Committee OKs Solar Ordinance; Promotes Police Lieutenant [VIDEO]

An ordinance setting zoning regulations for solar installations was unanimously approved at the Sept. 8 Township Commitee meeting. 

The ordinance provides set-back requirements for solar array installations on the ground, as well as provisions for roof-top projects.

William Keane pinned

Warren Township Police Lt. William Keane received his new badge at the meeting, although he's been serving in the post since the committee approved his promotion in August.

With his family surrounding him, Lt. Keane had his badge pinned to his shirt by his father. Chief of Police Russell Leffert noted Keane's brother is a retired chief of police, suggesting the family's genes contributed to his success as a police officer.

Grant turned down

Township Administrator Mark Krane asked the committee's guidance on a $97,000 grant received for replacing a high-voltage air conditioning system on the municipal building, and the replacement of lighting systems in the library.

The grant is intended to upgrade the systems to newer, high efficiency systems, but come with complications.

The library lighting projectwill require additional work, totaling $3,900, which Krane said has already been budgeted.

But Krane also noted the grant would not pay for the replacement of an existing three-phase electrical system at the municipal complex, without changing it to single-phase electrical system. To do that, Krane said the township would have to spend an additional $1,800 to rewire.

"The mayor's recommendation is to pass on the funding for the AC unit for the municipal building, but we agree to the additional cost for the library," Krane said.

The committee agreed to reject the part of the grant funding the municipal complex HVAC upgrade.

Hurricane follow-up

Helen Street resident Dennis Tupper thanked the township and police for their efforts to restore electrical service following Hurricane Irene, noting other towns did not put such an effort forward and remained without service for longer periods than many Warren neighborhoods.

He also said he noticed some of the problems were caused by branches falling on wires, not necessarily trees.

"It may make sense just to reach out, in some official sort of way, that they (JCP&L) come and do a tree evaluation," he said.

Also during the meeting, Mayor Gary DiNardo said the township would conduct a review of "what worked well and what didn't" in the township's response, in order to provide a framework for future emergency responses.

Christy Drive resident George Lazo also thanked Mayor DiNardo for  "being pro-active" in obtaining help, which led to Deputy Mayor Carolann Garafola to thank Lazo for his help in obtaining soaps, shampoo and other personal care items for about 150 people sheltered at Watchung Hills Regional High School after the hurricane.

She had earlier noted the township's response in opening the shelter, which was operated for more than a day by the township and the school before it was taken over by the American Red Cross.