LACEY – Environmental and flooding concerns were on residents minds at a recent Township Committee meeting.
Resident Regina Discenza spoke during the public comment period about an issue of rock salt near a public well-head protection area and that rock salt should not be anywhere near those areas.
Deputy Mayor Mark Dykoff said a letter would be sent out to the owner of the company responsible for the rock salt use notifying them “that is a well-head protection area. We’ll take care of that.”
Other concerns expressed during the meeting by members of the public included some street flooding problems which Business Administrator Veronica Laureigh said township workers will determine “what size pipes and valves we need and by the spring we will be putting them in.”
She said the township had applied for a grant last fall which it did not receive to have some of this work performed. “We applied for a grant in cooperation with the LMUA (Lacey Municipal Utilities Authority) but we were denied it because those streets are not connected… There are other streets throughout the country that obviously have a higher priority than we do.”
“We hope to get some of that infrastructure money that recently passed by the federal government. You have to be careful for what you wish for. While they may raise the streets it is not without cost but it has to start somewhere,” the Deputy Mayor added.
A Beach Boulevard resident said she has noticed a considerable amount of beach erosion at a nearby lagoon that has caused street flooding. She asked the Committee if something could be done as she feared the erosion would continue and would add to the flooding dilemma.
“I know you can’t add more sand into a lagoon because people have boats and you can’t get your boats out so we need what I call a jetty. That is the project (homeowners) are asking for but I know that is expensive,” the resident said.
Resident Barry Bender also expressed his concern asking the governing body, “if nothing gets done and when these houses go under water, how are we going to make up the tax ratables when people have to give up these homes? Something has to be done.”
Committeeman Peter Curatolo thanked the Department of Public Works and the township’s contractors for recent snow removal. “I want to thank all the township employees who really came through and really helped us out. They clear our streets. They are in touch with our seniors and the police department does so much more than just law enforcement.”
Township officials are also looking ahead to the preparation of this year’s spending plan and scheduled budget workshops for that process. The budget workshop meetings which are open to public are schedule for the first and third Thursdays of the month at 4:30 p.m. at town hall.
Committeeman Steven Kennis remarked during the Committee comment period that “every so often something I read in the papers that sets me off.” He noted a federal action to have private insurance companies cover the cost of eight COVID-19 tests per family member and expressed concern this would increase insurance rates.
“Eight, twice a week. I don’t know who comes up with these policies but I bring this up to make two points. These aren’t free tests. As of January 1 my private insurance premiums increased about $90 a month. That is $1,100 a year. That is a lot. Insurance is supposed to be used for emergencies. At home COVID testing, eight times is not an emergency,” the Committeeman said.
“I’m not looking forward to next year’s $90 premium increase. My major point is there is just too much government in everybody’s lives. Don’t let anyone convince you that these things don’t come at a cost. They do,” Kennis added.
