In the wake of its decision to dissolve the Tabernacle Fire District, the township committee continued discussions at its June 9 workshop meeting on how emergency services will run throughout Tabernacle.
Mayor Joseph Barton asked each member of the committee to speak on how they thought it could run most effectively and if that meant hiring a public safety director now, in the future or not at all. There was a clear consensus among the committee that the addition of a director or public safety board seemed unnecessary.
“I’m in favor of a trial period to see how things run for the next six months or the next year. Let’s figure out if we need the person or if they’re the right person. I feel we shouldn’t immediately appoint one, let’s leave it open ended and see how things can run,” Committeeman Joseph Yates said. “I’m totally against the appointment of a public safety board. If we’re going to create another board, why did we get rid of the fire commissioners?”
The issue of cost was also raised.
“To go from a volunteer board to a paid position is not something I would want to see,” Committeeman Richard Franzen said. “The cost associated with the fire district was part of the reason we dissolved it.Why hire a public safety director?”
Committeewoman Kim Brown said she trusts in the township’s volunteers to run emergency services properly.
“I’ve said it before, the volunteers we have are our biggest asset in our community. This is an opportunity to see if they can get it done,” Brown said.
Tabernacle Rescue Squad chief Dave Jackson was confident in his squad’s ability to coordinate with the fire company as well as the township committee.
“We answer 100 percent of our calls. I put my heart and soul into this. I don’t understand why all of the sudden we need someone over us,” Jackson said.
In other news:
• Authorization was given to solicit bids for the Tuckerton Road repaving project set to begin later this year. Tabernacle and Shamong Township authorized a shared services agreement for the completion of this project. Both townships applied for grants that will total $391,000. Township administrator Doug Cramer said initial estimates for the project came in at $582,400. Depending on the bids submitted, Cramer said the township may use funds from this year’s road program.
• The township committee announced the hiring of Elaine Kennedy as a temporary part-time office clerk. According to Cramer, the necessity of a temporary part-time office clerk is due to the township’s administrative employees taking personal leave this summer. The part-time clerk will handle the daily operations of the office including incoming telephone calls and incoming and outgoing mail delivery. The role will provide assistance for the township clerk, deputy clerk and tax collector as needs arise. Cramer said the position will not become full time or a permanent position and that the salary is fixed and determined by township ordinance.
