Willingboro Council Advances Traffic Safety Unit Proposal
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
05/07/2024
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Recording Published:
05/07/2024
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Duration:
155 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Burlington County
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Towns:
Willingboro
- Meeting Overview:
The Willingboro Town Council recently considered a range of topics, but the proposal to establish a specialized police traffic safety unit took center stage as one notable issue. The unit, designed to address traffic-related incidents and improve road safety, sparked discussions on its structure, expectations, and potential community impact.
The proposed traffic safety unit drew attention due to its aim to reduce traffic accidents and ensure safer travel for residents. The unit would include five sworn team members, focusing on traffic law enforcement, accident handling, and citizen education. The presentation on this proposal highlighted a five-year statistical analysis of motor vehicle accidents, emphasizing the need for such a unit during peak commuter hours and on heavily traveled roadways. Council members inquired about operational hours, budget implications, and the unit’s potential for revenue generation through fines. While the council expressed overall satisfaction with the initiative, they sought further information on its enforcement flexibility and the impact of traffic policies on residents and visitors.
In another development, the council declared May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month and recognized Lupus Awareness Month. The council transitioned to infrastructure, discussing the replacement of old gas mains and implementing LED lighting upgrades in partnership with PSCG. Satisfaction was expressed with the progress on these projects, which are anticipated to positively impact the community.
The meeting also covered the municipality’s budget and financial activities, including departmental reports on public safety programs. Highlighted were the Citizens Fire Academy, Youth Fire Academy, and Community CPR AED classes. The graduation of 13 residents from the Citizens Police Academy was noted for enhancing the understanding of policing in Willingboro.
Body cameras and additional equipment for newly hired police officers were discussed as part of changes within the police department. The Community Affairs report featured initiatives like tax preparation services, a health fair, and a Historic Site Management Grant submission. The Recreation Department’s successful grant application for pickleball courts was acknowledged, as well as announcements of upcoming events such as the Friday Night Live series, a rabies vaccine clinic, and the opening of the country club pool.
The council addressed the receipt of a municipal aid grant, road reconstruction progress, and the completion of municipal complex bathrooms. The tax collector reported no uncollectible taxes for the year 2023 and discussed the ongoing tax reassessment process, emphasizing resident awareness and assessor identification.
Among the resolutions and ordinances discussed, the council addressed the establishment of a petty cash fund, the extension of the professional firefighters’ collective bargaining agreement, and the authorization of contracts for fire department equipment and vital statistics services. They approved the cancellation of certain general capital fund balance sheet balances and the treasurer’s report for April 2024.
Public comments were a vital part of the meeting, with residents raising issues such as the condition of streets following Public Service works, additional costs for the Kennedy Center seating, and concerns about tax assessments and infrastructure maintenance. The council welcomed Mr. Everett Fault, introduced as excited to work with the township, and acknowledged his qualifications.
The meeting concluded with the final reading and adoption of several ordinances pertaining to stormwater projects, unused debt authorizations, and reappropriation of funds for municipal improvements. Public comments underscored the importance of community engagement in addressing local issues, with discussions on infrastructure maintenance, tax assessments, environmental concerns, and public services.
Residents voiced their worries about a range of community issues, including traffic and lighting confusion at Charleston Road and Veterans Parkway, environmental and safety concerns about LED lighting, and road maintenance and safety. The council also acknowledged the value of community events and recognized individual achievements.
Kaya McIntosh
City Council Officials:
Nathaniel Anderson, Rebecca Perrone, Samantha Whitfield, Dr. Tiffani A. Worthy (Township Manager)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
05/07/2024
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Recording Published:
05/07/2024
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Duration:
155 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Burlington County
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Towns:
Willingboro
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