Wantage Township approves $14,000 grant

WANTAGE — The Wantage Township Committee unanimously approved receiving a Federal Emergency Management grant of $14,000 on Thursday, Jan. 28.

The state will administer $7,000 of federal funds, and there will be a $7,000 cash match from Wantage Township. The grant will be used to complete the township's emergency management work plan. Committeeman Bill Gaechter was absent.

The committee tabled voting on taking down the Lake Neepaulin signs until Gaechter is present. Deputy Mayor Jon Morris suggested taking down the signs and putting the best of the two on the beach area.

Resident Rocco Russo recommended a Lake Neepaulin beach sign with a roof, glass, lock, and key.

Kathy Gorman thanked the committee for the suggestion to take down the Lake Neepaulin signs. Gorman had been instrumental in studying the signs' illegality and presenting it to the committee last year.

The committee also unanimously approved $12,000 to repair the township loader, the salaries of officers and employees for 2016, and an ordinance to establish a CAP Bank, if needed, for the 2016 calendar year. The final reading date for the salaries and CAP Waiver will be Feb. 11.

Jackie Espinoza, of Jersey Central Power and Light, informed the Committee of new tree trimming guidelines required by the Board of Public Utilities within the “Lockout Zone.” The zone is primarily in Sussex Borough from the sub-station to the first protection device.

Espinoza said the trimming will not affect Wantage Township, but will give the township better reliability.