Moorestown Council Looks at Repairing Dams, Obtaining Grants

Moorestown Council is working to help repair dams that have been damaged during recent storms.

Council recently approved the borrowing of $300,000 to fund work to repair Hooten’s Creek Dam, Lower Hooten’s Creek Dam and Moorestown Dam located at Strawbridge Lake.

The low bid for the project came from Loftus Construction for $338,230. 

On Monday night, council set aside $66,330 from the Moorestown Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund to cover the difference, including an additional $25,000 in fees.
“We’re not amending the bond ordinance,” Deputy Mayor Stacey Jordan said. “We decided the Open Space Fund was healthy enough to cover the cost and we could pay the $66,000 immediately.”

Other items discussed during Monday night’s meeting included:

·      Through the efforts of Sustainable Moorestown, the township may be able to attain Bronze and possibly Silver Certification from Sustainable Jersey, according to Councilman Greg Newcomer. Last year, the township achieved Bronze Certification, meaning it has implemented significant first steps in a number of categories en route to becoming a fully sustainable town. Towns must show they have reached at least 150 points to be recognized at this level. To reach Silver Certification, a town must reach at least 350 points.

·      Council approved on first reading an ordinance calling for the township to enter into a Road Utility Easement Agreement for the U.S. Navy NAVFAC CSEDS Construction Project and the relocation of four utility poles

·      Council approved the issuance of one new plenary liquor license, the final of six liquor licenses the township is permitted to issue based on population

·      Council will apply for grants for the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the Transportation Alternative Program and the Safe Routes to School Program. Mayor Chris Chiacchio and Councilwoman Victoria Napolitano are also preliminarily exploring the possibility of obtaining grants from the Bridge Commission.