possible. The safety of our EMS, police and firefighters is dependent upon the constant communication with critical decision making with accuracy of information.
“Public Safety tele-communicators are the first and most critical contacts our citizens have with emergency services… and consistently exhibit compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their duty and are the first responders to every emergency response,” the mayor read.
Blanche Doran, chair of the Manchester Senior Advisory Council accepted the National Service Recognition Day proclamation.
“We have a lot of volunteers in Manchester Township,” Mayor Hudak said. “The power and impact of volunteerism is an integral aspect of our civic leadership. It is time to recognize individual, family, non-profit organizations and government entities’ tremendous impact in our county year-round. The Ocean County Board of Social Services recognizes the support of volunteers to help lead to more independent and productive lives and to add to the services of the community.”
Also recognized were members of the township’s three volunteer fire companies, Ridgeway, Whiting and Manchester. “Thank you for your service to our community,” the mayor said.
Property Transfers
In other news, local developer Jeffrey Jerman purchased 620 Grinnel Avenue from the township paying 10 percent of the minimum $35,000 bid for the sale.
During the session the Council approved on second reading an ordinance accepting a land donation known as Goodwater Branch.
Floodplain Ordinance
The Council also approved the introduction of an ordinance that amends current township code to repeal a section pertaining to flood damage prevention and to adopt a new section, floodplain management regulations. It includes adopting flood hazard maps, designating a floodplain administrator and providing for severability.
“This is actually what FEMA, the DEP had reached out to me and the municipality to come into compliance with FEMA regulations,” Township Clerk Sabina Martin said.
“That is the model used across the state,” Mayor Hudak added.
Resolutions
The Council voted on resolutions pertaining to the Recreation Department that authorized fees for the spring/summer recreation programs, an increase of summer camp fees and the execution of a contract between the township and Parametrix Audio & Lighting for Manchester Day and Concert Fest events.
