The Harrison Township Committee introduced three ordinances at its business meeting on March 17 and provided an update on work at the intersection of Ellis Mill Road and Clems Run.
The committee voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance that establishes regulations for the installation and maintenance of emergency shutoff mechanisms at electric-vehicle charging stations in Mullica Hill.
“This requires an emergency shutoff at least 45 feet away,” said Township Solicitor Brian Duffield. “It must turn off power to all the chargers and, of course, to the vehicle. So, if they (firefighters) need to put out a fire, they can and it’s a lot safer for them.”
This ordinance only applies to commercial charging stations – such as those seen in the parking lots of major businesses – not residential ones.
The committee also introduced two ordinances that will be voted on at its next meeting on Monday, April 7, at 7 p.m. One would move certificate of occupancy fees from Chapter 97 of the municipal code to Chapter 91. The other will use the international property maintenance code for enforcement of such projects.
“It’s kind of like the Bible,” Duffield explained. “Most municipalities use it for property maintenance. It covers everything under the sun.”
Mayor Adam Wingate provided the update on Clems Run and Ellis Mill Road. The site has been the scene of several car accidents, including a fatality in February. Issues have persisted since at least 1988, according to the mayor, who cited letters the township sent to Gloucester County officials. The county controls the roadway and has conducted studies there.
“I just sent an email that was pretty blunt to the county as far as we need to address this intersection,” Wingate noted. “Stop hiding behind statistics and actually get some real common-sense answers done here. I do have some good news to report, that in the next two to three weeks, we will have a four-way stop implemented at Ellis Mill Road and Clems Run.
“It will be a four way stop with blinking lights, rumble strips and additional signage,” he added. “I do want to thank Commissioner (Matthew) Weng for the support he gave on this and Commissioner (Nicholas) DiSilvio for following up as well. It’s something we longed for for a long time, and I’m glad we were able to get good results.”
