Woolwich Township Committee introduces three ordinances, adopts security camera purchase and tables $183,000 park change order

Woolwich Township Committee on May 4 introduced three ordinances, adopted a series of consent resolutions and approved a security-camera purchase while tabling a large park change order for further review.

Mayor Matthias opened the meeting at 6:31 p.m. and the committee voted unanimously to introduce Ordinance 2026-11, which amends Chapter 159 ("Streets and Sidewalks") to establish a minimum fee and a percentage-based fee for larger projects to close a prior loophole, and Ordinance 2026-12, which updates salary items including an increase to the court call‑out rate and corrects the Parks & Recreation Field Scheduling stipend from $3,000 to $5,000 annually. Both ordinances were moved by Deputy Mayor Nocentino and seconded by Committeewoman Williams and were introduced by unanimous roll call.

The committee also introduced Ordinance 2026-13, amending a financial agreement with PG Woolwich Urban Renewal, LLC for Block 16, Lot 15. Mayor Matthias said the amendment removes a 2% administrative fee because federal guidance requires that removal for the project to qualify for a 100% affordable-housing loan. Committeeman Frederick asked whether the township could recoup that 2% through the affordable housing trust fund; Administrator Watson said administrative fees are included in the township's spending plan and that further clarification would be provided before final adoption. Ordinance 2026-13 was introduced unanimously.

On the consent agenda, the committee adopted by unanimous roll call multiple resolutions including payment and change-order items for road and storm-sewer projects, hiring and appointment actions (part-time electrical and plumbing subcode inspectors; staffing appointments for parks and trash/recycling scheduling), and two resolutions authorizing contracts with approved state contract vendors under NJSA 40A:11-12a for time-sensitive vehicle purchases. Clerk/administration read the titles and brief summaries of the consent items into the record.

A substantive dispute arose over Change Order No. 3 to Wyndham Construction for Locke Avenue Park improvements, described in the meeting as approximately $183,000. Committeeman Frederick questioned whether items such as benches, bike racks and nets could instead be installed by Public Works to reduce the contractor cost, noting limited Public Works spring/summer capacity. Frederick moved to table Resolution R‑2026‑242 to allow time to research potential Public Works cost savings and to clarify the contractor’s labor/installation breakdown; the motion passed 3–2 (Frederick, Minhas, Matthias yes; Williams, Nocentino no). The committee agreed staff would clarify which items and labor are included in the contractor price before R‑2026‑242 returns for action.

Separately, the committee adopted Resolution R‑2026‑253, authorizing the purchase of a security-camera system from PyeBarker Fire & Safety not to exceed $31,015.16. Committeeman Frederick asked the first whereas clause be revised to reflect all locations covered (including the pickleball courts) rather than singling out specific parks; he also confirmed the new system will operate independently of existing camera coverage. Administrator Watson said Brian Hughes would provide details on data retention, storage location, and any annual fee structure. The resolution passed unanimously.

The committee also adopted Resolution R‑2026‑254 to retain Dominic Bello as a per diem employee at $35 per hour to aid the transition of the Parks-Field Scheduling stipend, perform certified pesticide/herbicide applications, and provide weekend park janitorial services under the supervision of Brian Hughes. Committeeman Frederick asked for periodic updates on hours worked given the open-ended nature of the arrangement; the resolution was adopted unanimously.

In other business, the Community Cat Task Force reported enforcement problems with a homeowners association that will not permit shelters required under the township’s trap‑neuter‑release ordinance. Solicitor Alice said the township ordinance takes precedence over HOA rules but enforcement must be evaluated case by case; the committee agreed to continue discussions about possible ordinance amendments or an agreement with the HOA.

Joe McNally, speaking on behalf of Green Remedies LLC during public comment, thanked the committee for its resolution supporting the company's Class I cannabis cultivator license and asked whether the township might provide a letter of support for an additional cultivation license in the future. Administrator Watson responded that the township is allowed three cultivation licenses and the committee’s resolution represented the township’s third; the committee said it would consider additional vouchers if proponents identified specific parcels and details.

The committee authorized Chief Daniels to fill one police officer vacancy through the standard hiring process, approved bills and purchase orders (with Committeeman Frederick recorded as abstaining on Verizon bills), and adjourned at approximately 7:23 p.m. Upcoming events announced included the Police Unity Tour (May 9), a Town Hall (May 11), Fun Day (May 16, rain date May 17) and the Kingsway Regional High School Memorial Day ceremony (May 22).

The committee did not take final votes on the introduced ordinances at this meeting; staff committed to providing clarifications on the tax-exemption amendment and on the Locke Avenue Park change order before those items return for adoption.