Budget Adopted, Rec Center Contract Approved This Week

There were a lot of news items around Moorestown this week that we couldn't fit into full stories, but were nonetheless noteworthy. Here's a roundup of what you may have missed:

• Council adopted the 2013 budget, . The township used $2.37 million from its surplus to help balance the budget. Two of the major drivers of the increase are the dramatic drop in ratables and the amount of revenue lost through tax appeals—which came to nearly $1.5 million last year. 
  
  
• Speaking of budgets, Mayor Stacey Jordan and Deputy Mayor Chris Chiacchio will form a subcommittee to focus on coming up with cost-saving and revenue-generating initiatives going forward. Jordan said they haven't hashed out the specifics, but they'll look at a number of different strategies.

• The Friends of Percheron Park presented an update on the pocket park project, reporting that they've raised approximately $40,000 so far, according to member Julie Maravich. The group is set to significantly boost its fundraising next week, with help from Burris Construction's third annual open house. All the proceeds from the event—which will feature a wine/beer/pig roast banquet, live telecast of the Phillies game, a car raffle and an appearance from two Percheron horses—will go toward the construction of the park.

• The Wall That Heals—a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial—is all set for its visit to Moorestown next month, and township officials are asking residents, students and businesses to dress in red, white and blue and line Main Street when it rolls through downtown around 10 a.m. June 4. The wall will rest behind the YMCA on Centerton Road for the duration of its stay, until June 10. An opening ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. June 5. The event is open to the public. Volunteers are needed to provide 24-hour security at the wall, as well as assist visitors. Go here to sign up for visitor assistance and here to sign up for security. (Shifts are available in four-hour increments.) Email dwdnam3@gmail.com if you're interested in helping erect or take down the wall. Schools interested in arranging field trips to the wall should contact Bob Worrell at bworrell@moorestownfire.org.

• Council awarded a contract for $621,250 to Newport Construction Corporation for improvements to the Church Street Recreation Center that will include a new gym floor, new exterior paint job, a reception office, an office for a police officer, new restrooms and more.

Council has cancelled its May 20 meeting. Jordan said a few members of council are unable to make that meeting, but are trying to reschedule for an earlier date. Stay with Patch to find out the new meeting date.