Five Things You Need To Know About Monday's Council Meeting

1.     A first reading was held for an ordinance that amends any fines previously punishable by a $1,000 fine to now be punishable by a $2,000 fine. According to Township Manager Arch Liston, most towns have already approved this increase. Solicitor Mike Fitzgerald said approving the ordinance would bring Galloway Township in line with New Jersey state statute, and that the $2,000 is a maximum fine. It would be up to the judge on a case-by-case basis if that fine should be enforced. Second reading will be Oct. 9.

2.     Mayor Don Purdy, Port Republic Mayor Gary Giberson and Sen. Christopher J. Connors will meet with the Turnpike Authority in Sen. Jim Whelan’s office on Oct. 10 to discuss the Garden State Parkway interchanges following the Turnpike Authority’s Informational Session at Stockton College in August.

3.     The Galloway Mayor’s Cup was held on Sunday, Sept. 23. Although officials are not yet sure exactly how much money raised through the golf tournament at Blue Heron Pines, Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola said enough money was raised for the township to institute its own fingerprinting program for youth coaches in Galloway Township. Officials projected the total was between $6,000 and $8,000.

4.     Galloway Council praised recent efforts from the township’s recreation department, including Movies in the Park Night on Friday, Sept. 21, in which 1,700 people turned out for the movie “The Lorax.” The final Movies at the Park date for the year will be Oct. 26. For information, call Galloway Community Services at 609-652-8657.

5.     A first reading for an ordinance about separating leaves took place at the meeting. The township will require that all residents who wish to bag leaves use biodegradable bags that will be available in three locations. Residents who don’t want to bag their leaves may still leave them in a pile to be collected. Second reading is Oct. 9.