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Knowlton approves locksmith contract 3–2; DPW and Fire reports note equipment and facility updates
Summary
The township approved a $7,026.35 contract with ABLE Security Locksmiths in a 3–2 vote and received DPW and Fire & Rescue updates including Tunnel Field bathroom repairs (target April 1), equipment servicing, chipping program, and radio/pager expenses.
Knowlton Township’s committee approved a contract to change locks at township facilities and heard routine department reports on March 9.
Motion and vote: the committee voted 3–2 to hire ABLE Security Locksmiths to replace locks at the municipal building, DPW facility and Tunnel Field, at a cost of $7,026.35. The motion passed with Deputy Mayor Baley, Committeeman Mazza and Mayor Shipps voting yes; Committeeman Lembeck and Committeewoman Starrs voted no. Mayor Shipps directed DPW to coordinate with Clerk Shipps and Deputy Clerk Apgar on the number and distribution of keys.
DPW report highlights: DPW Superintendent Mike Carpenter said spring servicing of equipment (mowers, filters) is under way and pothole patching has begun. A chipping program for deadfall in rights‑of‑way is active. A broken pipe at the Tunnel Field bathrooms has been repaired and the bathrooms are expected to be open by April 1, 2026. DPW also reported new meeting‑room lighting and provided ballpark figures for a proposed road‑plating and gravel solution to improve Delaware Beach access (approximately $3,600 for 220 ft of plating and $2,400 for 80–90 tons of gravel); Mayor Shipps said Clean Communities funds may be available to help cover costs.
Fire & Rescue: Chief Travis reported 17 incidents in February 2026 (including two structure fires and four motor vehicle accidents), replacement of lights on Rescue 41‑73, replacement of all portable radio batteries at a cost of $3,400, and four pagers sent for repair at a cost of about $1,000. An ad hoc committee is organizing the annual softball game (June 20) and the annual food festival (Aug. 22). The department has an official job number for a new truck and is in the procurement queue.
What comes next: DPW is to follow up with Clerk Shipps on key distribution and with residents about road‑paving priorities. The Tunnel Field bathrooms will be monitored for the April 1 target opening. The locksmith contract and the department expenses were recorded in the meeting minutes and will be reflected in upcoming voucher payments.
