Volunteers needed for Green Tech Committee

PLUMSTED - The Township Committee has authorized the establishment of a Green Technology advisory committee to explore ways to reduce energy use and costs with conservation efficiencies and renewable energy systems, including solar and wind.

According toMayor Ron Dancer, Plumsted is also subscribing to the state's Clean Energy and SmartStart Buildings Program, as well as energy audits of buildings to save energy and taxpayer dollars.

Dancer said Plumsted residents who may have an interest, knowledge or experience in energy conservation are encouraged to contact the township clerk's office at (609) 758-2241, ext. 101 for consideration of appointment to the Green Technology advisory committee.

Committeeman Steve Reed is the governing body's liaison to the Buildings and Grounds Department and will serve as the Township Committee's representative to the Green Technology advisory committee.

In other news, Dancer said the committee applied for and was awarded a $14,000 state grant to conduct feasibility studies for shared services through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Sharing Available Resources Efficiently (SHARE) grant program.

At the present time a professional consultant is interviewing members of the first aid squad, fire company and township to determine efficiencies and potential for cost savings in the delivery of emergency medical services. Other areas of study for shared services and taxpayer savings potential include a central motor vehicle fuel purchase and distribution delivery system for the school district, township, fire company, first aid squad and police department; and joint bid specifications by the school district and township for buildings and grounds maintenance.

According to the mayor, the township and school district administrators recently worked together to jointly submit a Readiness Emergency Management Grant to improve and strengthen school emergency management plans with funding to train school personnel and students in emergency management procedures.

Additionally, the township and the school district are jointly requesting up to $350,000 in federal aid funds from the Safe Routes to School Program to construct sidewalks within the walking distance to Plumsted's schools.

And, senior citizens in Plumsted who need assistance in completing and filing their federal and state income tax returns in advance of the April 15 deadline may call toll free the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 1-800-668-4899. An experienced and trained volunteer tax aide is available at the Plumsted library on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with the exception of Good Friday) by appointment. The tax aide will provide one-on-one assistance (at no cost) to eligible Plumsted senior citizen taxpayers in completing their federal and state tax returns.

The recycling center, bulk waste, leaf and branch sites will be closed on March 22 in observance of the Easter holiday weekend.