Neptune City Council Sending Commendation Letter To First Aid Squad Captain
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Neptune City officials will send a letter of commendation to the boroughs First Aid Squad captain who saved the life of a woman shopping this week at Wegmans in Ocean Township.
Councilwoman Susan Mitchell suggested sending the letter to Danielle Pappas, who has been a member of the first aid squad since she was a teenager. She works in the photography department of Wegmans.
When a shopper fell to the floor, Pappas immediately began administering CPR to the woman, who was having a heart attack.
 |
I spoke to a police officer and there is no question she saved that womans life, Mitchell said.
Council also voted to renew a contract with the Associated Humane Societies for animal control in the borough, but not without extensive discussion of the $11,700 contract, which is $1,300 more than last years.
Fees for the service are calculated on a per capita basis at $2.25 per resident.
Councilman Larry Cross voted no, after council discussed whether they made enough use of the services to warrant such an expensive fee and whether the services rendered were, in fact, acceptable.
During the past year, council members became aware that one of the AHS employees had been picking up squirrels and other animals and dropping them off within the borough, instead of driving them several miles to a rural area.
I had some dropped off in my development, Mayor Thomas Arnone said.
Business Administrator Joel Popkin said the hourly rate for animal control, at $95 per hour, could end up costing the borough more if they declined to enter into the agreement with AHS, which is the only agency in this area providing the service.
He estimated the borough makes about 10 calls per month for animal control services.
Arnone also reported that he recently learned the boroughs reverse 9-1-1 service can be used on an unlimited basis.
He said he will be testing it this week, but also plans to use it more in the future for reminders to borough residents.
Councilwoman Barbara Shafer suggested using the system to remind residents to register their dogs during the month of January.
The yearly fee for dogs was raised by 50 cents to $12.50 for spayed or neutered pets and $15.50 for those who are not.
Imposing late fees for registrations after January was also discussed.
Arnone also complained that the new law mandating the presidential primary be held in February is adding another election and its costs to the borough.
Its just another cost from the governor that makes four elections now that we have to pay for, Arnone said.
Resident Pat Ward of 32 Coastal Drive told council during the meetings public portion that she was upset with her tax bill.
Im a resident owner and Im unhappy about my property taxes, she said, asking if there was an appeal process she could seek.
Popkin told her appeals on tax assessments could be made between Feb. 4 and April 1.
There is a two month window for appeal, Popkin said.
Arnone said her assessment is based on what is happening in surrounding areas and the prior sales of homes in the neighborhood.
But the mayor reminded her that the tax rate in the boroughs operating expenses budget has remained flat.
Arnone said increases in the budget have come from the pension fund and contractual constraints.
He said the state pension fund is already more than last years.
Arnone urged residents to write editorials asking for changes in the states pension fund system.
He also said redevelopment efforts in the town should increase the boroughs ratables and help bring down the tax rate.
Contact Joanne Papaianni at joanne@thecoaster.net.
Read more about your town by picking up The Coaster at your local newsstand or subscribe today.
Published every Thursday.
