Plumsted Twp. Committee moves to combine boards

Governing body opposes ocean dumping from NYC

The Plumsted Township Committee approved an ordinance which gives the powers of the Zoning Board to the Planning Board, effectively eliminating the Zoning Board.

Mayor Ron Dancer explained during the township's last committee meeting, that the state allows for a combined board when communities fall below the 10,000 mark in population. "This will stream line the process and make it more convenient for our residents," the mayor said. Zoning Board members will gain a preference should any vacancies develop on the Manning Board according to Mayor Dancer.

The ordinance was discussed among the members of both boards and the township committee prior to its introduction. "Both boards agreed it makes sense to do this," Mayor Dancer remarked.

In other business the committee passed a resolution supporting Congressman Christopher Smith's legislation to stop ocean dumping efforts by New York off Sandy Hook. Miguel Garces who serves on the Planning Board was also appointed as the township's representative to the Ocean County Pinelands Municipal Council during the session. "Its a bit more work but I want to pass along our interests to the Pinelands Council," Garces said.

Garces's son Mickey joined Committeeman Ken Francis who is involved with the local Boy Scouts organization; in thanking Mayor Dancer for his support of the scouts at various scout activities. The mayor was presented a plaque on behalf of the scouts.

Members of the Blue Spruce Girl Scouts Troop were present to read passages of their favorite books to the township committee as part of the celebration of children's author Dr. Seuss's 96th birthday and the national Read Across America program.

Deputy Mayor Joseph Przywara took his turn at donning the famous "Cat-In-The-Hat" head wear and he gave bookmarks out to the children present.

A proclamation was presented to Plumsted Librarian Barbara Rothlein honoring the programs of the branch library and commending the work of the township's Friends of The Library group.