AtlantiCare, town form ‘alliance’ 

by Gabe Donio, Gazette Staff Writer

HAMMONTON—The town council voted unanimously in favor of a resolution supporting a “Municipal Alliance” between the town government and AtlantiCare Health Engagement.
“AtlantiCare and the town of Hammonton have entered into a health alliance. Beginning in September, there will be free health screenings for all town employees,” Councilman Jerome Barberio said.
The resolution reads as follows:
“Whereas, research indicates that employees who participate in Health and Wellness activities live healthier lives, have fewer lost-time work days and have fewer and less severe medical consequences, if they are injured at home or at work, and
“Whereas, AtlantiCare Health Engagement has proposed a Municipal Alliance between the Town of Hammonton and AtlantiCare Health Engagement to jointly offer Health and Wellness activities to the employees of the Town of Hammonton, and
“NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Hammonton supports a Municipal Alliance for Health and Wellness and encourages all employees to participate in the activities to be provided.”
A description of AtlantiCare Health Engagement appears on the AtlantiCare website.
“Health Engagement’s focus is primarily on the prevention of injury and illness, the management of health risks, chronic illnesses and healthcare utilization in Southeastern New Jersey. The ultimate goal is to improve the overall health status of our community.
“Under its Community Health initiatives, AtlantiCare Health Engagement partners with schools, businesses, social and governmental agencies, neighborhoods, churches and other community stakeholders to improve their health, social, and overall well-being.
“Health Engagement also includes The Special Care Center (SCC) located at the AtlantiCare HealthPlex in Atlantic City, the AtlantiCare Health Plans, and AtlantiCare Administrators’ Incorporated (AAI),” the website said.
In other council business, the town approved several initiatives regarding the Hammonton Municipal Airport, including the acceptance of a bid by Arawak Paving in the amount of $565,000 for the paving of Runway 321. The work will be funded by an $881,000 FAA grant secured in part by Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd). The council approved the acceptance of $649,685 of the grant for use toward the project.
Councilman Michael Pullia said the repaving of the runway was part of several initiatives at the airport, including roof work on buildings and leasing of the north and south hangars.
This year’s paving work will complete years of repaving at the airport, Pullia said.
“All of the runways will be repaved by the fall,” Pullia said.
Councilman Thomas Gribbin spearheaded an effort to modify a town ordinance so it would prohibit temporary vendors from selling goods that are in violation of trademark or copyright law.
“They come in and sell apparel for teams like the Phillies, taking away business from local business owners who are purchasing licensed goods,” Gribbin said.
The council voted unanimously in favor of the first reading of the revised ordinance.
Gribbin also announced that the Chamber of Commerce had renamed its golf tournament the “John W. Mazzeo Memorial Golf Tournament” in honor of Mazzeo, a longtime businessman and civic leader who passed away earlier this year.
Town solicitor Brian Howell urged residents to conserve water, stating that the town uses 30 to 40 million gallons in the winter months, but used 88 million gallons in July of this year.
“This isn’t just a game. We’re being watched by the DEP and the Pinelands. This has serious implications about the future development of our town,” Howell said.
Howell also requested a special meeting of the town council at 5:30 p.m. on September 13 in order to address several major issues including:
• Council on Affordable Housing (COAH)
• Stockton College
• Royce Run
• Pulte Homes (Blueberry Ridge)
“We’ve made some very good progress and are on the edge of resolving the long-standing COAH lawsuit,” Howell said.
The other issues may be close to resolution as well, Howell said.
Council members voted unanimously in favor of holding the meeting.
Howell also said the municipality’s tax abatement ordinance was moving toward its sunset provision, which is in the spring of 2011.
“It should probably go to a committee for a review,” Howell said.
“We’ll refer that to administration,” Mayor Stephen DiDonato said.
The council also voted unanimously to place a White Horse Pike (Route 30) business into the tax abatement program retroactively. The name of the business was not given, but its block and lot number was announced.
DiDonato asked residents to notify the town of any street lights that were out or flickering. Residents should call 567-4300, ext. 300 and give the pole number, the nearest address and whether the light is flickering, dim or totally off, DiDonato said.
Susan Gietka of the Hammonton Green Committee told the council the Green Weekend would be held September 17, 18 and 19 in Hammonton. The Hammonton Farmers’ Market would be held on September 17, followed by the Hammonton Education Foundation’s Recycling Central at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival Grounds on Third Street on September 18 and the third annual Green Day Festival on the grounds of St. Joseph High School on Vine Street on September 19.
Michelle Lucca and Gabrielle Pullia addressed the council about their cell phone recycling efforts as part of a new organization they founded at Hammonton High School called the Green Earth Club.
At the opening of the meeting, the town council recognized the successful Hammonton Little League All-Star teams for softball and baseball. The teams attended wearing their team jerseys, introduced themselves and showed off their championship banners.
Town council and all in attendance applauded the winning teams for their efforts.
Councilman James Bertino was absent.